I am a Realtor in North Lake county and though property has appreciated somewhat, there are still some great buys and there are many homes on acreage here. There are mobiles and block homes. Umatilla and Altoona are quite rural but is still only one hour to Daytona or Orlando. You can search this area from my site. Good luck in your search.

Fri Jan 4 2008, 06:40

Lee,
I would highly recommend most small towns in Dixie, Gilchrist or Levy Counties. In Levy County you can reasonably acquire acreage only minutes from the gulf. All three of these counties have springs, rivers and wildlife galore. The largest town in the region is Gainesville (in Alachua County), which was voted the #1 city to live in by "Cities Ranked and Rated 2007." Gainesville would be generally anywhere from 30 -90 minutes away depending upon the area you choose. So you pretty much get the best of everything!

You decision lies mostly upon your goals and your intent: Short term or long term? How much acreage? 5, 10,40, 100 acres? What is your budget? Your risk tolerance? I do specialize in land investment (in North Florida, 8+ Counties) and Real Estate Tax (Avoidance-LOL) Strategies. In the "Web Reference" line below there is a direct link to the Dixie/Gilchrist/Levy MLS property search--much of this area is ripe for long-term speculation--check it out! And, of course, drop me an email if I can be of any further assistance. Best of luck and happy hunting!

Mon Dec 31 2007, 10:10

There are some great deals on acreage in North Port right now. You can use my website listed below to search the entire state of Florida.

Mon Dec 31 2007, 09:21

There are alot of rural areas in Polk County also. I guess it really depends on what area you are wanting to be in.

Wed Dec 12 2007, 15:28

According to the 2000 US Cencus Bureau, Liberty & Lafayette Counties are the 2 least populated with the cheapest prices. Both counties have barely 7,000 people for the whole county.

Mon Dec 10 2007, 21:51

There are some great and relatively inexpensive areas in Holmes County, North Santa Rosa County, North Walton County and North Okaloosa County. Generally, property in the panhandle that is further away from the coast is very reasonable!! Towns that are included in this area are Milton, Baker, Milligan, Crestview, Defuniak Springs, and going east toward Holmes County especially north of I-10 that are quite rural, and some great buys are available!! I can help you find property in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton Counties, or can get a referral for you to an agent in outlying areas who can help you find what you are looking for.

Sat Dec 1 2007, 21:29

Hi,
Look north of Ocala toward Gainsville. Bridgette, who often participates on Trulia works rural, land, etc in that corridor. Perhaps she can chime in here. I definitely suggest his area to begin your search. I am a Broker in Florida and pay close attention to the equestrian and land markets in Florida. Closer to Ocala, land is pricier than it is if you go further toward Gainsville.
Good Luck
Deborah

Sat Dec 1 2007, 16:30