Very interesting video. I can relate to so much of what Ted speaks about here. I too purchased 5 acres, sight unseen while renting back in Maryland in 2005. It was not until I managed to find employment in 2009, in Alamosa, that I was able to venture out to the Valley. I built my own off-grid home in the Sangre de Cristo Ranches, and was a Real Estate agent for 5 years before retiring. The stories of people trying to find their parcel in Costilla County, is 100% truth!
I grew up in the San Luis Valley and when I was in the military stationed in Europe I met several people that bought the 5 acres. They were surprised that there is no water on the land. My Dad lived 96 years in the Valley and he loved it. I’ll return in the next few years. Love seeing Mount Blanca every day.
Just bought some land here, not looking to homestead but everything in this story I already assumed, in fact its kinda a relief, nowadays with all the phone apps and google maps it shouldn't be mission impossible to find your land, I doubt it is.
My parents bought land here in the 70s scheme. They never got rid of it and gave it to me and I now own it. Always wanted to see what it looked like. Now I see it for what it is. Maybe I'll go camping for a week just for fun. I dunno .. Doesn't cost me anything, 80 a year?, to own it so not sure what to so with it. I comfortably own a nice home in TN so no plans to be an "off gridder"😅
Love the area. Just moved here a few months and I don't regret leaving the city. With building off grid it takes time. You go your pace how you want everything. We start building next year. Definitely not for the weak. Living off grid is manageable if you choose that lifestyle.
I bought last year 2 lots totaling 10 acres. I am from San Diego CA. My dad owned 10 acres in San Diego years back and we lived off the grid. Really easy you just can’t be lazy. Gonna start taking the kids out to camp and enjoy every year. Nothing wrong with getting away from the city.
If you liked this story, make sure to watch "Colorado Voices: Cheap Land" on RMPBS: www.rmpbs.org/colorado-voices/cheap-land/
Nice video Ted, hope to see you again this fall.
Very interesting video. I can relate to so much of what Ted speaks about here. I too purchased 5 acres, sight unseen while renting back in Maryland in 2005. It was not until I managed to find employment in 2009, in Alamosa, that I was able to venture out to the Valley. I built my own off-grid home in the Sangre de Cristo Ranches, and was a Real Estate agent for 5 years before retiring. The stories of people trying to find their parcel in Costilla County, is 100% truth!
I grew up in the San Luis Valley and when I was in the military stationed in Europe I met several people that bought the 5 acres. They were surprised that there is no water on the land. My Dad lived 96 years in the Valley and he loved it. I’ll return in the next few years. Love seeing Mount Blanca every day.
It takes time out there, to not be lost. If you're willing to take the time, there's a feeling of belonging, to something greater than yourself.
Love the history of the Valley. Ted has done the research and has immersed himself in the world of the "off gridders".
great books, Ted. red em all
I was raised in Colorado, never heard this story or this place! Whew!
Just bought some land here, not looking to homestead but everything in this story I already assumed, in fact its kinda a relief, nowadays with all the phone apps and google maps it shouldn't be mission impossible to find your land, I doubt it is.
My parents bought land here in the 70s scheme. They never got rid of it and gave it to me and I now own it. Always wanted to see what it looked like. Now I see it for what it is. Maybe I'll go camping for a week just for fun. I dunno .. Doesn't cost me anything, 80 a year?, to own it so not sure what to so with it. I comfortably own a nice home in TN so no plans to be an "off gridder"😅
Are you willing to sell it?
Love the area. Just moved here a few months and I don't regret leaving the city. With building off grid it takes time. You go your pace how you want everything. We start building next year. Definitely not for the weak. Living off grid is manageable if you choose that lifestyle.
All sold on landmoto right?
I bought last year 2 lots totaling 10 acres. I am from San Diego CA. My dad owned 10 acres in San Diego years back and we lived off the grid. Really easy you just can’t be lazy. Gonna start taking the kids out to camp and enjoy every year. Nothing wrong with getting away from the city.
Check out SW Park County CO
👍👍👍