From City to Soil: Southern Missouri’s Homesteading Surge.

The Great Urban Exodus

It’s no secret that life in major cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and even Kansas City has become overwhelming for many. High living costs, cramped spaces, and a growing desire to escape the digital grind have nudged people to reconsider where and how they want to live. The COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst, too, forcing millions to rethink what truly matters: space to breathe, a safe place for family, and a sense of self-reliance.

According to a 2023 Pew Research Center study, nearly 30% of urban residents in the U.S. expressed interest in relocating to rural or semi-rural areas in the past two years, citing affordability and quality of life as top reasons.

Why Southern Missouri?

So why Southern Missouri? Why here, among rolling hills, dense forests, and winding rivers, instead of the vast homesteads of Montana or the sprawling ranches of Texas?

For starters, land here is affordable. A recent report by Missouri State University found that rural land prices in Southern Missouri average 40% less than the national rural average, making it attractive to buyers from pricier regions.

But it’s not just the cost. The soil is fertile, the water clean, and the climate supports diverse crops and livestock. The region’s four distinct seasons allow for a wide range of agricultural activities year-round.

There’s also the culture. Southern Missouri’s deep-rooted traditions embrace community, resilience, and hospitality. Newcomers often find warm welcomes and neighbors ready to share advice, tools, and fresh produce.

“I was surprised how quickly people accepted me,” says Sarah Campbell, who moved here from St. Louis. “The mix of old Southern charm and new energy is something special. It’s like joining a family.”

The Seasons and Their Challenges

Southern Missouri’s climate offers the gift—and challenge—of four distinct seasons, each shaping homesteaders’ work and lifestyle in unique ways.

Spring: A season of renewal but also unpredictability. Late frosts can damage young plants, while heavy rains often test drainage and soil health. Homesteaders spend long hours preparing gardens, planting seedlings, and tending livestock that are birthing new arrivals.

Summer: Hot and humid conditions dominate, making irrigation vital. Pests such as beetles, aphids, and Japanese beetles become relentless adversaries. Heat stress on animals requires constant attention to shade and water. Summer is also prime time for preserving harvests through canning and drying.

Fall: The harvest season brings long days of gathering crops and preparing for winter. It’s a race against the first frost. Fall also involves maintenance tasks—repairing fences, winterizing buildings, and stacking firewood.

Winter: Cold and sometimes harsh, winters in Southern Missouri test a homesteader’s preparation. Frozen pipes, snow-covered pastures, and limited fresh food require careful planning. Many homesteaders rely on stored preserves and supplemental feed for animals during these months.

Pioneer Homesteading: Then and Now

Today’s homesteading movement in southern Missouri echoes the spirit and self-reliance of the early pioneers who first settled the region. Much like those early settlers who carved their lives out of the wilderness with hard work, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to the land, modern homesteaders embrace a similar lifestyle rooted in sustainability and independence. They grow their own food, raise livestock, preserve what they harvest, and often rely on renewable energy sources—skills that pioneer families depended on for survival. Yet, while the foundation remains the same, today’s homesteading is also shaped by modern advancements and conveniences that early pioneers could never have imagined. Access to the internet, modern tools, and a wealth of information allows homesteaders to learn new techniques quickly and connect with a broader community of like-minded individuals. Renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and efficient water systems, make self-sufficient living more accessible and sustainable. Unlike the pioneers who were often isolated by necessity, many contemporary homesteaders balance their rural lifestyles with modern communication and resources, blending tradition with innovation. This resurgence isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a practical, informed response to today’s concerns about environmental sustainability, food security, and a desire to slow down in an increasingly fast-paced world. In many ways, today’s homesteaders are modern-day pioneers—rooted in history but evolving with the times to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Homesteaders vs. Survivalists: Clearing Up the Confusion

A common misconception is that homesteaders are just survivalists living off the grid, readying for doomsday scenarios. While there’s some overlap in skills—like gardening, food preservation, and self-reliance—the two lifestyles have distinct goals and mindsets.

Homesteaders focus on long-term sustainable living, building a life rooted in community, stewardship of the land, and everyday resilience. They grow food, raise animals, preserve harvests, and embrace a slower, intentional pace of life.

Survivalists, on the other hand, often emphasize preparing for emergencies or disasters, stockpiling supplies, and acquiring skills meant for crisis scenarios. Their approach is generally more about readiness for the unexpected rather than a daily lifestyle.

In Southern Missouri, most homesteaders are deeply connected to the cycles of nature and the support of their neighbors—not isolated prepping for worst-case scenarios.

Homesteading and Homeschooling: Educating the Next Generation

For many families making the move to Southern Missouri, homesteading isn’t just about the land—it’s also about shaping the future of their children. With a lifestyle so deeply connected to nature and self-reliance, homeschooling has become a natural fit for many homesteading families here.

Local homeschooling communities and co-ops have grown steadily, offering resources, social opportunities, and group learning experiences tailored to rural and hands-on lifestyles. Many parents find that teaching their children at home allows them to weave practical skills—like gardening, animal care, food preservation, and environmental science—directly into the curriculum.

Southern Missouri’s public library systems and community centers often support homeschooling families with workshops, nature programs, and access to educational materials. Nearby towns host periodic homeschooling fairs and meetups, providing families with a strong network and social interaction for kids.

Homeschooling also helps families avoid the long daily commute to schools far from their rural homes and allows them to tailor education to their values, interests, and pace. This combination of learning and living in close harmony with nature is one of the many draws for families moving to Southern Missouri’s homesteading communities.

Homesteading and Homeschooling: Educating the Next Generation

For many families making the move to Southern Missouri, homesteading isn’t just about the land—it’s also about shaping the future of their children. With a lifestyle so deeply connected to nature and self-reliance, homeschooling has become a natural fit for many homesteading families here.

Local homeschooling communities and co-ops have grown steadily, offering resources, social opportunities, and group learning experiences tailored to rural and hands-on lifestyles. Many parents find that teaching their children at home allows them to weave practical skills—like gardening, animal care, food preservation, and environmental science—directly into the curriculum.

Southern Missouri’s public library systems and community centers often support homeschooling families with workshops, nature programs, and access to educational materials. Nearby towns host periodic homeschooling fairs and meetups, providing families with a strong network and social interaction for kids.

Homeschooling also helps families avoid the long daily commute to schools far from their rural homes and allows them to tailor education to their values, interests, and pace. This combination of learning and living in close harmony with nature is one of the many draws for families moving to Southern Missouri’s homesteading communities.

Setting Up Life Off the Grid

Starting a homestead isn’t just buying land—it’s a leap of faith and hard work.

Homesteads here range from small, sustainable farms with raised beds and greenhouses, to off-grid cabins powered by solar panels. Many newcomers start by building knowledge—attending local workshops on beekeeping, composting, or canning, joining online homesteading forums, and learning from seasoned locals.

Local Extension Offices offer workshops, and nearby Ozark Folk Schools provide hands-on training that newcomers swear by.