Thirteen American communities—primarily in the Midwest and Plains states—are offering free land for those who would invest and build there. In a modern-day version of the Homestead Act of 1862, these cities and towns are seeking to revive local economies or spur population growth by giving away land.
Small towns in Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and the City of Buffalo, N.Y. all offer free land enticements. The land does come with some conditions, though. For example, in Buffalo, the lots are located within Urban Renewal Areas, and applicants must ensure that the property is not needed for public purposes.