Oh my goodness, I’m so excited for this new chapter in our life. To say I’m excited is a complete understatement. I’m dancing.
We’ve been busy raising our girls for all these years. Now they are grown and we have grandchildren.
We’ve also been renting for 10 years and working hard to pay off debt. We are finally in this peaceful, freeing place in our life. It’s taken years to get here.
We didn’t plan to buy a house this soon. We’ve been paying off debt but saving a little at the same time. Our goal has always been to be debt free before buying a house which would be in March 2026. But we didn’t want to let this property go. The last of our debt is my student loans. We are still on track and are committed to being debt free in 5 months.
One regret I have is not starting a homestead sooner, but that’s okay, because I’ve heard starting in your 40’s and 50’s is a great time.
When many people picture homesteading, they think of young families moving to the country, raising chickens, and living off the land. But the truth is, starting a homestead in your 50s can be one of the best decisions you ever make. With life experience, stability, and a clearer sense of purpose, you’re uniquely equipped to create a simpler, more intentional way of living.
Throughout our life we’ve made several mistakes. And the goal is to learn from those mistakes. Figure out what you did wrong and how you can be better. We haven’t always made the right decisions in our life. I will say, some of our poor decisions have taught us big lessons. And that’s what life is all about, learning and growing.
Here are some reasons why homesteading later in life can be a good thing.
1. Financial Freedom and Security
By growing your own food, preserving harvests, and raising small livestock, you can lower your grocery bills and stretch your retirement income further. Instead of being fully dependent on rising store prices, you’ll have fresh vegetables, eggs, and possibly even meat right outside your door. Homesteading also adds value to your property over time, turning your land into both a home and an investment.
We plan to have a large garden, chickens, and eventually goats. Will everything go exactly as planned. No. Will I make mistakes. Yes. I will make many mistakes through trial and error. But I hope to learn a lot in this process. I know this will be hard and challenging at times. But I’m up for the challenge. I’ve wanted this moment for many years.
2. A Healthier Lifestyle
Homesteading is a natural way to stay active. Gardening, caring for animals, and tending to daily chores help keep your body moving without needing a gym membership. I never liked gym memberships lol. Plus, the food you grow is fresher, more nutritious, and free of unnecessary chemicals. Many homesteaders find their health improves simply by living closer to nature. I have always loved nature.
My earliest memory with nature was when we moved to an old 1920’s dollhouse the country in North Dakota. The prairie was so beautiful and quiet.
We lived on 5 acres off a dirt road with few neighbors across the fields. I always remember the sunflowers and corn fields right outside our door.
When I got off the school bus each afternoon, I could smell nature in the air. It smelled so fresh and clean. I remember going for long walks down the lonely dirt road. I rarely seen cars and the best part was no traffic. Just bugs and grasshoppers.
3. Peace of Mind
There’s a deep sense of security in knowing you can provide for yourself. Whether it’s a pantry stocked with home-canned produce or firewood stacked for winter, self-sufficiency brings peace during uncertain times.
My mother never canned. So I’m going to teach myself. I’m eager to learn. Even small steps — like planting a garden or learning to preserve food — add to your household’s resilience.
4. Purpose and Fulfillment
After years of working, raising families, and juggling responsibilities, many people in their 50s are ready for a lifestyle that feels meaningful. Homesteading offers that. Every task — from planting seeds to gathering eggs — is a reminder that your work has purpose. It’s a lifestyle that rewards patience and care, qualities that often come with age and experience.
5. A Legacy to Share
Homesteading isn’t just about today; it’s about tomorrow. Teaching your children or grandchildren how to garden, preserve food, or work with the land passes down skills that may one day serve them well. My husband and I talk about this all the time. We have grandchildren, and it’s our goal to use this blessing to love and teach them about animals and food preservation.
Even if your family isn’t directly involved, you’re leaving behind a legacy of stewardship, simplicity, and sustainability. And most of all beautiful memories for a lifetime.
Starting a homestead in your 50s doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Begin small — plant a raised bed garden, keep a few chickens, or learn a new preservation skill. Step by step, you’ll build a lifestyle that nourishes your body, strengthens your independence, and fills your days with purpose.
Homesteading is not just about producing food; it’s about cultivating a life of peace, simplicity, and gratitude. I am so looking forward to this lifestyle. And there’s no better time to begin than right now.
