Ranch Squared? Your Guide to Buying Land in a Community Ranch

Ranch living offers a lifestyle that more and more people crave in a world that is otherwise in constant motion – wide open land, winding creeks and rivers teeming with trout, panoramic vistas, lingering days and plenty of room to roam. While owning and managing a ranch by yourself might be more than you’re willing to take on, the idea of living in a ranch community is well worth considering.

Ranch communities are gaining popularity, offering land owners the best of ranching life without the pressures of managing the entire property alone. Common types of ranch communities include sporting clubs, communities of smaller ranches within a larger ranch, shared private access to resources and shared agriculture opportunities.

What are the benefits of a community ranch?

The pros column is full of reasons to consider buying community ranchland, including:

• Shared ranch responsibilities such as land maintenance, cultivation and improvements
• Shared costs among ranch community owners
• Convenience with less isolation due to connectivity to others in your direct ranch community
• Access to shared natural resources associated with the community ranch, such as rivers, streams, lakes, trails, mountains and more
• Many ranch communities also offer world-class amenities like lodges, dining, guest cabins, and recreation opportunities

What should I consider when looking for the right community ranch?

There are many things to take into consideration when looking for community ranch real estate that fits your needs and expectations. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• How you want to use the property – many ranch communities offer a variety of land and recreational use amenities including guided fishing and big game hunting, skiing, livestock and equine opportunities.
• What kind of Ranch land are you looking for? – Communities of ranches offer lots that can range in size from small acreage (two to three acres) to expansive ranch land (300+ acres). It’s important to assess how much land you feel is enough or too much.
• Existing infrastructure – If you find a ranch community that interests you, work with your ranch real estate specialist to inquire about existing utilities, common areas and homeowners’ association fees and services.

Ranch communities are an excellent way to enjoy the extraordinary benefits of ranch living without the isolation or demands of day-to-day upkeep. The real estate professionals at Hayden Outdoors understand the unique aspects of community ranch ownership and are happy to guide you through the process of purchasing your dream ranch land.

Pictured Below: Colton Brown, Hayden Outdoors agent, at the shared amount Elk Creek Ranch.