There are many options available for those who want to live for free. One option is to live on public land, such as national forests or BLM land. Another option is to stay with friends or family, or to couch surf. Additionally, there are a number of intentional communities that operate on a gift economy and welcome new members. Finally, one could always try homesteading off the grid.
Beatrice, Nebraska
If you’re looking for a place to live where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then Beatrice might be the perfect place for you. There are plenty of quiet neighborhoods where you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. And if you’re looking for an active lifestyle, there are also plenty of opportunities for recreation and leisure activities.
Curtis, Nebraska
Curtis is a city in Nebraska that offers a variety of free or low-cost living options for its residents. Curtis has a number of parks and recreation areas, as well as a variety of public transportation options, that make it possible for residents to live without owning a car. The city also offers a variety of discounts and incentives to encourage residents to shop locally. In addition, Curtis has a number of community gardens that are available for residents to use.
Elwood, Nebraska
Elwood is a village in Furnas County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 72 at the 2010 census.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.27 square miles (0.70 km2), all of it land. Elwood has been assigned the ZIP code 68937 and the FIPS place code 17660.
In 1871, when Elwood was first platted, it was thought that the new Union Pacific Railroad would bypass Holdrege to the south. However, when surveyors for the railroad arrived in early 1872 they found that their initial survey had been in error and that Holdrege would be on the rail line after all. Instead of passing through Elwood as anticipated, or even stopping there ,the railroad chose to build 1 2 mile (800m) to the north through what became known as North Platte Junction (present-day Brady). This station eventually developed into a busy freight yard while Elwood languished as little more than “a flag stop on a siding.”
Loup City, Nebraska
Loup City is a city in, and the county seat of, Sherman County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,745 at the 2010 census.
Loup City is located on the Loup River in central Nebraska. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.61 square miles (4.17 km2), all of it land.
The first settlers in present-day Sherman County were attracted to the area by stories of rich soil and abundant game told by Native Americans living there at the time. The first permanent white settler in what would become Loup City was Moses Grinter, who established a ferry crossing on the Loup River in 1854. Other early settlers followed soon after and began clearing land for farms and ranches.
In 1856, a group of Mormons from Utah settled near present-day Loup City with plans to build a settlement called Freelandia; however, lack of water forced them to abandon their plans after only one year and they moved on westward. The abandoned Mormon cabins were used by other settlers moving into the area over the next few years until they too fell into disrepair and disappeared altogether.
Mankato, Kansas
Mankato, Kansas is a small town in the middle of nowhere. The only thing to do here is go to the one grocery store or the one gas station. There isn’t even a Walmart. The town is so small that if you blink, you might miss it. But, surprisingly, Mankato is a great place to live. If you are looking for a quiet place to live where everyone knows each other, then Mankato is the place for you.
The people here are friendly and welcoming, and there’s always something going on at the community center. Plus, living in Mankato is incredibly cheap – there are no property taxes! So if you’re looking for a place to live where you can get away from it all and save some money, Mankato may be just what you’re looking for.
Manilla, Iowa
Manilla is a city in Carroll County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,402 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Carroll County.
Manilla was founded in 1855 as the county seat of Carroll County and was incorporated as a city in 1865. The city took its name from Manilla, Philippines.
The first courthouse in Manilla was built in 1856 and used until 1884 when it was replaced by a second courthouse which still stands today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A third courthouse was completed in 1997 and now serves as the offices for the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Management Services.
The Manilla Public Library opened its doors to patrons on September 8, 1904 with just over 700 books on its shelves. It has since been remodeled twice; once in 1957 and again in 1994 when an addition more than doubled its size. Today, the library houses over 23,000 items including books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, CDs, audio books and e-books which can be checked out by patrons with a valid library card.
Library cards are free to residents of Manilla with proof of residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill. Non-residents may purchase a library card for $50 per year which entitles them to all of the same privileges as resident card holders except for voting rights at special library meetings such as those pertaining to levy or bond issues.
