The government does have some land suitable for private citizens — land it no longer needs or thinks would be better in private ownership. This land is undeveloped, with no improvements, and is usually part of the original public domain established during the western expansion of the United States. Most of this land is in the ten western states and Alaska, although there are a few scattered parcels in the East.

The land varies in size and description — some of it is desert, and some is rural. Prices vary, too, but the land must be sold at market value, with no bargains (and no preference given veterans, either). Large urban cities offer land as well! Areas that are prime for redevelopment and had previously been overlooked can be purchased for as little as $1 when a city wants development. Often, you will find the low sales price coincides with a firm commitment on behalf of the purchaser to hold the property for a long time and to build on the property.

For more information, contact your state or regional office of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Land Management at www.blm.gov, or your local city department of planning and development.