Rural Flight?

Not quite. However, hobby farms as an alternative to suburban lifestyles are catching on in Chicago.

1 minute read

June 1, 2004, 10:00 AM PDT

According to Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Umberger, hobby farms are hot in Chicago. "Also known as 'specialty' farms or farmettes, these small operations (10 to 49 acres) are attracting buyers who make the leap from suburban Chicago to as far away as it takes to get 'a place in the country.' " Most of the Chicago-area buyers who are looking for small-scale farms are coming from rapidly suburbanizing areas. According to one expert, " 'Economics and land values are secondary to lifestyle for many of these ventures.' "

Thanks to Connie Chung

FULL STORY: Green acres dream carries a big city price

Sunday, May 30, 2004 in The Chicago Tribune

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