Editing Homesteading (section)

==As an economic choice==

In homesteading, social and government support systems are frequently eschewed in favor of [[Self-sufficiency|self-reliance]] and relative deprivation in order to maximize independence and [[self-determination]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://harpers.org/archive/2019/08/the-last-frontier/|title=The Last Frontier|last=Conover|first=Ted|date=August 2019|magazine=Harper's Magazine|access-date=2019-07-16|issn=0017-789X|author-link=Ted Conover|archive-date=2019-07-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715192304/https://harpers.org/archive/2019/08/the-last-frontier/|url-status=live}}</ref> The degree of independence occurs along a spectrum, with many homesteaders creating foodstuffs or crafts to appeal to high-end niche markets in order to meet financial needs. Other homesteaders come to the lifestyle following successful careers which provide the funding for land, [[housing]], [[taxes]], and specialized equipment such as [[solar panel]]s, [[Agricultural machinery|farm equipment]], and [[electric generators]].

Modern government regulation—in the form of property taxes, [[building codes]], [[Food code|food safety codes]], [[zoning]] regulations, [[minimum wage]] and [[social security]] for occasional labor, and town council restrictions on [[landscaping]] and animal keeping—can increase the marginal cost of home production of food in areas affected by these restrictions. Careful choice of homesteading location is essential for economic success.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-29 |title=The Ultimate Guide to the Best Fall Food Plot Mixes for Deer in North Carolina |url=https://foresttofood.com/2023/06/29/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-fall-food-plot-mixes-for-deer-in-north-carolina/ |access-date=2023-07-01 |website=Harvesting Nature's Bounty, One Step at a Time |language=en-US}}</ref>

Potential benefits of homesteading include a satisfying [[standard of living]] and a healthier, more rewarding lifestyle than more conventional patterns of living.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://theelliotthomestead.com/2014/01/great-benefits-of-homesteading/|title=Great Benefits of Homesteading. - The Elliott Homestead|work=The Elliott Homestead|access-date=2017-08-25|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825144907/http://theelliotthomestead.com/2014/01/great-benefits-of-homesteading/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.offthegridnews.com/how-to-2/3-priceless-benefits-of-modern-homesteading/|title=3 Priceless Benefits Of Modern Homesteading {{!}} Off The Grid News|website=www.offthegridnews.com|date=29 December 2014 |language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-25|archive-date=2017-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825184352/http://www.offthegridnews.com/how-to-2/3-priceless-benefits-of-modern-homesteading/|url-status=live}}</ref>