Why Is Acreage Living More Popular Than Ever in Scott County?
The desire for space, privacy, and connection with nature has never been stronger. Families are discovering that acreage living in Scott County provides the perfect balance of rural tranquility and metropolitan convenience.
With over 35 residential developments completed throughout Scott County, Moderno Construction Management has seen firsthand how acreage living transforms families' lifestyles and daily experiences.
The Acreage Advantage: Privacy where your neighbors are wildlife, not noise. Room for auxiliary structures like workshops, RV storage, and pool houses. Space for hobbies, gardens, and family activities that suburban lots simply can't accommodate.
What Makes Scott County Ideal for Acreage Development?
Strategic Location Benefits
Scott County offers the perfect combination of rural character and urban accessibility:
- Commuter convenience: Easy access to Minneapolis-St. Paul via Highway 169 and Interstate 35
- Top-rated schools: Prior Lake-Savage and Lakeville school districts consistently rank among Minnesota's best
- Recreation opportunities: Close to numerous lakes, parks, and recreational facilities
- Growing economy: Proximity to major employment centers while maintaining rural character
Favorable Development Conditions
Scott County's geography and regulations make it particularly well-suited for acreage development:
- Rolling terrain that provides natural privacy and interesting building sites
- Generally good soil conditions for septic systems and foundations
- Reasonable development regulations that support quality acreage communities
- Active agricultural land preservation that maintains rural character
How Much Acreage Do You Need for Your Lifestyle?
Understanding Acreage Options
The right amount of acreage depends on your family's specific goals and lifestyle preferences:
2-3 Acres: Entry-Level Acreage Living
- Enough space for privacy from neighbors
- Room for a large yard, gardens, and play areas
- Space for one auxiliary building (garage, workshop, or storage)
- Good balance of land ownership without overwhelming maintenance
3-5 Acres: Comfortable Acreage Living
- Significant privacy and buffer from neighboring properties
- Room for multiple outbuildings and recreational areas
- Space for hobby farming, extensive gardens, or animal keeping
- Excellent balance of space and manageability
5+ Acres: Premium Acreage Experience
- Maximum privacy and rural living experience
- Room for extensive outbuildings, workshops, and recreational facilities
- Potential for income-generating activities (hobby farming, boarding)
- Legacy property potential for multi-generational ownership
Cardinal Pass Example: Our newest development offers lots ranging from 3.5 to 6.5 acres, providing options for every acreage lifestyle. The 6.5-acre lots offer complete seclusion with perimeter trees, while 3.5-acre lots provide excellent privacy with easier maintenance.
What Are the Key Considerations for Acreage Building?
Site Selection and Evaluation
Not all acreage lots are created equal. Our site evaluation process considers:
Topography and Drainage
- Natural drainage patterns: Ensuring proper water flow away from building sites
- Slope considerations: Opportunities for walkout basements and scenic views
- Soil composition: Foundation requirements and septic system feasibility
- Wetland boundaries: Understanding buildable areas and setback requirements
Access and Infrastructure
- Driveway placement: Balancing privacy, convenience, and cost
- Utility access: Electrical service, internet connectivity, and propane delivery
- Emergency access: Ensuring fire, police, and medical services can reach your property
- Snow removal: Planning for Minnesota winter maintenance needs
How Do You Handle Utilities on Acreage Properties?
Well and Septic Systems
Most acreage properties in Scott County rely on private wells and septic systems:
Well Considerations
- Water quality testing: Ensuring safe, reliable water supply
- Flow rate assessment: Confirming adequate water for household needs
- Backup power: Generator or battery backup for power outages
- Treatment systems: Water softening and filtration as needed
Septic System Planning
- Soil testing: Percolation tests to determine system type and size
- System sizing: Proper capacity for your home and family size
- Location optimization: Placement that maximizes buildable area
- Future expansion: Planning for potential system upgrades
Utility Cost Reality: While acreage properties have higher upfront utility costs ($15,000-$30,000 for well and septic), you eliminate monthly water and sewer bills—typically $100-150/month savings.
Electrical and Internet Service
Acreage properties require special consideration for modern connectivity needs:
- Electrical service: Underground service for aesthetics and reliability
- High-speed internet: Fiber optic availability and satellite backup options
- Generator systems: Whole-house backup power for extended outages
- Smart home infrastructure: Wiring and equipment for modern automation
What Auxiliary Structures Enhance Acreage Living?
Popular Outbuilding Options
Acreage lots provide opportunities for structures that enhance your lifestyle:
Workshops and Storage Buildings
- Heated workshops: Year-round hobby and project spaces
- Equipment storage: Protection for tractors, mowers, and tools
- Vehicle storage: Classic cars, boats, and recreational vehicles
- Craft spaces: Dedicated areas for artistic and creative pursuits
Recreational Structures
- Pool houses: Changing areas, entertainment spaces, and equipment storage
- Sports courts: Basketball, tennis, or multi-sport facilities
- Fire pit areas: Gathering spaces for family and entertaining
- Greenhouse structures: Year-round gardening opportunities
Planning Tip: Our design process considers auxiliary structures from the beginning, ensuring proper placement, utilities, and aesthetic integration with your main home.
What Are Scott County's Best Acreage Communities?
Current Development Opportunities
As Scott County's premier acreage developer, we offer several exceptional communities:
Cardinal Pass - Premium Acreage Experience
Cardinal Pass represents our newest and most exciting acreage development:
- 12 lots available: Ranging from 3.5 to 6.5 acres each
- Mature tree privacy: Perimeter trees provide natural seclusion
- Varied topography: Some lots perfect for walkout basements
- Prime location: Easy access to Prior Lake amenities
- Future appreciation: Limited supply ensures long-term value growth
Scenic Bay Estates - Lakefront Acreage
Scenic Bay Estates combines acreage living with lake access:
- Large lots with lake access and lake views
- Proximity to Prior Lake's recreational opportunities
- Established community with quality custom homes
- Balance of privacy and lake lifestyle
Harvest Bluffs - Established Acreage Community
Harvest Bluffs offers proven acreage living:
- Mature development with established landscaping
- Rolling terrain with tree-lined lots
- Successful track record of custom homes
- Strong property values and appreciation
Terra Farm - Rural Character with Convenience
Terra Farm provides authentic rural living:
- Large lots with agricultural character
- Room for hobby farming and livestock
- Peaceful, rural setting with urban accessibility
- Flexible building opportunities
How Much Does Acreage Building Cost in Scott County?
Understanding Acreage Development Costs
Building on acreage involves additional costs compared to traditional suburban lots:
Land Development Costs
- Driveway construction: $8,000-$15,000 for typical acreage driveways
- Well drilling: $8,000-$12,000 depending on depth and water quality
- Septic system: $12,000-$18,000 for standard residential systems
- Electrical service: $5,000-$10,000 for underground service to building site
- Site preparation: $10,000-$20,000 depending on grading and tree clearing needs
Ongoing Cost Considerations
- Property maintenance: Mowing, snow removal, and land management
- Utility costs: Propane delivery, electrical usage, and system maintenance
- Insurance: Coverage for larger properties and auxiliary structures
- Property taxes: Based on acreage size and improvements
Value Perspective: While acreage building involves higher upfront costs, the lifestyle benefits, privacy, and long-term appreciation typically make it an excellent investment. Plus, you eliminate many ongoing suburban costs like HOA fees and city utilities.
What Are the Lifestyle Benefits of Acreage Living?
Privacy and Space
The most immediate benefit families notice is the incredible sense of space and privacy:
- Visual privacy: No neighbors looking into your windows or yard
- Acoustic privacy: Natural sound buffering from distance and landscaping
- Activity space: Room for outdoor sports, gardening, and family activities
- Pet freedom: Dogs can run and play without constant supervision
Connection with Nature
Acreage living provides daily connection with Minnesota's beautiful natural environment:
- Wildlife viewing opportunities right from your home
- Seasonal changes experienced more intimately
- Gardening and landscaping on a meaningful scale
- Star-gazing without light pollution interference
Self-Sufficiency Opportunities
Many families discover that acreage living supports greater self-sufficiency:
- Food production: Vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and even small-scale livestock
- Energy independence: Space for solar panels, wind generation, and geothermal systems
- Workshop capabilities: Room for serious DIY projects and skill development
- Resource management: Firewood production, composting, and water collection
Ready to Explore Your Acreage Options? If acreage living sounds like the lifestyle your family has been dreaming of, let's discuss the possibilities available in Scott County. Schedule your acreage consultation to explore available lots and development options.
How Do You Maintain an Acreage Property?
Seasonal Maintenance Considerations
Acreage properties require different maintenance approaches than suburban homes:
Spring and Summer
- Mowing and landscaping: Equipment for large areas or service providers
- Driveway maintenance: Grading and gravel replenishment
- Tree and brush management: Pruning, removal, and fire prevention
- Water system maintenance: Well testing and septic pumping
Fall and Winter
- Snow removal: Long driveways require appropriate equipment or services
- Heating system preparation: Propane delivery and backup systems
- Emergency preparedness: Generators, supplies, and communication systems
- Property security: Longer response times require additional precautions
Equipment and Service Considerations
Acreage living often requires different equipment and service providers:
- Lawn equipment: Riding mowers, brush cutters, and maintenance tools
- Snow removal: Tractors with plows or professional services
- Utility maintenance: Well service companies and septic maintenance providers
- Emergency services: Understanding response times and backup plans
What Makes Moderno Different for Acreage Development?
Unmatched Local Experience
As one of Scott County's largest acreage developers, we bring unique expertise to every project:
- 35+ developments completed: Deep experience with acreage challenges and opportunities
- Local regulatory knowledge: Understanding of Scott County's development requirements
- Proven track record: Successful communities that maintain their value and character
- Three-generation commitment: Family business invested in the community's long-term success
Comprehensive Development Approach
Our development process considers every aspect of acreage living:
- Infrastructure planning: Roads, utilities, and drainage designed for long-term sustainability
- Environmental stewardship: Preserving natural features and wildlife habitats
- Community design: Balancing privacy with neighborhood character
- Future planning: Ensuring developments age gracefully and maintain value
Integrated Custom Home Building
Unlike developers who just sell lots, we provide complete custom home building services:
- Site-specific design: Homes designed to maximize each lot's potential
- Coordinated development: Single-source responsibility for land development and home construction
- Project management expertise: Our fee-based approach that puts your interests first
- Quality control: Consistent standards across all aspects of your project
What Do Families Love Most About Acreage Living?
After helping hundreds of families transition to acreage living, we consistently hear certain themes:
The Peace and Quiet
"We had no idea how much traffic noise we were living with until we moved to our acreage. Now we hear birds instead of cars, and it's made such a difference in our stress levels."
Room for Family Activities
"Our kids can ride bikes, build forts, and explore nature right in our backyard. They're getting an education about wildlife and nature that city kids just can't get."
The Sense of Ownership
"When you own acreage, you really feel like you own something substantial. We're not just homeowners—we're landowners, and that changes your whole perspective."
Long-term Satisfaction: Surveys of our acreage homeowners show 95%+ satisfaction rates five years after moving in. Families consistently say acreage living exceeded their expectations.
Ready to Make Your Acreage Dreams Reality?
The transition from suburban or city living to acreage requires careful planning and the right guidance. With our three generations of Scott County development experience and 800+ custom homes built, we have the expertise to make your acreage dreams a smooth, successful reality.
Whether you're interested in the premium privacy of Cardinal Pass, the lake access of Scenic Bay Estates, or the established character of Harvest Bluffs and Terra Farm, we'll help you find the perfect acreage property for your family's lifestyle and budget.
From initial site selection through move-in day, our project management approach ensures your acreage building experience exceeds expectations while staying within budget.
Start Your Acreage Journey Today Your acreage dreams are closer to reality than you might think. Let's discuss the possibilities available in Scott County's premier acreage communities. Call us at 952-234-8879 or contact Moderno Construction Management to schedule your acreage consultation.
Contact Moderno Construction Management today to begin exploring Scott County's best acreage opportunities. From evaluating lots to designing and building your custom acreage home, we're here to guide you through every step of the process.
Call 952-234-8879 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward acreage living.
Serving Scott County with premier acreage development and custom home building. Here yesterday. Here today. Here to stay.
