According to The Progressive Farmer magazine, the U.S. is experiencing a "rural renaissance." Rural counties, such as every county in Tennessee and in much of the U.S. increased in population during the 1990s, while metropolitan areas lost population, according to the U.S. Census.

That's because farms, partially because of urban sprawl toward their attractively-sized parcels, often attract investors and homebuyers who have no intention of plowing a field or milking a cow. In fact, in Illinois, notes the magazine, only 44 percent of farm owners are farmers. "Investors made up 39%, followed by individuals wanting land for recreational uses at 8% and institutions at 2%.", said the magazine.

Farms also attract families who are worried about crime, violence and the erosion of family values in a post-9/11 world.

From golf course communities, to retreats, to second homes, and more, farmland isn't used just for farming anymore. Farmers also want to cash in, rather than miss the top of the gains that haven't been seen since the 1980-1984 run-up in rural land.

Based on criteria such as quality schools, low crime, good health care, clean air, and intangibles such as "community," the magazine has selected its Best Places To Live for 2205 , in its February issue.

"We're seeing a definite trend of people choosing to live in the country rather than in urban areas," said The Progressive Farmer Editor in Chief Jack Odle. "And we wanted to celebrate that. In looking at aspects of living such as community neighborliness, the way residents manage growth, and general aesthetics, we've come up with a unique list of some great areas that may be somewhat under the radar. We hope our list will reward these areas, while serving as a guide for those who may be thinking about leaving stress and other hazards of urban life behind and moving to the country."

The Progressive Farmer's Best Places are 10 Counties to live in:

1. Fauquier Co., Va: "Lying 45 minutes west of Washington, D.C., this county with a population of 62,992 and an average income of $67,237 is the home of equestrian activities and wineries. The Blue Ridge Mountains rim the northern area, and flat, fertile farm fields cover its south."

2. Oconee Co., Ga.: "Close to Athens and Atlanta, many residents commute to jobs but enjoy Oconee's agriculture in beef cattle and pine forests, as well as the low pollution, low crime, and excellent schools. The SAT scores are Georgia's best."

3. McPherson Co., Kan.: "Children actually walk to school in McPherson County, due to the low crime and small-town feel. Great schools and two private liberal arts colleges serve the county, and the student/teacher ratio is 10.8 to one. The county is also home to a renowned arts community."

4. Callaway Co., Mo.: "Close to both St. Louis and Kansas City, Callaway County is scenic, with fertile plains in the north and bluffs bordering the Missouri River in the south. With a population of 42,657, Callaway offers low land prices and low pollution."

5. Grafton Co., N.H.: "Dominated by the White Mountain National Forest, over-development is not an issue in Grafton. Despite its large size geographically, its largest city has fewer than 15,000 residents. Grafton is also home to the Ivy League's Dartmouth College."

6. Gillespie Co., Texas: "An influx of newcomers alongside old-time ranching families creates an interesting contrast. German heritage is everywhere you look on Main Street in the county seat of Fredericksburg, along with art galleries, antique shops, and an in-town winery."

7. Sauk Co., Wis.: "Sauk County boasts Parfey's Glen Natural Area, part of Devil's Lake State Park, and one of the continent's most beautiful spots, with rock formations and a glacial lake. Herb and vegetable farms, organic potatoes, and quaint towns sprinkle the region."

8. Wilson Co., Tenn.: "Wilson County sits close to Nashville, allowing many Wilson residents to commute, but in this rural county, small farms abound with cattle and hay, as well as small goat and sheep flocks. The Wilson County Fair draws about 420,000 people each August."

9. Eagle Co., Colo.: "Rocky Mountain peaks, ski resorts, and secluded scenic valleys have made Eagle County a playground for the rich and famous, but the county still retains longtime farm families. To ensure that the county remains true to its roots, the state legislature declared long ago that ranches could not be divided into parcels smaller than 35 acres."

10. Rankin Co., Miss.: "Just across the Pearl River from Jackson, Rankin County boasts the state's top public and private schools. Also, statistics showed that Rankin County's health-care index was higher than any rural county's in the nation, with three major state-of-the-art hospitals."

The first-annual list is the first of its kind to name "best" areas by county instead of city.

Published: February 3, 2005

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