By Seth Muenzer
Updated May 26, 2025
There’s something special about owning land in San Benito County—open skies, rolling hills, and the chance to build something lasting. Whether you're dreaming of a small family farm, a working cattle ranch, or a private escape from the city, our county offers plenty of opportunities.
But buying rural property isn’t as simple as browsing a few listings and picking a parcel. It’s a unique process with its own set of challenges and rewards. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essentials of buying farms and ranches in areas like Hollister, Tres Pinos, Paicines, and beyond—based on firsthand experience here on the ground.
Why San Benito County?
San Benito County isn’t just a beautiful place to live—it’s one of California’s most accessible rural communities. With quick access to the Bay Area and Central Coast, it offers the best of both worlds: peaceful living with practical convenience.
Here are a few reasons buyers are gravitating toward land ownership here:
Diverse Land Use – Whether you're after grazing pastures, irrigated farmland, or buildable acreage, there’s a variety of property types available.
Lower Entry Point – Compared to neighboring counties like Santa Clara or Monterey, prices per acre in San Benito County are generally more competitive.
Local Agriculture Culture – From walnut orchards to livestock operations, San Benito has a deep agricultural heritage, supported by strong local networks and community events.
What Makes a Property “Farm” or “Ranch” Worthy?
The labels can overlap, but the use matters. Farms often center around crops and orchards, while ranches focus more on grazing land and livestock. Here are a few features you’ll want to evaluate:
Water Sources – Wells, seasonal creeks, or irrigation systems are essential. In many cases, this is the deciding factor.
Soil Quality – If you’re planning to grow anything, have the soil tested.
Access & Infrastructure – Is there a road, power nearby, fencing, barns? The cost of development can be significant if you're starting from scratch.
Zoning – Make sure the property is zoned for the use you intend. Agriculture, rural residential, or mixed-use zoning can all have different rules.
How You Can Make Land Ownership Work for You
Buying acreage isn’t just about space—it’s about creating options. Here are a few ways clients of mine have made their land work for them:
Lease for Income – Rent out grazing rights, farm sections, or event space.
Agritourism – Think glamping sites, pick-your-own orchards, or farm stays.
Personal Retreats – Build your forever home, weekend getaway, or even set up a family compound.
And yes—there are state and local grants available for small-scale farmers, conservation efforts, and water infrastructure. If you're interested, I can help point you in the right direction.
Where to Start Your Search
Acreage can be tricky to track down if you’re only relying on standard home search sites. Here are a few strategies:
Use a Local Agent Who Knows the Dirt (literally) – I work with clients looking for everything from 5-acre hobby farms to 200+ acre ranches. Many rural properties are marketed off-market or with limited details.
Tap Into County and Local Databases – Some of the best opportunities don’t hit Zillow or Redfin. I stay up to date on land-only listings and seller-financing deals.
Check the Right Resources – Use tools that allow you to filter by acreage, zoning, and well/septic systems—not just bedrooms and bathrooms.
Final Thoughts
Buying land in San Benito County can be a game-changer, whether you're raising livestock, growing food, or just looking for space to breathe. But it’s not a cookie-cutter process—it takes local insight, due diligence, and a clear plan for what you want to create.
As a lifelong local and experienced broker, I’m here to help you figure out what’s possible, what to watch out for, and how to make the most of your investment.