14 lands for sale in Pearce, Canberra

Block Information:Lot 123 - 612sqm - Ready to Build Now!This block enjoys views through to native bushland while also capturing picturesque horizons, creating a beautiful natural backdrop.Secure your land with just 5% deposit.Welcome to South JerrabomberraA growing community where connection, lifestyle and location meet.Perfectly positioned just 20 minutes from four major town centres, South Jerrabomberra offers a lifestyle of convenience, natural beauty, and modern living. Developed by The Village Building Company- a multi-award-winning developer with over 37 years of experience - this is your opportunity to secure a block in one of the region's most exciting new communities.Dog Park - Now Open- Iconic fully irrigated park in the shape of a dog bone, the biggest and best Dog Park in the Region includes- 4,000m for small dogs and 7,100m for large dogs.- Features include agility equipment, shaded seating, BBQs, and water stations.- Surrounded by a community orchard and gardens.Town Park

Block Information:Stage 2B1 Lot 112 - 994sqm | Registered and ready to build on An elevated block presents a fantastic opportunity to create a distinctive architectural home with a picturesque outlooks to Tralee Hills. Secure your land with just 5% deposit.Welcome to South JerrabomberraA growing community where connection, lifestyle and location meet.Perfectly positioned just 20 minutes from four major town centres, South Jerrabomberra offers a lifestyle of convenience, natural beauty, and modern living. Developed by The Village Building Company- a multi-award-winning developer with over 37 years of experience - this is your opportunity to secure a block in one of the region's most exciting new communities.Dog Park - Now Open- Iconic fully irrigated park in the shape of a dog bone, the biggest and best Dog Park in the Region includes- 4,000m for small dogs and 7,100m for large dogs.- Features include agility equipment, shaded seating, BBQs, and water stations.- Surrounded by a communit

Block Information:Lot 107 - 855sqm | Registered and ready to Build onAn elevated block with an ideal slope to encourage an oversized 2 or 4 car garage under whilst the living areas above enjoy picturesque views across the ever evolving landscape.Secure your land with just 5% deposit. Welcome to South JerrabomberraA growing community where connection, lifestyle and location meet.Perfectly positioned just 20 minutes from four major town centres, South Jerrabomberra offers a lifestyle of convenience, natural beauty, and modern living. Developed by The Village Building Company- a multi-award-winning developer with over 37 years of experience - this is your opportunity to secure a block in one of the region's most exciting new communities.Dog Park - Now Open- Iconic fully irrigated park in the shape of a dog bone, the biggest and best Dog Park in the Region includes- 4,000m for small dogs and 7,100m for large dogs.- Features include agility equipment, shaded seating, BBQs, and water station

Block Information:Lot 110 - 2067sqm | Registered and ready to build on The largest residential block available at South Jerrabomberra, Stage 2B1. Backing onto a peaceful reserve with panoramic views of the Brindabella Ranges, this block features a private battleaxe driveway. With over 2000sqm, there is ample space for a pool, gardens, garages, and play areas, offering endless lifestyle opportunities.Secure your land with just 5% deposit.Welcome to South JerrabomberraA growing community where connection, lifestyle and location meet.Perfectly positioned just 20 minutes from four major town centres, South Jerrabomberra offers a lifestyle of convenience, natural beauty, and modern living. Developed by The Village Building Company- a multi-award-winning developer with over 37 years of experience - this is your opportunity to secure a block in one of the region's most exciting new communities.Dog Park - Now Open- Iconic fully irrigated park in the shape of a dog bone, the biggest and best Do

Block Information:264sqm Directly opposite the large park.Ready to Build Approx. July 2027 VBC will provide the land with a level, free-draining building pad and a properly graded frontage that meets industry standards and the council's Development Control Plan for driveway gradients. Before settlement, VBC will also complete any retaining walls shown on the Lot plan. Welcome to South JerrabomberraA growing community where connection, lifestyle and location meet.Perfectly positioned just 20 minutes from four major town centres, South Jerrabomberra offers a lifestyle of convenience, natural beauty, and modern living. Developed by The Village Building Company- a multi-award-winning developer with over 37 years of experience - this is your opportunity to secure a block in one of the region's most exciting new communities.Dog Park - Now Open- Iconic fully irrigated park in the shape of a dog bone, the biggest and best Dog Park in the Region includes- 4,000m for small dogs and 7,100m for la

Block Information:257sqmReady to Build Approx. July 2027 VBC will provide the land with a level, free-draining building pad and a properly graded frontage that meets industry standards and the council's Development Control Plan for driveway gradients. Before settlement, VBC will also complete any retaining walls shown on the Lot plan. Welcome to South JerrabomberraA growing community where connection, lifestyle and location meet.Perfectly positioned just 20 minutes from four major town centres, South Jerrabomberra offers a lifestyle of convenience, natural beauty, and modern living. Developed by The Village Building Company- a multi-award-winning developer with over 37 years of experience - this is your opportunity to secure a block in one of the region's most exciting new communities.Dog Park - Now Open- Iconic fully irrigated park in the shape of a dog bone, the biggest and best Dog Park in the Region includes- 4,000m for small dogs and 7,100m for large dogs.- Features include agilit

Secure one of Tralee's larger residential blocks and create the home you've always imagined and with the wider frontage, this land can accommodate a triple car garage.Perfectly positioned in a premium elevated street surrounded by quality homes, this exceptional 701m2 parcel is significantly larger than most blocks currently available, offering the space, flexibility and lifestyle that is becoming increasingly difficult to find.With an impressive 23-metre frontage and approximately 30-metre depth, this block provides endless design possibilities. Whether you're planning a luxurious family home with multiple living areas, a three-car garage, expansive entertaining spaces, even maybe a swimming pool or all of the above, this generous allotment and orientation that allows for a solar passive design, gives you the freedom to build without compromise.The land features an approximate 3-metre natural fall downward from the street, creating the ideal setting for a striking architectural home w

Block Information:350sqmReady to Build Approx. July 2027 VBC will provide the land with a 3m bench mid block, free-draining building pad and a properly graded frontage that meets industry standards and the council's Development Control Plan for driveway gradients. Before settlement, VBC will also complete any retaining walls shown on the Lot plan. Welcome to South JerrabomberraA growing community where connection, lifestyle and location meet.Perfectly positioned just 20 minutes from four major town centres, South Jerrabomberra offers a lifestyle of convenience, natural beauty, and modern living. Developed by The Village Building Company- a multi-award-winning developer with over 37 years of experience - this is your opportunity to secure a block in one of the region's most exciting new communities.Dog Park - Now Open- Iconic fully irrigated park in the shape of a dog bone, the biggest and best Dog Park in the Region includes- 4,000m for small dogs and 7,100m for large dogs.- Features i

Block Information:347sqm Corner Block with split level design for generational living.Ready to Build Approx. July 2027 VBC will provide the land with a 3m bench mid block, free-draining building pad and a properly graded frontage that meets industry standards and the council's Development Control Plan for driveway gradients. Before settlement, VBC will also complete any retaining walls shown on the Lot plan. Welcome to South JerrabomberraA growing community where connection, lifestyle and location meet.Perfectly positioned just 20 minutes from four major town centres, South Jerrabomberra offers a lifestyle of convenience, natural beauty, and modern living. Developed by The Village Building Company- a multi-award-winning developer with over 37 years of experience - this is your opportunity to secure a block in one of the region's most exciting new communities.Dog Park - Now Open- Iconic fully irrigated park in the shape of a dog bone, the biggest and best Dog Park in the Region includes

Block Information:Lot 132 - 756sqmThis prime corner lot, opposite a nature reserve, offers an 18m frontage and 38m depth, providing unlimited opportunities to design a grand, statement home.Secure your land with just 5% deposit.Welcome to South JerrabomberraA growing community where connection, lifestyle and location meet.Perfectly positioned just 20 minutes from four major town centres, South Jerrabomberra offers a lifestyle of convenience, natural beauty, and modern living. Developed by The Village Building Company- a multi-award-winning developer with over 37 years of experience - this is your opportunity to secure a block in one of the region's most exciting new communities.Dog Park - Now Open- Iconic fully irrigated park in the shape of a dog bone, the biggest and best Dog Park in the Region includes- 4,000m for small dogs and 7,100m for large dogs.- Features include agility equipment, shaded seating, BBQs, and water stations.- Surrounded by a community orchard and gardens.Town Pa

Block Information:Lot 139 - 623sqmThis block is part of an exclusive enclave of just 40 homesites in the most elevated section of South Jerrabomberra. Its north-facing rear orientation ensures natural light fills your future living areas and outdoor entertainment spaces.Secure your land with just 5% deposit.Welcome to South JerrabomberraA growing community where connection, lifestyle and location meet.Perfectly positioned just 20 minutes from four major town centres, South Jerrabomberra offers a lifestyle of convenience, natural beauty, and modern living. Developed by The Village Building Company- a multi-award-winning developer with over 37 years of experience - this is your opportunity to secure a block in one of the region's most exciting new communities.Dog Park - Now Open- Iconic fully irrigated park in the shape of a dog bone, the biggest and best Dog Park in the Region includes- 4,000m for small dogs and 7,100m for large dogs.- Features include agility equipment, shaded seating,

The Sovereign Estate Collection Premium House & Land Opportunity From $999,000 $1,099,000 Secure your place in one of Tralee's newest and most desirable communities with this exceptional 513m² (approx.) homesite, offering the flexibility to build your dream home or choose a premium turnkey house and land package. Land Opportunity Address: 30 Wiry Dock Road, Tralee Land Size: 513m² (approx.) Land Price: $540,000 $570,000 Purchase the land independently and build with the builder of your choice (subject to estate guidelines), or secure the exclusive Sovereign Estate Collection House & Land Package. The Sovereign Estate Collection Luxury 4 Bedroom Home House & Land Package: From $999,000 $1,099,000 Designed for modern family living, this architecturally designed residence offers approximately 251m² of thoughtfully planned living space with premium finishes throughout. Property Features 4 spacious bedrooms Master suite with walk-in robe & private ensuite 2 designer bathrooms with full-heig

This single-level, two-bedroom, two-bathroom terrace home, complete with a study and a double garage, is situated in a quiet neighborhood, making it an ideal choice for families, downsizers, or professional couples. The property features a spacious open-plan living and dining area, a modern kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances, and a large master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. Additionally, there is a dedicated study, a laundry room, and a 22 sqm courtyard. Features: - No strata. - Two bedrooms - Two bathrooms - Double garage for two cars - Study - Open-plan living and dining area - Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances - Velux skylight in the kitchen and Velux sun tunnels in both bathrooms - Large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom - Laundry room - Homeowners' warranty, including a 6-year structural guarantee - Warranty for all appliances as per the manufacturer's specifications - 90-day maintenance period - Connection to stormwater and sewer - Colorbond roof

Imagine waking up each day in a home designed entirely around your desires-perfectly positioned on an exceptional 630m² parcel of land at Lot 845, 44 Speargrass Road, South Jerrabomberra. This north-facing block-ideal for harnessing natural light and warmth-offers more than just a place to build. It presents freedom. With no builder ties, you have the rare opportunity to create a bespoke sanctuary, tailored to your vision, at your own pace. Why This Block is Truly Special Location Tucked away in the rising jewel of South Jerrabomberra, this lot is set within a peaceful, family-friendly enclave, moments from everything you need-parks, schools, shops, and more. Orientation With a coveted north-facing rear, your future home will bask in sunlight all day long-perfect for energy efficiency, indoor-outdoor flow, and that warm, welcoming feel. Surroundings Step outside to a blend of pristine bushland and thoughtfully designed homes, where nature and community blend in harmony. Here, tranquill

Attractive, level building block of some 2149 sqm featuring a stunning Oak tree. a glorious back yard feature for your family home offering shade and character to this well located block. This healthy, stunning English oak provided the inspiration for The Meadows nearby street naming of Oak Grove. The Meadows: Town water Sewerage 3 phase power available NBN (FTTP) RU5 Zoning Mail delivery / Council domestic & recycle collection No time limit to build The Village: Minutes to the Village hub of Murrumbateman Medical centre/s, Village Pharmacy (Post Office) Rural Supplies Cafe / popular Take-away (great pizzas) Hairdresser Supermarket / Caltex Murrumbateman Tavern / motel Shane's Mechancial Services Fairley Square: Clementine Bakery Cafe Gym Primary School, Early Childcare centre Abode Motel Dental / Medical centre Leisure: Wineries / Restaurant / Cafes Bridle / Running / Walking paths Much loved Recreation grounds / Dog park Need to know: Veterinary surgery / services (located cnr Hillvi

Quality selection of twenty four Serviced Village residential building lots DA Approved ~ Construction commenced THE MEADOWS: Quality remaining Lots 1550 sqm - 1878 sqm FAIRLEY: Lot 134 1066 sqm (1 McClung Drive) SOLD Lot 135 1229 sqm (43 Camp Street) SOLD Lot 128 1050 sqm (6 McClung Drive) SOLD Lot 114 989 sqm (7 Joan Street) SOLD Lot 230 1258 sqm (1 William Street) SOLD Lot 211 1010 sqm (24 McClung Drive) SOLD Lot 212 1010 sqm (26 McClung Drive) SOLD Lot 133 1062 sqm (3 McClung Drive) SOLD Lot 215 1251 sqm (11 Keith Street) SOLD Lot 220 1248 sqm (9 Keith Street) SOLD Lot 3 1228 sqm (42 Middle Street) SOLD Lot 11 1234 sqm (26 Middle Street) SOLD Lot 7 1201 sqm (34 Middle Street) SOLD Availability and enquiries email

An imposing corner lot boasting some 1861 sqm this attractive Meadows vacant building land (Lot 7) has now become available for purchase and ready to build on. An opportunity to secure a large, fully serviced lot of this size in our premium Village development offering an excellent position with close proximity to both Fairley Square and Village centre. The Meadows: Town water 3 phase power available Sewerage NBN (FTTP) 5 day mail delivery Council domestic/recycle collection No time stipulations to build Fairley: Cafe, Clementine Bakery Gym Medical Centre Primary School Early Childhood centre Yass Valley Dental Abode accommodation Village: Medical centre (bulk billing) / Pharmacy Grocery / in house Butcher Service station Hairdresser Murrumbateman Tavern / accommodation Shane's mechanical services Rural & gardening supplies Leisure: Vineyards, cafes & restaurant Equestrian / dog park Bridle / walking paths Recreation grounds / oval An opportunity to purchase this outstanding corner Lot

With new builds well under way in our premium Murrumbateman Village residential development, an opportunity presents to secure Lot 9 Oak Grove having an area of 1549 sqm, serviced and ready to build. Well appointed in our Village setting this ideal location boasts walking distance to our bulk billing medical centre, with our pharmacy, hairdresser, cafe, groceries/butcher, service station within minutes from Oak Grove. An exceptional, affordable square metre opportunity for the discerning buyer to secure a quality, serviced lot for their new build (and with their preferred builder). Alternatively, for the investor wishing to landbank 5 Oak Grove offers no time limit on building. Services: Town water Sewerage NBN (FTTP availability) 3-phase power available 5 day mail delivery Council household domestic/recycle collection Canberra/Yass school bus Premium Village Location: Close proximity to both Fairley Early Childhood Centre & Murrumbateman Early Childhood Centre (3-5 yo); New Primary Sc

The long awaited development of this new release of premium Murrumbateman Village residential building land, comprising 24 building lots, all of generous size and offering an attractive layout is going to satisfy buyers for their new home build. Well appointed in a Village setting, with desirable lots fronting picturesque South, West and Hercules Streets, The Meadows development will be fully serviced and within comfortable walking distance to Village amenities. A truly exceptional opportunity for buyers wishing to secure a quality, serviced building lot that will not only accommodate their new build (and with their preferred builder), but offer that extra space for your own private surrounds in this inner Village boutique development. The Meadows, together with its own picturesque setting offers the very best in position coupled with its enviable premium Village location and Village atmosphere. Serviced Lots: Town water available Sewerage NBN (FTTP) 5 day mail delivery Council househo

Embrace a life away from the city's hustle at 302 Newington Road, Bywong - a property that captures the beauty of rural Australia with ample space, tranquility, and limitless potential. This 9.56-acre north-facing farm is a part of a rich landscape stretching from Bywong to Lake George, offering privacy and room to create the life you've always dreamed of. This land isn't just property; it's a lifestyle. Imagine a serene, spacious haven where your vision becomes realitya family retreat, a hobby farm, or even an adventure playground for growing families and green thumbs. With plenty of space for gardens, outdoor entertaining, and hobby farming, this land invites you to escape the suburban scape and live in harmony with nature. Property Highlights: Prime 9.56 Acres: Expansive land ready for custom homes, gardens, and outdoor recreation. North-Facing Orientation: Ideal for energy-efficient design, natural light, and year-round warmth. Country Serenity, City Convenience: 25 minutes from Ca

Set in the rural village of Captains Flat, approximately 45 kilometres from Queanbeyan, this elevated 857m² corner block presents an exciting opportunity to build your dream home. The property is surveyed and pegged, with town water, a water meter and sewer connection already in place. Enjoy the added benefits of rear lane access, rural views and mature trees, all within a short walk of the local children's park and Captains Flat Public School. Don't miss this opportunity to secure a well-positioned block in a peaceful village setting. be quick to call for further information. Council Rates - $682.5 Quarterly Please contact Michael Dyer on 0438-174400

Positioned at the end of a quiet, private cul-de-sac in one of Sutton's premier acreage estates, 119 Woodbury Drive offers a rare chance to secure 2.448 hectares of picturesque land with direct frontage to the tranquil Yass River. This exceptional parcel within the premier lifestyle estate in the capital region features a generous 8,021m building envelope, giving you the space and flexibility to design and build your dream home exactly as you envision. Enjoy the privacy and serenity of a cul-de-sac setting with minimal through traffic, all while being part of a beautifully presented community with a stunning communal park surrounded by amazing vistas. Whether you're picturing a private rural retreat, space for horses, a resort-style pool, or simply room to breathe, this address is ready for you to bring your vision to life. Key features: - 2.448 hectares (approx.) - 8,021m building envelope - Backing Yass River- Serviced with 3 phase power, high speed broadband and communal bore water

Creating your own acreage property from scratch is an unmatched and fulfilling experience. The natural space of a country block provides a compelling journey that takes you from concept to completion, on scale that you never thought possible when you were living in the city. But the bare block you pick needs to inspire your thinking! Located within Stage 3 of The Fields rural residential estate, and with a massive 2049m2 near level building envelope you have the freedoms to place your home/s, swimming pool, sheds and gardens precisely where you want them. From the upbeat vibes of the glass wall driven geometry of an ultra-mod, through to the mellow verandah-hugged lines of the traditional farmhouse, any architectural style will look amazing on this sensational block of land. The block's long northern boundary allows you to place each of the home's internal living areas along the sun drenched length of the home and then link these to an alfresco and a pool/spa cabana to the rear. You ca

Located on closed road in a discreet section of The Fields estate, you get to enjoy all the amazing benefits of country lifestyle seclusion without being remote. Yes, this fabulous 11,000m2 block of land is only a few minutes' drive from the expanding social conveniences of Murrumbateman village, and a short 25 minute commute to the ACT. With its due north frontage, and rolling eastern views over the valley, this block is 100% quality. Whether you choose the upbeat vibes of an ultra-modern, or the nostalgic lines of the traditional farmhouse set in blushing summer gardens, it will look beautiful on this bigger-than-life-itself block of land. Space limitations that pop up when planning for small suburban plots simply don't apply to rural acreages, so you can build a larger home with endless living area orientation flexibilities, add a tennis court, swimming pool, plant orchards and build sheds. The block's extended eastern flank means that you can place a multitude of morning sun-filled

The Phone Code for this property is: 66630. Please quote this number when phoning or texting. A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO SECURE PRIME GOOGONG LAND Lot 831 | 20 Horton Street, Googong NSW 732m² of premium residential opportunity Exceptional land. Elevated position. Unrivalled lifestyle convenience. An exclusive opportunity to secure a substantial 732m² parcel in one of Googong's most desirable residential locations. Offering generous proportions, an elevated setting, wide frontage and a predominantly flat building platform, this exceptional allotment provides the perfect canvas to create a magnificent family residence. With beautiful easterly and north-easterly outlooks and minimal excavation requirements, this is a block that combines practicality, position and premium lifestyle appeal, surrounded by quality homes. Location. Lifestyle. Convenience. The ultimate walk-to-everything lifestyle. One of this property's most outstanding features is its exceptional proximity to Googong's exciting n

Offering an excellent opportunity to secure a vacant building block in an established street, 5 Ellen is calling your name. Elm Grove is a recently developed estate in Bungendore - welcome to wider streets, enjoyable recreation areas, and all the services you could need - doctors, dentist, chiropractor, chemist, local schools, the list goes on. Set amongst established homes, the surrounding streetscape provides a settled neighbourhood feel. With the local high school just a short distance away, along with easy access to everyday amenities. Whether you're looking to build your first home, downsize or secure land for the future, this is a great opportunity to make your plans a reality. If you would like to build a home with BBS homes, we have a variety of plans available to suit this block ranging in sizes and prices, don't hesitate to contact Sally Hughes from Shoemark Real Estate on 0413 952 297 if you'd like further information, or to discuss plans available through BBS Homes. DISCLAI

Auction Wednesday 18 November 2026 at 6.00pm. Backing onto Mulligans Flat Reserve and looking across the valley towards Canberra, this substantial holding offers a wonderful sense of space within easy reach of the city. With 102.6 hectares, approximately 253.6 acres, the property brings together open grazing country, scattered timber and dams in a beautiful rural setting. Canberra's northern suburbs are close by, yet the land feels a world away from the pace of the city. The property is zoned RU1 Primary Production under the Yass Valley Local Environmental Plan also giving Lot 2 DP 773591 a dwelling entitlement. The Yass Valley Local Environmental Plan also identifies a minimum subdivision lot size of 40ha, giving the property the potential for a two lot rural subdivision, with an illustrative layout creating two holdings of approximately 51.3 hectares each. Any subdivision would require Council consent and detailed assessment of access, bushfire safety, wastewater, water supply and en

PREMIUM LIFESTYLE BLOCKS IN SUTTON - SECURE YOUR LOT WITH ONLY A 5% DEPOSIT. Positioned right in the heart of Sutton, The Fields Sutton is a brand-new boutique subdivision offering 29 premium lifestyle lots in the highly sought after Sutton region. Majority of the lots are ~5,000sqm and will come fully fenced, ready for construction of your new dream home. Each block comes equipped with underground 3-phase power, high-speed fibre internet connectivity, two coat seal bitumen road access and our signature cantilevered motorised black steel gates. Construction has completed with lots due for registration and settlement in July/August 2026. Sutton offers the perfect blend of rural charm and urban access: 18-minutes to the Canberra CBD 15-minutes to Queanbeyan 500m walk to the iconic Little Sutton Bakehouse Whether you're after space for a growing family, a tree-change lifestyle, or a land holding for the future - this is your opportunity to join a thriving and tightly held rural community.

PREMIUM LIFESTYLE BLOCKS IN SUTTON - SECURE YOUR LOT WITH ONLY A 5% DEPOSIT.Positioned right in the heart of Sutton, The Fields Sutton is a brand-new boutique subdivision offering 29 premium lifestyle lots in the highly sought after Sutton region. Majority of the lots are ~5,000sqm and will come fully fenced, ready for construction of your new dream home. Each block comes equipped with underground 3-phase power, high-speed fibre internet connectivity, two coat seal bitumen road access and our signature cantilevered motorised black steel gates. Construction has completed with lots due for registration and settlement in July/August 2026. Sutton offers the perfect blend of rural charm and urban access: 18-minutes to the Canberra CBD 15-minutes to Queanbeyan 500m walk to the iconic Little Sutton Bakehouse Whether you're after space for a growing family, a tree-change lifestyle, or a land holding for the future - this is your opportunity to join a thriving and tightly held rural community.

PREMIUM LIFESTYLE BLOCKS IN SUTTON - SECURE YOUR LOT WITH ONLY A 5% DEPOSIT.Positioned right in the heart of Sutton, The Fields Sutton is a brand-new boutique subdivision offering 29 premium lifestyle lots in the highly sought after Sutton region. Majority of the lots are ~5,000sqm and will come fully fenced, ready for construction of your new dream home. Each block comes equipped with underground 3-phase power, high-speed fibre internet connectivity, two coat seal bitumen road access and our signature cantilevered & motorised, black steel gates. Construction is completed with lots due for registration and settlement in July/August 2026. Sutton offers the perfect blend of rural charm and urban access: 18-minutes to the Canberra CBD 15-minutes to Queanbeyan 500m walk to the iconic Little Sutton Bakehouse Whether you're after space for a growing family, a tree-change lifestyle, or a land holding for the future - this is your opportunity to join a thriving and tightly held rural community