The College Football Land Premium

The author of this article, Pete Williams, has served as editor of Forest Landowner Magazine since 2013. Under his direction, Forest Landowner magazine won a "Tabby" Award in 2018, given by Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI). A private forest landowner, he is the author or co-author of a number of books and has written about business, fitness, and sports for publications. This story was originally published in the November/December 2025 issue of the Forest Landowner magazine and is republished with permission.

As college alums and devoted football fans increasingly choose to retire near their alma mater or invest in second homes close to major universities, demand for rural and recreational land within a short drive of campus is rising.

Shane Boyer, Director of Real Estate Services at Forest Resource Consultants, offers insight into why proximity, lifestyle, and connection to community are driving this growing trend. He notes, “One couple told me straight up, ‘We’re tired of the boat. We’re not playing as much golf. But our grandkids are about to go to UGA. Why not have a cabin near Athens where we can enjoy them and the land?’” Read more about why retirees are one of the largest demographics who are investing in land near universities today.

 

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