You really have to check with the companies doing the work. Much variance in dollars and reliability. You must check out the what is in the water in the area - high sulphur, iron, minerals, etc. are not a good sign and the locals can give you a pretty good idea. Neighbors will tell you how deep the wells in the area run - price goes by the foot for drilling and for pipe liner. A nice water depth is 35-75 feet - deep enough to be sound and much deeper gets very costly. Then there is the pump and ditch witching to take the water to where you want it. Many don't believe in "witching" in order to "locate" underground water sources. I did have it done and it proved pretty much right on. Drilling dry holes can get expensive. The neighbors will tell you how many gallons/minute their well will produce without running dry. 2-3 gpm is not good. 5 is better and upwards of 10 is pretty good. +- $5000 is probably not far off. Probably a good place to start developing is close to where the water is. Another $3000-$5000 for electricity (perhaps more) would be in the ball park. Beside a highway is good but it depends on the distance you have to bring the wires on your land and how close the main line is (you pay). Then there is a septic tank. On 5 acres, make sure you know what the local laws are regarding these - both type and distances from main road, etc. Another $3 to 5000 - depending. Second to water, the local rules governing acerage development, are probably the most critical elements. Idyllic but not cheap.
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