I have the best of both. I'm in unicorporated county, but within a 1/4 mile of 101 freeway (and Santa!) Horses walked each night down the street, I have 20 chickens, and about 1/3 acre.
Oh, and the construction loan was $245k to upgrade from 2.5 bed, 1 bath -> 5 bed, 3 bath. Will be paid off 2/21