David Streitfeld writes in the LA Times:
Bad Lands Now Hot Property Undeveloped -- even bleak -- parcels in a Texas county lure out-of-state buyers looking to jump into the real estate market.
The mania is spreading. Here is a good description of the land:
The soil is lousy for crops, ... unemployment is high and wildlife scarce, except for the snakes. Until a few years ago, one of the biggest businesses in the county was importing New York's sewage, which was dried on a ranch next to the county seat of Sierra Blanca. On windy days, the sewage would blow into town.
The local Judge expresses amazement:
"I don't know what these folks expect for their money," said Jeff Davis County Judge George Grubb.
I know. They expect to sell to the greater fool.