Are there any cohousing communities in your area? Sometimes they can be pricey to buy into (because you're getting more than just your square footage), but sometimes there are rentals available. It may be more social than you want, but you'll be welcome to play in the dirt...

I moved into a small rental in the cohousing community my ex and I had bought into (under similar settlement issues, it looks like), and then later was able to buy a home (and got a good deal because the sellers new me well). The boy (age 13) goes back and forth between houses weekly for sleep and meals, and whenever he wants the rest of the time.

~ Becky in Tucson
in Sonora Cohousing