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Top States for Off The Grid Living
Living Off the Grid is the free lifestyle of many considered to be in the greener sphere, living without the benefit of public utilities like electricity and water. Off the grid living is getting to be a necessary aspect of the way we think, as the resulting energy independence and alternative energy generation will save us money, reduce our carbon footprint and help the environment, now and in the future. As soon as you understand how to live off the grid, you are no longer linked to the demands of the non-renewable energy resources markets of coal, gas and oil and their unstable price fluctuations.
If you’re looking for a change of lifestyle, like being independent, are an adventurer and a bit on the free-spirited side, getting off the grid may be for you.
Be prepared to do your research; what type of land would work best for you if you’re considering growing your own food, does the land have plenty of firewood available and does it have clean water? If not, where are the closest sources? This is also a good time to educate yourself as much as possible about solar panels, solar-powered water pumps, wind generators, hybrid systems, gas and bio-diesel generators, etc., for an energy source.
An off the grid living lifestyle is one that you can independently or co-create, on your own terms and in your own time. So, the main question to ask yourself is, ‘In which of the 50 states do I want to live off the grid in?’
Of course, you can choose anywhere in the United States to live off the grid, but it just so happens that some places are better suited for a peaceful self-reliant off the grid living, than others.
Here, we take a look at the top states recommended for off the grid living, considering the following 7 factors.
It is important to consider state laws. Strict building policies and regulations against disconnecting from the grid will not work for you. You want to be assured that you are permitted to build what you want, with the freedom to generate your own energy and water.
- Cost of Land and Property Taxes
Some states have low property costs but highly expensive property taxes. For example, although most states usually offer low costs for agricultural lands, you can determine if you’re able to afford it once you take into account all the property taxes that will get added to it.
- Climate and Natural Disasters
The weather conditions, over a period of years, needs to be researched on the state you’re planning on living off the gird in. www.citydata.com is a great resource to check out the climates that would work in your favor. The frequency and types of natural disasters should also be researched.
- Population Density and Crime Rate
There is also a need to know how the community is populated. A densely populated town might make your off the grid living journey futile if you are looking to escape congestion. Also, the crime rates are higher in high-density population areas.
You should check out places that have a regular water supply like rivers and lakes as well as lands that are suitable for water well construction. Rainfall should also be a consideration.
If you have plans to home school your kids, you need to read up and understand the homeschooling laws of the state.
You need to consider this distance to the nearest hospital, fire station, and police station.
TOP STATES
Missouri
Missouri is the perfect place to live off the grid as it is considered as an ideal place for nature lovers who want to spend their quality time in the laps of Mother Nature.
Missouri is the place for you to fulfill all your dreams, including wildlife and natural resources, as it encourages the self-reliant lifestyle. The land in the state is perfect for both ranching and farming.
Montana
When you think of ‘trout fishing’, what state comes to mind? That’s right, Montana! Montana can be a perfect location for off the grid living with the cold, nonetheless, as the land is affordable, population density is definitely not an issue, and state laws are agreeable with the self-reliant lifestyle. The cost of living and crime rate for the state are also favorable.
One of the greatest things about living in Montana is the fact that you can be close to all the action, but still not be in the thick of it at all times. That is because Montana still has many smaller towns and cities that have remained small in population over the years. However, just because they are small, doesn’t mean that they are out in the boon-docks either.
Many of Montana’s smaller communities are located just miles outside of the larger and more heavily populated areas such as Billings. This offers the perfect scenario for someone who wants to live in private, but still, be close enough to get into the fray of things when they want to.
Maine
The state of Maine has around 6000 lakes and ponds with Lake Moosehead being the largest. With its coastal location, seafood is one of the most popular cuisines and lobsters, in particular, are a specialty. Apart from the coastal topography, the state also has several eroded valleys and mountainous regions.
The hilly areas would help in raising livestock, and agriculture would be easily practiced as well. There are a number of beaches along the coast with scenic fishing villages as the state also boasts of a dense forest cover, primarily consisting of pine trees hence the nickname: ‘The Pine Tree State.’
Texas is a very diverse state with several distinct regions that offer its residents an opportunity to experience a broad array of cultures, climates, terrains, and lifestyles all within the boundaries of The Lone Star State and more so, lands are generally affordable in remote regions of the state.
The thick underbrush, heavy timber, and widespread availability of forage is a perfect recipe for a big trophy buck.
Ohio
Buckeye state may not offer the mountains like other states but has still got lots of places and beautiful sceneries for off the grid-ers and the southern part of the state boasts incredibly low land prices, low property taxes, low crime rates, an incredibly low cost of living, and an abundance of natural resources
This state of Ohio is fractioned into regions that are distinct: that is southwest, northeast, and northwest-southeast. Each of these regions has a distinct style and flavor to offer for people willing to live off the grid.
More so, if you so love fishing, Ohio supports a diverse fish fauna which is represented by more than 160 species of fish. This is because there are a number of lakes, rivers, and streams in Ohio. These include 2.4 million acres of Lake Erie, 450 miles of Ohio River and about 40,000 miles of streams. Fish of Ohio comes in a huge range of colors, sizes, and shapes. They live in a variety of habitats including the enormous rivers and lakes to small creeks and ponds.
Tennessee
Tennessee has a temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. However, the state’s varied topography leads to a wide range of climatic conditions. In Tennessee, residents do not pay any kind of income tax to the state and the overall property tax rate is very low and the cost of living in rural regions is decidedly budget-friendly.
Wilderness farms in Tennessee are inhabited by wild animals such as raccoon, possum, skunks, beavers, and foxes, being the perfect place for hunters. But if you do not want to cope with such wildlife, then buying a non-forest land plot will be the best investment for you.
Arizona
There is a wide fluctuation in the climatic condition of Arizona that influences people positively in a bid to live off the grid in the state. Arizona experiences 300 days of sunlight every year; great for solar power generation and in the few other regions the temperature drops to as low as minus 40 degrees.
Land prices in the same region are affordable, and drilling a well, buying a property with a natural spring that can be dug into a sustainable pond, or hauling water to your property will be necessary.
Oregon
People who want to live off the grid somewhere peaceful, tranquil and in the vicinity of the sea will find the Oregon coast a perfect location to build the homes of their choice. The sound of waves splashing on the beaches coupled with the never-ending view of the spectacular ocean has made the
Oregon coast an attractive real estate market for homeowners and investors alike. Oregon coast real estate is an ideal investment option for those who wish to settle in the idyllic location of the region as property prices and taxes are relatively affordable. Quality timber exists on many parcels of land in the Cascade Mountain region, as well.
Two of the largest off-grid communities in the state are in the Three Rivers Recreation Area–which operates solar energy and water supply shared systems–and Breitenbush Hot Springs, which is now rapidly becoming a tourist attraction.
Connecticut
The climate in Connecticut is outstanding. It is a state where you will find all four seasons where the summers are warm and humid with plenty of sunshine and the odd sub-tropical storm to cool things down a bit, spring is war with plenty of rain to feed the green countryside, spectacular fall colors of gold and brown and winters where snow can lay on the ground for up to ten weeks at a time. T
Though property taxes are higher than most states so the start-up costs are outrageously high for most people. Connecticut is also home-schooling-friendly, so if you’re looking for a place to raise and home-school your children, this may be the state for you!
Idaho
Idaho has some of the lowest crime in the west according to the FBI. The serious crime rate in Idaho is 21.3% less than the national average. Idaho’s cost of living is the second-lowest of the 11 western states when factoring in things such as housing costs, health care, groceries, and other factors.
Idaho has a diverse and affordable number of dwellings to choose from. In Idaho, you can find anything from a cozy cottage all the way up to an elaborate estate. Median home values in Idaho are among the lowest in the nation. Idaho also has some of the best soil in the country.
Because Idaho is filled with mountains, there are many different activates for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking, mountain biking, fishing, skiing in the winter, and even mountain climbing, if outdoor thrills are your thing, then Idaho is for you.
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