Best States For Off-Grid Living: Top 7 Destinations Most Recommended By Experts

October 31, 2023Preparedness

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The appeal of off-grid life for some is the sense of freedom that it offers. Relying on nature and small community resources rather than mega-corporations and power conglomerates makes this lifestyle a great match for some. Those who desire this sort of change might find our list of the top seven best states for off-grid living a useful resource.

If you’re on the lookout for a new place to live, try and find a place near a park or nature reserve. According to a new study, living within walking distance of an urban green space is associated with improved feelings of happiness, self-worth, and overall life satisfaction. Based on this assertion, an off-grid lifestyle could help achieve a closer sense of nature.

How to Get Started for Off-Grid Living Beginners

If you’re dreaming of living off the grid but don’t know where to start, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Off-grid living can be a daunting prospect, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With a little planning and preparation, anyone can start living off the grid.

Not all states are created equal when it comes to off-grid living. Some states have more lenient regulations than others, and some states have more natural resources that can be used to generate energy and grow food.

When choosing the best state to live off-grid, consider the following factors:

Climate
Land Availability
Regulations
Natural Resources

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Some states have a landscape and laws that make off-grid living a bit easier for those who want to do so. Our sources helped us with indispensable data and information regarding the best states for off-grid living. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

The List: Best States for Off-Grid Living, According to Experts

1. Alabama

Alabama, located in the American south, is home of fertile land and mild temperatures. This combination offers advantages to those seeking self-sufficiency. Texas Real Food raves, “Alabama has a lot to offer for those looking to live off the grid. With an abundance of cheap, undeveloped land, Alabama offers opportunities for homesteaders to build and grow their own farms. Additionally, the state’s mild climate means that residents can grow crops almost year-round.”

Utopia praises, “Alabama is said to be the best state to live off-grid for various reasons. This state boasts inexpensive land, low property taxes, and a low cost of living. On top of that, there are several counties without strict building codes, which makes finding your slice of paradise and setting up shop fairly straightforward. Alabama also has plenty of rainfall, and you can harvest rainwater without restriction.”

modernglobe exclaims, “Sweet home(stead) Alabama. Off Grid Permaculture ranks this state at number one with a rating of 9.8 out of 10. Each state is ranked based off of six main categories: ‘Cost of living, freedom of lifestyle, water availability, how easy it is to grow food there, energy availability, and the community in that area.”’

2. Texas

The Lone Star State has plenty of wide-open spaces. Laws there are also permissive for homesteaders. Valley Food Storage says, “Known for its affordability and accessibility, Texas makes a compelling location for off-grid living. With lower property taxes and cheaper land, the cost of living in Texas is significantly lower than in other states. In addition, certain counties in Texas have no building codes, allowing for more freedom and creativity in the design and construction of homes.”

Off Grid Grandpa describes, “Texas is one of the good states for off grid living, the cost of living and the cost of property is fairly low. Although most of the state has a semi-arid climate, Texas doesn’t really have a water shortage at the moment. Texas is also home to several large cities, and in some areas, the population density is fairly high, although as this state is fairly large, you will have no problem finding a suitable area to live off the grid.”

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Texas Real Food elaborates, “Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S. and offers a lifestyle that’s both sunny and rural. The state has a diverse landscape, from dry desert to lush forests, and its warm climate offers plenty of sunshine, ideal for homesteaders who want to harness solar energy.”

3. Alaska

Alaska is known for its wild and natural biome that is harsh, but also offers good living or the prepared homesteader. Some Alaskan homesteaders have achieved financial success streaming on platforms like YouTube. Survival Sullivan comments, “This is probably the most popular state to go off the grid. It is large, filled with natural beauty and isolated… Alaska’s laws are so good to people who want to live off the grid that it is like it was designed that way.”

“Alaska has the lowest taxes in the United States. There is no state income tax or statewide sales tax, meaning more money stays in your pocket. Alaska has a wide array of natural resources such as fish and hunting, but you may have to import a lot of your fruit and vegetables which can add up,” adds Hillsborough Homesteading.

“With its rugged terrain and abundant natural resources, Alaska is the perfect place for homesteaders looking for an adventurous lifestyle… Since Alaska is so sparsely populated, there are many areas that offer the opportunity to build a cabin or home completely off-grid,” details Persurvive.

4. Colorado

The Centennial State on the mountain offers natural bounty for the dedicated off-grid enthusiast. Thanks to mother nature, Colorado has plenty to offer those that want to live off the land. Persurvive explains, “Colorado offers a variety of homesteading opportunities, from small rural plots to larger subdivisions… Its moderate temperatures make it easy to grow a variety of crops, as well as to keep livestock. The state is also known for its 300 days of sunshine each year, making it ideal for solar energy systems.”

Texas Real Food offers, “If you’re looking for a state that offers vast natural landscapes, abundant sunshine, and potential breeding ground for Rockies, Colorado is the perfect fit. The dry climate of the state makes it perfect for solar panels, and the abundance of national forests and open land make it possible to harvest resources sustainably.”

Utopia states, “This state gets plenty of sunshine and solar power is a popular energy source. There are state incentives and rebates for installing these types of systems. When it comes to water, you can harvest rainwater (though there are limits), and you’ll need to apply for a permit for other water use.”

5. California

The big state out west offers several challenges but is overall quite suitable for off-grid living. The mighty forests of northern California are amenable to off-grid life. Bob Villa.com claims, “The Northern part of the state is a homesteader’s paradise. This region is ideal for off-grid living because of its temperate climate and low property taxes and land prices. There’s also easy access to plenty of fresh water.”

“Farmland is one of the reasons it’s highly recommended for an off-grid lifestyle. ‘California wins the title of ‘The Off-Grid State.’ If you live in Los Angeles, San Francisco or San Diego, you may well have an off-gridding Instagram-user right next door. For Californians, it appears off-grid living is about living an eco-conscious life,”’ relates modernglobe.

Texas Real Food reviews, “If you’re looking at a sustainable lifestyle, California provides for off-grid living at its best. The state has an excellent rating system which started in 2018. Besides the incentives, the state boasts of its off-grid infrastructure, which is creative and innovative.”

6. Maine

The far reaches of the northeastern United States are home to forests, mountains, and rivers. The plentiful natural resources offset the harsh winters. “Zoning and state laws are agreeable to off-grid living. In non-tourist and remote areas of the state, the land is inexpensive, and the population density and crime rate are low… The growing season is short compared to some midwestern and southern states, but crop production could be increased via greenhouse and indoor growing,” according to Homestead Survival Site.

Off Grid Grandpa asserts, “Maine is a relatively good state for off grid living, although it has a somewhat harsh climate… The best part about living off the grid in this state is that if you want to use renewable energy then the state offers several incentives and rebates which will reduce the cost of the setup significantly.”

Persurvive evaluates, “Off grid living in Maine is great because there’s plenty of land available at reasonable prices, and the climate is perfect for growing crops and raising livestock… Additionally, Maine’s coastline is rich with lobster, crabs, and other seafood, providing a sustainable source of protein for homesteaders.”

7. Missouri

Missouri is attractive for a great combination of climate and permissive laws. Homesteaders have a variety of resources available to aid them. Utopia compliments, “Missouri has very relaxed off-grid laws, particularly when it comes to zoning regulations, building codes, and even homeschooling — which is a great option for those wishing to raise their families off-grid… Missouri boasts great farmland along with short, temperate winters, so growing your own crops shouldn’t be a problem.”

Valley Food Storage assures, “Missouri is one of the friendliest states regarding regulations that allow off-grid living. There is still a lot of rural land in Missouri without any zoning laws. In those areas, all you have to do is follow local building codes, including connecting to the sewage system or installing a septic system. Farmland has lower property taxes in Missouri. Therefore, you can save a lot of money by using your land to raise agriculture and animals.”

Off Grid Grandpa articulates, “The local climate is excellent for growing crops, winters are fairly mild, and this state doesn’t have any problems with freshwater. The cost of living is lower than the national average and the cost of housing and property is around 30% lower than the national average.”

Sources:

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.

Source: Study Finds

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