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Living off the grid represents self-sufficiency and independence from the modern systems of the world. It’s a lifestyle all about embracing simplicity and relying on nature to provide you with necessities, such as water and power, rather than getting these services from suppliers.
Choosing where to build your off-grid sanctuary is crucial. Factors like access to water, vegetation, topography, local laws, and taxes play a significant role in deciding the perfect place.
Learn more about the best locations to live off-grid in the United States and explore the factors that impact the off-grid livability of a place.
‘Living off the Grid’: What Does It Mean?
Living off the grid refers to a lifestyle where individuals or families live in self-sufficient, often sustainable homes not connected to traditional utilities such as electricity, water, and sewage. Instead, they rely on alternative power systems and tend to conserve resources by reducing their dependence on modern technology. This lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular as people seek more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways of living.
Living “off-grid” means different things to different people. For some, it’s simply disconnecting from traditional society by living in an RV. For others, it means running a self-sustaining compound in the woods with permanent solar energy installations, water filtration systems, and waste removal.
Solar power, such as that produced by EcoFlow Solar Generators, is a popular form of energy for off-grid living because it’s a sustainable and renewable source that can power appliances, allows you to run AC/heat, and much more.
5 Best States To Live Off Grid
While living off the grid can be challenging, some states are more accommodating to this lifestyle than others. Climate, laws, taxes, freedom, agriculture, and resource access significantly determine the best states.
Considering these components, a few states stand out among the rest. Many states in the Southern region can offer all of the above, from Alabama and Tennessee to Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana. However, if you want more seasonal change and don’t mind a bit of cold weather, areas like Colorado, North Carolina, or Oregon also make a compelling case. Let’s explore five top states to live off-grid, starting with the warmer southern states and working our way Northwest.
Tennessee
Tennessee is known for its beautiful landscapes, friendly locals, and affordable living. It also has some of the most relaxed building codes, water rights, and land use laws in the United States, making it an ideal location for off-grid living. Many of its counties don’t have building codes, and it also has riparian water rights.
The state receives plenty of rain throughout the year, providing ample water for off-grid living. It also allows rainwater harvesting so that you can take advantage of that rainfall legally. Additionally, Tennessee’s mild climate allows for growing various crops and raising livestock for food. The state also offers financing incentives for sustainable energy production, making it an attractive choice for those seeking to live off the grid.
Texas
Another Southern state that ranks high on the list is Texas. With its vast land availability and low population density (especially in the West Texas region), there’s plenty of room to build self-sufficient homes. Texas has abundant sunshine, perfect for solar energy, and has lenient building codes and low taxes.
The state offers plenty of resources for off-grid living as well. You can find large plots of land at affordable prices, access to natural water sources, and ample opportunities for hunting and fishing.
Louisiana
Louisiana is worth considering if you’re looking for a state with a low cost of living. It has the tenth-lowest cost of living in the country. This Southern state offers mild weather, fertile land, and affordable housing options.
The state receives plenty of rainfall, providing ample water for off-grid living. Due to its warmer climate, off-gridders can plant seeds and vegetables in Louisiana all year round, making it ideal territory for agriculture and a self-sufficient diet.
Colorado
Colorado is a popular choice among off-gridders due to its gorgeous scenery and, in some areas, temperate winters that appeal to the off-grid lifestyle. Clean energy, such as wind and solar, is readily available off-grid in Colorado.
If you’re looking for an excellent spot to set up an off-grid living space, many Colorado counties’ lack of building codes makes them prime real estate.
Oregon
While not always top on the list for places to live off-grid, Oregon is often overlooked and can be an excellent haven for those who want to live a disconnected life. Here, you’ll enjoy a long growing season of up to 200 days per year, so growing your own agriculture won’t be a problem.
If you don’t want to be completely isolated and prefer to live in an off-grid community, head inland in Oregon, and you’ll find several flourishing options to become a part of.
Considering the large amounts of open land in this beautiful state, Oregon is a no-brainer for those who prefer to live in a lush area and don’t mind a bit of rain.
What To Consider When Choosing a Place to Live Off-Grid
When contemplating a transition to an off-grid lifestyle, consider the factors that can significantly impact your journey toward self-sufficiency. This decision shouldn’t be made hastily, as your chosen location sets the foundation for your off-grid living experience. Here are some key considerations when selecting the best place for off-grid living.
Water
The availability of water is crucial when living off the grid. Look for an area with access to natural sources, such as streams or rivers, and a feasible way to transport it to your home. Also, consider the rainfall in that specific location, as this will determine how much you can collect and store.
Living in areas where rainfall is few and far between will force you to conserve water, and this can be an added stress when you have to sustain your living. Choosing somewhere with ample water relieves this concern and ensures you’ll always have access to water for drinking, sewage, and more.
Beyond water availability, you must also consider the ease of access to said water. Legal or unrestricted laws should allow you to gather rainwater to ensure you’re not doing anything prohibited.
Vegetation
The type of plants, trees, and soil in your chosen area can determine how easily you can grow your food, forage, or find natural resources.
Consider the region’s climate and whether it’s suitable for growing crops or raising livestock – and how many days out of the year are you able to produce your own food? Also, check if any land-use regulations may impact your ability to have a garden or raise animals.
Topography
When choosing an off-grid location, consider the land’s physical characteristics, such as slope and elevation. The terrain can significantly impact water supply, agriculture success, and building opportunities. For example, living in a flat area with good drainage will make building structures and accessing water simpler than in a hilly region.
On the other hand, if you plan to use something like a micro-hydro turbine for power, you’ll want some elevation changes on your chosen property.
You should also consider what terrain appeals to you. If you prefer a mountain view, consider that when planning your move.
Temperature
Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can make survival challenging without access to modern amenities. Consider the average temperature range and how it may fluctuate throughout the year. Additionally, monitor how much sunlight the area receives, a factor that impacts agriculture and solar energy.
Suppose you use a whole-home energy source like any EcoFlow DELTA Solar Generators, such as the EcoFlow Delta Pro + 400W Solar Panel. In that case, you’ll need to ensure your panels get ample access to sunlight to power all your systems, appliances, and devices at your off-grid home base.
Laws
Research local laws and regulations of the state you’re assessing to check for any specific restrictions on off-grid practices like collecting rainwater or using solar panels. Living your off-grid lifestyle shouldn’t be a hassle, so choose a state that allows these things to make your lifestyle more enjoyable and always compliant.
Taxes
Taxes are another crucial factor when choosing a place to live off the grid. Research property tax rates, income taxes, and any other taxes or tariffs impacting the cost of living off-grid. For example, some states, such as Florida and Texas, do not have a state income tax, making them ideal areas to settle in.
Some states even offer incentives to live off-grid, such as state tax credits for installing solar energy. Exploring these options can help you minimize your costs, especially if you’re investing significantly in something like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra, which offers up to one entire month of home backup power. These incentives will offset your costs and make off-grid living more reasonable.
Can You Legally Live Off the Grid in the US?
The short answer is yes – you can legally live off the grid in most states in the US. No federal laws or regulations explicitly prohibit living off the grid, but you must consider state and local laws and regulations, as they vary widely between states and communities.
Do your due diligence and research the laws and regulations in the state and local community you choose to see how lenient their off-grid living policies are compared to other states. If there are too many restrictions on factors like building codes and water access, it might not be the right spot.
Some states may mandate how much rainwater you can legally collect to use personally, which can pose a problem. A rainwater harvesting map can help you understand these regulations and make a more informed decision.
Similarly, certain states may have stricter building codes or zoning laws that make it more challenging to build an off-grid home. Doing thorough research before settling on a location and even speaking with a legal consultant can ensure you comply with all laws and regulations while optimizing your off-grid lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best State To Live In Off-Grid?
The best state for off-grid living ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences, but will ideally be areas with lenient building and rainwater harvesting laws, moderate weather, and plenty of open land. Examples of good states for off-grid living include Colorado, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Oregon.
What State Is Best to Live Off the Land?
Living off the land includes getting most of your food, water, and energy resources from the natural land. The best places for this have long agricultural seasons, plenty of rainwater and bodies of water, and enough sunlight or wind to power alternative energy systems. Ideal areas include Oregon, Northern California, Alabama, and Tennessee.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best state to live off-grid is a personal decision that requires careful consideration and research. Factors such as water availability, vegetation, topography, laws, taxes, and temperature can significantly impact your off-grid living experience, so do your research to make an informed decision. Our research points us to recommending states like Texas, Oregon, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Colorado, but you may find that a different state suits your needs and preferences better.If you want to transition to an off-grid lifestyle, you may want to consider EcoFlow’s Whole Home Generator, a reliable and sustainable power source for your off-grid needs.
