What is the best state to live off the grid? The intention of this article is to give you an answer to this question. The topic of living off the grid has become very popular. This is particularly true amongst preppers, homesteaders and survivalists.
The reason for the urge to live off the grid is due to any number of things. It could be the need to prepare for a possible collapse of modern times. Or, the need to get a feeling of independence. Or, to be rid of excessive utility bills.
It can become quite confusing when trying to determine which state is the best one for living a life off the grid. A lot of states have passed laws to illegalize the act of living off the grid. But, there are some places where you can go get the independence you desire. As well as live a lifestyle free from the stress of modern-day.
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What are Some of the Best States to Live off the Grid?
You have made the brave decision to go off the grid. There are a few things you need to take into consideration to make this work out.
The first things to check out are the state laws in the area you choose to live off the grid. A lot of negative legislation has made it almost illegal to live off the grid, so check out those new laws. After you have done that, here are some other things to take into consideration.
- Homesteading-don’t spend all your resources, energy, and time trying to build the ideal off-the-grid home.
- Water- you need to ensure the place you plan to live off the grid has an adequate source of water. Should that water ever run dry, what will you do to sustain the need for this liquid stuff until it’s supply resumes?
- The cost- you want to make sure the land you buy is not going to put you in debt. The primary reason for going off the grid is to be self-sufficient and do away with outside sources. To make this a successful try you need to ensure the cost is affordable.
- Sense of community- if things get crazy, you want to make sure there are people in your corner who think as you do.
The next section offers some information about some of the best states for living off the grid.
Some of the Best States to Live off the Grid
Now that you are aware of what to look for and think about when living off the grid, this section is going to cover some of the best states you might want to consider.
1. Alaska
We all are familiar with the natural beauty and isolated territories that make up Alaska. For this reason, this is the number one spot for living off the grid. Even though Alaska is a beautiful state, there are things to think about that might not be so wonderful.
The number one downside to this beautiful state is the weather. It is no secret how cold it gets in Alaska–temperatures can dip to the -65 Fahrenheit range. The average temperature are 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Which to some is a doable temperature.
It will take some major adjusting to living off the grid in Alaska. Be prepared for lots of snow–an average of 74 inches per year! The annual amount of rainfall is 16.57 inches–so there will not be any fear of losing water sources.You will need to make adjustments to your garden and any livestock you may want to raise.
There are no laws against homeschooling in Alaska. If you have school-age children, this is a bonus. Alaska is the lowest tax burden in the U.S. This means they do not tax sales, estates, inheritance, or income. Only 25 percent of the municipalities tax property. This said, you can see why Alaska is the number one state for going off the grid.
The laws in Alaska are to encourage people to live off the grid. There is nothing against gardening or raising farm animals. You are only required to provide warm shelter and fenced pasture. Besides, there are no laws against the owning of guns.
2. Tennessee
Though not as common as Alaska for living off the grid, Tennessee has some remarkable points. It is popular for having mild weather and was once elected the “free-est state”.
The laws for raising farm animals has made Tennessee one of the top states for living off the grid. Additionally, you will not have to worry about water, since Tennessee is the 5th wettest state in the U.S.
The weather in Tennessee is less harsh than Alaska–this state has four real seasons. July is the hottest month with average temperatures of 89 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest temperatures are in January, with temperatures averaging around 27 degrees Fahrenheit.
One of the downsides to living in Tennessee is the temperatures do get pretty humid. This is something you need to consider in respect to a cooling system in your off-grid home. Also, Tennessee is prone to tornadoes, and if you plan to live in the mountains– expect a good deal of snow.
If you have school-aged children, the homeschooling laws in Tennessee are medium-regulated. Meaning parents must notify the state about the progress of their child’s schooling. Homeschooling laws are not as permissive as Alaska’s. But they are much more so than many of the other states.
There are not any laws regulating the harvesting of rainwater. This allows you to install a water system to capture rainfall. These laws permit the use of this precipitation for watering gardens and livestock.
In regards to other laws, there are none that regulate how you grow your garden and graze your livestock. You can grow a garden in the front yard and graze your livestock all year round.
It is also cheap to live in Tennessee in comparison to other regions in the United States. Transportation, housing, and utilities are cheaper and lower than the national average.
3. Missouri
Missouri is actually one of the few states which encourages living off the grid. There is no interference by state authorities. Except for safe water and septic systems.
If Missouri is where you choose to live off the grid. There are no codes that restrict zones or buildings. The weather in Missouri is not as extreme as Alaska, yet not as mild as Tennessee.
The average temperatures are 50 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter, the lowest recorded temperature was -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can expect an average of 41 inches of rain and 25 inches of snow . There are no laws on harvesting rainwater, so water will not be an issue.
The weather tends to be humid during the summertime. With this in mind, you need to consider a system for cooling your off the grid home.
Missouri has no homeschooling laws if you have school-age children. It is also referred to as a free state. You only need to carry a permit to have a handgun, and taxes are quite low here as well.
You can allow livestock to graze year-round. You are also permitted to grow the grain to feed your livestock in certain areas of the state.
When comparing the cost of living in Missouri to other states, it is rather low here. But, utilities do tend to get a bit higher. There are rules in regards to the water wells and systems for septic services.
This state is actually the ideal place for preppers as long as you stick to the rural zones. The reason being there is the lack of zoning or building restrictions.
4. Washington
Washington state offers plenty of natural resources. It also offers an excellent temperature and climate to build an off the grid homestead. Yet, there are some things which might make you a bit hesitant about living off the grid in Washington state.
But, you will still find this state offers a lot of beauty and resources for this type of lifestyle. When one describes the weather in Washington state, the word that comes to mind is “wet.” It rains an average of 38.4 inches each year; in the Cascade mountains, you can see up to 200 inches of snowfall.
You will never be lacking water in Washington. Rain harvesting is actually encouraged here. What this means to you when living life off the grid, is that you will never have to worry about water.Even though winters can be harsh, temperatures rarely dip below 46 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you have school-aged children, homeschooling laws are that of Tennessee. The parent’s only need to send in their child’s test scores, and an evaluation in regards to the child’s progress.
It is not difficult to maintain adherence to state laws due to how moderate they are. But laws on building codes are quite stern in this state. As are the regulations for the use of land for residential purposes. This might make you hesitant to choose Washington as the ideal state for living off the grid.
Life in Washington state may appear to have a higher cost of living; yet, these are numbers for city dwellers.
You also must be a certified egg handler to sell eggs at retail outlets in this state.
You can allow farm animals to graze all year long here. If you live in the northern regions,. You will need to provide supplements to feed them during the winter as it snows quite a bit. Additionally, you can have raw milk in Washington state.
The gun laws are pretty relaxed here, only requiring a permit to have a handgun. But, there are a little stricter regulations in how you store the ammunition.
5. Wyoming
Wyoming is a state with lots of natural beauty and resources. It also has a low population. The weather conditions of Wyoming may be what gives you hesitation in deciding to move here. Yet, there are far more advantages to disadvantages in living off the grid in Wyoming.
The weather in some regions of this state seems almost desert-like; some describe it as dry in the summer. Winters are long, and summers are even shorter. Temperatures dip as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, getting up to a chilling 38 degrees. The summertime temperatures range between 55 up to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wyoming’s climate is fair; but, water can become an issue. The average annual rainfall being only 12.9 inches and snowfall is variable. Certain areas of this state restrict the harvesting of rainwater. In areas that permit it, you must show verification of how you are using the rainwater you harvest.
The laws in regards to homeschooling your school-age children are quite easy-going. Parents are not required to inform the state of their intention to homeschool their kids. There is no need for parents to report to the state about the progress of their child’s school performance.
These homeschooling rules, and the easy-going gun laws makes Wyoming a free state.
The cost of living is greater than the average for the U.S. here in Wyoming. But, the laws in regards to construction within the countryside are easy going. Additionally, this state is tax-free. There is no income tax and the state tax is a low 4 percent.
Even though the property tax in Wyoming is a little higher than other areas. This does not create an imbalance because the rest of the taxes are so low.
6. Montana
Montana is a beautiful state. It has wide-open spaces that are perfect for living off the grid. The open skies and unlimited resources make this the ideal homesteading state.
The weather in Montana is flexible and the resources are abundant. All this makes this state an excellent location to allow you to sustain a country’s lifestyle.
Winters are often severe in this state with an average of 100 inches of snow. The average rainfall is about 13.26 inches during the spring which is the rainy season. Otherwise, the climate is dry. Unless there is a heatwave, the temperature never gets too hot. Montana is popular for its beautiful summers.
Dissimilar to Tennessee, the homeschooling laws are easy-going. Yet, parents must inform the state when they choose homeschooling as an option.
Homeschooling is not regulated as Washington state does. Montana laws do not need test scores or other professional evaluations.
Montana is one of the free states. There is no need for a gun permit in this state due to its lenient gun laws. This state is an open carry and conceals state.
Besides, the laws in regards to livestock are also easy going. Yet, due to the short growing season, you will have to ensure that you have extra feed available.
One negative aspect of the Montana law is that you cannot sell your raw milk. It is almost illegal to even drink the raw milk your farm produces.
As far as chickens go, you must have a permit to keep them; but, there is no limit to the amount. A permit is around $20. Also, you are completely legal to harvest all the rainwater you want.
Though property and taxes in Montana are a little higher than other states it’s build codes are lenient. Which does not need you jumping through a lot of hoops to build your dream homestead off the grid.
How to Prepare to Live Off the Grid
When you are preparing to live off the grid, there are some things you need to do to prepare for this new lifestyle. This type of lifestyle requires a lot of preparation and strategic planning. To live off the grid it means much more than buying some land in the middle of no-where and constructing a cabin on it.
You do not have to isolate yourself from the civilized world to live off the grid. Living off the grid means you are self-sufficient and free of the local power company. This new lifestyle is going to take commitment and require some form of investment. This article is intended to help you in preparing to live a life off the grid.
Now that you are familiar with the six best states for living off the grid. Here are a few things you need to do to prepare for making the move.
The first thing you should check out is the prices of the land. Keep in mind that if you spend less money on the land, you have more cash available to build your homestead.
Next, you need to check out what laws pertain to living off the grid. If they are too stringent, it can make your decision to live off the grid very difficult indeed.
You need to check what building codes are in place to regulate the materials you will use. Also, are there laws against the disconnection of an electric grid and septic systems? Are there penalties that you will subject to if you refuse to hook your home to these systems?
How much will the property taxes be yearly? The answer to this question is imperative. Particularly if you plan on building a home and living on that property for the long term. Will the land you buy for your homestead be affordable over the long haul?
The weather and climate must be adequate for the homestead you are planning to be successful. Wherever you decide to live off the grid the weather and climate need to agree with all your plans. It needs to be suitable for the crops and livestock you plan on growing and raising.
Check out with the local law enforcement what the crime rate is in your intended location. You want to ensure your future homestead’s protection against theft and vandalism.
What is the density or population of the area you intend to settle in? This is imperative should you plan on making this a survival retreat or bug out locale.
Ensure you verify the quality of the land you buy. If the land price is low, there could be a reason for it. There could be very little resources available on the land if the price is low.
The chance of natural disasters is something that makes a place a good location for living off the grid. The chance of a natural disaster does not make prime, off the grid real estate.
The cost of living in a location is something that makes it an appealing place to live off the grid. Being a homesteader means you have to buy everything yourself. Thus, you need to ensure the area has a fair cost of living. You need to be certain you can afford to live there without breaking your budget. You need to be able to get by before your first annual harvest.
Finally, one of the most important things is that you choose an area with good neighbors. These neighbors should have the same plans as you do. Your neighbors are not near, but you want to ensure they share an interest in bartering and trading goods. as well as provide you with their knowledge and skills if needed.
Conclusion
This article has covered some of the best states to live off the grid in. These are all very good states for living off the grid; but, this list is not all-inclusive, by any means.
There is an increasing amount of restrictions that apply to those wishing to live off the grid. It is becoming very difficult to find a good place to settle in.
The locations mentioned above are easy-going about harvesting rainwater and solar energy. Even though the perfect location is hard to find these states are pretty close to perfection.
With the right mindset and skills you will be able to drop off the grid. In the process you will learn how to live a very efficient lifestyle.
Finding the ideal location to live off the grid is not an easy thing to do. But, with this article as a guide, the job of finding the perfect off the grid location will be much easier.