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States You Can Live Off the Grid In the US

June 3, 2024


Sustainable living is the order of the day, and living off the grid is one of the most significant ways to do it. The list below is where you can live off the grid in the US. It’s cost-effective, energy-efficient, and helps you become self-sufficient. If you’re unfamiliar with the notion, living off the grid entails surviving only on natural resources. Simply put, your essential resources such as food, water, and power will be produced naturally and efficiently.

You can opt to live off the grid in any US state as long as you follow the laws of that state. Some states, however, are better suited than others because they offer lower living costs, more fabulous open spaces, better climatic conditions, and the resources needed to live off the grid. Continue reading to learn about the best states in the United States to live off the grid.

COLORADO

Colorado has been one of the most hospitable states in the United States in recent years. It’s also one of the best states in the country for living off the grid. The state has taken many steps to ensure that zoning regulations are more flexible, one of the fundamental causes. In addition to low-cost land, many counties in Colorado are now offering green and sustainable housing options. It’s also a budget-friendly state with plenty of energy resources. With its generally bright summers and windy winters, Colorado’s climate lends itself to off-grid life to some extent.

Some of the best spots to live off the grid in Colorado are Eagle County, Las Animas County, El Paso County, Delta County, Weld County, Jefferson County, and San Juan County. Most of these places get enough rain to allow rainwater gathering at the moment. While many of these regions have zoning rules and building codes that are more flexible, if you plan on living off the grid in Colorado, you should check them out ahead of time and follow them.

Here are the things to know before relocating to Colorado

MISSOURI

Living off the grid necessitates the provision of water, food, shelter, and power. All of these features are readily available in Missouri, making it one of the best states in the country for living off the grid. Off-grid settlement is actively supported and encouraged by the state. Except for septic, many localities have extremely little or no building codes. Because the state does not tightly regulate an individual’s life, you have the freedom to create a comfortable living area.

Another advantage of living off the grid in Missouri is the state’s geographical location. The cost of housing and land is over 30% lower than the national average, while the overall cost of living is around 15% lower. Even the climate in the area is ideal for cultivating various crops. The only thing you should be concerned about is Missouri’s high crime rate. On the other hand, Missouri is a terrific spot to live off the grid if you’re willing to look past it.

Homesteading and off-grid living are popular in Missouri’s Lewis County, Texas County, Franklin County, Worth County, Linn County, Ralls County, and Howell County.

Want to move to Missouri? Read our Guide in Relocating to Missouri.

FLORIDA

The Sunshine State has a lot of things to enjoy about it. Florida has it all: beautiful beaches, natural hot springs, and various lakes, rivers, and aquatic bodies to explore. Florida also does not disappoint when it comes to living off the grid. Living off the grid is permitted in Florida as long as you follow the Florida Building Code, Florida Fire Prevention Code, and Florida Life Safety Codes. It’s also important to remember that if you want to live entirely off the grid in Florida, you’ll need to connect to a municipal sewage system if one is available.

Another advantage of living off the grid in Florida is the state’s climate. Most locations have a warm and pleasant environment with lots of sunlight throughout the year. The majority of agriculturally designated areas in Florida allow cattle. When you’re living off the grid, this makes it easier to prepare ahead for your meals. Florida has plenty of open space and natural resources for you to select from when living off the grid. Another advantage is that it is just seven states without a state income tax. So you save some money there as well!

Some of the most popular places to live off the grid in Florida are Liberty County, Lake County, Monroe County, Collier County, Broward County, Glades County, and Jackson County.

Need Help in Moving to Florida? Here’s the List of Moving Companies in Florida.

ALASKA

As the country’s northernmost state, Alaska is almost devoid of a dense human population. As a result, living off the grid in the woods is a serene and natural experience. What’s especially intriguing about this isolated state is that it has relatively lax laws and regulations, at least when it comes to setting up your off-grid farm. However, it’s always a good idea to verify your state’s legislation and become familiar with local solar and wind energy generation restrictions.

Alaska is a more isolated state in general. So, when looking for a place to live off the grid, be sure the surroundings are comfortable for you. It would help if you familiarized yourself with the state because not all regions are easily accessible, particularly during the winter. Overall, The Last Frontier provides many favorable conditions for living off the grid. It is home to lush green woods, abundant natural resources, and a wide range of species.

Some areas in Alaska are better suited for off-grid living than others. Fairbanks North Star, Unorganized Borough, Matanuska-Susitna, Anchorage, Kodiak Island, and Yakutat are some of the boroughs worth mentioning.

Relocating to Alaska? Read our Things to Bring When Moving to Alaska.

OREGON

With so much greenery and open space, it’s no surprise that Oregon is one of the best states in the country for living off the grid. The state takes pride in having nearly 300 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean. Aside from magnificent beaches and plenty of green spaces, Oregon also has a lively cultural scene, ensuring that you will never be bored. Oregon’s various landscapes include lakes, mountains, and lush river valleys, making it one of the most beautiful areas to live off the grid. You may organize travel trips and pleasant weekend getaways to explore the splendor of the Beaver State no matter where you are.

The Mediterranean climate that Oregon enjoys is also appealing to many people who call it home. It’s also one of the most environmentally friendly states in the country, laying the framework for off-grid living that’s sustainable. The climate and the land and resource conditions make it possible to grow vegetables and generate electricity with solar panels. Although land and home costs in the state may be a little on the high side, you will save money on taxes. This is because Oregon is one of the few states that does not levy a state sales tax.

Coos County, Josephine County, Wheeler County, Curry County, Jackson County, Douglas County, and Harney County are just a few of the numerous sites in Oregon where you can live off the grid. These areas have a cheaper cost of living and a pleasant climate.

Read our Detailed Guide Before Moving to Oregon

HAWAII

Not only is Alaska’s northernmost state appealing for living off the grid, but Hawaii’s southernmost state is as well. The state’s abundance of sunshine, rain, wind, and excellent soil make it a desirable location for living off the grid. You’ll see that most of Hawaii is already off the grid, so you’ll likely meet other people who share your enthusiasm for this way of life.

Although the state is stunning in many ways, you should be aware that the cost of living in Hawaii is among the highest in the country. Everything in Hawaii is expensive, from the exorbitant cost of real estate to imported commodities.

Hawaii County and Maui County are two of the most popular places in the state to live off the grid. Hawaii County has a comparatively low population density and has the lowest cost of living in the entire state. Other appropriate spots to live off the grid in the Aloha State include:

Ready to Move to Hawaii? Read the Things You Should Know Before Moving

LOUSIANA

Louisiana is one of the most significant states to consider if you seek a cheap and economic area to start living off the grid. Louisiana’s state regulations typically support off-grid living, making it easier to obtain off-grid water and power for your property. The Bayou State, in short, contains everything you’ll need to live off the grid. It has a long growing season, low property prices, and an abundance of freshwater. Don’t be shocked if you find a lot of off-grid settlements thriving in Louisiana; the state has a lot to offer!

One of the best things about living off the grid in Louisiana is that you can set up shop nearly anyplace. You must follow all applicable zoning and building regulations, but they are somewhat flexible. Warm weather and farming culture in the state are just the icings on the cake for easy off-grid life. Because Louisiana is a water-rich state, its water-rights regulations are particularly favorable to off-grid living.

Caddo Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, Claiborne Parish, Cameron Parish, Tensas Parish, and Ouachita Parish are some of the most excellent counties in Louisiana to live off the grid. These locations are suitable for living off the grid in Louisiana because of their unique geographical location and inexpensive property costs.

Our Detailed Guide in Moving To Louisiana will help you get everything ready.

FINAL WORD

There are numerous advantages to living off the grid. It fosters the concept of self-sufficiency while also providing a lower cost of living. For some, the transition to off-grid living may seem overwhelming, but with proper planning and preparation, you can secure a successful ending.

If you’re looking for a spot to live off the grid in the United States, consider one of these top states. These states’ laws, in addition to having the necessary resources, also promote the idea of living off the grid to some level. So you can start planning and setting the groundwork for a safe and healthy off-grid adventure.

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