Best Places to Move to be Self-Sufficient and Off the Grid
A number of Americans with growing concerns about the economy, society, or a major catastrophic event, are increasingly looking to off the grid living. People are looking to relocate away from cities into more rural areas. Off the grid sustainable communities have even begun forming around the country. Going off the grid means that you find alternate means of producing your own power, procuring your own water, growing your own food, and dispensing of your own sewage.
One of the biggest factors is, if you do live in a city, do you have the means to escape a catastrophe and even make it to a place where you can live off the grid? We highly recommend an escape bag even for seasoned preppers, check out our EmergencyCamo Bug Out Bag/Survival Kit Backpack
Often people ask what the best places are to go off the grid. But what is right for one person is not necessarily right for another. Socrates said: “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” To begin you should decide what lifestyle suits your personality. Are you a rugged individualist who can be happy in an isolated cabin in the mountains with just your loyal dog as a company? Or would you prefer to live in a community of like-minded people? Asking yourself a lot of questions about why you want to move, what your overall goals are, and what lifestyle that you envision for yourself will help to get you to where you truly want to be. You should write everything down along with the pros and cons of each choice.
Here are the main aspects to take into consideration any potential move to off the grid living. You should analyze a potential move from every angle possible to ensure that you make the best choices possible.
While off the grid living gives you a lot of freedom, keep in mind when purchasing a property that you still have to adhere to local zoning laws. Choosing this lifestyle is a major undertaking, so developing a long-term plan can ensure a successful transition.
Weather
Employment
Cost of Living/ Budget
Property / Housing
Taxes
Healthcare
Local culture
Strength of local economy
Local building codes/ zoning restrictions
Water availability
Waste disposal/ septic system regulations
Proximity to medical facilities/ shopping/ schools/
Garbage disposal
Internet access
Growing season
Proximity to family
After getting all of the above aspects of a potential move in order, you should consider visiting the potential area that you’re considering a move to, and get a feel for it. Try to meet the locals to see if it would be a good fit for you. Once you have a thorough plan in place and have done your homework, trust your gut feelings as to whether an area is right for you or not.
Making a major life change such as going off the grid can seem like an intimidating prospect. It’s important to know what type of life you envision for yourself and your family in the coming years. That will give you the grit to continue moving in that direction in spite of the seemingly endless hurdles. You’ll know that in the end, it will have all been worth it.
