tiny home in the middle of nowhere with a lovely garden

Best Places to Live Off the Grid In the USA [2024]

Written by:Elle Meager

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Have you considered the freedom, independence, and self-reliance you’ll achieve by living off the electrical grid? In 2024, it’s never made more sense to so many people. But what are the best places to live off the grid in the USA?

Continue reading along to learn about the best places to live off-grid. No matter which country you’re from! We’ll also discuss many considerations you need before choosing the best location for your off-gridding lifestyle.

Beautiful rural and off-grid homestead in Wyoming.

Let’s not waste any time here today. I’m excited about this!

Annnnnd, we’re off!

What Is Off-Grid Living?

Off-grid living is an attitude and a lifestyle based on a deep internal desire to live more independently, away from the masses in the cities.

While many homesteaders consider the term off-grid to only pertain to the electrical grid, many modern folks prefer to live without water or sewage services and other commodities in towns and cities.

Of course, that doesn’t mean living without electricity, water, natural gas, or a proper sewage system. It just means sourcing these resources independently instead of relying on the city government to do it for you.

Next, we should examine some of the enticing benefits of an off-grid lifestyle.

After that, we’ll look at the vital factors you must consider before choosing any location to begin living this adventuresome, close-to-nature lifestyle.

Now you know this is fun!

couple in warm puffy jackets enjoying a cozy campfire
Off-grid living is all about existing outside the confines of municipal services – like electric, gas, water, and sewer systems. But off-grid living is also a lot more than that! Off-grid living means being more self-reliant and living closer to nature. It means unplugging from the stresses of the rat race and trying to make it on your own. Off-grid homesteading is a lot of work. But the results are liberating and rewarding beyond the effort! And we’re about to share some of the best places to live off the grid in the USA. But first, let’s discuss some off-grid essentials all homesteaders should know.

Benefits of Off-Grid Living

Before we dive in and talk about how wonderful it is to live off-grid (which it is!), let’s have a few words of reality-checking.

Living off the grid isn’t always pleasurable and easy. It’s hard work – like anything worth pursuing. It requires a lot of work on a repetitive basis – like the following.

However, this alternative lifestyle is becoming more and more popular, on a worldwide basis, for a lot of good reasons, even though the previously-mentioned challenges will be present.

Some of the most beneficial aspects of living off-grid include achieving a greater sense of personal fulfillment, living more independently, saving a lot of money on unnecessary purchases, helping to make the global environment more sustainable, lowering your carbon footprint, and being surrounded by the beauty of nature, free of the hustle, bustle, crime, and busyness of the cities.

tiny house with a massive garden in the middle of the woods
Some of the best off-grid benefits are also the easiest to overlook. Consider the skill of raising livestock for meat and raising chickens for eggs, and also growing fresh vegetable crops alongside fruit and nut trees. How much is food security worth? To us – it’s priceless. Off-grid homesteaders also build survival skills like canning, food preservation, fire starting, mechanical, wood-cutting, hunting, and food foraging. We also believe living off-grid and living closer to nature improves mental health. Living off-grid lets you unplug from the world’s worries. And live your life as nature intended. (All these benefits are aside from saving money on all the frivolous things modern humans swear that they need!)

6 Important Factors for Choosing the Best Place to Live Off the Grid

Living off-grid in one location will be an entirely different experience than living off-grid somewhere else. It’s wise to consider some critical location-specific factors before living off-grid anywhere, even in established off-grid communities. They include:

  1. The weather conditions that you will have to live with
  2. The community of people who will live nearby you and be your neighbors
  3. The cost of the land
  4. The governmental regulations you will be subject to
  5. The quality of the land you’re considering living on
  6. The availability of clean water

Let’s analyze these critical factors more closely so that you can better understand what to look for when choosing the best place to live off-grid for you and your family.

Climate

Our editor, Elle, lives in a tropical climate. Sometimes, her gardens receive over 40" of rain in a week. When it rains, it pours! It's important to plan and build resilient gardens that can withstand everything the climate and weather throw at you!
Our editor, Elle, lives in a tropical climate. Sometimes, her gardens receive over 40″ of rain in a week. When it rains, it pours! It’s important to plan and build resilient gardens that can withstand everything the climate and weather throw at you!

Are you the kind of person who likes four seasons every year, as I do? Or do you prefer sunshine and warm temps all the time? Or something else?

Consider which climate best suits you and your family’s wants and desires. Also, very importantly, changing seasons present different challenges for homesteaders.

Think about how you will get through brutally cold winters if you choose to live somewhere where frigid temperatures are the norm.

Likewise, how will you stay cool during heated summers in a tropical location? And what about the rain and wind? Are you prepared to battle tornadic weather conditions?

It’s all about location. Research prospective locations for your off-grid lifestyle by doing an Internet search for something like “historical weather patterns in Texas, USA.”

That’ll be a perfect starting spot to understand how you would face natural disasters like drought, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding, and wildfires. It all matters if you’re considering living there permanently.

Community

Our neighbor lives miles away. His cows run in the paddock next to ours. We keep an eye on his cattle, especially during severe weather. My daughter took this incredible photo last week! Several cows got frightened and escaped. They were promptly mustered back into their paddocks by my daughters and their horses. In return, we borrow farm tools like post-hole diggers and hay bale lifters and use his cattle yards. A great deal for all!
Editor’s note: Our neighbor lives miles away. His cows run in the paddock next to ours. We keep an eye on his cattle, especially during severe weather. My daughter took this incredible photo last week! Several cows got frightened and escaped. They were promptly mustered back into their paddocks by my daughters and their horses. In return, we borrow farm tools like post-hole diggers and hay bale lifters and use his cattle yards. A great deal for all!

When you live off-grid, you still have neighbors somewhere nearby, even if they’re 20 miles away. And that’s a good thing because everybody needs somebody now and then.

However, it’s still an intelligent move to research who your neighbors will be, their belief systems, and how they will respond to you being in their neck of the woods.

Stop by and say hello. See how your neighbors make you feel. It matters, especially if they are right up the road from your homestead – and doubly so if they are in earshot.

Typically, it’s no big deal. And most off-grid homesteaders tend to get along famously. However, we all know that some people seem to have problems with everybody.

And, of course, you’ll want to get along with your neighbors, whether you ever visit and talk with them or not. It’s good to be able to drive by, give a friendly wave, and know that there’s no animosity, only respect.

Cost of Land

Be aware of the potential pitfalls of cheap land and know that price should not be your first consideration when choosing the best off-grid location to launch a homestead. How many acres of land will be best? An enticingly low price tag is often symbolic of the land’s quality.

Maybe there was a chemical spill there in the past. Maybe there’s no available clean water for miles. Research these variables before committing to buying your off-grid tract.

private wooden house cabin in the middle of the woods
Rural locations are the most popular for an off-grid lifestyle since rural areas usually have fewer residential zoning laws, lower taxes, cheaper land, and access to fresh drinking water. New Mexico, Virginia, Maine, Oregon, and Pennsylvania are some of the most famous off-grid locations. However, we made a list of four states we like better. We reveal them later in this article.

Government

Unfortunately, we all have to deal with the regulations and rules set forth by our local governments. So before you decide on any particular location to live off-grid, research the following.

  • Local building codes
  • Rules about raising livestock
  • Clean water sources and harvesting laws
  • Guidelines specifically about living off of the electrical grid. (Normally a bad sign.)
  • Other regulations that will affect the way that you are allowed to operate your homestead

If you are like me, you like as little governmental interference in your life as possible. Own your land. Pay your taxes. Don’t break any laws. And look for a place with the smallest government. Enjoy the natural beauty.

That’s my advice, anyway. 🙂

Land Quality

Land quality typically coincides with the price of a parcel of land. Ideally, you would want to set up your homestead in a location with a climate that you find desirable, a low probability of experiencing a natural disaster, no history of toxic chemical spillage, the ready availability of clean water, and plenty of annual rainfall to grow your garden in rich soil.

cabin in the woods next to a lake powered by solar energy
Check out this beautiful solar-powered off-grid cabin located near fresh water. It reminds us that homesteaders can live off-grid almost anywhere. However, some locations are far superior to others. The local climate, laws, weather, and water access are a few of the top variables to consider.

Water

From washing your hands to planting a seed, maintaining a clean home, cooking food, and so much more, our water supply is second in importance to life only after the air that we breathe. It’s tricky to live with any degree of comfort without a ready source of clean water.

So, water availability is vital when choosing the best location to live off-grid. Look for an off-grid site with easy access to water from a clean lake, pond, spring, river, or a functioning well that’s safe to use.

Now, let’s get to what I believe to be four of the absolute best USA states to live off-grid in.

Yeeeeeeeee-HAW!

Here We Go!

Read More!

Where Can I Live Off-Grid In The USA?

The ready availability of Internet service, composting toilets, solar power systems, water collection systems, hydroponic gardening systems, wind generators, and various other products and systems make living off-grid possible just about anywhere in the world.

It’s not IF you can live off-grid. But if you are allowed to legally.

Again, back to the government.

Whether you’re in Canada, the United States, Australia, or anywhere else in the world, you are subject to the rules and regulations set forth by the government of that locality.

In some municipalities, some laws restrict using products like composting toilets, rain harvesting systems, solar electric systems, and other products that off-grid enthusiasts typically use.

Other localities have rules against raising livestock like goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, swine, cattle, and other animals that many homesteaders raise for companionship, ecological purposes, meat, eggs, milk, fur, revenue, and other purposes – even though people have been doing this for many, many thousands of years!

So, back to the point, where can you live off-grid in the United States?

Well, you’ll have to research each location. However, the following are my top four picks for the best places to live off grid in the USA.

They are as follows:

  1. Kentucky
  2. Montana
  3. Oklahoma
  4. Texas

Let’s look at each of these states closer. And specifically, how they accommodate the off-grid lifestyle.

Kentucky

welcome to kentucky roadside along state highway
We love Kentucky for an off-grid lifestyle! Kentucky offers an excellent mix of a low cost of living and an off-grid-friendly approach compared to other states. We also found that over fourteen thousand Amish live in Kentucky. (We mention the high Amish population in Kentucky because the Amish are famous for living minimalist off-grid lifestyles – and closer to nature.) Kentucky also has some of the most dazzling natural sights in the US. Off-grid enthusiasts can feast their eyes on beautiful lakes, river valleys, lush forests, and hills that stretch as far as the eye can see. And don’t forget Mammoth Cave! It’s arguably the vastest underground cave system anywhere. Another little-known fact about Kentucky is that it borders seven other US states – perfect if you love traveling, sightseeing, or visiting the best recreational sites in the region. Kentucky borders West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Indiana, Missouri, Illinois, and Ohio.

My mother was from Kentucky. My father was from Kentucky. I was born in Ohio. And now own land in Kentucky. I love Kentucky!

Kentucky is a beautiful state located in the Heartland of the USA. And it offers a distinct combination of affordable land, some of the lowest costs for living in the country, low property taxes, and a long agricultural season with plenty of rain and subtropical climatic conditions. The perfect place to live off the grid.

Kentucky also gives you much warmer, shorter-lasting, and less intense winters than Ohio, where I spent much of my life. You’ll find land prices in Kentucky to be significantly less than in most other states in the US. Kentucky is also abundant in wildlife, making hunting excellent year-round.

And its aforementioned subtropical climatic conditions make it perfect for a long gardening season, allowing you to maximize your food storage for the winter.

And most importantly to me, at least in my neck of the woods in Kentucky, no overzealous local governmental authorities are harassing me or any of my homesteading neighbors.

We all love to take care of ourselves without needing any intervention from legal authorities. We watch our backs. We help each other when needed. The way life should be.

And you know what?

We never have any problems here!

Montana

welcome to montana sign in the beautiful wilderness
When friends ask us where they can live off-grid in the USA and enjoy the great outdoors, we tell them about Montana. Montana features many breathtaking outdoor locations, beautiful rolling hills, stunning mountain settings, and ample open space perfect for homesteading, farming, hunting, fishing, rafting, riding, herding, swimming, hiking, and more. The property taxes are also low at only .83%. And Montana has some of the best parks, entertainment, and public services – including Makoshika State Park, where you can see Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops fossil remains. The Lewis and Clark Caverns contains one of the most beautiful limestone caverns in the country. And you can also visit the Beartooth Mountains for an unforgettable scenic mountain range with recreation areas and over 300 lakes in the district! It’s arguably the most breathtaking outdoor location in the USA.

Montana is an excellent choice of state to begin homesteading, especially if you aspire to conduct any ranching operation.

Speaking of ranching, one serious concern about Montana land is the probability of experiencing ruthless Prairie winds. The winds make a mountainous location more attractive for most off-grid homesteaders. A mountain location will also make the cold winter months more bearable.

The only thing I can see good about homesteading in a prairie-winded location for those not needing grasslands for livestock rearing would be to harvest wind power with wind turbines.

But there’s no way I would move to a place like that.

I’m all for a nice, cool breeze. But unending attacking winds, no thanks!

I’ll stay in the mountains.

Oklahoma

welcome to oklahoma sign discover the excellence
If you want an off-grid lifestyle with the best BBQ scenes in the country at affordable prices, then it’s tough to beat Oklahoma. Oklahoma is famous as one of the ten most affordable states, and we’re not alone in our belief, as usnews.com also lists Oklahoma as second overall. (They list Mississippi as the only state with better affordability.) The Oklahoma economy is also excellent and arguably one of the strongest in the country – so you can likely find work in one of the major cities if needed. One of the only notable downsides of Oklahoma is the insane weather. Oklahoma is known for severe tornadoes, flash floods, thunderstorms, and hail. (Oklahoma averages about 68 tornadoes yearly.)

Like Montana, Oklahoma presents a wide range of off-the-power-grid living – offering windy grasslands in the west for livestock farmers and more sheltered mountainous locations in the east for those who don’t want to have to deal with the unending blowing. (That would be me. I can’t stand constant wind!)

Oklahoma offers off-grid tenants an alluring blend of affordable land, ecological diversity, mild winters, dewy sweet summers, and loads of natural waterways, ponds, and lakes. All within Positioned in America’s Heartland.

Oklahoma also offers prime forested regions with superior hunting, trapping, and fishing opportunities. Important for our list of best places to live off the grid!

And who the heck doesn’t like mouthwatering smoked salmon and delectable braised rabbit?

I have to stop now. My mouth is watering!

Texas

welcome to texas state sign reminding drivers to drive friendly
Texas is another excellent off-grid location for homesteaders, ranchers, or anyone who wants to avoid a harsh winter. Texas has beautiful weather almost year-round, with the average overall temperature ranging from 62 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit over the last 40 years. The Texas economy is also booming – with many jobs, an increasing population, and bustling economic growth. As a bonus – there’s no state income tax. Sweet! However, Texas makes up for its lack of income tax payrolls by charging high property taxes – around 1.7%. We’re also concerned that Texas may run out of affordable drinking water if droughts persist or the population keeps skyrocketing.

After Alaska, Texas is by far the largest in the United States. As such, it offers a wide range of ecological diversity, natural resources, fishing and hunting opportunities, and affordable land.

The one thing to watch out for most when considering purchasing a piece of land off of the electric grid in Texas is the availability of potable water. Water is unavailable in locations throughout the state. You may not find ample water as in other states, like Kentucky.

Certain areas in Texas are prone to drought during hot summers with almost no rainfall. On the positive side, it makes some land throughout The Lonestar State very affordable and easy to purchase. If you’re considering this route to choose an off-grid location, plan for water harvesting and purification.

Solar energy isn’t likely going to be an issue!

And if you’re a hardcore off-grid buff, certain counties in Texas have no building codes. None whatsoever! You can be sure not to have anybody breathing down your back about what you do on your property, which some people, including me, find very enticing.

However, in 2024, with the current influx of illegal immigrants, you may want to choose a more populated area where you’ll have neighbors, building codes, and public safety officers because the situation may take a while to get better.

Still, overall, Texas represents one of the ripest tapestries for off-gridding opportunities compared to anywhere else in the United States of America. If you want to get off the electrical grid, be smart about it. Conduct your research. And consider the many advantages that Texas has to offer as one of the best places to live off the grid.

Final Thoughts about Living Off-Grid In the USA In 2024

Living in an off-grid home is an atypical lifestyle that makes sense to more and more people every year. It’s a return to sanity for many when we see where the world has gone and where it seems to be going increasingly. Off-grid living, in my book, is just a logical return to better ways of going through life.

If you are considering changing from a traditional to an off-grid lifestyle, give it some deliberate and unrushed thought. Talk with your loved ones and family about the move. If you’re embracing off-gridding as a lifestyle, everything will become different.

In my case, everything became better. But I believe that’s because I had an intelligent plan. It didn’t happen overnight. I worked for several years to make it happen. It’s still a work in progress, but the rewards are beyond anything I can write here.

Thank you for reading along! And I hope you have enjoyed learning valuable information about the best places to live off the grid in the USA, Canada, Australia, or anywhere else on this beautiful planet!

In the meantime, if you have more questions about the best places to live off-grid? Feel free to drop us a line.

We love hearing from fellow homesteading enthusiasts.

Thanks again for reading.

And have a great day!

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Homesteader, Blogger, Farmer, Mom

Alan is a country boy who loves everything about nature and very little about big cities! He’s a quiet nerdy copywriter who loves gardening, hunting, fishing, and enjoying all of the majestic gifts that nature provides constantly. If you pull over to the side of the road on a deepwoods excursion, grab your binocs, and think you see Bigfoot, it could be Alan out on an afternoon stroll Tarzan-Yell out and say Hello!

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