For those looking for an alternative lifestyle and the freedom to live a more sustainable, independent life, homesteading and off-grid living may be the perfect choice.
With its wide-open spaces, plentiful resources, and diverse landscapes, the United States is the ideal place to homestead and live off-grid.
But not all states are equally well-suited for those looking to homestead or go off the grid. From the availability of land to the climate to the size of the homesteading community, there are numerous factors to consider when choosing a state to live in. That’s why we compiled this list of the best states for homesteading and off grid living.
The 12 best homestead states are Colorado, Tennessee, Arizona, Alaska, Michigan, Idaho, Maine, Oregon, Montana, Connecticut, West Virginia, and Missouri. Let’s dive into more detail.
Table of Contents
1. Colorado
Colorado offers a variety of homesteading opportunities, from small rural plots to larger subdivisions. With its diverse climate and terrain, finding the perfect spot to start a homestead is easy.
The environment is ideal for homesteading, and off grid living in Colorado is perfect. Its moderate temperatures make it easy to grow a variety of crops, as well as to keep livestock. The state is also known for its 300 days of sunshine each year, making it ideal for solar energy systems.
Colorado has some of the most affordable lands in the US, making it a great option for those looking for an affordable place to homestead. Additionally, it has a low property tax, with an effective property tax of 0.52%.
2. Tennessee
Off grid living in Tennessee is great because of its lush green hills. Tennessee is a great place to homestead. There’s plenty of land available at reasonable prices, and with its diverse climate and terrain, it’s easy to find the perfect spot with fertile soil for growing crops.
Tennessee has a welcoming rural community that is very accommodating to those looking to homestead and live off the grid.
The state is home to many Amish and Mennonite communities, and these people are generally very helpful and willing to share their knowledge and experience with newcomers.
Additionally, Tennessee has a very low cost of living compared to other states. Tennessee also has favorable homesteading laws making it a great state to homestead in.
3. Arizona
Arizona is the perfect place for homesteaders looking for a warm climate. Its desert landscape and wide-open spaces make it easy to find the perfect place to start a homestead.
The temperatures rarely dip below freezing, making it possible for crops to grow year-round. With plenty of sunshine, the state offers an ideal environment for solar energy production, making off-grid living possible.
The warm climate also makes it possible to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, allowing homesteaders to be self-sufficient and produce their own food. Additionally, there are plenty of affordable land options in Arizona, making it a great choice for those looking for an affordable homestead.
4. Alaska
With its rugged terrain and abundant natural resources, Alaska is the perfect place for homesteaders looking for an adventurous lifestyle.
The low population density in Alaska makes it an ideal place for off grid living. With only about one person per square mile, you will find plenty of space to create the home of your dreams. Since Alaska is so sparsely populated, there are many areas that offer the opportunity to build a cabin or home completely off grid.
Alaska has some of the cheapest land in the US, making it a great option for those looking for an affordable place to homestead. However, Alaska has long and cold winters making it difficult to grow most types of crops, and it has the highest violent crime rate.
5. Michigan
Michigan is another great state for homesteaders looking for a rural lifestyle. With its temperate climate and abundant natural resources, it’s easy to find the perfect spot to start a homestead.
With over 11 million acres of forest, off grid living in Michigan is great. The area also has many lakes, rivers, and streams that can provide plenty of water for farming and other activities.
Michigan has a mild climate, making it a great place to homestead, as the weather can be comfortable year-round.
There are plenty of affordable land options in Michigan, making it a great choice for those looking for an affordable place to homestead. It’s also worth noting that Michigan has the least natural disasters in America.
6. Idaho
Idaho is a great place for homesteaders looking for wide-open spaces and plenty of natural resources.
Idaho has some of the most relaxed regulations on homesteading and off grid living in the country. The state has few restrictions on how many acres of land you can own, and you can easily build your own home without a permit.
However, it is worth noting Idaho does have very long and harsh winters, often reaching close to 300 days below freezing.
7. Maine
With its long coastline, abundant forests, and rolling hills, Maine is a great place to homestead. Off grid living in Maine is great because there’s plenty of land available at reasonable prices, and the climate is perfect for growing crops and raising livestock.
The state is home to vast timberlands with a variety of hardwoods, making it easy to construct buildings and furniture.
There are also numerous streams and rivers that can be used for hydropower and other renewable energy sources. Additionally, Maine’s coastline is rich with lobster, crabs, and other seafood, providing a sustainable source of protein for homesteaders.
8. Oregon
Oregon is the perfect place for homesteaders looking for a moderate climate. With its diverse landscape and plenty of cheap land options, it’s easy to find the perfect spot to start a homestead. It also has no general sales tax.
However, some parts of Oregon do have higher poverty rates than most other states, and it is more vulnerable to some natural disasters like earthquakes, wildfires, and coastal hazards.
9. Montana
Montana is a great state for homesteaders looking for wide-open spaces and plenty of natural resources. With its diverse climate and terrain, it’s easy to find the perfect spot to start a homestead.
Those looking to do off grid living in Montana can also benefit from the state’s low cost of living and low taxes.
The cost of living in Montana is one of the lowest in the nation. It has a 0% state income tax and some of the lowest property taxes in the nation. There are plenty of affordable land options available, making it easier for those looking to start their own homestead without breaking the bank.
The state is full of wide-open spaces and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, such as fishing, hiking, hunting, and camping. There are also a number of small towns and communities that offer a variety of activities and amenities, from farmers’ markets to art galleries and live music.
10. Connecticut
In Connecticut, homesteaders have access to vast amounts of arable land, making it possible to grow vegetables and raise livestock.
The temperate climate in Connecticut allows for a long growing season, and the soil in the state is exceptionally fertile, allowing for the growth of a wide variety of crops.
Additionally, there are many farmers’ markets and local CSA programs where homesteaders can sell their produce and meat, making it possible to make a living off the land.
11. West Virginia
With its lush green hills and rolling pastures, West Virginia is a great place to homestead. Additionally, West Virginia is a rural state, with many of its communities located far from urban centers.
This means that it is much easier to find land that is not in close proximity to other people. This is ideal for homesteaders who are looking to live off the grid and be as self-sufficient as possible.
You can also benefit from the state’s lenient land use laws. This means that they are free to build whatever type of home or farm they want, as long as they abide by the local regulations.
It also offers a sense of privacy and safety that can be hard to come by in more populated areas.
12. Missouri
Missouri is a good state for homesteaders looking for wide-open spaces and plenty of natural resources. With its diverse climate and terrain, it’s easy to find the perfect spot to start a homestead.
Additionally, Missouri has cheap land prices, making it a great option for those looking for an affordable place to settle. The government also encourages rainwater collection. However, it’s worth noting that Missouri is prone to natural disasters like tornadoes and severe storms.
FAQs
What state has the cheapest land for homesteading?
In Montana, farmland can be bought for as low as $500 per acre, with the average acre costing $915. This makes the cost of land in this state one of the cheapest in the country. The land is often flat and unspoiled. This means it’s perfect for farming, ranching, and homesteading.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of homesteading?
The primary benefit of homesteading is the ability to become more self-sufficient and sustainable. By growing your own food and relying less on store-bought items, you can save money and be more in tune with the earth.
Additionally, homesteaders often develop a strong connection with the land, growing an appreciation for nature and the outdoors.
Homesteading can also provide a sense of community, as homesteaders often work together to ensure the success of their homestead.
However, homesteading does come with some drawbacks. The lifestyle is often physically demanding, requiring manual labor and long hours of work. It also requires a large investment of time and money to get started, as homesteaders must purchase the necessary tools and materials before they can begin.
Additionally, homesteaders often face unpredictable weather, pests, and other environmental factors that can make it difficult to produce a successful crop. Finally, homesteading can be isolating, as homesteaders are often far away from the convenience and amenities of city life.
What should I know before homesteading?
Before you begin your homesteading journey, there are some important things you should do:
1. Research – It’s important to research homesteading, learn about the different types of homesteads, and how to best set up your own. This includes learning about zoning laws, building codes, and other regulations in your area.
2. Planning – Before you start homesteading, you should create a plan that includes the type of homestead you want, the resources you will need, and how you will maintain it. You may also want to plan a homeschooling curriculum and homeschooling plan if you have kids and are planning on living off grid.
3. Resources – Make sure you have the resources necessary to homestead, such as land, water, electricity, and tools. You should also have a good understanding of how to manage and use these resources in an efficient and sustainable way.
4. Budget – Create a budget for your homesteading project and make sure you have enough money to cover the costs.
What is the difference between homesteading and living off grid?
Homesteading is the practice of self-sufficiency and self-reliance on a plot of land, while off-grid living is living without public utilities. Homesteaders can choose to live off-grid, but it’s not required.
People that are off grid don’t have easy access to law enforcement, so it’s essential to get off grid security cameras.
Final Thoughts
The United States is the ideal place to homestead and live off-grid. With its wide-open spaces, plentiful resources, and diverse landscapes, these 12 states are the best for homesteading and living off-grid.
From the lush green hills of Tennessee to the wide-open spaces of Alaska, these states offer a variety of homesteading and off-grid living opportunities for those looking for an alternative lifestyle.
Depending on your preferences and desired lifestyle, the best place to homestead and live off grid may differ. Ultimately, the best states for homesteading and living off grid are the ones that provide the right combination of climate, resources, and amenities to meet the individual’s needs.
By researching each state’s offerings and comparing them to the homesteader’s requirements, they can find the best place to live off grid and create the life they have always wanted.
