The Cost of Living Off the Grid
It’s estimated that more than a quarter of a million people have packed it up and headed for the hills over the last decade. Once thought to be a lifestyle reserved just for the tuff at heat folks or the Amish. Living off the grid is now becoming more mainstream. Each year, thousands of Americans opt for energy independence.
Off-grid living, or "homesteading" as it is sometimes called, has come to mean different things depending on the motivation of the people who pursue it.
The vast majority of these people are simply choosing to live a life of self-sustainability for environmental reasons, financial reasons, or to seek the protection of a solitary life. But then, there are those who believe that black helicopters are swooping in on American citizens and that anarchy will prevail once the electrical grid goes down. What ever your reason, living off grid in worth looking into. For now, Living Off The Grid, will only consist of information for those who want to live and be self-sufficient.
How to Live Off the Grid
For all of these homesteaders, their first priority is to get off the electric grid and create their own renewable supply of energy. That is followed by the creation of a renewable water source and sustainable food source for total self reliance.
Across America, you can find millions of people who are attempting to reduce their exposure to the grid by reducing their energy consumption, planting gardens, and generally trying to live simpler and greener lives.
Living Off the Grid Isn’t Cheap, but that is dependent upon your environment and the options you chose. It takes a commitment and the willingness to invest a good portion of your savings to live Off Grid.
Is Living Off Grid Financially Viable?
Theoretically, if you take the time to plan out your venture and budget wisely, a Off The Grid location can add years to your life. The peace of mind, quietness, less or no smog pollution in your area, drinking fresh clean chemical free water, and organic fruits and vegetables, can all add years to your life. Money doesn’t buy you happiness. The enjoyment of planning a small backyard garden or small farm, also can save you hundreds of dollars each year.
Raw Land Cost For State Of Arizona
Purchasing The Land: There are several ways to purchase an acre or two of land to build your Off Grid dwelling. Many people go down to the tax office and purchase land that has been reprocessed by the City Assessor's Office. There you will be able to find various Raw Land Deals, for pennies on the dollar.
Option #2: Also, there are other people who are taking advantage of Raw Land Web Sites like:
1. Land Watch;
2. Lands Of America;
3. Raul Vacant Land
4. Ultimate Land Listings
And there are many more web sites like the once's above.
It’s estimated that more than a quarter of a million people have packed it up and headed for the hills over the last decade. Once thought to be a lifestyle reserved just for the tuff at heat folks or the Amish. Living off the grid is now becoming more mainstream. Each year, thousands of Americans opt for energy independence.
Off-grid living, or "homesteading" as it is sometimes called, has come to mean different things depending on the motivation of the people who pursue it.
The vast majority of these people are simply choosing to live a life of self-sustainability for environmental reasons, financial reasons, or to seek the protection of a solitary life. But then, there are those who believe that black helicopters are swooping in on American citizens and that anarchy will prevail once the electrical grid goes down. What ever your reason, living off grid in worth looking into. For now, Living Off The Grid, will only consist of information for those who want to live and be self-sufficient.
How to Live Off the Grid
For all of these homesteaders, their first priority is to get off the electric grid and create their own renewable supply of energy. That is followed by the creation of a renewable water source and sustainable food source for total self reliance.
Across America, you can find millions of people who are attempting to reduce their exposure to the grid by reducing their energy consumption, planting gardens, and generally trying to live simpler and greener lives.
Living Off the Grid Isn’t Cheap, but that is dependent upon your environment and the options you chose. It takes a commitment and the willingness to invest a good portion of your savings to live Off Grid.
Is Living Off Grid Financially Viable?
Theoretically, if you take the time to plan out your venture and budget wisely, a Off The Grid location can add years to your life. The peace of mind, quietness, less or no smog pollution in your area, drinking fresh clean chemical free water, and organic fruits and vegetables, can all add years to your life. Money doesn’t buy you happiness. The enjoyment of planning a small backyard garden or small farm, also can save you hundreds of dollars each year.
Raw Land Cost For State Of Arizona
Purchasing The Land: There are several ways to purchase an acre or two of land to build your Off Grid dwelling. Many people go down to the tax office and purchase land that has been reprocessed by the City Assessor's Office. There you will be able to find various Raw Land Deals, for pennies on the dollar.
Option #2: Also, there are other people who are taking advantage of Raw Land Web Sites like:
1. Land Watch;
2. Lands Of America;
3. Raul Vacant Land
4. Ultimate Land Listings
And there are many more web sites like the once's above.
Electrical Wiring and Plumbing
Once again depending on the options you pick for your home, ruff estimates for a 1500 sq ft home would average between $75,000 to $150,000, if you plan on doing some of the work yourself. You will also want to consider what source(s) of energy you want, such as: "Wind", "Solar", "Geothermal", ... etc.
From our experiences, when we say electrical and plumbing, we also mean include the following:
A. Digging a Water well or deciding to connect to city water;
B. Sewage Treatment, custom build on your property or connection to city.
C. Electrical Service, 100% Off Grid or partial Off Grid and connection to city.
Once again depending on the options you pick for your home, ruff estimates for a 1500 sq ft home would average between $75,000 to $150,000, if you plan on doing some of the work yourself. You will also want to consider what source(s) of energy you want, such as: "Wind", "Solar", "Geothermal", ... etc.
From our experiences, when we say electrical and plumbing, we also mean include the following:
A. Digging a Water well or deciding to connect to city water;
B. Sewage Treatment, custom build on your property or connection to city.
C. Electrical Service, 100% Off Grid or partial Off Grid and connection to city.
Sustainable Food Source
Utilizing a back yard garden, can save you tons of money at the end of the year. Look at it this way, (1) You know exactly what you will be eating - no more guess work about contaminates. (2) Growing a backyard garden can take a little work to accomplish. But the exercise will do a body good. (3) No more worrying about going to the grocery store at the last minute to buy vegetables or fruits, that have been sprayed with chemical pesticides.
Utilizing a back yard garden, can save you tons of money at the end of the year. Look at it this way, (1) You know exactly what you will be eating - no more guess work about contaminates. (2) Growing a backyard garden can take a little work to accomplish. But the exercise will do a body good. (3) No more worrying about going to the grocery store at the last minute to buy vegetables or fruits, that have been sprayed with chemical pesticides.
General Contractors
For your general contacting needs, you will want to use a "Licensed Contractor", who is experienced in the residential property type of work you have in mind. For most of the homes build by our nonprofit agency, they are either made of Steel or Brick. Therefore, our needs would be for people who are formular with working with steel and brick homes.
So, your first question maybe "where can I find a reputable contractor". First you can start by asking friends and neighbors, to see if they know of or have they had any recent work done by a private contractor. Next you can contact local realtors in your area, to see if they may have any suggestions.
Last, as we have often done ourselves - contact "Angie's List". Yes, Angie's List or "Home Advisor". At these web sites, you can find and hire professional people who specialize in the type of work you need done. You can even check their last work results from satisfied customers.
For your general contacting needs, you will want to use a "Licensed Contractor", who is experienced in the residential property type of work you have in mind. For most of the homes build by our nonprofit agency, they are either made of Steel or Brick. Therefore, our needs would be for people who are formular with working with steel and brick homes.
So, your first question maybe "where can I find a reputable contractor". First you can start by asking friends and neighbors, to see if they know of or have they had any recent work done by a private contractor. Next you can contact local realtors in your area, to see if they may have any suggestions.
Last, as we have often done ourselves - contact "Angie's List". Yes, Angie's List or "Home Advisor". At these web sites, you can find and hire professional people who specialize in the type of work you need done. You can even check their last work results from satisfied customers.