New to the forum so forgive me if this is asked often, but me and the wife are looking at a few different states to buy land in to start our off grid homestead. We aren't sure yet if we are going to go completely off the grid yet. The one problem I've ran into is not knowing how to find out if the counties we are looking at allow such a thing or allow live stock etc. How would I go about finding out that kind of information Id also like to ask for any advice on things we should be considering as we are looking at land. we already are paying attention to water sources, game, and other basic things but any and all advise will be greatly appreciated. Id like to add that this is not a fast paced pack up and go situation. We are doing tons of research, locating and buying land, and then transitioning into the off grid lifestyle.
Potential info on any specific land chunk, check the county records clerk. Most, but not all counties have websites with leads. Watch for flood zones. Look for local restrictions of any sort, thinking like permitting and zoning. Tax structure is well worth knowing. Ask if there are any un-obvious things like mineral leases, and FULLY understand what that means to you. (County records again.)
I would be checking with the local Chamber of Commerece, and if rural the local Grange... They can give you such information about local Ordinances, and Statutes...
Our goals are to slowly transition into homesteading. To what extent is still to be determined. Like I said we are still in the planning stages. Currently I'm a journeyman electrician with my own business and working on getting my masters license. My only expectations are only to live a more stress free life and become more self reliant
Besides the land restrictions, for me there are three must haves: Enough south facing cleared land to grow a large garden, sufficient water and an existing (functional) septic system.
I wish you well in your endeavor. This place offers invaluable knowledge and great people, enjoy yourself.
Welcome and good luck. I second the suggestion about the grange. If ours is average, you'll find answers to all your questions there.
Alright then you should have the money aspect largely covered and off grid power shouldn't be a problem. Things get scarey when non electricians try to wire stuff up. Where are you looking at getting land? I'm sure there are people on here who have been there and done it. I wouldn't say it's less stress, maybe different stress.
Thanks for the good wishes. We haven't completely narrowed it down yet, but have been looking at Colorado, Oregon, and Idaho so far.
The Freest States For Off-Grid Living, Ranked 1-50 | Off The Grid News Someone posted that before on here, only reason I know about it.
That article looks at many factors of economics and firearms rights. Though I am not sure if any of those factors really address 'off-grid' lifestyle. In my view, most forms of restrictions come from an area being more densely populated and incorporated. Once an area is incorporated there is a government structure for restrictions. The state of Maine is drawn on a 'plate' or gridwork of townships. Maine has a total of 986 townships. 432 are Organized townships for the purpose of much higher taxes. 555 are Unorganized townships with much lower taxes. [432 + 554 = 986] This forms the make-up of Maine. Roughly 56% of Maine townships are Unorganized, and 44% are incorporated in some manner and are considered Organized. Most townships in Maine are Unorganized
I am in a similar situation as you and have spent the last two or three years researching areas to relocate, and like you I'm not in a hurry. One great resource I've discovered is talking to the locals. As I drive through the areas I'm interested in, I go out of my way to chat up the "townies". I tell them why I am there and ask if there is anything I need to know. Not once has any of them reacted negatively. If they do react negatively, well, that says something too. Townfolk are surprisingly candid and have all the good info the real estate agents and county bureaucrats won't tell you. I've struck up conversations with gas station clerks, waitresses, guys tinkering in their driveways, even the mail man (especially the mail man!). You have to have an outgoing personality to do this, but it's totally worth it and you'll gain very valuable intelligence that you just can't get anywhere else.
id love to talk to the locals in the areas we are looking at but that would require some big travel plans lol. not that I'm against it but that would ad up quick
Welcome to the Monkey... you might want to check out the ads in the back of the Mother earth news they may have some places to check out...
@SkinnerHomestead For what it's worth. I took a year after I retired hitting the areas I'd selected for a closer look. Well worth it, believe it and do it. You'll be spending hours each day on various real estate sites and Google Earth. All to make some sort of assurance that you won't blow a pile of money on a mistake. Under NO circumstances put a penny down without putting foot on the land you are looking at.
Example... I was looking at some acreage somewhat locally (within 65 miles) online; 37 acres at less than $100,000. Online photos were taken during the summer, but upon further inspection in person, the property was 40% swamp. Deeded access was across another piece of private property and the access road hadn't been utilized or improved since the early 1960's. No well, No electricity (not a deal breaker), No septic. I would be looking at between $25,000 and $35,000 for improvements before even being able to access and use the property.