Off-grid living is about more than disconnecting from utilities — it’s about reclaiming independence, resilience, and a closer connection to land and seasons. Whether you’re planning a remote cabin, a homestead, or a partially off-grid home, the principles remain the same: produce what you can, conserve what you have, and design systems that work without constant outside input.
On this site, off-grid living is shared through real experience, not theory — from building and maintaining a small log cabin to navigating wildlife, weather, and long winters.
What Does “Off-Grid” Really Mean?
Off-grid living can range from fully unplugged to hybrid systems that use solar, generators, or limited grid backup. Many people start small — powering a cabin, growing food, or preserving harvests — and expand over time.
Getting Started Resources
If you’re new to off-grid living or still in the planning phase, these guides walk through the mindset, skills, and realities involved before making the leap:
- Essential Skills for Off Grid Living — The core skills that make off-grid life sustainable, from problem-solving to daily self-reliance.
- The Unique Challenges and Rewards of Off-Grid Living — An honest look at both the freedoms and the hard lessons that come with living off-grid.
Further Reading & Inspiration
If you’re still researching off-grid living or want to learn from others who have done it, these books offer valuable insight into the realities of living independently:
- Live Off Grid – Getting Off Grid — A curated list of books that explore off-grid living, from practical survival skills to real-life stories of people who made the leap.
Where People Live Off-Grid
Off-grid life looks different depending on climate and regulations. We explore:
- Living off-grid in the United States
- Living off-grid in Canada
- The best states and regions for off-grid cabins
Challenges & Rewards
Living off-grid brings unmatched freedom — but also real challenges. Weather, wildlife, repairs, and isolation are part of the journey. These pages document both the hard lessons and the wins.
Our Off-Grid Story
Off-grid living isn’t something we planned overnight. It grew out of a single property, a small neglected cabin, and a lot of hard lessons learned along the way. If you’re curious what the transition actually looks like in real life — beyond theory and planning — this is where our story begins:
Finding Our Off-Grid Cabin: The Beginning of Our Cabin Project — How we found the property, what we walked into, and why restoring a small log cabin became the foundation of everything we now share about off-grid living.
Off-Grid Living FAQ
Q: What does off-grid living mean?
A: Off-grid living means living independently from public utilities by producing your own power, managing water, handling waste, and often growing or preserving food.
Q: Is off-grid living legal?
A: Off-grid living is legal in many areas, but rules vary by region. Zoning laws, building codes, and utility regulations should always be checked before going off-grid.
Q: How much does it cost to live off-grid?
A: Costs vary widely depending on land, power systems, water access, and building style. Some start small with a basic cabin and expand over time.
Q: Can beginners live off-grid successfully?
A: Yes. Many people start off-grid with limited experience by learning essential skills gradually and building systems step by step.