Why Some Young Homeowners Are Opting For Living Off-Grid

Living on a remote piece of land in a rural area far away from the hustle and bustle of city life might sound like a dream. But these days, more people are turning that dream into reality — especially young home owners struggling with the rising housing costs. Although living off the grid isn't a new concept, the number of people living in self-sufficient homes — meaning they don't depend on public utilities such as electricity — has surged in the last few years. A November 2024 Fannie Mae report found that mortgage applications for rural properties have jumped 80% since the start of 2020.

On Reddit, a 26-year-old recently opened up about buying "just shy of five acres" for $12,000 two years ago — an amazing example of what's possible when you buy off the beaten path. And stories like this are becoming more common across social media, whether it's a cabin, a tiny house, a converted van, or an eco-friendly earthship home. San Diego-based couple Courtnie Hamel and Nate Cotton, for example, have been living the "van life" for more than five years and have been able to substantially reduce their monthly bills. "We no longer pay for electricity, cable, internet or rent," they wrote on their blog. "It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off of our shoulders knowing that we have significantly less financial obligations." There are certain states, too, that are known to be especially popular for off-grid living. The appeal of this lifestyle, however, goes far beyond saving money.  

Although it's difficult to track down the exact number of people living in self-sufficient homes across the nation, a 2019 study estimated that between 180,000 and 750,000 households have gone off the grid — especially in places like Georgia and Idaho, which are among the best states for off-the-grid living — and for good reason. In addition to its financial benefits, some people are leaning toward self-sufficient homes as a way to reduce their carbon footprint. Many off-grid houses are heated with solar heating or wood-burning stoves and get their electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind turbines or solar panels, the latter of which can produce up to 95% less carbon dioxide per unit of electricity than fossil fuels. 

Improved health — both physical and mental — is another major draw of off-grid living. A lot of people who live this lifestyle grow their own fruits and vegetables and raise animals for protein sources, such as keeping chickens for fresh eggs, which ultimately leads to a healthier, more organic diet. Growing and harvesting your own food — also known as self-sufficient gardening — is also more sustainable and cost-effective than buying your groceries from a store. Meanwhile, on the mental health side of things, a lot of off-grid homes are located in remote areas surrounded by nature and wildlife. And studies show that spending time in nature can have a positive impact on your mental health, encouraging feelings of calm, happiness, and creativity, while also improving focus.