Taking the plunge to live “off the grid” is becoming a very popular trend for preppers, survivalists, and homesteaders alike. Whether the reason is to stop paying for utilities, prepare for the modern collapse, or to just have independence, everyone has their own reasoning. Still, disconnecting yourself from the electrical grid, as well as sewage and water, can be scary and the process is often clouded with vague directions.

People often wonder how they will live off the grid, but even more are confused as to where they can even attempt to live this liberating lifestyle. Can you do it anywhere? Nope. Unfortunately, many states and cities in the US have deemed it illegal in one way or another to remove yourself from the grid. So, where can you actually be free in the land of the free? Well newly inspired friend, just keeping reading to discover for yourself the top 5 states that will allow you to live off the grid and take the independence you crave.

1. Hawaii

There is arguably no better place in the US to go off the grid than the state of Hawaii. It can be an expensive move, but after all the costs are taken care of it can be a tropical safe haven for those looking to be independent. Debatably one of the best parts of Hawaii as an off the grid state is the fact that the grid only goes so far! That’s right, the main city is on the grid, but with a little move inward to the island you don’t have to worry about living on a grid, because there isn’t one!

Combine that freedom with the fact that Hawaii gets plenty of rainfall, is generally always sunny, and the soil is rich with nutrients and you have a very sustainable energy and farming source. Not to mention that Hawaii is the only US state where you can potentially grow your own coffee beans!

2. Missouri

If tropical is not your thing, or you just like staying on the mainland, then Missouri would be the ideal place for you to go off the grid, because they actually encourage it! Missouri laws are very friendly to those looking to get away from society, as water collecting is completely legal and you don’t even have to have a well or septic system to live on your property, so a lot of your choices are government regulation free.

Missouri is also great for farming since the land is very affordable, and the weather permits good growth. Summer time is hot and humid and long, and while that may bother some people, it is great for overall farming and livestock. Winter is incredibly bearable, with temperatures on average of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and occasional snow, so growth of certain plants is still possible as well as a constant source of food for livestock. Taking into consideration everything mentioned above, as well as the fact that Missouri gets 41 inches of rain every year on average, this state seems like an off the grid paradise!

3. Washington State

If you imagined going off the grid in a lush and dark-green forest area, then Washington State is more than likely going to be your perfect fit. With an average summer temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and winter average of 45 degrees Fahrenheit, who wouldn’t want to spend their days away from modern society here? Couple that with an average of 39 inches of rain per year and you could say that that this is the ideal place for a homestead.

Washington States does have some very strict laws when it comes to how you construct your house, but if you can put that aside for the benefits of encouraged rainwater collection, lawful raw milk sales, and the ability to have multiple types of livestock, then you will love this state. Washington is also home to many already established off the grid communities, as well as already built and established off the grid properties for sale on lots of land.

4. Oregon

You don’t have to go too far to find the next best off the grid spot; in fact, you only have to go one state down. The state of Oregon has many benefits for anyone wanting to disconnect from the grid, but primarily for different reasons than the locations listed above. Instead of focusing on if the location has fertile land or decent rainfall, Oregon focuses on advertising its’ excellent off the grid communities. Take the Three Rivers Recreation Area for example; it is a large community that shares solar energy and water supplies.

Have you ever thought about living without electricity, internet or mobiles? We can guarantee that the majority of our readers can never imagine this kind of scenarios. However, there are chances that this type of conditions arises in your life due to flooding, tornadoes, draught or even war. How could you survive in this type of dangerous condition? We believe you should stay prepared by learning the essential skills needed to deal with these disasters, watching this video

Also, Oregon has the Breitenbush Hot Springs, which is a holistic off the grid community that also doubles as a vacation spot. You go work with them for a year and then they vote to see if you stay longer, but come on, who wouldn’t want to live at a hot spring?! Either way Oregon has a lot of communities that will help you on your journey to get off the grid if you don’t want to do it alone.

5. Tennessee

While Tennessee is well known for producing some of the greatest country music stars ever, its well-kept secret is that its rural areas are a great place to go off the grid. Unlike many places in the south of the US, Tennessee has the luxury of experiencing all four seasons, with decently humid and warm summers to modest below freezing winters, and everything in between.(Here are 23 survival uses for honey that you didn’t knowabout.)

With one of the lowest tax burdens in the US, low property costs, and the freedom to collect rainwater and share cows for raw milk, Tennessee can either save or make someone a decent amount of money. Also, the growing season tends to be on average 260 days out of the year, which is great for anyone trying to farm; not to mention, more property and warmer days means less feed you have to but for your livestock! With all of these benefits in mind combined with the fact that Tennessee was voted one of the freest states in the nation, makes it a state you really should consider.