Off-Grid Communities in the U.S.

In recent years, the idea of living “off-grid” has gained considerable traction across the United States. Off-grid living refers to a lifestyle where individuals or communities are independent of public utilities and infrastructure, such as electricity, water, and sewage systems. This form of self-sufficiency often entails a close relationship with nature, sustainable resource management, and, in many cases, a strong sense of community. As climate change, energy shortages, and a desire for greater autonomy over personal resources have become more pressing issues, many people are turning to off-grid living as a viable alternative.

 

The Appeal of Off-Grid Living

Off-grid living isn’t just about cutting ties with the power grid. It’s about redefining what it means to live well. For some, it’s the lure of independence and self-sufficiency—no longer reliant on municipal water supplies, commercial energy, or industrial food systems. Others see it as a way to reduce their carbon footprint, aligning their lifestyle with environmental values. Many who seek off-grid living do so for spiritual or philosophical reasons, drawn to simpler lives in harmony with nature.

 

While it may sound romantic, off-grid living requires a high degree of self-reliance, resilience, and knowledge of sustainable practices. The challenges of managing your own energy, water, food, and waste systems are balanced by the freedom and fulfillment of living off the land and forging deep connections with nature and the community. The following communities provide an array of examples of how Americans are taking charge of their resources and creating sustainable, autonomous lives.

 

Notable Off-Grid Communities in the U.S.

 

1. Earthaven Ecovillage – North Carolina

off grid communities in the U.S

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Earthaven Ecovillage was founded in 1994 with the goal of creating a self-sufficient, sustainable, and ecologically mindful community. The 329-acre village focuses on permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and renewable energy. Earthaven’s members live in harmony with their natural surroundings, employing techniques like composting toilets, solar power, and rainwater collection.

 

The community is designed around the principles of permaculture, a system of agriculture that seeks to create ecosystems that are productive, sustainable, and resilient. Earthaven’s members practice organic farming, grow much of their own food, and engage in various forms of land stewardship, such as forest management and natural building.

 

With a governance structure rooted in consensus, Earthaven’s residents collectively manage the community and share responsibilities. Workshops, tours, and educational programs are offered to those interested in learning more about off-grid and sustainable living.

 

Key Features:

  • Focus on permaculture and regenerative agriculture
  • Solar energy and rainwater harvesting systems
  • Strong emphasis on community living and shared responsibilities

 

 

2. Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage – Missouri

off grid communities in the U.S dancing rabbit

 

In rural Missouri, Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage is another standout example of a sustainable, off-grid community. Established in 1997, it sits on 280 acres of reclaimed land and is home to around 70 residents, all of whom share the common goal of living sustainably and minimizing their ecological impact. Dancing Rabbit’s ethos revolves around radical sustainability, with members adhering to strict ecological covenants that govern energy use, waste, water consumption, and transportation.

 

The village is powered primarily by renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power. Homes are built using natural and recycled materials, such as cob, straw bale, and timber frames. The residents grow their own food using organic methods, practice greywater recycling, and use composting toilets to minimize their environmental footprint.

 

Dancing Rabbit also prioritizes community involvement, with regular communal meals, shared resources, and collaborative decision-making processes. The village’s goal is to inspire others by serving as a living laboratory for sustainability, offering tours, workshops, and immersive educational experiences.

 

Key Features:

  • Emphasis on radical sustainability and ecological living
  • Solar and wind power systems
  • Homes built from natural and recycled materials

 

 

3. Three Rivers Recreation Area – Oregon

 

For those seeking off-grid living with a more modern twist, the Three Rivers Recreation Area in central Oregon offers a unique blend of rugged independence and technological innovation. Located on 4,000 acres of high desert, this community is entirely off the grid, with most residents generating their own electricity using solar panels, wind turbines, and, in some cases, hydroelectric systems.

 

Three Rivers is known for its innovative use of renewable energy and self-sufficient water systems. The community does not have a central water system, so residents must collect and store rainwater or haul water from nearby sources. Some homes have sophisticated rainwater catchment systems, while others rely on deep wells.

 

Although the community is remote, it boasts many modern amenities, including high-speed internet, which allows residents to telecommute and stay connected to the broader world while maintaining their off-grid lifestyle. Three Rivers attracts those who want to live off the land but still retain the conveniences of modern life, combining rugged individualism with cutting-edge technology.

 

Key Features:

  • Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power systems
  • Water catchment and storage systems
  • High-tech integration for modern off-grid living

 

 

4. Greater World Earthship Community – New Mexico

Situated near Taos, New Mexico, the Greater World Earthship Community is renowned for its distinctive architecture and commitment to sustainable living. Earthships are homes constructed from natural and recycled materials, such as earth-filled tires, bottles, and cans, and are designed to be self-sufficient, requiring no external power or water sources. Founded by architect Michael Reynolds, the Earthship community focuses on building homes that operate completely off-grid while maintaining a high level of comfort.

 

Earthships use passive solar heating, natural ventilation, and thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures. They also collect and filter rainwater, generate their own electricity through solar panels and wind turbines, and treat their waste on-site through greywater systems and composting toilets. The Earthship model is built around the concept of creating a sustainable home that is integrated into the surrounding environment, reducing the need for external resources and minimizing environmental impact.

 

The Greater World Earthship Community is a growing neighborhood of more than 75 off-grid Earthships. It has become a destination for eco-tourism and sustainable architecture enthusiasts from around the world.

 

Key Features:

  • Innovative Earthship architecture made from natural and recycled materials
  • Passive solar design and renewable energy systems
  • Water catchment and on-site waste treatment

 

 

5. Tinker’s Bubble – Tennessee

Nestled in the rolling hills of Tennessee, Tinker’s Bubble is a small, close-knit community committed to low-impact living. Established in the 1990s, Tinker’s Bubble is entirely off the grid, with no connection to public utilities. The community relies on horse-drawn plows and manual labor for farming, creating a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle.

 

Tinker’s Bubble focuses on producing organic food and sustainable forestry. Residents live in hand-built homes made from local, natural materials like wood and stone, often using traditional building techniques. Energy is generated through a combination of solar panels and wind turbines, and water is sourced from nearby springs.

 

While the community is small, it exemplifies the principles of sustainability and self-reliance. Tinker’s Bubble limits its reliance on fossil fuels and embraces a simple, agrarian lifestyle that aligns with the rhythms of nature.

 

Key Features:

  • Organic farming and sustainable forestry
  • Traditional building techniques and natural materials
  • Low-impact, agrarian lifestyle

 

 

6. Twin Oaks Community – Virginia

off grid communities in the united states

Founded in 1967, Twin Oaks Community is one of the oldest and most well-established intentional communities in the U.S. Located in rural Virginia, Twin Oaks is not strictly off-grid but operates on principles of communal living and self-sufficiency. The community produces much of its own food through organic gardening and raises livestock. Members also generate income through cottage industries, such as tofu production, hammock-making, and book indexing.

 

Twin Oaks has its own solar energy systems, but the community remains partially connected to the power grid. However, it emphasizes reducing its ecological footprint and living sustainably. The community shares resources, including vehicles, housing, and food, minimizing waste and consumption. Decisions at Twin Oaks are made through consensus, and members are involved in the day-to-day operations of the community.

 

Key Features:

  • Communal living and shared resources
  • Organic farming and cottage industries
  • Partially off-grid with a focus on sustainability

 

 

7. Emerald Earth Sanctuary – California

Located in Northern California, Emerald Earth Sanctuary is a small, off-grid community focused on regenerative living and sustainability. The sanctuary, founded in 2001, spans 189 acres of meadows, forests, and rolling hills, providing a rich natural setting for residents to live in harmony with the land.

 

Emerald Earth emphasizes permaculture, natural building, and renewable energy. The community generates its electricity from solar panels and sources water from springs. Homes are constructed from natural materials, including cob, straw bale, and reclaimed wood, with a focus on energy efficiency and environmental harmony.

 

The community practices collective decision-making and communal resource sharing. Emerald Earth offers workshops and retreats for those interested in learning about permaculture, sustainable building, and off-grid living.

 

Key Features:

  • Permaculture and regenerative living
  • Solar power and spring water systems
  • Natural building Techniques and collective Decision-making