Do you want to start your off-grid lifestyle in Tennessee? This state has some of the best places to live off the grid. It is among the top states in the US for off-grid living.
Tennessee has relatively cheap land and cost of living compared to the national average.
It also receives high annual rainfall and experiences long growing seasons and mild winters. The state laws also favor an off-grid lifestyle.
Read on to learn more about the best places to live off the grid in tennessee. We will discuss 7 counties with the best conditions and natural resources. Stay tuned!
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7 Best Places To Live Off The Grid In Tennessee
Many people think Tennessee is not the right place to live on or off the grid because of the high crime rate. That is not true.
This state may be in the spotlight for the wrong reason, but it has some of the safest and best places for homesteading.
Several counties in Tennessee receive enough rainfall, ideal for farming, and land prices are relatively low. They include the following:
- Gibson County
- Rutherford County
- Franklin County
- Lincoln County
- Perry County
- Wayne County
- Marion County
You can relocate to any of the above places to start over your off-grid lifestyle. Let’s get into the details.
Note: All statistical data used in this article are sourced from USA.com.
Gibson County
Gibson is one of the best counties in Tennessee, located in the western part of this state. It offers many remote locations for a peaceful off-grid lifestyle.
Gibson has a low population density. Currently, about 49,632 people are living in an area of about 603.74 square miles.
As a result, the land prices are relatively low. Also, the cost of living in this country is relatively low compared to the national average.
Many off-gridders who relocate to Gibson County prefer it because of the conducive weather. The area receives enough rainfall throughout the year that favors agriculture.
Additionally, you will not have water problems because you can simply harvest rainwater to cater to domestic uses.
In conclusion, Gibson County gives both starters and experienced off-gridders the best chance to enjoy a quiet life away from busy cities.
Rutherford County
Rutherford County has a higher population density than Gibson County. However, its location at the center of Tennessee State makes it ideal for off-grid living.
According to the current statistics, about 275,461 people live in a 619.36 square miles area.
And because of the slightly higher population density, properties in Rutherford County are a bit expensive. They cost more than the national average.
Overall, Rutherford County is still ideal for off-grid living because of its conducive climate and rich soil for farming.
The crime rate here is also lower than the county’s average. That means your safety off-grid is guaranteed.
Franklin County
Franklin County is found to the south of Tennessee State. Compared to other counties in Tennessee, Franklin has the lowest population density.
According to the latest demographic data, about 41,069 people live in an area of 554.54 square miles.
Due to low population density, property prices are relatively low. It is cheaper to buy land for off-grid living in Franklin than in most parts of the United States. Also, the cost of living is above average.
Starting your off-grid life in Franklin County is cheaper and easier than in most places.
With enough capital to acquire land and buy essentials, you can get your life rolling as you wait to harvest your vegetables and serials for the first time.
Lincoln County
Lincoln County is another place for off-grid living. This county is located in the southern part of Tennessee. It also offers the best chance to live a fulfilling life off-the-grid.
Like Franklin County, Lincoln also has a low population density. About 33,498 people live in an area of 570.34 square miles.
That means you have the best chance of acquiring land in this county for off-grid living at the lowest cost.
Lincoln County’s cost of living is below the average of Tennessee State.
If you want to establish yourself in Lincoln as an off-gridder, consider the southern part of this county. It has the best climate and other favorable factors for homesteading.
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Perry County
Perry County is also in the southern part of Tennessee. This county should be your best option if you have a low budget to start your off-grid lifestyle.
Perry County has the lowest population density of all places on this list. The current demographic data shows that only 7,851 people live in an area of 414.73 square miles.
We attribute that to its small size. But still, Perry is ideal for off-grid living.
It is easy to acquire land in Perry, land which supports agriculture. People in the neighborhood are also peaceful, and life is affordable.
As you would expect, the land prices are much lower than the statewide average.
Wayne County
Wayne County is another ideal place for an off-grid lifestyle located in the southern part of Tennessee. It is one of the largest counties in this state and with a relatively low population density.
Wayne County boasts of being one of the ideal places for homesteading because of its vastness. About 16,967 people live in an area of 734.10 square miles, making properties more affordable.
It is worth considering Wayne County for an off-grid lifestyle. Apart from affordable properties, its climate is conducive and supports farming.
Also, water and other natural resources are readily available to off-gridders.
Marion County
The last place for off-grid living in Tennessee on the list is Marion County. It makes it here because of its low cost of living and land prices.
Marion County also has a relatively low population density, just like most places listed here. Currently, about 28,261 people are living in an area of 498.16 square miles.
If you need the best place to live off the grid, consider the southern parts of Marion County.
The weather is conducive, rich soil for farming and water is available. You will get most of the essentials you need for survival here.
Is Tennessee a Good State to Live Off The Grid?
Tennessee is one of the best states for off-grid living. It has many favorable factors, but not with its advantages. Let’s briefly discuss the pros and cons of relocating to Tennessee for an off-grid lifestyle.
Pros of Living Off-Grid In Tennessee
Conducive weather in Tennessee is one of the reasons to consider this state. It gets all four seasons with warm summers and mild winters.
Its winter months are more tolerable, and snow does not stick around for long. It also receives enough rainfall, making it the best state for farming.
Most parts of Tennessee have rich clay soil. That is ideal for growing vegetables and fruits. There is also a long growing season, and the climate supports different crop varieties.
Zoning laws are not as strict in Tennessee as in other states. In fact, they don’t exist in some places in this state.
That means you can use your land the way you deem fit, provided you don’t literally damage it.
Building codes or regulations are relaxed in most parts of Tennessee. You can build your dream off-grid cabin without restrictions, but that does not mean you go against the existing building codes.
The property taxes in Tennessee are based on the use-value and not market value.
That can make you save a significant amount in property taxes. Additionally, Tennessee farmers get sales tax exemption.
There are no restrictions on water use in Tennessee. That is so because this state is water-rich. However, you don’t own the water on your property. Every drop of it belongs to the state.
Rainwater harvesting in Tennessee is legal. However, you may be required to follow building codes in some areas regarding portable water to use rainwater indoors or for drinking.
Compost toilets are legal in Tennessee for approved models. However, you cannot use them if the facility has running water unless you have approved means of disposing of the wastewater.
Cons of Living Off-Grid In Tennessee
Natural disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, and tropical storms are experienced here, though they are not frequent.
Tennessee does not offer tax incentives or rebates for installing off-grid solar power. Moreover, solar panels are not exempted from property taxes in this state.
You will pay heavy taxes if your solar system increases your property value. On the bright side, you can gain from net metering.
Tennessee state laws state that you should not use other sewage disposal methods if you can access the sewer. That prevents you from going off-grid.
Is Tennessee an ideal state to live off-grid? We are confident that this state is one of the best for off-grid living based on the pros and cons of choosing Tennessee for off-grid living.
It has conducive laws and natural resources that support an off-grid lifestyle. The pros outweigh the cons.
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FAQs
Is it legal to live off-grid in Tennessee?
Yes. The Tennessee state laws permit off-grid living in many areas, except places with access to sewage systems. You cannot go completely off-grid because no other sewage disposal is allowed.
Also read: Is it Illegal to live off the Grid? – 5 Best US States for Off-Grid Living
What state is best for off-grid living?
Many states in the US are ideal for off-grid living. The best on the list is Georgia, followed by Tennessee and Texas. Other favorable States include Louisiana, Indiana, Hawaii, Colorado, Arkansas, etc.
Where can I live for free?
You can find free land for off-grid living in different parts of the United States. Such places include Beatrice, Buffalo, Curtis, Elwood, Lincoln, Loup City, Manilla, Mankato, etc.
Can you live in the woods legally?
Yes. It is possible to get away with living in the woods in the US on Forest Service land. However, you cannot claim permanent land ownership without an act of Congress.
Final Verdict
An off-grid lifestyle is fulfilling. If you are tired of the noise in the city and want somewhere quiet to relax and reconnect with nature, Tennessee is an ideal state.
It has several counties in the southern part with favorable conditions and natural resources. Also, the state laws permit off-grid living.
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