Moving to ak to live off grid lifestyle (Anchorage, Fairbanks: university, property tax)

[M3 Mitch]

Something I am picking up on is that the "sourdoughs" here are trying to impress on the potential "pilgrim" that the Alaska winter is longer, darker, and colder than you probably think. Having on and off thought about Alaska as a potential home, I have to give that some serious thought. Maybe a remote area in Idaho or Montana is "Northwoodsy" enough.

Another point that I'm not sure the OP has considered is that Alaska is a BIG place. I'm sure it's a matter of opinion as to how many distinct climate areas it has, but safe to say, several. Pretty sure the winter is a different deal close to the ocean in the south than it is in the central interior.

No doubt the idea that a potential "pilgrim" might want to make a few exploratory trips, put their own boots on the ground and see how it is in different parts of the state, before deciding what they want to try next.

Good thread and educational to me at least.

[californiawomann5]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

Of course it can be done, but it's often attempted by those who have little more than a fantasy vision of what it really means to live "off grid." It's not that uncommon for someone to see a tv show and decide that's the life they want. Most people don't have the necessary life skills to live off grid these days. They can learn them, sure, but it isn't the same as it was for those in my grandparent's time who were still close enough to their agricultural/rural roots that living off grid wasn't a huge lifestyle change.

Nowadays living off grid means having water, electricity and pretty much all the necessities of life. Not sure there would be a huge lifestyle change (except not being part of the rat race )

The price for Solar panels is very reasonable now.

We are going off grid, finally. The town we prefered...located about a half hour away got Landline phones a few years back. This is needed in order to have internet. Cell phone reception is spotty too.

It's living the way GOD created us to live hence it is good for us physically and mentally. Moreso if you grow your own food.

[Escort Rider]

I have no dog in this fight and I'm an outsider as well, but I would be interested to hear an explanation of what is desirable about living off the grid. And please, because "GOD" wants us to is not an explanation in my book. This is not the Religion Forum.

[bongo]

Originally Posted by californiawomann5

Nowadays living off grid means having water, electricity and pretty much all the necessities of life. Not sure there would be a huge lifestyle change (except not being part of the rat race )

The price for Solar panels is very reasonable now.

We are going off grid, finally. The town we prefered...located about a half hour away got Landline phones a few years back. This is needed in order to have internet. Cell phone reception is spotty too.

It's living the way GOD created us to live hence it is good for us physically and mentally. Moreso if you grow your own food.

Yet one does not need a landline phone in order to have internet.... we had Wildblue dish for satellite internet off-grid. Hughes Net works too.

God intended us to have internet???

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by californiawomann5

Nowadays living off grid means having water, electricity and pretty much all the necessities of life. Not sure there would be a huge lifestyle change (except not being part of the rat race )

The price for Solar panels is very reasonable now.

We are going off grid, finally. The town we prefered...located about a half hour away got Landline phones a few years back. This is needed in order to have internet. Cell phone reception is spotty too.

It's living the way GOD created us to live hence it is good for us physically and mentally. Moreso if you grow your own food.

I think that living "off grid" means different things to different people, and yes, it's a huge lifestyle change in places like Alaska.

Plenty of people living out there in bush Alaska aren't able to have landlines, live WAY farther out than a half an hour from town, and won't get even spotty cell phone service and won't be able to drive to their home. Growing enough food would be an impossible task in most parts of Alaska.

My comments were specific to Alaska rather than California.

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by Escort Rider

I have no dog in this fight and I'm an outsider as well, but I would be interested to hear an explanation of what is desirable about living off the grid. And please, because "GOD" wants us to is not an explanation in my book. This is not the Religion Forum.

I don't know. I think some are drawn to the romantic aspect of it; they see something on TV or read a book or something.

Again, my comments are specific to Alaska. Living in California with only landline Internet access isn't exactly primitive living, but I suppose that there are some who would think so.

[californiawomann5]

Originally Posted by Escort Rider

I have no dog in this fight and I'm an outsider as well, but I would be interested to hear an explanation of what is desirable about living off the grid. And please, because "GOD" wants us to is not an explanation in my book. This is not the Religion Forum.

We'll I may say something else you don't like so ...maybe someone else can chime in

[californiawomann5]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

I think that living "off grid" means different things to different people, and yes, it's a huge lifestyle change in places like Alaska.

Plenty of people living out there in bush Alaska aren't able to have landlines, live WAY farther out than a half an hour from town, and won't get even spotty cell phone service and won't be able to drive to their home. Growing enough food would be an impossible task in most parts of Alaska.

My comments were specific to Alaska rather than California.

Sorry I thought I was in the California forum

Now that makes sense you really mean Off Grid!

[californiawomann5]

Originally Posted by bongo

Yet one does not need a landline phone in order to have internet.... we had Wildblue dish for satellite internet off-grid. Hughes Net works too.

God intended us to have internet???

Only those of us who live in California

[M3 Mitch]

Originally Posted by Escort Rider

I have no dog in this fight and I'm an outsider as well, but I would be interested to hear an explanation of what is desirable about living off the grid. And please, because "GOD" wants us to is not an explanation in my book. This is not the Religion Forum.

(as I understand the Alaska situation, since I'm not there I may be wrong - but)

The first advantage is that you can live in areas where mains power is not available. And mains power is not available in much of Alaska.

The second advantage is that mains power is quite expensive in AK. So you have a decent chance of making "homebrew" electric power for a reasonably competitive price. Which is not usually the case, here in PNW you can't run a wind/solar/battery "farm" for what hydropower from the mains costs.