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I'm looking to purchase 2+ acres of land to build a tiny home and live off-grid. Are there any counties or areas to look that are more tiny home friendly and less restrictive than others here? I've been mostly looking in Arizona, but don't want to rule New Mexico out if it's affordable as well.
Ideally, I'd like to be within 45 min of a Walmart or major hardware store and grocery store. I don't need to be totally off grid, but i'd like the option to be freely disconnected and to build and homestead without much interference. I'm ok with water delivery and hauling, but eventually I would like to get a well of some sort.
I'm looking to purchase 2+ acres of land to build a tiny home and live off-grid. Are there any counties or areas to look that are more tiny home friendly and less restrictive than others here?
There are people off grid in all parts of New Mexico and the legal restrictions are minimal. It is very easy to legally go off grid in New Mexico. There is even something of a "movement" in northern New Mexico, especially in the north central counties between Santa Fe and the Colorado border, especially in the vicinity of Taos. A "movement" is a good thing because it will allow you to network with other people doing the same thing. Unless you are looking to be a hermit. Then the world is your oyster.
Secondarily, I would look at lands adjacent to the Middle Rio Grande Valley, roughly from Socorro north to Santa Fe. Lots more water especially if you are close to mountains or in the valley itself, Highway access (more important than you may think if you are hauling water), and general proximity to services and amenities.
Due to the particular challenges of going off grid in the high desert it pays to really do your research and pick the best spot for your needs (and the same goes for Arizona).
Note: I don't live off grid, but I have done a bit of alternative building (haybales, cob, adobe, and "earthship" infill (tires and bottles) for people who were going for self-sufficiency if not purely off grid.
Personally, I think New Mexico's climate may be a little more forgiving -in the right areas- than other SW locations so if you don't have your heart set on Arizona, give it a look.
There are people off grid in all parts of New Mexico and the legal restrictions are minimal. It is very easy to legally go off grid in New Mexico. There is even something of a "movement" in northern New Mexico, especially in the north central counties between Santa Fe and the Colorado border, especially in the vicinity of Taos. A "movement" is a good thing because it will allow you to network with other people doing the same thing. Unless you are looking to be a hermit. Then the world is your oyster.
Secondarily, I would look at lands adjacent to the Middle Rio Grande Valley, roughly from Socorro north to Santa Fe. Lots more water especially if you are close to mountains or in the valley itself, Highway access (more important than you may think if you are hauling water), and general proximity to services and amenities.
Due to the particular challenges of going off grid in the high desert it pays to really do your research and pick the best spot for your needs (and the same goes for Arizona).
Note: I don't live off grid, but I have done a bit of alternative building (haybales, cob, adobe, and "earthship" infill (tires and bottles) for people who were going for self-sufficiency if not purely off grid.
Personally, I think New Mexico's climate may be a little more forgiving -in the right areas- than other SW locations so if you don't have your heart set on Arizona, give it a look.
Thank you for this insight and help. I like the Taos area, but it's a bit out of my price range. I also liked Rio Arriba county, but I prefer a bit more southern. I think Abiqui (sp) will probably be the furthest north I'd want to go. What do you think about Torrance County? Moriarty, McIntosh, etc.?
I am selling a lot between Deming and Columbus. Someone called me a few days ago and she said she owns the adjacent parcels. She is doing precisely what you are mentioning. There are no utilities where she is at, it's just bare earth. I could never do this but to each their own. From what she told me she came from the San Antonio area, bought the two acres for $3,000, and is just chilling out in the middle of the desert.
Have you checked out the entire Taos area? Take a look at RE prices to the south, in the area called "Ranchos de Taos". Abiquiu could work, too. Be sure to look into water supply legalities, as you research different locations. Some areas are subject to major water settlements between counties and the tribes, others are free and clear in terms of water rights.
The weather will be cooler in the higher elevations, btw.
Have you checked out the entire Taos area? Take a look at RE prices to the south, in the area called "Ranchos de Taos". Abiquiu could work, too. Be sure to look into water supply legalities, as you research different locations. Some areas are subject to major water settlements between counties and the tribes, others are free and clear in terms of water rights.
The weather will be cooler in the higher elevations, btw.
Yeah, we don't want to pay more than $5k an acre so that prices us out for a lot of places in Taos County.
What do you think about Torrance County? Moriarty, McIntosh, etc.?
I find the land there (in the eastern part of the county near the towns you mention) to be bleak, ugly, and depressing. Decades ago there was more rainfall and that was an important bean and onion growing area. Now it is a shadow of its former self and the few people who do live around there are impoverished and may be desperate (meaning your possessions may not be safe). Apologies to anyone with a different opinion.
That said, it may not strike you that way though so why not check it out. Just don't put money down on land site unseen.
However, closer to 55 near Tajique and Torreon is really nice high desert land, and one of my favorite parts of the state in general. Probably a bit more costly, though, and the villages are very locals-only/land grant vibes. Manzano, just a bit further south is also an interesting area. And there are interesting ruins everywhere and you are very close to some beautiful mountains.
Yeah, we don't want to pay more than $5k an acre so that prices us out for a lot of places in Taos County.
So you want an "off grid" area, but within 45min of a Walmart, and for under 5k an acre? Good luck, it ain't gonna be a pretty area... That much is for sure! Sounds like you're in a bit of a pipe dream with this plan.
So you want an "off grid" area, but within 45min of a Walmart, and for under 5k an acre? Good luck, it ain't gonna be a pretty area... That much is for sure! Sounds like you're in a bit of a pipe dream with this plan.
The property I linked to in my post above is gorgeous, less than $3.5k/acre and 45 minutes from the Walmart in Edgewood.
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