The Ultimate Guide to Oregon Off-Grid Life

With its mild temperatures, wide open spaces, mountain vistas, and abundance of natural resources, Oregon is widely considered one of the best states for living out your off-the-grid dreams. To set yourself up for success, you just need to know what to look for when searching Oregon land for sale, including how to tell if a property is well-suited to your self-sustaining needs.   

Below, we’re tackling the basics of off-the-grid living in Oregon, plus a few considerations to keep in mind as you look for the right property. 

Finding Oregon Land for Your Off-Grid Dream

Off-the-grid living is achievable with Oregon land, but it’s important to find a property that checks off the right boxes in terms of land use and off-grid potential. As you search the state for properties, consider what type of location you're interested in – and what potential advantages and drawbacks each type of area might offer. 

Rural Riches 

When you're planning an off-the-grid development, rural acreage is usually a safe bet. Oregon's less-populated counties – including off-grid-friendly locations like Wasco County, Curry County, and Harney County – offer ample peace and quiet, as well as flexible building and rainwater harvesting laws. Rural land often comes at a good price too, leaving you with money left over for an alternative energy system and other necessities. 

Forest Havens

Privacy abounds in Oregon's forest land, as do valuable resources like fresh water and arable land. There are still local zoning laws to keep in mind though, so before you invest in a forest lot make sure to research building codes and other regulations. Additional regulations will apply to national forest land, such as restrictions on how long you can stay in any one place. 

Desert Gems

Oregon's high desert is ripe with off-grid opportunities, and you should be able to easily build on your land, so long as the right zoning laws are in place. The weather can be challenging though, particularly in terms of snowfall and temperature extremes. But if you build with these considerations in mind, you should be able to do a lot with an acre or more of desert land. 

Building Your Off-Grid Community: Finding Support and Connection

Living off-grid in Oregon doesn't have to be an isolating experience. Because the state is well-known for its off-grid potential, you can usually find others who sustain an off-grid residence and are eager to share their knowledge, experiences, and, in some cases, resources. How involved (or not involved) you want to be is up to you, but it's always good to have support available just in case. 

If you want to join an established off-the-grid community rather than buying your own land in Oregon, that's an option too. The state is home to various self-sustaining communities where people live together on shared land, and it could be an opportunity worth exploring depending on your needs and preferences. 

Practical Considerations for Off-Grid Living

If you want to buy land for off-grid living in Oregon, then there are several considerations to keep top of mind. An experienced local real estate agent can help guide you through these considerations and should be able to point you in the right direction as you explore various parcels. 

• Access: How will you get on and off your property? Is there an established road available, and if so, who maintains it? While privacy is a plus with off-grid living, you still want to make sure you can easily access your homesite. 
• Size: How many acres you need will depend on the size of your family, as well as whether you need space for farming, hunting, and other homesteading activities. 
• Water: A clean, potable water supply is a must. Consider how you will dispose of water waste too, whether that's septic or some other type of waste disposal system. 
• Energy: Wind or solar power are popular choices for off-grid homes. Be sure the location you're interested in supports one of these systems, and that you have the means to build and sustain it. 

Reasons to Embrace a Simpler Life in Oregon

From the ski mountains of Bend to the beautiful vistas of Hood River County, there's something for everyone in Oregon. And if it's an off-grid parcel you want, you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of listings to choose from. Here are three good reasons to take the leap and make an investment in off-grid Oregon land. 

Reconnecting with Nature and Achieving Self-Reliance

Self-sufficiency has its benefits, especially amidst the natural beauty of a place like Oregon. As you grow your own food, generate your own power, and take care of your own land, you'll become less dependent on outside systems and more dependent on what you can achieve with your own two hands. 

Minimizing Your Environmental Impact and Living Sustainably

There are so many environmental benefits to off-grid living, among them less reliance on fossil fuels and traditional power sources. Off-grid land ownership generally comes with lower overall energy use as well, since you're working with what you've got and depending less on technology. 

Experiencing the Freedom and Tranquility of a Simpler Lifestyle

There's nothing easy about off-the-grid living, but there is an inherent simplicity in the lifestyle. What you sacrifice in everyday luxuries you make up for in privacy and freedom, so disconnect and slow down, and enjoy the views while you're at it. 

Search Land for Sale in Oregon

Living off-the-grid in Oregon starts with the purchase of the perfect property. Search Oregon land for sale on LandHub and find a homesite that checks off all the right boxes. Narrow down your search as needed by property types, price, and location, and invest in land where you can enjoy full independence over your home and living situation.