Many people thrive in the hustle and bustle of big-city life. Others prefer open roads and wide expanses of nature. Some wilderness lovers take this solitude to the extreme, electing to live as far from others as possible and relying on self-sufficiency for many of life's necessities.
If you're curious about living off the grid, a new report might help you find your next home. The released by BusinessElectric.com reveals the top 150 counties across the U.
S. for off-the-grid living, as voted on by 3,000 Americans. Three rural California counties made the list.
Here's what to know. BusinessElectric.com's study included these California counties as among the best in the U.
S. for off-the-grid living: The county with a population of 44,000 runs along the Oregon border in the Shasta Cascade region. With Mt.
Shasta, McCloud River, and its Gold Rush era history, the county is a vibrant tourist destination with abundant outdoor activities, including water sports, winter sports, or simply enjoying the great outdoors. The county covers 6,278 square miles, with 253.7 people per square mile.
: Located in northwestern California, this rugged, mountainous, heavily forested county lies along the Trinity River. Much of the county is covered by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, which offers numerous trails and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county has a population of 15,781 and covers 3,179 square miles, with five people per square mile.
: In the far northeastern corner of California, the county is known for a mix of high desert, forested mountains, and volcanic plateaus. The Pit River and Tule Lake offer plentiful fishing and other water activities. The county has a population of 8,511 and covers 3,948 square miles, with two people per square mile.
These are the top five counties in the U.S. for off-the-grid living according to the BusinessElectric.
com survey: : The county gained significant attention as the setting for the Netflix series "Wild Wild Country," which documents the controversial Rajneeshpuram community led by Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh in the 1980s. Despite the community's tumultuous end, the show has appeared to have sparked renewed interest in off-grid lifestyles in , according to Business Electric. The northern Oregon county covers 2,395 square miles and is home to about 26,500 people ― about 11 people per square mile.
: Ranked second, in central Wyoming offers a rural environment enriched with natural hot springs, rivers and mountains. The county's remote areas provide the essential seclusion and resources necessary for off-grid living. Hot Springs County covers 2,006 square miles and is home to just over 4,600 people.
: Located in west-central Georgia, offers a rural setting with large parcels of land available for purchase. The county's strong agricultural community and abundant natural resources support a sustainable off-grid lifestyle. This Georgia county covers 505 square miles and has a population of about 20,600.
: Situated in northern Louisiana, provides a rural environment with access to plentiful natural resources like forests and bodies of water. The parish's remote areas offer privacy and opportunities for alternative living. Bienville Parish covers 822 square miles and has a population of almost 13,000 people.
: Completing the top five, in central Maine boasts a rural environment with vast forests and access to rivers and lakes. The county's low population density and natural beauty make it an ideal location for off-grid living. Somerset County covers 4,094 square miles and has a population of just over 50,400 ― about 12 people per square mile.
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