The idea of ‘going off-grid has become increasingly attractive to those seeking a life away from the hustle and bustle of urban living. With this in mind, many prospective off-gridders may be left wondering which US state provides the best opportunity for an off-grid lifestyle – Arizona or New Mexico? This article will take a closer look at both states in order to identify their respective advantages when it comes to setting up off-the-grid homes. It will consider factors such as climate, access to resources, quality of infrastructure, cost of living and so on. By examining each state’s respective strengths and weaknesses, readers can determine which is better suited for them personally. Ultimately, this article seeks to provide insight into what makes one location preferable over another and how these differences could influence the decision making process when considering an off grid lifestyle.
Definition Of ‘Off Grid’
Off grid living refers to a lifestyle of self-sufficiency and independence from public utility services. It is an alternative energy system in which the household or individual creates their own electricity, collects rainwater for use as drinking water, grows food, heats and cools their home with renewable sources of energy, and generally lives without relying on public infrastructure.
This type of lifestyle requires careful planning before it can be successfully implemented. A person must have access to resources such as land suitable for growing crops and raising animals; enough space for solar panels or wind turbines; knowledge about how to live off grid effectively; financial means to purchase equipment necessary for powering homes; and strong commitment to environmentally friendly practices. The ability to implement this type of lifestyle also depends heavily on local laws regarding resource management and other regulations related to off grid living.
Climate And Weather In Arizona Vs. New Mexico
The climate and weather in Arizona versus New Mexico are significantly different. In general, the desert climate of Arizona can be characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 Celsius) to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 Celsius). On average, the hottest month is July and the coolest months are December through February. The state also features low humidity levels due to its arid environment.
New Mexico has a semi-arid continental climate with warm days and cool nights throughout most of the year. It experiences cold winters with occasional snowfall, while summertime can become quite hot around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius). The majority of rainfall occurs during winter monsoon season between June through September when thunderstorms can occur daily. Overall, both states feature dry climates that might make it more appealing for those looking to go off-grid since they experience little rain or snow which can cause power outages.
Resources Available For Living Off Grid In Each State
In Arizona, there are many resources available to those interested in living off grid. The state is home to several renewable energy companies which offer solar and wind power systems for homes and businesses looking to become self-sustaining. There are also a number of educational opportunities for those wanting to learn about the technology needed to go off grid. Additionally, Arizona offers tax incentives for those who choose to install alternative energy sources such as solar or wind power.
New Mexico has similar resources available for people aspiring to live off grid. The state offers numerous tax credits and rebates for installing renewable energy systems in one’s home or business. In addition, New Mexico offers access to federal funds through its Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit program that can be used towards purchasing alternative energy systems. Furthermore, there are several organizations dedicated to providing education on sustainable living practices throughout the state.
Cost Of Living And Taxes
In terms of affordability, both Arizona and New Mexico offer significant savings when compared to other states. While the cost of living in each state is slightly higher than the national average, they are still relatively affordable places to live off grid. In addition, taxes in both states tend to be lower than most other areas in the US. This makes them attractive options for those looking to go off grid while keeping their costs down.
Property taxes in Arizona are among the lowest in the nation, with a median rate of 0.72%. The tax on real estate sales is also quite low at just 1%. Personal income taxes range from 2.59% (for incomes up to $26K) all the way up to 4.5% (for incomes over $159K). Meanwhile, New Mexico has an overall property tax rate of 0.87%, but there is no personal income tax which can make it an even more appealing choice for off-grid living. Sales taxes are also reasonable across both states at about 5-7%. All these factors combined make either Arizona or New Mexico an ideal location for going off grid without breaking your budget.
Accessibility And Connectivity
Arizona and New Mexico both offer unique opportunities for living off the grid. When considering accessibility and connectivity, Arizona may have more options in terms of access to utilities such as electricity or water lines, depending on where one chooses to live. Additionally, cellular service is generally more reliable in Arizona than it is in New Mexico due to its higher population density.
On the other hand, parts of New Mexico that are further away from urban areas can provide a greater sense of isolation if desired. There are also some advantages regarding broadband availability; while not every area has widespread coverage, there are still many rural locations with high-speed internet connections through satellite services or local providers like Plateau Telecommunications. Ultimately, each state offers its own distinct benefits when choosing an off-grid lifestyle based on individual preferences and needs.
Recreational Activities
Arizona and New Mexico both offer a variety of recreational activities that can be enjoyed off the grid. In Arizona, visitors may take advantage of its vast desert landscapes to explore by hiking, biking or four-wheeling. The White Mountains, in eastern Arizona, are known for their winter recreation opportunities such as snowmobiling and skiing. Other outdoor activities include camping, fishing and horseback riding.
New Mexico also offers many recreational opportunities for those who wish to live off the grid. Visitors can enjoy scenic views from mountains like Wheeler Peak and leisurely strolls at Chaco Canyon National Park. Hiking, canoeing and rock climbing are popular activities throughout the state’s national parks and forests. Hunting is another activity available throughout much of New Mexico’s backcountry areas during certain times of year with necessary permits. For adventurers looking to get away from it all, living off the grid in either Arizona or New Mexico provides plenty of unique experiences and recreational possibilities.
Legal Considerations
When considering the legal considerations of going off-grid in Arizona or New Mexico, several factors must be taken into account. In both states, a homeowner is subject to all applicable laws and regulations governing property ownership and use. This includes any local zoning ordinances which may limit the size or type of off-grid structure that can be built on the property. Additionally, homeowners are responsible for obtaining permits from appropriate agencies before constructing an off-grid system such as solar panels, water systems, and other infrastructure necessary for living off grid.
In terms of taxes, Arizona offers tax incentives for those who install renewable energy sources like solar power and wind turbines. New Mexico also provides some incentives but they vary depending on individual county laws. Both states require individuals to register their home address with state authorities if they plan to live permanently off-grid. Furthermore, it is important to note that regulations regarding homesteading rights may differ between the two states. Ultimately, careful research into relevant statutes should be conducted prior to making a decision about where it would be better to go off-grid: Arizona or New Mexico.