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5 Inconveniences Of Living Off The Grid

As energy costs are rising, more and more American households are looking for solutions to bring their costs down. Living off the grid is growing in popularity as a response to high utility bills, as the property is not connected to public utilities such as water, power, heat, gas, etc. Currently, over 250,000 people have embraced an off-grid lifestyle in the U.S. Quite honestly, it begins to make sense to be self-sufficient. 


But, creating your own self-sufficient home can be challenging too! Indeed, experts recommend focusing your efforts in rural areas, where you can have easy access to fresh water. Some areas also have off-grid-friendly building regulations and property taxes, making it easier to detach yourself from the public utilities. Yet, if you are considering living off-grid, you want to make sure you are aware of the following inconveniences first: 


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#1. You will need a septic tank

A septic tank is necessary for properties that are not connected to a sewage network. Indeed, you need a safe location to dispose of wastewater, which includes flushed toilets and other wastes collected during your day-to-day life. Essentially, septic tanks are often seen in rural areas, and in off-grid communities. Unfortunately, even with regular maintenance, the tank can get clogged up, and you will need to arrange for septic pumping to prevent the wastewater from coming back into your home. 



#2. There are no amenities around

It may not seem like much at first, but there will be days when you crave a brew from your favorite coffee chain, and you will miss the urban life. The urban routine encourages people to grab a coffee on their way to work, so you will get to miss it when you move to a rural community. Of course, there are alternatives, such as making your own cold brew at home. It's the perfect solution to start the summer with nice cold coffee. But, it doesn't quite beat the convenient corner coffee shop that can deliver to your doorstep in 15 minutes whenever you want a brew!



#3. Don't get ill

Off-grid communities must drive long distances before they can finally see a doctor. If you already have health conditions, the last thing you need is to live in an isolated home with no medical assistance for miles and miles. 



#4. It is not as lonely as you thought

If you were dreaming of a solitary life away from the confined pace of the city, you are in for a surprise. A lot of off-grid residents in the U.S. live within tight communities, where people are prone to help each other. It can be a fantastic environment where you can find friends who share the same interests. 

However, if you have an introverted temperament, the off-grid community can create a lot of unnecessary stress for you. 



#5. Do I get fast broadband?

The answer is no. You will not have a broadband connection off-the-grid. But there are options if you need to go online briefly, such as a satellite Internet provider, data plans on your cell phone, or even a wireless turbo off. However, if you wish to work remotely online and live off-grid, you may need to change your plans! 



Is living off the grid worth it? Communities thrive in this environment and love every second of it. However, it isn't for everyone. If any of these issues sound appalling to you, you may want to forget about the off-grid dream! 


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