CT county make list of top 100 places for living off grid. Ugh or unbeatable?

According to the BusinessElectric.com survey, Litchfield county was one of 3 CT places poll respondents identified “they would choose, if they were to live off the grid.”

Could you really live off grid in Connecticut?

Merriam Webster defines off grid as “not connected to or served by publicly or privately managed utilities,” such as electricity, gas, or water.

No running water? Sounds tough.

No instant power source? Sounds tougher, not to even mention internet service. (and no Netflix)

And in Connecticut the electricity utilities are at odds with the state over various issues, such as electric charging stations and cost to consumers. Moody’s even downgraded Eversource’s CL&P to a negative outlook.

But we digress….

Off grid seems to mean chopping wood, possibly an outhouse, and growing your own food. Chickens maybe too? Not sure about lighting. Some reports say there are certain health and safety rules in Connecticut for this lifestyle, but it is all about sustainability.

The surprising part is that a recent poll found Litchfield County, yes already a bit woodsy and mountainous (shall we say scenic?), “among the country’s top choices for off-the-grid living.”

BusinessElectric.com said it sought to “uncover the most sought-after destinations for off-grid living” and surveyed 3,000 respondents to find out.

The site said, “The allure of off-grid living continues to grow in the U.S. as more people seek to escape the daily grind and embrace a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle.”

It noted, for example, that “interior Alaska offers vast expanses perfect for hunting, fishing, and living close to nature, providing an ideal backdrop for those looking to reconnect with the environment. Flathead Valley, Montana, known for its rugged beauty, offers ample land suitable for homesteading and self-sufficient living. Big Sur, California, is home to retreat centers that provide workshops on spiritual growth, meditation, and holistic practices.”

But Litchfield County? It’s home to lots of big hills, country roads, tony homes, fancy shops, ski areas, high end cows, and private schools.

But yes, according to the BusinessElectric.com survey, it’s one of 3 Connecticut places poll respondents identified “they would choose, if they were to live off the grid”:

 Litchfield County (was in top 100)

“Located in the northwestern part of Connecticut, Litchfield County offers a rural setting with picturesque landscapes and a low population density. The county’s rolling hills, forests, and access to fresh water make it suitable for off-grid living.”

Windham County (made poll, not top 100)

“In northeastern Connecticut, Windham County provides a rural environment with large tracts of land available for purchase. The area’s forests, rivers, and agricultural community support a self-sufficient lifestyle.”

New London County

“Southeastern Connecticut’s New London County offers remote areas with access to natural resources like forests and rivers. The county’s rural parts provide the privacy and space needed for off-grid living.”

Other spots chosen in the survey (the top five) were:  Wasco County, Oregon; Hot Springs County, Wyoming; Meriwether County, Georgis; Bienville Parish, Louisiana; and Somerset County, Maine.

Sound enticing?

“These diverse examples highlight the variety of options available for those eager to go off-grid, whether for a short-term retreat or a long-term lifestyle change,” according to BusinessElectric.com,

“In an era marked by global and national uncertainties, it’s no surprise that millions of Americans are yearning to escape to off-grid havens, seeking solace in a simple yet fulfilling outdoor life.”

The site said about methodology:

• 3,000 respondents were carefully chosen from a geographically representative online panel of double opt-in members.
• The selection was further tailored to meet the precise criteria required for each unique survey.
• Throughout the survey, we questions are designed to carefully screen and authenticate respondents, guaranteeing the alignment of the survey with the ideal participants.
• To ensure integrity of our data collection, it uses “an array of data quality methods”, such as “conventional measures like digital fingerprinting, bot checks, geo-verification, and speeding detection, etc. each response undergoes a thorough review by a dedicated team member to ensure quality and contextual accuracy. Our commitment extends to open-ended responses, subjecting them to scrutiny for gibberish answers and plagiarism detection.”