Mount Royale Highlands Ranch
Living Off Grid
Welcome!
US citizens are seeking a quality life out side of the mainstream city living environment. For some of us who were blessed to live in rural areas as children and were exposed to ranch/farm life on our grandpa's or uncles farm, we remember the farm fresh eggs, milk, honey and a simpler, happier life, a life that we miss or want to have for ourselves and family. We are conscious of the high cost of living, crime, high electric and water bills, GMO grown foods. When you think about living off the grid and what it will take to make this dream and goal come true, it can be daunting if you have no idea of which way to go. I created this website to share my story and journey to live a "Quality Life" off the grid. I decided to stop dreaming the dream and live the dream. For several years I identified property in states, locations where the weather and other factors are conducive to where I wanted to live. I don't have all the answers and this is a shared example of my journey that I am sharing with you because of the many questions I field from friends and strangers who want to live off the grid. I encourage you to do your own research and make decisions on what works for you. I will be announcing a work shop on,
"Living A Quality Off Life Off The Grid"
If you are interested in attending and want to be invited. We will email the details to you. Be sure to go to our contact page.
- Quality of Life Plan: Make a plan of action! Make a basic list of what I call "Basic Necessities" , power, water, waste disposal, garden, farm animals & chickens, security, transportation, emergency plan. Don't worry about not having all the answers, they will come. Your first concerns and goals will be (water, power, waste disposal).
- Journal: Buy a composition note book or tabbed binder to make notes. (You won't regret it). Organize your information and efforts.
- Location: Location, Location, Location! Take into consideration topography, access in an out of the property, weather know what the weather conditions are for that area. Are you already accustomed to living in those conditions? If you have a family, are there schools in the area? How close are services to your location?
- LAND - Buying land is a critical decision, you will have to live with for the long term. Don't buy the cheapest land you can find. If you take your time and research land you will find a property that fits your needs and budget. Once you make this decision be sure you are committed to the purchase. Make a list of questions to ask the RE Agent or owner. If you enter into an owner contract, know what you are getting into. If you already own land, that is half the battle. If you are buying on an "Owner Contract" make sure the contract is filed at the county recorders office and that he/she is the titled owner and has the right to sell it to you. Talk to the local (planning department) know what is allowed and what is not concerning the land you want to buy. KNOW THE RESTRICTIONS! KNOW WHAT THE CITY/COUNTY CODES ARE! Your plans for the property may not be legally allowable or may be with in county/city codes. If you are seeking property on which to develop and live a quality life, you may contact me. I am a private real estate investor, we have rural land that is available to sell on a cash out or (OC) Owner Contract basis. ( I am not a real estate agent) I am providing this information as a help to other like mined people who wish to live off the grid. I am also happy to assist you with researching off the grid property. Contact us through our contact page.
Water: You can live with out electricity but not water! Talk with the owners of the property, water department, neighbors close to the property, local companies that have drilled wells in the area. Local well drillers will have the skinny on drilling in the area. Educate yourself about the water table. Not everyone will be financially able to drill a well right away. No worries, the best most sustainable way is to drill a well so you don't depend on outside water sources. A temporary solution if you have the option to drill a well in the future. You will need to purchase a water cistern. This is a large plastic container that you can store and transport water in. They comes in a variety of sizes/gallons, you decide how many gallons you use per month. If you are on city water a good way to gauge your anticipated usage is to check your water bill. I would suggest 300/500 or 1000gal. cistern. To mitigate water usage use a (water catchment system) or rain barrels to capture rain water for watering plants and other out door usage. You can also filter water captured in your catchment system for drinking water. A catchment system is a great way to maximize natures free resources and cut down on the water you use.
Power/Energy: You will require energy to run lights, equipment, household appliance, power tools, laptop ect. Depending upon your your energy usage you will need a way to generate that energy. A generator is usually the most widely used way to provide energy for your RV or cabin. A generator uses valuable fuel resources and greatly limits the amount of energy/wattage that you can use and how many devices you can plug in at a time. A solar system can generate enough energy for 24/7 ready power at your finger tips. The amount of energy you will be able to produce will depend upon the type of solar system you can afford to buy. Research solar power systems, your best bet is to buy a solar bundle from a reputable retail seller of these systems. Join forums where people who are a novice or well seasoned users of solar systems where you can ask question. Learn from those who have made mistakes and their successes. No matter how smart you are, unless you have money to burn/lose. If you decide to build your own system "BEWARE" Do your self a few money saving steps before you purchase panels, batteries ect. Take a classes, talk to professional's, be sure you are armed with as much information as possible. It can be done but there is a trail of tears and cash that has paved the way to "Do it yourself " building of solar systems. I invite you to visit our "RV/Cabin Solar Power" page to see the system we selected to provide 24/7 solar power to our RV.
LAND
Off Grid Solar Power System
Water Catchment System
