Living Off Grid in New Hampshire (Here’s What You Should Know)

New Hampshire is located on the east coast, namely in the northeastern region of the United States. New Hampshire is one of the smaller states with a tiny population; the state’s population is now approximately 1.3 million people. Living off grid in New Hampshire is relatively popular, and it’s easy to see why.

New Hampshire is more expensive though. Property prices are around 18% more, the cost of living is approximately 5% higher than the national average, and the property tax is one of the highest at 2.2 percent. Furthermore, due to the severe environment, you will be limited in what you can cultivate in this state. The growing season will be quite short.

General Statistics for Living Off Grid in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s population is slowly increasing. However, it has slowed in recent years. New Hampshire is one of the most picturesque states in the eastern United States, with abundant unspoiled wilderness and lakes. Although there are people living off grid in New Hampshire, one of the primary reasons not many people are relocating here is the high taxes and high expense of living.

In reality, if you ignore the financial elements living off grid, New Hampshire is definitely one of the best choices, but that could be said many places if money isn’t an issue. If you compare people living off grid here to those living off grid in the southern sections of the nation, you’ll notice a significant difference. Some may even suggest that individuals who live off the grid or on a farm here live in relative comfort.

What’s the Climate in New Hampshire?

The climate of New Hampshire is humid continental, with warm and brief summers and lengthy and frigid winters. The average midsummer temperature is approximately 75°F, while the average wintertime temperature is around 15°F. However, it can be as cold as -5°F in the winter. The humid continental climate is known for its unpredictability, with plenty of thunderstorms in the summer and winter storms.

I recommend checking out Montana if you’re interested in a similar state in another part of the country.

What Type of Crops Are Grown in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire is a major dairy producer and also has a large number of cattle and chicken farms. Sweet corn, hay, apples, and maple syrup are the principal crops farmed here. Due to the local temperature and very harsh weather, you will be limited in what you can cultivate if you live off the grid. Most people living off grid in New Hampshire just have a modest vegetable garden and raise some fruits and cattle.

What’s Freshwater Availability Like in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire has abundant freshwater, while runoff from nearby farms may contaminate the groundwater in some regions. The average annual rainfall is roughly 40 inches, while the average annual snowfall is between 60 and 100 inches. The precipitation and snowfall near the larger lakes might be much higher than the state average. On the other hand, you will have no trouble gathering enough rainwater in this situation.

What Kind of Wildlife is in New Hampshire?

The white-tailed deer is the most frequent mammal in New Hampshire; other creatures include black bears, moose, beavers, porcupines, and foxes. New Hampshire also has access to the ocean, where bluefish, Atlantic cod, American shad, haddock, and several flounder species may be found. Banded sunfish, golden shiner, spottail shiner, channel catfish, and fallfish may all be found in rivers and lakes. Freshwater and saltwater fishing both require a fishing license which can be found here.

How to Generate Off Grid Power in New Hampshire?

Solar power: New Hampshire offers a specific program that you may apply for to lower the cost of installing a solar system. The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is primarily for persons with a low income. In addition, you may qualify for the federal tax credit, which is worth roughly 26%.

Wind power: New Hampshire has a specific rebate program for wind power. However, it is only worth around $1000. However, you may still qualify for the federal tax credit.

Is Living Off Grid Legal in New Hampshire?

Living off grid in New Hampshire is completely legal. Still, even if you are building your homestead in the middle of nowhere, you must follow the municipal construction code. The education system in New Hampshire is quite decent, yet you may still homeschool your children. The homeschooling regulations are quite straightforward; simply tell the local authorities that you are educating your children and you should be alright.

Want to live in an off grid state that has no off grid laws? Check out California (people usually think this state has a lot of regulations).

What’s Road Access Like in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire has rather good roads because the local populace pays many taxes. Road access may be difficult throughout the winter, as some locations will be completely closed due to severe snowfall, so be prepared if you go to a distant location.

What’s the Price of Land in New Hampshire?

The land cost in New Hampshire is around 18 percent greater than the national average. Yet, it is slightly less expensive when compared to surrounding states. The biggest issue are the high taxes to live in this state.

What’s the Property Tax in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire has one of the highest property tax rates in the country, at 2.20 percent, compared to the national average of 1.08 percent, or more than twice. Hillsborough County has the highest property tax rate of 2.256 percent.

What’s the Cost of Living Off Grid in New Hampshire?

The cost of living in New Hampshire is somewhat higher than the national average, with housing costing 18% more, utilities costing 20% more, and food costing 7% more. On the other hand, transportation will cost you 13% less, and healthcare services will cost you 14% less.

What’s the Job Market Like in New Hampshire?

The unemployment rate in New Hampshire is 2.2 percent, much lower than the national average of 3.6 percent. The fundamental issue in New Hampshire is that, despite its high taxes, the state’s minimum wage is only $7.25. Manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and the healthcare industry are the largest industries in which most people work.

What’s the Crime Rate in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire now boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the country, with 1.7 crimes per 1000 people compared to the national average of 4 crimes per 1000 people. East Kingston, Plainfield & Cornish, Lyme – Dorchester Area, Springfield – Croydon Area, and Oxford have the lowest crime rates. The areas near Rochester, Laconia, Manchester, Keene, and Tilton have the highest crime rates.

Do Natural Disasters Affect Living Off Grid in New Hampshire?

Floods, storms, tropical storms, tornadoes, ice storms, and blizzards are common in New Hampshire. Generally speaking, a few storms will occur throughout the summer, but nothing severe; nonetheless, blizzards and ice storms, which may linger for days, are a concern during the winter.

Looking for an off grid state in New England? Check out the neighboring state of Maine!

Is Living Off Grid in New Hampshire Possible?

Overall, I suggest living off grid in New Hampshire. There any other completely off grid communities, and the people understand the lifestyle. Living off grid in New Hampshire is legal and there are no regulations that will stop you from doing so.

The only drawbacks are the tough winters and rather expensive property. If you can get used to both of these things (you only should have to buy property once) then you’ll love living off grid in New Hampshire.