How to Live Off Grid in New Mexico
Essential Tips and Resources
This Article is Part of Our Guide on Living Off-Grid for all 50 US-States
New Mexico, with its wide-open spaces, abundant sunshine, and rich artistic history, has become an increasingly popular destination for those seeking to live off-grid. This southwestern state offers a unique landscape, featuring a mostly semi-arid climate that can pose challenges such as flooding, dustiness, droughts, and coyote packs. Despite these challenges, many individuals are drawn to the Land of Enchantment for its potential to nurture a self-reliant, sustainable lifestyle.
Living off-the-grid is legal in New Mexico, as is rainwater harvesting—a rarity in states with similar climates. However, it is important to adhere to local building codes and consult with local authorities to ensure off-grid living is within legal parameters. As one embraces the off-grid lifestyle in this enchanting state, being equipped with the right knowledge and resources can make the dream of disconnecting from utilities and living in harmony with the environment a reality.
Essentials of Off-Grid Living in New Mexico
Understanding Off-Grid Living
Off-grid living refers to a self-sufficient lifestyle, where individuals and families rely on their own resources for power, water, and waste management systems. In New Mexico, this can be a challenging yet rewarding experience due to its diverse climate and terrain, which includes deserts and mountains. The state offers varied natural resources that can be harnessed for off-grid living, such as abundant sunlight for solar power and suitable land for agriculture.
Legal Considerations
When considering off-grid living in New Mexico, it is essential to understand the legal aspects, such as zoning laws and property taxes. New Mexico has relatively permissive zoning laws, making it easier for individuals to pursue an off-grid lifestyle. However, it is crucial to research the specific county where you plan to settle, as regulations may vary. For instance, Socorro County, south of Albuquerque, has no zoning laws.
Property taxes in New Mexico are generally lower than the national average. However, it is important to note that property valuation and taxation can differ between counties. An off-grid property will require a unique assessment and valuation, so it is crucial to consult with local authorities to understand these implications.
Property Selection
Picking the right property is a critical factor for successful off-grid living in New Mexico. Climate, crime rates, and water availability are some of the factors to consider when selecting a location. While New Mexico is known for its arid climate, rainfall and water scarcity can be a significant challenge. Some areas permit rainwater harvesting, but be aware that average annual rainfall is relatively low statewide.
Lowest Crime Rate Areas Highest Crime Rate Areas Abiquiu Deming Hanover Belen Ramah Albuquerque Mesilla Taos Tatum Gallup
The crime rate is another important aspect to consider, as it can impact safety and overall quality of life. Areas like Abiquiu, Hanover, Ramah, Mesilla, and Tatum have some of the lowest crime rates in the state. On the other hand, Deming, Belen, Albuquerque, Taos, and Gallup have higher crime rates.
In conclusion, while off-grid living in New Mexico can be rewarding, it is essential to understand the legal aspects, choose the right property based on the factors mentioned above, and adapt to the state's diverse climate and terrain.
Setting Up Your Off-Grid Home
Building Your Home
When building an off-grid home in New Mexico, consider sustainable and eco-friendly materials like earthships, straw bales, and cob. Earthships are known for their passive solar design, which makes them energy efficient, while straw bale and cob houses provide excellent insulation and are cost-effective.
Earthships: Constructed with recycled materials (e.g., tires, cans, and bottles) and partial earth sheltering.
Straw bale: Made of straw bales with a plaster finish, providing excellent insulation.
Cob: A mix of clay, sand, and straw, offering natural thermal mass and insulation.
Energy Solutions
Harnessing solar power is a popular choice in New Mexico, given its abundant sunlight. Install a solar system comprised of solar panels to generate electricity. Solar panel use is divided into two categories:
On-grid: Connects to the utility grid, allowing for power backup.
Off-grid: Completely independent from the grid, requiring battery storage.
Water Supply and Management
In New Mexico, rainwater harvesting is legal and particularly important due to the state's semi-arid climate. Implement a rainwater catchment system, which involves:
Collecting rainwater from rooftops or other surfaces.
Storing the water in cisterns or tanks.
Filtering and treating the water for drinking and other household uses.
Additionally, water management strategies, such as drip irrigation for gardens and using greywater for non-potable purposes, can help conserve water.
Waste Disposal
Managing waste in an off-grid home requires mindful disposal methods:
Compost toilet: A toilet that processes and composts human waste, producing a nutrient-rich fertilizer.
Greywater system: Filters wastewater from showers and sinks and utilizes it for irrigation or flushing.
Wood stove: Efficiently provides heating while creating ash, a useful soil amendment.
By integrating these solutions into your off-grid home, you'll create a sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle while respecting New Mexico's local laws and ecological considerations.
Sustainable Food and Energy
Agriculture and Livestock
Sustainable living in New Mexico off the grid involves incorporating agricultural practices and livestock management that require minimal external input. Homesteading is a popular approach that enables individuals to live self-sufficiently by producing their own food and renewable resources. In New Mexico, residents can grow a variety of crops such as chile peppers, beans, squash, melons, and tomatoes, which are well-adapted to the arid environment.
For livestock, drought-tolerant and hardy species are suitable choices for off-grid living in New Mexico. These may include:
Goats: adapt well to arid conditions, providing milk and meat
Chickens: robust, low-maintenance, and produce eggs
Rabbits: simple to care for and supply a source of meat
Incorporating permaculture principles can also enhance the sustainability of agricultural and livestock practices by considering factors such as water and soil conservation, crop rotation, and integration of plants and animals.
Renewable Energy Sources
New Mexico boasts abundant sunshine and ample wind resources, making it an ideal location for harnessing renewable energy. To achieve off-grid energy independence, homeowners in New Mexico can adopt solar power and wind turbines as primary energy sources.
Solar Power: New Mexico has one of the highest solar potentials in the United States, enabling residents to rely on solar panels for electricity generation. Solar panels can power essential household appliances, systems for heating water, and offer energy storage options to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Wind Turbines: The windy landscape of New Mexico holds great promise for residential wind energy systems, allowing off-grid homeowners to generate electricity using wind turbines. From small-scale systems for charging batteries to larger units for producing electricity, incorporating wind power can significantly contribute to a sustainable lifestyle.
In conclusion, living off the grid in New Mexico requires a focus on sustainable agriculture and livestock practices, as well as harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar power and wind turbines. By adopting homesteading principles and using the state's natural resources, it is possible to achieve a self-sufficient, eco-friendly lifestyle in New Mexico.
Daily Living Off-Grid
Cooking and Food Preservation
Living off-grid in New Mexico requires self-sufficient methods for cooking and food preservation. Propane is a popular choice for powering stoves and ovens, as it's readily available and easy to store. When using propane, ensure proper ventilation and safe handling to avoid accidents.
A solar power system can also be installed to support electric appliances, such as slow cookers and refrigerators. Solar cooking devices, like solar ovens, are also suitable for the state's sunny climate. These ovens harness sunlight to cook food without relying on gas or electricity.
For food preservation, options include:
Freezing: Requires adequate solar power capacity to run a freezer.
Canning: Preservation method using glass jars, which requires a heat source like a propane stove.
Dehydrating: Remove moisture from food using a solar dehydrator or electric dehydrator powered by solar energy.
Root cellaring: Storing produce like potatoes and carrots in a cool, dark space to prolong shelf life.
Healthcare and Hygiene
Off-grid living in New Mexico involves considering healthcare and hygiene practices to maintain good health. Access to clean water is crucial; invest in a rainwater harvesting system or use a well if available. For off-grid sanitation systems, consider using:
Composting toilets: These separate solid and liquid waste, allowing for odorless and eco-friendly waste disposal.
Greywater systems: Capture and filter wastewater from sinks and showers for reuse in irrigation.
Solar water heaters: Use solar panels to heat water for bathing and laundry.
Additionally, it's essential to have a first aid kit and basic medical supplies on hand. If living in a remote area, learn emergency response procedures and maintain communication with nearby medical facilities. Incorporate exercise and outdoor activities into daily routines to promote overall well-being.
By focusing on sustainable and efficient methods for cooking, food preservation, healthcare, and hygiene, living off-grid in New Mexico can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Off-Grid Community and Recreation
Integrating with Local Communities
Living off-grid in New Mexico requires establishing connections with nearby communities. Cities such as Santa Fe, Roswell, and Albuquerque offer networking opportunities for off-gridders to share resources and information. Local meetups and online forums help in discussing off-grid living techniques, sharing experiences, and connecting with others having similar interests.
In New Mexico, consider volunteering with local organizations that promote sustainable living, or visit eco-villages and educational centers where you can learn about the off-grid lifestyle. Establishing connections with the local off-grid community will ensure a smoother adaptation to the lifestyle.
Children can also easily integrate with these communities. Many off-grid families engage in homeschooling and form cooperative teaching arrangements, offering diverse educational experiences for the children.
Outdoor Activities
New Mexico's diverse landscapes provide ample opportunities for off-grid residents to enjoy outdoor recreational activities. Here are some options to consider:
Campgrounds: Numerous campgrounds can be found throughout the state, allowing off-grid residents to experience a variety of natural settings. From forests to deserts, these campgrounds offer chances to unwind and connect with nature.
Fish and Wildlife: Fishing enthusiasts can explore New Mexico's rivers and lakes, home to diverse fish species such as trout, bass, and catfish. Wildlife observation is also a popular pastime, as the state is inhabited by a variety of animals, including deer, elk, bears, and mountain lions.
Forests and Trails: Off-grid residents can take advantage of New Mexico's state and national forests by exploring the numerous hiking and biking trails. These diverse landscapes offer experiences that range from easy walks to challenging hikes, suitable for varying skill levels.
Overall, living off-grid in New Mexico offers a unique and fulfilling lifestyle. Engaging with local communities and participating in outdoor recreation creates a wholesome and sustainable way of living, enabling off-gridders to experience the beauty and possibilities the Land of Enchantment has to offer.
Challenges and Considerations
Living off-grid in New Mexico has its share of challenges and considerations. This section outlines some of the most important factors to take into account while planning your off-grid lifestyle.
Weather and Environmental Challenges
New Mexico offers a diverse climate with significant regional differences. However, it faces environmental hurdles like flooding, droughts, and dust storms that can impact off-grid living. In addition to these issues, the presence of wildlife such as packs of coyotes might create an unpredictable living environment.
Climate: New Mexico experiences a wide range of climates, from arid desert landscapes to alpine mountain ranges. Depending on your location, you may face extreme heat or cold, which can affect the efficacy of energy systems, water resources, and the growth of food-producing plants.
Water Availability: Surface water can be scarce, and obtaining water rights can be both complicated and expensive. It's essential to invest in a reliable water storage system, like BPA-free food-grade water storage tanks with a capacity of 320 gallons or more.
Isolation and Emergency Preparedness
Living off-grid in a remote location comes with inherent risks and a need for heightened preparedness.
Isolation: Low population density can lead to a sense of isolation. Ensuring robust communication methods with the nearest town or city is crucial, as are robust social networks, both online and offline, to maintain mental well-being.
Emergency Preparedness: Adapting a "pandemic project" or emergency plan is critical when living off the grid. Living remotely may limit immediate access to assistance in natural disasters or medical emergencies, making it vital to have first aid kits, extra supplies, and an evacuation plan.
New Mexico offers unique opportunities for off-grid living, but thoroughly understanding the challenges and committing to a well-researched, DIY approach is essential for a successful and sustainable lifestyle.
Financial Aspects of Off-Grid Living
Budgeting and Expenses
Transitioning to off-grid living in New Mexico requires a thorough understanding of the associated costs and budgeting. On average, the cost of moving off-grid is $101,087, with a low value of $12,447 and a high of $463,2601. Monthly expenses typically range between $35.42 and $2,2641. Key expenditures to consider for off-grid living in New Mexico include:
Land and housing: The price of land and housing may vary significantly depending on location, size, and access to resources.
Off-grid solar system: A solar energy system, including panels, batteries, and equipment, is crucial for generating electricity off-grid.
Heating systems: Given New Mexico's varying climate conditions, it is essential to invest in a reliable and efficient heating system.
Water storage: Due to limited freshwater availability, investing in a BPA-free, food-grade water storage tank with a capacity of up to 320 gallons is recommended2.
Well and septic system: Installing a well for water supply and a septic system for waste management will also contribute to the overall expenses.
Transportation: Off-grid living may entail extra transportation costs for access to essential services and goods.
Gardens and livestock: To maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle, allocating a budget for gardening and livestock is crucial.
Property tax: Off-grid living in New Mexico is still subjected to property taxes based on the assessed value of the land and structures on it.
Earning an Income Off-Grid
Earning an income while living off-grid in New Mexico can be challenging, but it's feasible with proper planning. Some income-generating options you may explore include:
Remote work: Online or remote jobs in various fields, such as programming, writing, graphic design, or consulting, can allow you to work from your off-grid home.
Agriculture: Depending on the local climate and soil conditions, you may grow crops such as corn, beans, squash, or chiles3, which can be sold at farmers' markets or to local retailers.
Livestock: Rearing livestock like chickens, goats, or sheep can contribute to your income via the sale of meat, milk, or eggs.
Handmade products: Craft items, such as soap, pottery, or woodworking, can be sold online or at local markets.
Teaching and workshops: Share your off-grid living skills or offer workshops on topics like permaculture, solar installation, or natural building techniques.
In conclusion, understanding and managing the financial aspects of living off-grid in New Mexico is crucial for a successful transition. Carefully budget and explore income-generating options to sustain your self-reliant lifestyle.
Future of Off-Grid Living in New Mexico
Laws and regulations: Off-grid living is legal in New Mexico, but local zoning laws dictate what can or cannot be done on an off-grid property. It is important to stay informed of any changes in laws and regulations that could affect off-grid living in the state.
Water resources: One of the primary challenges of off-grid living in New Mexico is the scarcity of freshwater. Though rainwater harvesting is legal, the average annual rainfall is quite low. In the future, innovative water collection and storage methods may become necessary for a sustainable off-grid lifestyle.
Renewable energy: New Mexico offers potential for solar and wind energy generation, crucial for off-grid living. With advances in renewable energy technologies, dependence on fossil fuels and connection to the grid may decrease, making off-grid living more accessible and sustainable.
Land designation: Properties with agricultural or grazing classification in New Mexico are taxed at a lower valuation, which favors off-grid living. As the state continues to grow in popularity for off-grid living, one might see more areas designated for such use.
Crime rates: Some cities in New Mexico have high crime rates, which can be a concern for off-grid residents. However, safer areas like Abiquiu, Hanover, Ramah, Mesilla, and Tatum stand out as potential locations for off-grid living. It is important to consider the safety of one's chosen location and take necessary precautions.
Natural environment: New Mexico's diverse landscape, including deserts, forests, and mountains, offers a wide range of possibilities for off-grid living. Adapting to the local environment and climate is crucial for off-grid residents, and as climate change progresses, it will be more important to plan for potential impacts on off-grid lifestyles.
In summary, the future of off-grid living in New Mexico depends on several factors, including changes in laws and regulations, advancements in technologies, and the ability to adapt to the natural environment and resource constraints. By staying informed and considering these aspects, potential off-grid residents can prepare for a sustainable and successful lifestyle in the Land of Enchantment.
Conclusion
Living off-grid in New Mexico is a viable and rewarding option for those seeking a self-sufficient lifestyle. The state offers several benefits for off-grid living, including permissive zoning laws and the allowance of rainwater harvesting. However, it's essential to adhere to local construction codes and consult with local authorities to ensure compliance with any restrictions.
When considering off-grid living in New Mexico, buying land with agricultural or grazing classification is advantageous, as it is taxed at a lower valuation. It's also essential to research the area's crime rates, as New Mexico has relatively high crime rates in some regions. The safest areas include Abiquiu, Hanover, Ramah, Mesilla, and Tatum, while those with the highest crime rates are Deming, Belen, Albuquerque, Taos, and Gallup.
In summary, New Mexico's diverse landscape, climate, and relatively friendly off-grid laws make it a good choice for those considering this lifestyle. By doing thorough research, adhering to local rules, and adapting to the unique challenges of the region, off-grid enthusiasts can successfully create a sustainable and self-sufficient life in New Mexico.
