Living Off Grid Around Flagstaff (Prescott, Munds Park: home, cost of, land)

[MortonR]

I've posted previously in the forum with similar, but less specific questions. Not trying to be redundant, just want to focus more on the requirements for off grid living.

If you're living off grid in the Flagstaff area (such as Winona, Doney Park, Ft. Valley, Munds Park, or any other part of the surrounding area within 10 miles or so) I would like to hear from you.

I'm actively looking for at least 2 acres of land or more in one of these areas, ideally Fort Valley, but not developed land, mainly because of the cost of such. I'm curious as to how difficult off grid living can be (or not) and would like to hear from people who are currently doing it.

I'm trying to establish what's involved for water, power and sewage. I presume a septic system is the typical means of dealing with effluent, but I'm curious about what's involved with water (cistern/well) and electricity (solar/wind) and the various means of setting up and maintaining such systems.

Feel free to post here or direct message me if you prefer.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

RM

[OurNextAdventure]

Nearby every home E NE of Flag is off grid, around the Roden Crater area, so it is doable. You won't be able to punch a well, as there isn't much ground water on the mountain. But Flagstaff, especially the Doney Park area has a ton of wind. The Chevron on the corner of 89A and Campbell has a wind generator that's always ripping pretty hard. So it's definitely possible. Solar isn't an issue at all. The entire state has excellent solar potential. A mixture of wind and solar, you really wouldn't have to be very conscious of your power usage.

[MortonR]

I've been in the Doney Park area and seen the wind turning a lot of turbines. I'm not keen about a well mainly due to the high upfront costs, probably approaching $80k.

I worked in the generator business for many years, so the electrical aspect of things doesn't concern me greatly, it's the least concerning area of the three. Water is probably my biggest concern.

Given the choice I would prefer to be on the west side, ideally Fort Valley, so I'm not in the rain shadow of the mountains.

RM

[OurNextAdventure]

Small world. I work on Generators for a living. I just left Prescott for Alaska 3 weeks ago for a new job up here.

[MortonR]

Originally Posted by OurNextAdventure

Small world. I work on Generators for a living. I just left Prescott for Alaska 3 weeks ago for a new job up here.

I traveled the world for a major generator manufacturer for some years, and worked for their distributors in the field and in management as well. 20+ years in the business. Spent time in Alaska in some very, very remote places on the North Slope and in the Aleutians. Don't miss it. Good luck!

RM