Arizona Off-Grid Land Offers 72 Acres
A sprawling 72.55-acre parcel in St. Johns, Arizona is being marketed as the ultimate off-grid investment with guaranteed financing and no credit check required. The tract offers complete privacy for building a homestead, creating a recreational retreat, or simply enjoying peace away from city life.
St. Johns is located in Apache County, where the median effective property tax rate is approximately 0.45%, notably lower than the national median of 1.02%. For a home valued at the county's average of $114,458, the annual property tax bill would be around $448. Economically, the data for St. Johns shows a median household income of $128,920 in 2023, which marked a significant increase from the previous year. The poverty rate in the same year was 6.93%, a figure lower than the national average. The local economy is a mix of traditional agriculture and technology, with two fossil-fueled electric generation plants being major employers. For those considering an off-grid lifestyle, Apache County has specific building regulations. A building permit is required for any living quarters, as well as for solar electric systems and outbuildings exceeding 200 square feet. While a septic system or an alternative is necessary, certain structures like one-story detached buildings under 200 square feet and fences under 7 feet high are exempt from permits. Arizona's abundant sunshine makes it a prime location for solar power, a key component of off-grid living. However, water is a significant consideration due to the arid climate. While rainwater harvesting is an option, the state's average annual rainfall is low, making well-drilling or water hauling a more likely necessity. Compared to other popular off-grid states like Texas and Nevada, Arizona presents a different set of trade-offs. While Texas may offer more affordable land and a lower cost of living, it can have higher property taxes. Nevada is known for having fewer building restrictions, but some find its landscape less desirable. Apache County allows for the construction of tiny homes, which must be at least 200 square feet and built on a permanent foundation to receive a certificate of occupancy. The county's building codes are based on the 2015 International Residential Code, with some adjustments to accommodate the smaller size of tiny houses. Water rights in Arizona are complex and are not automatically transferred with land ownership. Prospective buyers need to research water availability and rights for any specific parcel. This can involve investigating access to groundwater, the feasibility of drilling a well, or the logistics of having water delivered. The climate in this region of northeastern Arizona is semi-arid, characterized by cold, dry winters and hot summers with occasional thunderstorms. This climate allows for a variety of recreational activities and a lifestyle closely connected to the outdoors, with nearby attractions like the Petrified Forest National Park and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
