If living off the grid seems enticing to you, you’re not alone. Today, many people are adopting the lifestyle and living autonomously, outside the confines of common public utilities, such as electricity, water, and social amenities, that can restrict anyone down. It’s vital to note however that forging this unique way of living entails getting the right site.
The United States, Australia, and Canada host a lot of places off-the-grid life. But how about Bulgaria? Can you live off the grid in this beautiful Balkan country? What are the reasons to choose Bulgaria as your place to veer away from the rigors? Read on below to discover!
1. Affordability
One of the primary considerations when living off the grid is the size and financial cost of the property. Remember, you need a decent-sized plot of land to build your house while reserving some space for other structures required for sustainable living. Yet, you also want to find one that you can pay off in just a few years unlike apartments in cities where you need to pay a mortgage for decades. Fortunately, properties in Bulgaria are among the cheapest in Europe. Rural properties in the country even cost less and some are offered in bargains, which means you can purchase suitable land without hurting your budget.
2. Variety of Locations
Most people think that living off the grid means living in isolation and completely detaching yourself from the world. However, many of those who adopt this lifestyle still choose a property with access to roads and are only within an hour or two hours’ drive from the town or city proper for good reasons – work, healthcare, schools, and shopping.
While you can be creative and be self-sufficient outside of the city’s jam and pollution, your kids still need to go to school, while your entire family should still receive proper healthcare and be attended to in case of health emergencies. You might also want to stay in your regular job while enjoying a different level of independence of sustainability back in your off-the-grid home. Meanwhile, there are also materials you need that are only available in cities requiring you to visit them once in a while.
Yet, it’s good to note that some people also opt to homeschool, make money off the grid, and find inventive ways to sustain all their needs, allowing them to live in the off-beaten path. Truth to be told, the concept of living off the grid can vary for different people.
What’s certain is that Bulgaria has a variety of locations to choose from. You can choose rural places that are close to big towns, quick and easily reachable by car. Otherwise, you can live in the more remote countryside, in sparsely populated regions, or in the backwoods.
3. Agriculture
You might be surprised that agriculture fuels the Bulgarian economy, with a big part of the total territory of the country covered by cultivated agricultural land. It’s little wonder as agriculture stems to deep down Bulgaria’s roots. Farming is a great tradition in the country, with the older generations boasting broad knowledge about agriculture and food conservation. Not to mention that the country also has the ideal natural conditions for the growth of crops. As such, you’ll learn a lot and have no issues growing fruits, vegetables, and crops to secure your food supply.
4. Hunting and Fishing
Apart from farming, wild game and fish are also vital sources of food. With its diverse wildlife and vast forested area, Bulgaria offers great hunting and fishing opportunities. Just be mindful that a license must be obtained to hunt, which requires applicants to undergo and pass a series of tests (practical and theoretical) before they’re given permission to hunt. Species that may be hunted are also strictly regulated, so be sure to check them to avoid any trouble with the authorities.
5. Source of Energy
Accessible, practical, clean, easy to install and repair, less maintenance, and functional in various conditions, no surprise that solar power is the most preferred renewable energy option for most off-gridders. What’s great is that nearly 80% of the year is sunny in Bulgaria. Just set up ample solar panels that can support entire energy needs and you’ll have an easy time producing electricity off the grid. Of course, plenty of sunshine means for crops and for better health and mood as you enjoy your freedom.
6. Water
Another essential need you’ll always see prioritized in off-grid manuals is having a local water source. You can’t live without water, so it’s crucial that you have access to water, be it from a river, stream, pond, spring, water, or lake. Thankfully, Bulgaria is a country brimming with water resources and even ranks among the richest countries in Europe in terms of mineral water. Just note that you need to secure rights if you want to build waterways to your land. Of course, it’s also advised to purify the water to make sure it’s 100% safe for drinking.
7. Nature
One of the biggest perks of living off the grid is having the chance to return to nature and admire its beauty, far from the stress of modern living. Bulgaria will provide you just that as it’s home to dense, ancient forests, mist-shrouded mountains, beautiful caves, stunning lakes and waterfalls, picturesque rock formations, and thriving flora and fauna.
Imagine being surrounded by these rather than tight alleys, lots of cars, overcrowded places, pollution, and noise. It would always be more fun, waking up in the beautiful sunrise, growing trees, attending to your livestock, and sleeping in the stars, while enjoying all the flexibility and liberty of living off the grid in Bulgaria.
Final Words
That sums up Bulgaria makes a perfect off-the-grid location. If you’re planning to visit all its top travel destinations, why not consider living off the grid in the country as well to experience it like no other and be rewarded with all the amazing things Bulgaria has to offer.