Everyone has those dreams of living in a big fabulous city, but moving to an off-the-wall place may make you happier.
Living somewhere unexpected comes with its own quirks and unique styles that a big city may not have. Here are 10 off-the-wall places to live that are sure to give you a lifetime of happiness.
Three Rivers, California
Backyard of a house at Three Rivers
If you love rolling hills, nature and living beside a giant lake, then Three Rivers is the perfect place. Off-the-grid and very small in size, this area uses natural forms of electricity and water from deep in the ground.
Dancing Rabbit, Missouri
Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage
This community is very much off-the-wall. It is located in northeastern Missouri. If you love the eco-friendly lifestyle, you may want to consider applying to live here. Housing is shared. In some areas the income is shared. The entire community shares three eco-friendly cars. Food is primarily organic and locally grown. Homes are made from sustainable components.
Greater World Community, New Mexico
Greater World Community Home
Like Dancing Rabbit, the Greater World Community is focused on developing sustainable and eco-friendly homes. It is located in Taos, New Mexico. Greater World is the home of businessmen, hospital workers, architects and artists. Each home is made with recycled tires and soil. Property is shared, but each home is owned individually.
Earthaven, North Carolina
Earthaven Ecovillage House
Located in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Earthaven is a community that lives off-the-grid and is very off-the-wall. Earthaven charges annual membership fees, is self-governed and has numerous ways of operating. There is a heavy focus on environmentally friendly living here.
Twin Oaks, Virginia
Twin Oaks House
In central Virginia Twin Oaks is the local income-sharing community. Residents work 42 hours per week to receive a home and necessities. This arrangement puts a focus on community living, and it is not for everyone. There are over 90 residents, and everyone must work if they are able to. Working provides the community with vital needs, and you never have to worry about having enough food or things that you need.
Shangri-La Dome Home, Colorado
Shangri-la Dome Home
Aguilar, Colorado is home to some weird houses. This off-the-wall place is shaped like a futuristic dome. Other homes can be made like it. It is a two-level residence with a beautiful view of the surrounding areas in Aguilar, Colorado.
Setenil De Las Bodegas, Spain
Setenil De Las Bodegas
This place is rich in history and located in the lovely Andalucía province of Spain. People actually live here too, and that is part of what makes it so beautiful. Homes are literally shoved into the rocks and placed precariously on cliffs.
Xuankong Si, China
Xuankong Si
This place is carefully built within strong rocks in a sacred mountain. Xuankong Si is as off-the-wall as it gets (so think about hiring a full service moving company if you are a really “off-the-wall” person), and it is beautiful too. If repairs are needed, they can be made one at a time to ensure that structural integrity is not compromised.
Sedona, Arizona
Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona
Sedona may seem normal, but everything about this small city is off-beat. Sedona is full of quirky structures, unique people and shops. It’s certainly an unexpected place to move to. Real estate is often affordable, but it is in high demand.
Breitenbush, Oregon
Breitenbush Community
This nature community is the perfect place for those wanting to live off-grid. Residents work and their living accommodations are taken care of. This community-based living area is nestled in the woods and a great place to live once you retire.
This article was written by Jet Russell. Jet is a constant contributor to the blogosphere and enjoys writing on topics like travel, business, and Internet marketing.
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Some of these places would be great to have a hostel in for backpackers.
Give me internet and cheap food and I can live anywhere!