Living Off Grid in Costilla County Southern Colorado - My road trip in search of land
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- Опубліковано 17 вер 2024
- I took a drive to Costilla County to check out some inexpensive land. What I found was intriguing to say the least...
Anyone interested in this area should check out Alex Ansary's UA-cam Channel: / alexansary
Not only did I find it informative, but I was actually RUN OFF THE LAND BY A GUY NAMED PAUL THAT HE DISCUSSES IN HIS VIDEOS!
It was a totally nuts experience, but beautiful territory. Not giving up on that area just yet.
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They are definitely sheep 🐑 😂😂
City dude. Doesn't know a goat from sheep.
So fucking right Don I laughed hard when I discovered this.
lol
So fucking what negative dude. I’m sure you don’t know everything about life country or city
@@penny8579 like what
People are complaining about Costilla county because the county is insisting that they install a septic system. Funny, they all complain but turn "comments" off. The way I see it, the difference between having septic and not having septic is the fundimental differance between civilization and barbarizm.
+arbonac yeah totally. It kind of pisses me off that people were littering the river (Rio Grande) and disrupting with waste in that way. Simple composting toilet systems work so well and all it takes is someone taking responsibility one way or another. Either run the composting system like it's intended or install a septic. I really see no excuse for damaging the land or water.
stare septic pollutes and is nasty . other way breaks down very fast and compost . green grass and trees and ned no water after a while . haha. actually cheaper easy clean . doesn't run too you water you drink .. use saw dust ... thats pretty cheap . then you can burn it or incinerate with finance blower as well . many better options than septic is nasty and a wet toilet in ya house spewing germs every where . gross. it breaks down really fast man .. septic it nasty as hell. lol.
I agree totally!! I bought land there last year and I live in Ohio. I'm not moving to my land until I have enough money to install a proper septic system and pay the county 500 bucks for the Permit. If you do your septic system right it's not going to pollute your drinking water! That's why you have to go through the process of getting a Permit. The county comes out and does a drainage test and shows you where you are allowed to put the septic system. For the person that thinks a properly functioning system is nasty doesn't no how a septic system works obviously lol.. where do you think a cow or deer or pigs shit and piss??? The system is designed to help the earth to naturally filter your waste... 🤪
a septic system is a lot more disgusting than composting.
😆and they tax you for putting it..But they requested this ..mmm someone is making money
Windy conditions are the norm here in the high desert plains..if that is something that you can't live with, please be advised. Dust and grit makes it's way into almost everything, including RVs and vehicles..
Just brought some Land there too! 20 minutes from Fort Garland. Last roll ...... Up high. UTE mountain behind me.🌱 Nice to know other, people moving there too! 4 vacations!!!🖐️
Congrats. I just bought 36 acres right by Sanchez Reservoir.
I was just out there last month looking at land. Not much left for sale there. Pretty remote but nice town. Didn't have a chance to check out Alamosa.
Ute mountain is in sw colorado near cortez Colorado...not middle sw Colorado.
Jonathan David! I don't know what I would do if I hadn't come across your video! This is me, now! I'm saying all this with exclamation points because it's so what I've been wanting to do for the last couple of weeks. Long story but I bought a camper and I'm looking for land in Colorado, your videos are extremely informative. At least for me cuz I haven't yet seen Castillo County. I'm getting on in my years have health problems and want to just buy a tiny piece of land where I can eventually die gracefully and won't be a burden to anyone else. So again thank you thank you and I will be checking out more of your videos because I really have to make a decision in the next few weeks. My daughter is scheduled to give birth to my granddaughter on the 13th so I only have a couple of weeks. thank you thank you again I realize this was a couple of years ago but it's helping me now. You have a great day Jonathan
Wonderful!! Thank you for the kind words. It's tough with all the hater comments but all I ever wanted was to figure something out for myself and share it to help someone else. So glad it was helpful and Godspeed!
Dhaskinsful, I know it’s a year later but have you found your paradise?
Be sure to check out the county's rules and regulations; permits are required before any improvements..and the burden is on the property owner to fence OUT livestock, rather than the ranchers fencing IN, since its open range. Livestock, especially the cattle can and will damage the property, plants and vehicles
UFO hotspot = San Luis Valley! I'm there! Just bought 5 acres.
Alex Lunatic Moon land is cheap because the septic and leach field are running about 15,000....new state requirements.....
@@dennisryken6004 Have to look into that then before I make my final decision on building there. Thanks for the heads up!
@@dennisryken6004 What kind of requirements? I just bout 36 acres there.
Julian Overton. Colorado has changed the requirements.....a licensed engineering firm must design the system...a septic and leach field is about triple the cost it used to be....but...this is a beautiful area and that requirement is everywhere in the state
@@dennisryken6004 Also - every building permit just went up in November. A minor development and road access permit would run you $200 each. Now it's $300 each and that's just the beginning. You must acquire a permit every step of the way in the building process.
Wow so many haters!! No wonder you didn't buy any property out there.. I'm glad I didn't look into the politics in the area because It probably would have scared me off too!! But I buy land there and I don't regret it... I can't wait to move after I save up for my septic system
I think it is do-able if you know what you are up against. I agree - so many haters! Cool to find other people looking for land for the same reasons.
@@JonathanDavidLife up against??? I'm not worried about other people.. I'm up against saving my money and that is all.. I'm not moving there to be social butterfly. I don't care about what all the other people are doing as long as you leave me and my 5 acres alone. I don't want or need any help from anyone as far as building my house. I'm a retired army engineer so I'm not new to construction. I really want to be by myself and left alone. This is the perfect place for me to do that as long as you Follow the rules get your Permits and don't shakeup any trouble.
@@mmjnice97 Agreed!
The codes are pretty laid back really considering the trash others have left behind wish there was a Facebook group with people that have basic knowledge and are willing to share it. Water storage only makes sense. septic system why wouldn't you want 1 I suppose folks like the smell of poop and urine I however am not 1. Taxes are cheap which explains the roads and road access permit. Power is understandable as well but they allow several types of systems. I understand the distaste the folks out there have lots of trash left behind by those that thought they didn't need water and sanitation plus having lights. I can appease their codes cheaper than I can buy land where I live now (50,000 for a quarter acre then add the cost of everything else) I paid 3,500 for 4.8 acres septic install 5,000 tops if done myself cistern 1,250 for a 1,500 gal tank, although I would prefer a well. Solar will cost but on payments will be less than an electric bill. I also plan to build around 1,500 sq ft open plan house. Where I get worried is gardening and livestock restrictions I've heard about
David Knox what are these gardening restrictions?? are they strict on cannabis? i plan on growing my own food & medicine
Land sharks have been running game & breaking hearts in every generation since the 1970’s by selling dreams of living free in this vast beautiful uninhabitable tundra. That wind!! How else did the Great Sand Dunes form just miles from there? Constant wind blowing dust across the valley floor - no trees to act as a wind break - often laden with chemicals from the agricultural fields. Harsh very harsh terrain.
Well said. That was exactly my experience! I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my story
Jonathan David I’m so very interested in the San Luis Valley - it’s history - it’s immense beauty!!! the legends ...
I moved to the region 10 years ago and got excited about owning my own “piece of Colorado” but a co-worker tipped off on why it’s so “affordable”. Since then I’ve been in a LOVE!!/hate🤷♀️ relationship with the whole mysterious valley! I’m nearing retirement now and looking for my home base and of course am looking at all things SLV ...
I hope you found your place and all is well!
Cheers 🍻
Ever heard of permaculture?
I've lived in Colorado since 1986 (Larimer and Boulder counties) and moved to the valley three years ago, to the town of San Luis (the county seat and biggest town in Costilla County at about 650 people). I love it. But I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and can deal with winter. I also know how small towns look at "outsiders" (it doesn't matter how long you've lived here, if you didn't grow up and go to school here you are forever an "outsider" - but it's no big deal if you treat the locals with respect and don't ef around.) The land is harsh, winters will kick your ass if you don't have the right windows, heating system and vehicle to deal with it. There is no utopia for "off-gridders" out here (locals don't like what that has come to mean: Tweakers growin' weed and being part of the "Night Raiders" thief crews.) The county might let you buy 5 acres off the tax rolls for property that was abandoned by previous "utopia seekers" if you pay the outstanding property tax (which went batshit crazy last year when the county hired a "third-party" assessor service using only data from the internet.) Check all the county code regs for septic, water and when you can get your CO (clearance of occupancy.) If you try to cheat, you're rolling the dice. There are no jobs here, unless you have land and know how acequias work, which means your people came here with the Spaniards when Francisco Vasquez Coronado came up Los Caminos Antiguos (Hwy 159 around here) in the 1500s. The culture here is Norteno, and it's pretty rare. The language incorporates archaic Spanish (from Cervantes era) and Native American language (Navajo/Dine, pronounced Di Nay, as well as Ute and some Apache tribes, but don't confuse Mescalero, Jicarilla or Chiricahua) and some English. Local food and music are amazing. San Luis has its big festival, La Fiesta de Santiago y Santa Ana (aka Santa Ana) at the end of July, as it has for over 170 years. townofsanluisco.org/santana.html This little town rocks. But to get a better idea of the utopian "off-grid" life I would recommend Ted Conover's book tedconover.com/book/cheap-land-colorado/ Or you can watch the Rocky Mountain PBS series ua-cam.com/video/DrpVzwXzVkc/v-deo.html In any case, visit the place if you can, do your research, and caveat emptor.
Dirt roads seem well maintained. Property owners pay taxes, whether they have built yet or not, so they better be out there grading the roads
yeah, the roads are great in summer...but in winter is not so good. They do scrape the roads OK, but when it starts melting, theres no run off so you get mud bogs in places that even 4X4s cant get thru. mostly theres ways around them, but sometimes you just have to wait till it freezes to get thru. The trick is, if you want/need to go somewhere, leave before it thaws in the morning and dont come back till dark when it will freeze up again.
Awesome look at the land out there. Thanks for making and sharing this. Thumb up, subbed.
I bought property here also.I have heard Once you install your septic the city wont bother you as much. You gotta follow building codes for your house. But thats pretty much everywhere. Things like chicken coops and out buildings they wont bother you on though.
City? Code enforcement is by our county.. no cities in Costilla county, lol!
"I'm dying to see what comes out at night".
Could very well be true. LOL
@@penny8579 clearest most magnificent night sky I've ever seen....keep binoculars, a metal detector, a bicycle handy----cool place that Costilla County
"Tending the flock!" hahahaha!
Costilla county is the worst place to buy land in southern colorado.
Reasons...
You have to have power water and septic before you can live on your land . you can NOT have composting toilets.
High priced septic and deep wells . 600 minimum square foot house.
You can't even camp on your land for more then two weeks and you can NOT camp and build they will not give you a permit to camp and build.
The people out there are fast to turn you in for braking rules. If you even have people close to the land your looking at.
If you have money and you want allot af cheap land with almost no neighbours then its the land you want. Lots of money.
Oh ya you said -10° TO -20° F.
More like -30°F to -40°.
Is your car 4wheel drive?
You will see people out there in a rv or tent but go ask them how long it been there and has the county got on them?
No neighbors and you could get away with it.
But who wants to have to live under the radar. Worried.
That's because the land is pretty remote out there and there is no town septic close to hook into. Some land does have gas or septic to hook into from the road. Dirt roads and some are not maintained in winter. Just have to know what you are getting into. Land I looked at was $8000 for 5 acres.
@@MrLaughingcorpse did you call to find out about wells in the land you looked at? Depth and how many around the land already.
What you have to do before you can get a permit to build a house?
Like road improvements first? Septic first ? Power ? Water ? Do you have to do this before you camp year round while you build ?
Will they allow you to luve year round in a campptrail while you build at all ?
I checked into all tgus stuff on some land and found out allot..
Did you ? Becuase I would like to know what you found out ..
@@itsmeagain.1212 Haven't really checked on that. I would need a cistern underground. As well as a septic. You do need a driveway bulldozered in and inspected first. I would be driving a tiny home onto the lot so no building permit needed. Power can be solar. You can have an RV but it has to be hooked to the septic and cistern so you need those two regardless. The real estate office gave me a booklet with all the rules.
@@penny8579 I agree but I do wish there was more on composting toilets. Not sure WHY they don’t allow them since septics use some degree of water for processing waste. In light of coming water shortages it’s seems to make sense.
@@MrLaughingcorpse that’s pretty cheap land
We all need to link up i own land in blanca and trying to live offgrid
How long ago did you get here? I'm outside ft. Garland 7yrs. Now.
Seriously considering buying this property. But the build regulations scare me as well as a mandatory septic system.
Any land you buy, pretty much Anywhere has codes of some kind. I believe most building codes are international.
hey so did you buy the land & built your home what's the update love to see what you built im looking into buying a land in Colorado as well need to get the hell outta the city can't take it anymore
Yes, get out of the city man. I didn't buy down there, it was a unique thing I wasn't prepared for. I'm still looking for the right piece of land, zoning and access.
Windy conditions, and your well if you choose to dig one can be over 200 feet deep, if you are lucky. If you are not comfortable with water shortage, wind and tumble weeds then stay away from these five acre plots of almost useless land.
Where were the sheep? I have driven all over here and have yet to find sheep flocks like that...lol
Try Socorro county New Mexico
I sure will. I've thought about New Mexico a few times. There's something about it calling me and preventing me at the same time. I've always assumed it wasn't my time yet, but my attention definitely has drifted that way a couple of times.
The San Luis Valley has so much potential for off grid building models! Saguache county has no building codes!
Yes, they do. You need a septic there also. And there are building codes on electrical and plumbing. Go to the Saquache county website. Things have changed over the past couple years.
A...DONT, MESS WITH GREAT PARIMIZE cattle dogs...they are raised with the heards and WILL protect thier cattle/sheep from any and all danger...nomatter who or what they are .
I'm in this dilemma now whether to get land out there. Probably won't. It's a cool idea but the politics behind owning property any where in the country is disheartening.
I ultimately decided against it. That territory is so cool, but truly there’s some badlands still out there where rough characters exist and might not be the most peaceful place to be. For example, I learned there are people purposely trying to isolate themselves, some have mental health issues, some are strung out on drugs, and some have both and guns! Not that I’m really afraid of that, but it’s not the idealistic country life I am dreaming of. It would be a great place to possibly build a getaway camp or interim hangout cabin on the way to San Juan Mtns or Telluride, not sure about living in Costilla county though just due to the strange history of the land. Not completely against it but I’m still looking if you know what I mean.
Man I think every you go out in the wilderness you going to find people with guns mentally ill people and things like that.. I don't let that bother me.. I think that if I follow the rules every will go fine... it's so beautiful out there and peaceful. I can't wait to see the sky at night. I bet you you can see the milky way almost every night! I hear it's also a UFO hotspot and that's a subject I have always been extremely excited about! So I guess that adds one more ex military UFO nutcase to the valley lol!! I got the land to be alone if I wanted and go into town if I wanted a drink or something. I'm not letting a couple of people that don't want to follow the county laws and regulation get my pantyhose in a bunch! I'm going to get my solar system and windmill sip Lemonade on my porch in watch the stars🤩
@@JonathanDavidLife I am a Freelance Videographer in the Valley. I do all land owners photos out here. I have been to deepest parts of costilla county. Although deffenitly some sketchy people you will find that everywhere. The people you dont gotta worry about its the county and law enforcement. Has been extremely corrupt. Slowly airing out.
NoahsART music what would you charge for a video of some land out there? Maybe some photos as well? If you are still doing that
@@mmjnice97 Hahaha, Right on brother. I'm currently active duty Army and just bought 36 acres out there today. So I'm scrolling through the comments and enjoying the stories and comments. I hope you're enjoying your time out there.
I got dizzy with the camera moving so rapidly back and forth and some of the time I could hardly hear what was being said. This is country that only a select few would enjoy. I bought 5 acres close to highway 160 South of the sand dunes entrance off of hwy 160. Best part about this area is the transparent gold lying under the surface
Been looking at property out there...im in NJ and I need open space like this. Im tired of the cramped lifestyle, more and more NJ is becoming like NY and I hate it. I would love views like that and to have space away from people!
❤❤
I totally feel you! There’s a lot of room to roam in Colorado for sure. I had been living near Miami prior to here and Denver was a welcome change although I much prefer the outskirts or mountains 🏔:)
Did you ever move out there
did you buy land here ? i just put down and now i'm not so sure it a good thing ,with all the laws
Im looking at some land in that area. 5 acres. Have you had any issues
Look up
Land Patent
Anyone live out here? How’s life here?
I have driven all over the valley. North to south and east to west. Permits for homestead and or commercial takes forever. They are all corrupt and weird. Very fucking weird.....LMFAO. it's a coocos fucking nest.
Weird AF man I have the craziest story about that adventure looking for land, maybe I’ll make a video about it.
Bought land out there. How do you like it?
Did u ever find any land to buy. I here so many bad things about buying land in costilla colorada
I bailed on that situation. Crazy down there.
I'm pretty sure those goats are of the sheep variety. ;)
cheapest nowhere in Colorado that isn't snowed in half the year
Love my homeland, my family have been here for years. But it's sad to see so many people moving here wished they would stay in the city. Call me rude I dont care
You Dont like outsiders?
I am planning on buying some land out there. Would I have any issues?
@@mannymartin8201 there is lots of people with land and no water, and no electricity, and they struggle to find jobs cause there is not alot here. Just saying
@@JAE_WEST_116
Shit. I didn’t know that. That sucks.
Im from California. Too crowded and too expensive.
Is there a lot of Hispanic people out there?
It's mixed. Alot of Asian owners, white folks and brown. It's diverse here
@@JAE_WEST_116
I heard that they need a permit for everything.
Don’t they allow the building of cisterns?
Water delivery for your tanks?
Do you still own the land?
Can anyone living out there right now answer a question for me? I own some land out there and need info on electrical options. Is there a company who can provide?
Holler at the county, pretty sure they will be able to direct you!
Been in the valley 10 years. Get a decent solar system. Start right or winter will kill you out here.
How are you heating in the winter? You get like 75 inches of snow per season? I'm originally from co. Can't find land in ga. @MichaelMiller-op8fe
how much land cost there / plus how much snow you getting ? store up food for half the year; . lol. nice are though .
50 to 90 inches a year depending on the microclimate
That’s in the mountains, right. Really depends on what microclimate you’re in.
Goats??
Get used to c130 s flying thru at 40 ft off the ground and black fed suv's around every corner....
But why?
NORAD is located in the northeast corner of the valley.
And the occasional STRANGE aircraft. I live there.
LOL let them find out for themselves 😉
@@MomCat6000
How is the soil? Do people perc test the land before they build?
Coveted*
Its sage brush
Dude, those are sheep, not goats!
Lol
No, you have no access to the "river", and you'd never even realize it is a river if you saw it. I have no idea wtf you think you're gonna do for water there to grow anything, much less for yourself!
Hence why I did not end up buying anything. And since then, I’ve educated myself on sheep and goats 😂 🐑
near Lavato bridge, you can get to the Rio Grande OK, and its totally fun and beautiful there, but that water is "owned" by someone down stream and you arent supposed to take any of it. You need a good truck and a 250 gallon tank, then you can go to San Luis and buy water. If some one dug a well out there for everyone, what a difference that would make to living out there.
It's my understanding a well is around 8k depending on depth. That area the wells are way more shallow . around here they are 250 to 800 feet deep. Big bucks for some one buying raw land. 35k to 75k+ just for a well
moo moo how much do san luis charge to fill up the 250 gallon tank of water?
C M can’t you also just have a rainwater catchment System in place or get water hauled, instead of having to get a Well Drilled?
I take it you didn’t build there eh?
Negative
I got news for you ,they will not allow you to live off grid in Costilla county.
You are correct, they are not fans of it.
That's not true. They might not be fans of it, but you can do it.
vividKaptures do go on... i just bought land there & was planning on living off grid, but now im getting kinda nervous
Penny Dupre it's either 1 or 2 weeks
What are you saying? They won’t let you do solar? That’s false.
Good luck with water and cold check your building codes
Building codes are so screwy there. Makes no sense and definitely seems political to keep people out. There's also crazies out there in the badlands man. For real. I met several of them. It's the true wild west when you get that far out.
Building code in Costilla county is simple. Build something bigger then 600 square feet and put in septic and a well. Not asking for much. Your building permit is good for one year, and you can get a permit to use an RV for 180 days while you build, as long as septic and well is in place already.
@@CabernetKev 👏👏👏👏👏 you have done your research!! Good for you. I bought land there last year and I'm not moving to my land until I have enough money to install a proper septic system and pay for the Permit... it's like 500 bucks or something.. I was a little bummed that I can't build a A shipping container house but it's all good. The building codes aren't that bad and you don't even have to have an Architect sign off on your blue prints all you need is the county to give you the go ahead once they go over your prints and give you some changes or corrections and your good to go!! I like the fact that there are some easily workable rules that you need to follow.. keeps out people that have no business trying to live off grid anyways.. all the people complaining about the building codes need to find some land elsewhere but you probably wouldn't have any roads to your property and if you do they do have roads guess who got to maintain them??? YOU.. or your going to gave to drive through someone else's land to get to your land... and you think there just going to let you put a road on there land for free??? Probably not!! Man there are a lot of haters out there too.. good luck with water???? Dud that whole valley is on top of an underground Aqua lol.. good luck with the cold???? Yea it gets cold there at night Especially but how about you get 290 days a year of sunshine and your at such a high altitude that the summer's are very mild! And it's in a valley so I'll be putting up my windmill too!! I can't wait to get away from all the dumb ass people anyway.. and if the shit hits the fan I'll be self sufficient with water,, power ,,plumbing and food!! I'm saving every dollar so I can move asap lol
In some counties you can live in an RV while building for 2 years. Agree get the needed permits, well, septic and build your home. I'd do solar as back up as well. Enjoy.
Marcus Jordan did you ever end up building in Costilla County?
Guess what, lil bo peep
rules are actually agency the law . temporary law by slavery man to get rich .. just compost it it . cleaner and better . no septic run off in ya draining water .. compost . breaks down fast .. can burn as well or make furnace toilet .. your own crap and scraps would make lush land and fertilizer which you need , have nice yard and fields and fruit tree's in no time . nice garden .
cowpoke02 They will not allow composite toilets
great sheep country . dry and they eat weeds dry grasses most animals die on it they get fat and wool stays clean .
Government cannot tell man what he can and cannot do with his property anyway
That's what you think
Ever see supernatural out there? 🧞♂️