New Jersey Ranked the Worst State in the U.S. to ‘Live Off the Grid’

If you're the kind of person that wants to get away from all the hectic aspects of life and "live off the grid," then don't live in New Jersey.

The folks at LawnStarter have ranked 2023's best, and worst, states to "live off the grid." In the study, "We compared the 50 states based on 23 key factors, such as the cost of farmland, legality of self-generated utilities, and availability of renewable energy. We also considered indicators like climate, phone connectivity, and access to rural hospitals."

According to the study, Iowa has your "best chance of surviving on your lonesome in the wilderness." It's the No. 1 state for living off the grid in LawnStarter's third annual ranking. No. 2 is Texas, followed by Kenntucky, Minnesota and Oklahoma.

The bottom five are Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island and, at the very bottom of the tally, New Jersey.

According to the study, "While living off-grid might make you feel isolated, you certainly wouldn’t be alone. Over 250,000 people already live off the grid in the U.S, and more will join. By some estimates, as many as 12% of all Americans will be off-grid by 2035." View the full ranking and analysis here.

This time of year is a perfect time to experience Pennsylvania's wine trails. The Keystone State is known for its beautiful wine trails, with scenic views of the autumn colors and, of course, tasty wine.

So, where should you go this time of year to experience the best Pennsylvania's wine trails? The crew at VisitPa.com has put together a comprehensive list of some of the finest wine trails in the state. "The state's moderate climate and rolling terrain provides some of the best growing conditions on the East Coast as more than 300 wineries produce a delightful array of wine varieties," they state in the article. "With approximately 14,000 acres of grapes, Pennsylvania ranks 5th nationally in the amount of grapes grown (including juice grapes). The state also ranks 7th in the production of wine and 7th in number of wineries, with many of these wineries part of 10 organized wine trails that wind throughout the state."

Even if you aren't a wine lover, experiencing a wine trail is a fun experience in the fall. Read on for a list of some of the finest wine trails in the Keystone State, via VistPa.com. They also suggest that to find more information about Pennsylvania wine, visit www.pennsylvaniawine.com. For the full list from VisitPa.com, go here. What's your favorite area wine trail? Reach out to us on social media and let us know. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and wine.

"The vineyards are nestled in an unusual microclimate that exists in the narrow region between the great river basins of the Chesapeake and the Delaware River, with easy access to the cities of Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Baltimore," says VisitPa.com.

http://www.bvwinetrail.com/

"From jalapeno wine at Cardinal Hollow Winery to a dry Cabernet Franc Reserve at Crossings Vineyard, there's plenty to enjoy. The trail intersects with the Bucks County Wine Trail, allowing wine lovers to indulge in even more of the Philadelphia region's finest wines," says VisitPa.com.

http://www.montgomerycountywinetrail.com/

"With more than 350 awards collectively, the Laurel Highlands is focused on producing only the highest of quality and locally made wines. Popular tourist destinations like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and the stunning Nemacolin Resort are only a short drive away to make a long weekend memorable," says VisitPa.com.

http://www.southwestpassagewinetrail.com/

"The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is home to eight family owned vineyards and wineries that have brought home the Governor’s Cup numerous times and won countless regional, state, national and international awards, including more than 50 for wines made from Chambourcin, its signature grape," says VisitPa.com.

http://www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com/

"Nestled in the scenic heart of Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country Roads Region, the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail features more than 14 family-owned wineries in the York, Lancaster, Gettysburg and Harrisburg area. From some of the area’s best known vineyards to newly emerging vintners, each stop on the trail provides a unique experience sure to please any palate," says VisitPa.com.

"The Erie Wine Trail is approximately 53 miles long and runs amidst 30,000 acres of vineyards along Lake Erie in western New York and Pennsylvania in 'America’s Grape Country.' The well-drained, gravel-loam soils and the moderating effect of the lake on spring and fall temperatures combine to create the perfect growing environment for healthy vineyards and premium wines," says VisitPa.com.

http://www.lakeeriewinecountry.org/

"Boasting more than 200 handcrafted white, red and blush wines, the trail is sure to meet all travelers’ tastes, and is conveniently located just minutes away from Hershey, the Sweetest Place on Earth, and the state capital of Harrisburg," says VisitPa.com.

http://www.hersheyharrisburgwinecountry.com/

"The Mercer County PA Wine Trail travels along beautiful lakes and scenic countryside. Partners include Conneaut Cellars Winery & Distillery, Fractured Grape Wine Cellars, Knockin Knoggin Cidery and Winery, Nova Cellars Winery, Webb Winery, Wilhelm Winery," says VisitPa.com.

https://www.visitmercercountypa.com/dine-and-sip-category/wine-brew-spirits/

"The beautiful rolling countryside of Berks County is home to eleven family-owned and award-winning wineries producing a range of wine styles from sparkling wine to dry table wines to sweet dessert wines," says VisitPa.com.

http://www.berkscountywinetrail.com/

"Located in the heart of the beautiful Susquehanna and Juniata River Valleys Central, the local climate supports not only the growth of hardy native grapes and premium hybrids, but also more delicate varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir," says VisitPa.com.

http://www.pawinetrail.com/

"The gentle rolling hills, deep well-drained soils, and moderate climate combine to make Bucks County one of the premier grape-growing regions of the East Coast. Located throughout the Delaware Valley, the trail is home to eight unique wineries only minutes apart," says VisitPa.com.

http://www.buckscountywinetrail.com/

This list is via VisitPa.com.