The Wilson family’s journey from Alaska to Maine to start a homestead was not an easy one, but it has been a rewarding experience. Robert and Crystal Wilson, along with their two teenagers, Ava and Walker, and several pets, drove thousands of miles across the country to build an off-grid cabin in Aroostook County, Maine. Although they only knew one person in the area, an off-grid YouTuber whose videos inspired their decision to leave Alaska, their story highlights the growing trend of people moving to northern Maine, many of whom are drawn by the appeal of off-grid living and self-sufficiency.

The Call to Maine and the Role of Social Media

Before moving to Maine, the Wilsons spent years living in Ketchikan, Alaska, where Robert worked as a butcher. Alaska had always intrigued the family, especially after watching it on YouTube and TV shows. A personal tragedy also pushed Robert to take a risk and relocate his family. While in Alaska, they faced supply chain disruptions, which made them realize how dependent they were on outside resources for food and supplies.

“It really pushed us to make the decision to try to go back to the old ways of homesteading,” said Robert. The family yearned for a simpler life, where they could grow their own food and live without the constant need for ferries or imported supplies.

However, homesteading in Alaska proved difficult due to the region’s thin topsoil and damp conditions, which caused livestock hooves to rot. With these challenges in mind, they began researching land in Maine. They were drawn to the state’s more affordable property prices and its less restrictive building codes, which were especially attractive in unorganized territories. Maine also had a reputation as one of the best states for starting a homestead, according to online research.

Finding Their Home in Maine

While Crystal believes they would have ended up in Maine eventually, it was their discovery of a 27-acre property in Smyrna Mills, which they first saw in a YouTube video, that sealed the deal. The property was featured by Andrew Mooers, a real estate agent with a popular YouTube channel that showcases available properties in the area. Mooers has built a following of over 24,000 subscribers, many of whom are looking for affordable, rural properties for homesteading.

In recent years, the area has seen a rise in interest from out-of-state buyers, a trend that has only accelerated since the pandemic. Mooers believes the videos he creates about local properties and life in Aroostook County have played a crucial role in attracting people to the area. The region offers low crime rates, affordable land, and close-knit communities, which have become key selling points for potential homesteaders.

The growth of Aroostook County’s population, albeit small, reflects this trend. Between April 2020 and July 2023, the county saw a 0.4% population increase, reversing a long-standing decline.

The Hard Work of Building a Homestead

In June 2024, the Wilson family packed up their belongings and headed to their new property in Maine. They bought a 30-foot camper to live in while they worked on building their cabin. Robert had no experience in construction, so he and a contractor sketched out a design and began the process of turning their dream into a reality.

To document their progress and keep in touch with friends and family back in Alaska, the Wilsons started their own YouTube channel. The channel has already gained over 1,400 subscribers, and the family hopes it will inspire others to pursue homesteading.

However, the journey has not been without challenges. The family spent nearly six months living in the cramped camper, battling hot weather and relentless bugs while trying to finish their cabin. Both Robert and Crystal work full-time jobs, which leaves them with limited time for construction. Despite the difficulties, the family’s determination to succeed has kept them going.

“It’s not always as easy or fun as social media makes it seem,” Crystal admits. “It’s a crazy amount of work, exhausting and so stressful at times. Our family gets through those hard times by supporting each other and reminding each other that it’s all going to be worth it in the end.”

Building Community and Overcoming Setbacks

While their journey has been difficult, the Wilsons have found a welcoming community of fellow homesteaders in Maine. Many of their neighbors are also living off the grid and share similar values about self-sufficiency and rural living.

In November 2024, Robert suffered a serious heart attack known as a “widowmaker.” During his recovery, people from the local community, some of whom had never met the family, showed up to offer support. This act of kindness was a reminder to the Wilsons of the importance of the community they had chosen to be part of.

Although their cabin is not yet finished, the family is making progress. They are currently renting in Houlton and hope to move into their cabin by spring 2025. Their next steps include building a barn, starting a garden, and raising livestock.

A Dream Coming True

Despite the challenges, the Wilson family remains committed to their dream of homesteading in Maine. Their story is a testament to the power of social media in shaping people’s decisions to move and the determination required to build a life from the ground up. For the Wilsons, this journey is just the beginning of a new chapter filled with hard work, community, and the hope that their dream of living off the grid will become a reality.

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