Why an internet outage wouldn't be terrible in these 10 US locations (2024)

No signal, no problem. Find out the best places to be in an internet outage — Photo courtesy of frantic00 / iStock Via Getty Images Plus

Those who move from major metropolitan areas to more rural towns are often in search of a slower pace of life. But perhaps another thing people should be considering is a town's capacity to withstand a long-term or indefinite Internet outage.

To determine the best U.S. locations for living with an indefinite Internet outage, entertainment data experts at NZCasino looked at locations around the globe with little to no cellular signal and then evaluated their access to natural water sources, farmland, and renewable energy sources. These are the 10 U.S. locations that made their list.

Farmerstown, Ohio

Farmerstown, in Holmes County, Ohio, tops the list for living without the internet — Photo courtesy of StanRohrer / E+

Located in Ohio’s Amish Country, Farmerstown maintains a population of approximately 3,800 people and enjoys a very low crime rate. Agriculture is prevalent here, with farms and pastures covering its rolling hills. You'll see horse and buggies alongside cars at local businesses in town.

Though it may feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, there's the award-winning Pro Football Hall of Fame in nearby Stark County, and in Coshocton County, you'll find delightful adventure trails, like the Heritage Quilt Barn Trail, the Three Rivers Wine Trail, and Coshocton Antique and Unique Shopping Trail.

Montara, California

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean about 20 miles south of San Francisco, Montara is a small village of approximately 2,600 residents. The area's beauty is undeniable, attracting tourists who want to experience the town’s serenity and outdoor attractions, such as Montara State Beach, the Point Montara Lighthouse, and Devil's Slide Trail, a former portion of Pacific Coastal Highway that now is walkable and offers stunning ocean views.

Pittsboro, North Carolina

Known for its tight-knit community, Pittsboro is home to more than 1,100 farms and textile manufacturing. Families and outdoor enthusiasts will love the Lower Haw State Natural Area, a 1,025-acre state park. Also, Pittsboro is only 30 minutes south of Chapel Hill if you need a dose of urban comfort.

Twin Peaks, San Francisco, California

This bedroom community of San Francisco sits atop the hills overlooking the city below. The area boasts many residential homes, but not much else in the way of amenities. What it does offer is spectacular views of San Francisco and the Bay Area at every turn. There’s also a 64-acre state park by the same name.

Sonoran Desert, Arizona

While Arizona's two biggest cities, Phoenix and Tucson, are located in the Sonoran Desert, there are approximately 7,600 people living beyond the city limits. With a biseasonal rainfall pattern, the Sonoran Desert is considered lush and winters are mild in comparison to other U.S. deserts. However, summer temperatures routinely hit triple-digit highs, and monsoon rains can be violent. Desert living isn't for everyone.

Prescott, Arizona

Prescott is home to the "World's Oldest Rodeo" — Photo courtesy of DenisTangneyJr / iStock Via Getty Images Plus

Located in central Arizona, Prescott has a population of approximately 47,000 residents. The city is well-known for its cowboy history, thanks to legendary former residents like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. It’s also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who like to explore Prescott National Forest and the area lakes. Many residents also like to step back in time along Whiskey Row, a historic section of town filled with authentic Old West saloons.

Grantwood Village, Missouri

Established in the 1930s and with just about 900 residents, Grantwood Village is a suburb of St. Louis overflowing with history. Here, you'll find the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site and Grant’s Farm, a family-friendly destination featuring the historic Busch family home, the Budweiser Clydesdales, Grant's historic log cabin, and much more.

Green Bank, West Virginia

Home to the Green Bank Observatory, Green Bank boasts a population of just 59 residents. Its location in the Potomac Highlands inside the Allegheny Mountain Range puts Green Bank in the center of a 13,000-square-mile area known as the National Radio Quiet Zone, meaning it’s protected from radio frequency interference that can disrupt radio astronomers' research into the farthest reaches of the universe.

Lincoln County, Nevada

The fourth least-populated county in Nevada, Lincoln City's population of approximately 4,500 residents are spread throughout the county’s one city and four townships. Here, you'll find a mix of cattle ranches, ghost towns, and recreation areas.

Nevada State Road 375 (aka, “Extraterrestrial Highway") winds through this county and past the famous and highly classified Nevada Testing and Training Range, or Area 51. If you dare, stop and stay at the Mitzpah Hotel in Tonopah, once voted among the 10 best haunted hotels in the U.S.

Plains, Georgia

Plains, Ga., is the home of former President Jimmy Carter. — Photo courtesy of Ralph Daniel

With a population of less than a thousand, Plains is a farming community, growing corn, cotton, peanuts, and soybeans. One particular peanut farmer from Plains became a household name. Former President Jimmy Carter was born and raised in Plains and launched his campaign for the White House from the Plains Depot. Today, many visitors come to the charming small town to learn more about the country’s 39th president at the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park.