‘We Escaped Homelessness in L.A. and Built an Off-Grid Dome Home—the Nearest Grocery Store Is 5 Hours Away but We’ve Never Been Happier’

Sean and Jessica Hughes, formerly homeless in Los Angeles, now live in an off-grid dome home on a 20-acre plot in Tennessee, a lifestyle they have maintained for six years. Their primary logistical challenge is a bi-monthly five-hour round trip to the nearest grocery store. The couple purchased their land in April 2021 for approximately $1,000 through an owner-financed company and currently pay about $560 per month for it. Sean, who previously worked up to 20 hours a day in Los Angeles and earned over $100,000 annually, found that even with that income, they were struggling financially. Their journey to off-grid living was inspired by YouTube content, and they emphasize that their approach is not about survivalism but about creating a personal retreat and creative space. They express contentment with their current lifestyle, prioritizing happiness with what they have over societal expectations. The couple experienced homelessness in California for over a year before acquiring an RV, which marked a step towards their eventual move to Tennessee.