Remote off-grid city springs up in the middle of hostile desert 150 MILES from civilization – as founder reveals the surprising reason he built it

A small, self-sufficient town in the middle of the Arizona desert, about 150 miles from civilization, is looking for new residents to join the self-sufficient residents.

The community of Coslor Bay in northern Navajo County, just east of the small town of Snowflake, Arizona – about a three-hour drive to the nearest major city, Phoenix.

The 1,300-hectare community is completely remote and aims to remain completely independent of the electricity grid. Eventually, all 200 residents want to participate in horticulture to become self-sufficient.

While traditional property developers look to maximize their profits, Philip Gleason has established the Coslor Cove settlement to reduce the cost of living and the stress of everyday life.

A small off-grid town called Cosler Cove has been built in the middle of the Arizona desert, about 150 miles from civilization

Coslor Cove was founded by Philip Gleason, pictured, to lower the cost of living

Coslor Cove was founded by Philip Gleason, pictured, to reduce the cost of living

The entire community is still in its infancy and is encouraging people who want to live off-grid to pay $25,000 to get a two-acre plot of land in the off-grid farming community.

People who live off the land can also grow food. This food can later be sold in an on-site cooperative store or through commercial channels. Water and electricity are also installed and supplied on site.

Next month, in July, the community holds an open day for anyone interested in a possible new way of life.

The settlement sits directly above the Coconino Aquifer, the largest in the state. It means that there is sufficient water underground, despite the arid nature of the surrounding countryside.

Some buildings have already been built, along with some simple solar panels and water storage tanks.

On Friday, Gleason completed the final paperwork to obtain ownership of the land from the state

On Friday, Gleason completed closing paperwork to obtain title to the land from the state

Some basic solar panels have already been installed in the settlement

Some basic solar panels have already been installed in the settlement

Water storage tanks have already been installed for community use

Water storage tanks have already been installed for the community to use

The settlement is located directly above the Coconino Aquifer, the largest in the state

The settlement is located directly above the Coconino aquifer, the largest in the state

Some buildings have already been built.  This is for the community manager and acts as a 'welcome center'

Some buildings have already been built. This one is for the community manager and acts as a ‘welcome center’

‘This is not a political or religious position. We simply help people become more independent by living off-grid,” the founders said.

“In the heart of Arizona’s breathtaking landscape, Coslor Cove offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a life of independence and autonomy,” said the website is reading.

“Our off-grid residential community in Arizona allows the self-reliant type to create a prosperous garden farm. Coslor Cove is the perfect setting for those who desire a less ordinary life, combining the tranquility of nature with the freedom of self-reliance.”

If you decide to take the plunge, you can take advantage of the cooperative’s shared tools and rental equipment. This way you can build and edit your own piece of paradise.

But anyone who decides to live in Coslor Cove will enjoy co-ownership of all 1,298 acres, along with a community greenhouse.

Visitors can stay in this cottage on site

Visitors can stay in this cottage while on the property

This is the interior of one of the current buildings in Coslor Cove

This is the interior of one of the current buildings in Coslor Cove

In the photo: the interior of one of the settlement's structures

Pictured: The interior of one of the settlement’s structures

The settlement consists of almost 1,300 hectares with plans to build several neighborhoods

The settlement consists of almost 1,300 hectares with plans to build several neighborhoods

New owners will also need to install a septic system, solar energy system and a water well with storage tanks

New owners will also need to install a septic system, solar energy system and a water well with storage tanks

Despite promoting self-reliance, this is not an easy option. Those who want to take the plunge will have to do their work from the very beginning.

Each resident must agree to the construction of a passive solar house, shed or shop and a greenhouse.

New owners will also need to build a septic system, a solar energy system and a well with storage tanks.

“Every farm in Coslor Cove will be a testament to the power of self-reliance. As a resident, you will get to work creating a farm with a passive solar house, personal greenhouse and garden/orchard, all designed to maximize your productivity and independence,” the community’s website tells potential buyers.

Despite being geographically isolated, the community is still digitally connected thanks to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet, which the community has installed.