My wife and I are currently living off-grid in AK. For a number of reasons, we're likely to leave next year. If we don't want to endure another winter, we have to get started on leaving in the spring to ensure we can get out of here. At the same time, we've discussed reasons to stay and one of them is, what if there's major social upheaval? What if there's mass civil unrest? Do we really want to be in the Lower 48 where there are *more* people? We are pretty isolated out here, so we'd be able to avoid a lot. At the same time, if civilization does start to crumble, do we really want to be in such an inhospitable place? If the cost of fuel were to jump, we'd be facing major challenges with electricity and heat during the long, cold winter.