California Slab City: A Hidden Gem in the Desert

If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, then California slab city may be just what you need. This hidden gem in the desert is full of rugged individuals who have chosen to live off the grid. The community is made up of people who want to get away from society’s pressures and take back control over their lives.

How it Came to Be?

Slab City is located in the desert of California, south of the city of Niland. The area became a transient camp after WWII when servicemen were discharged from their duties and decided to stay on-site with their families. In 1983, squatters moved onto this vacant land and began living there until 1994 when they were removed by armed forces as the government intended to build a base. The next year, the squatters returned and claimed their land once again until they were removed by armed forces in 1997 after which time it was completely abandoned for several years.

After many attempts at taking over this area, the slab city residents finally won out and now live there with no one telling them what to do. This has created a unique community where people can live as they want and there are no rules other than those that the residents establish for themselves. The only rule is don’t mess with another person’s property or their rights.

Since it was established, slab city has been visited by many different types of visitors from all walks of life who come to experience the Slab city lifestyle.  Even though it is located in the California desert state, visitors can enjoy many activities such as hiking, biking, and camping. The Slabs city residents are very friendly so they have no problem inviting people to their homes or showing them around the city where you will find a number of interesting sites.

Of course, there are some things to consider before visiting this city such as the fact that there is no electricity except for a few solar panels and generators. The community has its own cemetery, church, library, schoolhouse, and several nightclubs. There are also three restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals at very reasonable prices.

Despite how it sounds, this city has a very peaceful atmosphere and the residents are happy to welcome visitors who want to see what life is like in this unique community. When you visit it, make sure that you come with an open mind as there may be some things that surprise you about how warm it can get during summer or how cold it can get during winter.

When you come to this city, be sure that your intentions are good as the residents of Slab city do not take kindly to those who want to exploit them or their way of life. Although they have very little money and resources, they still manage just fine so don’t feel sorry for them as this is a place that allows people to live by their own rules.

Is it Lawless?

There is a small police department in Slab city and they do occasional patrols to maintain law and order when needed. The residents expect people to behave themselves so there are no violent crimes such as murder or robbery. However, if you visit it during the party season then you may find yourself in a dangerous situation if you drink too much.

One of the most interesting aspects about Slab city is that there are no laws and people can do whatever they want as long as it doesn’t interfere with anyone else’s rights. This means that some residents sell drugs or prostitute themselves to earn money. Despite the fact that it is on federal land, it also has its own police department and mayor.

Slab City today is a fascinating place where you can enjoy your freedom to do whatever you want without having to worry about getting in trouble with the law. The residents treat each other with respect and everyone lives together in peace.

Many people are surprised when they first hear about Slab City, California because it is located in one of the hottest parts of the Mojave Desert. 

Is It Good for Homesteaders?

Although Slab city is not good for growing crops because of the soil, many people do grow food in greenhouses. The residents are used to living without electricity so they have no problem with conserving water. Slab City has several wells where they can pump water to their homes so they don’t need many toilets.

Although the danger of fire is very real, there are also fires in winter or fall when it’s a much safer dry climate that makes it very difficult for vegetation to grow and many trees die as a result.

There is no sewer system in Slab City so the residents have septic tanks that store their sewage is a unique place where people go to live the lifestyle they want without having to worry about laws or rules, both written and unwritten.

Many of the residents come from other places around the state of California and the world. The climate is very hot in summer but also cold sheet metal fabricator machine shop slab concrete floor.

How Many Residents Does it Have?

Slab City is home to about 4,000 people but there are many more tourists who visit it every year. There is no census data available for the number of residents because they do not pay taxes and their status as squatters allow them to live without paying rent or property tax.  However, there are many people who choose to live here because of the freedom that they experience.

How Can You Get to Live Here?

Slab City is located in the East County of California and can be reached by driving about 150 miles from Los Angeles or 250 miles from San Diego. Most people who travel to Slab city rent a car for their visit although it’s also possible to get here on public transportation such as Greyhound coach bus service and google maps. Once you’re here, it is easy to find your way around as there are only a few roads, and most people who live here know each other by name.

What Can You Do at Slab City?

One of the fun things about visiting Slab City is that you can experience a wide range of activities from hiking to exploring mines. Most people visit Slab city between October and April because it’s hot during the summer months.

There are several interesting places around Slab City including swimming pools. You can also find a lot of interesting artwork that the residents have created to decorate their homes and there is even an airport where you can take airplane tours. The residents are very friendly and will be happy to answer any questions you have about the place as well as show around their homes if they’re not busy.

What Should I Bring?

It depends on how long your stay at Slab City, California most, however, people tend to bring more food than they think they will need because there are so many activities. There is no electricity, gas, or running water here so you have to be prepared for that if you want to avoid having an uncomfortable experience at Slab City, California.

It’s a good idea to take sunscreen and hats with you as well as your camera and binoculars. If you like to explore caves, it’s a good idea to bring some flashlights and extra batteries for your flashlight with you as well.

What Should I Wear?

Since Slab city is located in the desert, it gets very hot during the summer months so people wear light clothing such as shorts and t-shirts. You should also wear a hat and sunscreen because you will be exposed to the sun for most of the day since it doesn’t get much shade here.

You might want to bring sweatshirts with you as well if you plan on visiting during winter, but make sure they are not heavy or bulky so that your luggage is not too heavy to carry.

What Should I Bring To The Airport?

You should always arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to allow for things that can slow you down such as traffic or security lines. You will also want to bring a printed copy of your itinerary with you and make sure all the information is correct because it’s best to avoid any last-minute surprises.

The Conclusion

In summary, Slab City is definitely worth visiting especially if you ever wanted to get back at society and feel free from all its constraints. You can find the Slab city south of the California state near the Mexico border. You can also learn more about it by watching videos on youtube.

FAQ

Does It Cost to Live in Slab City?

No, there are no property taxes or rent to pay in Slab City. The closest city is Niland which has grocery stores and services but the residents do not need much since they grow food themselves.

Is Slab City Safe to Visit?

Slab City is safe because it’s located in the middle of nowhere. You won’t find any crime here but you will need to watch out for wild animals such as snakes and scorpions when hiking through the desert.

What is the Crime Rate in Slab City?

There is no crime in Slab City, California.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *