Why is it free to live in Slab City?

People have lived on Slab City's 640 acres for decades. They are squatters on state-owned land. They don't pay rent, and so it's often referred to as "the last free place in America."

Can I live in Slab City for free?

While Slab City has package delivery and there is no charge to live here, there is no running water, sewage, plumbing or electricity, unless you are creative and savvy enough to create your own, which some have done.

Can anyone live in Slab City?

The population of the Slabs, a.k.a. the “Last Free Place in America,” blooms in winter to more than 4,000 residents by some estimates, then boils down to 150 or so in the summer. Anyone can add themselves to this constellation of tents, trailers, RVs and shacks, but not everybody has what it takes to call it home.

Is Slab City the last free place?

You are 200 miles from L.A. and 150 miles from San Diego. A new book chronicles a camp that's home to snowbirds and squatters, bedsprings and barbed wire, desire and desperation.

How is Slab City Legal?

Called by some “the last free place” and by others “an enclave of anarchy,” Slab City is also the end of the road for many. Without official electricity, running water, sewers, or trash pickup, Slab City dwellers also live without law enforcement, taxation, or administration.

What is Life in Slab City REALLY Like?

Who owns the land at Slab City?

The state owns the land, and any revenues derived from it are earmarked for the California State Teachers Retirement System. Slab City nowadays is home to some 200 permanent residents and between 1,000 and 2,000 retirees seeking refuge from their native cold winter climes. Some of its residents are homeless.

Is there crime in Slab City?

There are no laws officially enforced in the Slabs, meaning there is some inherent danger to going here. Sometimes a police cruiser will come by and check on the town, but there are no actual city services to turn to in times of crisis. Drug crimes are definitely a concern here.

Why is Slab City Lawless?

The people who inhabit Slab City range from families who ran out of luck to couples who volunteered to move off the grid. They are anyone from fugitives to former lawyers and construction workers. The people of Slab City live on the former military site in their tents, cars, buses, and RVs.

Where does Slab City get its water?

Because this water source comes from the hot springs, it's essentially used bath water. In any case, it's very high in iron & sulfur; it still tastes bad after filtering. You should bring in your own water for your stay in Slab City.

How does Slab City make money?

Once you get set up there, it shouldn't cost more $200 to $300 a month to live there.” While many residents barter for goods and services, some Slabbers make money by charging others for their skills, such as “Solar Mike,” who sells solar panels.

Is Slab City toxic?

Keeley: Slab City is not dangerous if you keep to yourself and stay clean. It seems dangerous to drug users who intermingle and, especially in the heat, get on each other's nerves. In other places, citizens in this circumstance exchange words and ignore each other for the rest of their lives.

Does Slab City have electricity?

Built on an abandoned military base in the middle of California's Sonoran Desert, Slab City doesn't have many modern amenities. No power lines or pipes carry electricity or fresh water to the city. Residents have to sort out their own system for disposing of sewage or trash.

Who owns east Jesus?

Charlie Russell, the founder of East Jesus, initially came to the area to work alongside Knight, and quickly became enamoured with the idea of “The Last Free Place.” In early 2007, Charlie left his tech job, packed all his belongings into a shipping container, and began to surround his two art cars with the sculptures ...

What can you do in Slab City?

Are there other places like Slab City?

Why do people move to Slab City?

The military pulled out after World War II and left concrete slabs behind. Years later, those slabs drew snowbirds in RVs looking for a free place to park and stretch retirement dollars. They also inspired what would become the community's name: Slab City. Some come to the Slabs to escape modern society.

Is there a city with no laws?

About 140 miles east of San Diego in the Imperial Valley desert, there's a spot known as the last free place in America. It's called Slab City. There's no mayor, no zoning laws, no sewer system.

Can you take a boat on the Salton Sea?

The Salton Sea State Recreation Area

Visitors may opt for day use, fishing, boating, picnicking and birding, as well as overnight camping. Some highlights: You can boat or water ski or learn how to operate a powerboat.

How many crimes are committed in Slab City?

The rate of crime in Slab City is 15.26 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. People who live in Slab City generally consider the north part of the city to be the safest.

Is Salton Sea a good place to live?

Salton Sea communities "no longer a good place to live" for those with respiratory issues.

Why is Slab City called Slab City?

Slab City gets its name from the numerous concrete foundations that dot the land, the only reminder of Camp Dunlap, a World War II Marine artillery training base. The state is somewhat of an absentee landlord on this 600-acre patch. Population estimates are anywhere from several hundred to a few thousand people.

Why do the members of East Jesus in Slab City want to obtain grants from the county and state?

Now, East Jesus is hoping to expand some of those community practices into the Slabs. Iskaki says he's working on accessing county and state grants so dumpsters can be brought out to Slab City to help alleviate its growing trash problem. “[We're hoping to] get it to something more livable,” he says.

Can I camp in Slab City?

Keep in mind, while Slab City is not without laws, and it is free to camp or live here, you are without running water, sewage, plumbing or electricity.