Why More People Are Choosing to Live Outside the System
Andrea Martinez, June 12, 2025
It’s no secret that something feels off in today’s world. People are exhausted from living paycheck to paycheck in increasingly expensive places, where it often seems there’s no way out. In many cases, they can’t even make basic choices about how to live their lives, or express their opinions freely, without facing judgment or restriction. Everything feels tightly controlled (because much of it is), and as a result, we’re seeing a rise in anxiety, depression, uncertainty, and a deep sense of purposelessness.
It’s no wonder more and more people are beginning to open their eyes and ask themselves:
"Is there a better way to live?"
The answer for many who are looking for something else, something better, is a resounding yes, and it’s found by stepping outside the system. This doesn’t mean going off the grid with no resources; it means intentionally choosing freedom, self-sufficiency, and community over control, dependency, and isolation.
Here’s why thousands are making the leap.
1. Economic Sanity in an Insane Financial World
Inflation, housing bubbles, and endless printing of fiat currency are making traditional financial systems unreliable. People are leaving behind:
Overpriced real estate markets
Skyrocketing taxes
Crippling debt systems
In contrast, life in Latin America or other emerging markets offers:
Affordable and stunning land and homes
Zero taxation on foreign income
The ability to own assets outright, not be a lifelong renter of your own life
Living outside the system means owning your land, growing your food, and preserving your wealth in real assets, not trusting institutions that seem built to extract from you.
2. Personal Autonomy and Bodily Freedom
Many were shaken by government overreach during the pandemic. From lockdowns to mandates, people realized just how little control they had over personal choices in mainstream systems.
That’s why freedom-minded individuals are:
Seeking countries with fewer restrictions
Building communities where values align (free speech, protection of the vulnerable, respect for private property, and not harming others in the pursuit of a meaningful life)
Designing lives where they decide what’s best for themselves and their families
Living outside the system is about reclaiming that basic human right: sovereignty.
3. Building Real Communities, Not Just Networking
Modern life often feels isolating, despite being more connected online than ever. People are hungry for:
Real-world friendships
Shared values
Mutual aid and collaboration
Communities like Veritas Village and Playa Pacifica are attracting people who don’t just want neighbors—they want resilient, intentional communities that stand together in uncertain times.
Outside the system, it’s not about competition. It’s about co-creation.
4. Food, Power and Water Security
Supply chains can break. Grocery prices fluctuate. Water is being privatized or polluted in many regions.
People are stepping out of the system to:
Grow their own food
Have control of their own power and water resources.
Live off the land or join agroforestry communities
At Vida Verde, for example, residents invest in land with avocado and teak trees that produce real, usable resources and income over time. It’s not just an investment, it's a lifeline and a legacy for their children. At Veritas Villages, residents will have their community orchards, gardens, and chicken coops for a reliable and healthy lifestyle.
5. A Return to Purpose, Peace, and Presence
For many, the 9–5 grind, scrolling endlessly, and living by someone else’s schedule feels soul-crushing.
Living outside the system often includes:
Working remotely or owning a small local business
Unplugging from noise to reconnect with nature
Creating a life built around family, faith, or personal passions
When you remove yourself from a system designed to distract and consume, you get to design your life with intention.
6. Practical Solutions Are Now Easier Than Ever
This isn’t just a dream anymore. With the rise of:
Remote work and online business
Residency programs in like-minded countries
Builders and legal teams helping people relocate
Affordable, customizable off-grid homes
...it's finally possible to make the leap without being rich, off-grid experts, or survivalists.
At Autris, we’re building real solutions—Veritas Village communities (VeritasVillages.com) designed for people who want out but don’t want to go it alone.
It’s Not an Escape—It’s a Return
Living outside the system doesn’t mean running away from the world. It means returning to something ancient and powerful:
Community over consumption
Nature over noise
Freedom over fear
Autonomy over control
It’s about creating a life you don’t need a vacation from—and choosing to live by your own values, not someone else’s agenda.
Ready to explore what life outside the system could look like for you?
We invite you to check out our communities in Panama and Nicaragua or contact us to see what’s possible.