A Self-Sufficient Steampunk Community

[Athanor]

Perhaps an entire small island would be ideal. Not too small; more than a square mile, but perhaps no more than 20-30, with fresh water, enough flattish land for agriculture, mature forest, one decent harbour or landing place, remaining shoreline mostly cliffs (thus, easy to defend). Food resources would include fish and wild game. There are several suitable islands along the British Columbia coast. Some even have abandoned buildings.

Athanor.

[Atterton]

This abandoned prison might be a good location to start a steampunk community. It should have lots of living space, looks kind of Victorian and enough space around it that you don't disturb the neighbours. Being a former prison, most of the innards could probably be changed without feeling too bad about it. Unlike say, an old hotel.



http://imgur.com/a/rmwBw

[Banfili]

Island big enough to have its own river, or settlement on a river. Hydro power, water-wheels, no need for wood powered machinery. Communes don't usually last long past the first or second generation, so what is needed is some sort of representative 'government' that is agreed to BEFORE the settlement gets going. There will always be those who want power & who will try & take over the settlement, either from inside or from the outside. What is a grass-roots requirement is the building of a 'people' not just a settlement.