We almost all use Helly Hansen Impertec. While Alaska has many incredible natural wonders, they are not always easy to get to. The state of Alaska has the lowest taxes in the United States. Although the overall cost of living in Alaska is relatively high because groceries and resources need to be shipped in and imported from great distances, real estate prices are rather affordable. Just remember, its not all doom and gloom (even though it might feel that way sometimes). This park is home to many different species of animals, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The daily commute in Alaskan cities is one of breathtaking views of lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and gleaming glaciers, which would make driving to work a pleasure for most residents. And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. Many areas of the state are only accessible by boat, plane, train, or floatplane and cannot be reached by car. In Alaska, the sense of community is strong. If you have talked to people about moving to Alaska, then you might have heard that retail costs are higher in the state. The land what eventually become the 49th state in 1957. Since so many of you are interested in what it's like to live in Alaska, here I break down the pros & cons after having lived here for over a year straight.C. In fact, according to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska is home to over 200 Native American tribes and language groups, making it one of the most diverse states in the country in terms of indigenous cultures. Should you move to Sitka, Alaska? The median listing home price per square foot was $202. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? You will not find better summers anywhere else in the world. If the cold weather of winter does bother you some, then Alaska might not be the perfect place to live. They are required to pay property taxes, but the fact that they can save on state income tax and sales tax is a considerable saving for the residents. There are numerous job opportunities available in Alaska right now. If you love the chaos and bustling pace of New York, you will go stir crazy in Anchorage or Juneau. Besides its ideal temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees, the state also offers very long, sunshine-filled days. Alaska will never rank high from a culinary perspective, but there are a few quality meals to be found. In fact, there are so many different types of seafood to choose from in Alaska that you could eat a different type of fish or shellfish every day for a year and still have some leftovers. Explore the best neighborhoods to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, real estate, housing, properties, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities in Alaska. Some parts of the state see nearly 24 hours of daylight during the season. 1. According to statistics from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, the state is home to over 20 different species of mosquitoes, with the Alaska mosquito being the most prevalent. The bad weather brings bad road conditions, and consequently bad drivers. As of April 2019, the amount of money spent on food for one person annually in Anchorage is $450. Posted by: Category: Uncategorized . If you shop strategically, especially with your rewards cards, most of the cost difference can be offset with a little creative budgeting. The largest employers in Alaska include the state government, the University of Alaska, and the military, as well as companies in the oil and gas industry such as BP and ConocoPhillips. There are about 5,000 earthquakes that happen every year in the state of Alaska. With the best natural resources and wild game worldwide, you can live off the land with subsistence hunting, which is taking game animals by a resident of a state for maintaining or supporting oneself at the minimum level needed for subsistence. The seafood, the hiking, clean, crisp air, the Northern Lights, no pollution! The expanse of wilderness and miles of coastline provide the ideal means for fabulous meat and fish meals. People who live in Alaska are called Alaskans. It is important to consider these factors when looking at salary information for Alaska. Even if you make your home in Anchorage, there is an excellent chance that you will encounter a moose at least once per day. Dogsled racing is the primary form of mushing and thrives as an unorganized sport that provides a healthy outdoor form of winter exercise for all families. In 2019, the timber industry in Alaska generated over $935 million in economic activity, supporting over 5,500 jobs. I actually love all of them! 8. You will find dog sled races, whale festivals and native arts and music festivals. It ranks fifth for the lowest sales tax in the country but first in overall tax burden for companies. In fact, data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the poverty rate in Alaska is higher than the national average, with 13.4% of residents living in poverty compared to the national average of 11.8%. A significant portion of the state is covered in snow and ice, creating difficult living conditions. Highways are paved in most areas, and the amount of traffic poses no problems for commuters. From the moment you set foot in this wild, beautiful land, you can feel the thrill of adventure coursing through your veins. We are passionate about home decor, design, and all things home related. Moose, brown and black bears, caribou (aka reindeer) elk, musk ox, wood bison, wolves, lynx, wolverines, eagles, etc, etc. This check is a way for the state to share the wealth generated by the states oil and mineral resources with its residents. Some argue that a sales tax could provide a stable source of revenue for the state and help to fund important government services. 17 out of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are found here. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, the cost of living in Alaska is 29.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, marijuana businesses are not allowed to operate within 500 feet of schools or other areas where children are present. Just as Anchorage gets lovely sunshine almost all day during the summer months, it is the opposite during the winter when darkness and cold take over. June 21 has almost 19 hours of daylight in Anchorage, making it the longest day of the year. The Natural Splendor If nature is important to you then consider it a top pro of moving to Alaska. The summer season is also an enjoyable time in the state, with long days, plenty of sunshine, and a mild climate. This event caused the Valley of 10,000 Smokes at Katmai Park. In rural areas, for example, people often rely on their neighbors for help with things like shoveling snow or carpooling. Cons: 1 - cost of living is high. - Anchorage housing costs are 18.0% less expensive than Sitka housing costs. The cost of housing, in particular, is higher in Alaska than in many other parts of the country. Where most of the highest peaks within the US are found. This can make it difficult to access basic services and amenities, such as medical care and grocery stores. Watching these animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Call it a way of life. These blood-sucking insects are most active during the warmer months of the year, typically from May to September. Springwater, without a doubt, is considered the best water to drink. Terrific information. These people are defined by their language groups and are considered Alaskan Natives. There are also initiatives to support the development of greenhouses and other methods of growing produce in the state. Oh, okay. Even then, the cost of travel is going to be something that you will want to think about before you finalize any plans. You might pay $6 for a gallon of milk instead of $3. Because food, other than the local food, needs to travel a great distance to get there, the prices are relatively high. On average, Anchorage has over 30 inches of snow, from January to March, with another 30 inches accumulating during November and December combined. With its spectacular beauty, many recreational opportunities, and plentiful wildlife, there is an adventure at every turn in Americas last frontier. Alaska was once thought of as a folly. When you move to Alaska, you will discover that there are military, transportation, healthcare, and construction jobs readily available. However, it is important to note that marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and there are some restrictions on its use in Alaska. For some families, that is enough incentive to make the move immediately. 9. Automatically get personalized recommendations on where to move. If you are a married couple with four children, then you received a $6,600 PFT payment. Cell phone service is absolutely awful in Alaska. You can save money in other ways by moving to Alaska as well. Based on the FBIs statistics, Alaska is second to Tennessee as the nations most violent state. The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word alyeska, which means great land.. What are the pros and cons of living in Alaska? Pros & Cons Overview Jobs80% Housing85% Affordability60% Safety60% Amenities60% Diversity90% Education85% Commute100% Is Sitka, Alaska safe place to live? Not many states are as beautiful as Alaska. Your email address will not be published. You will also need to consider the cost of the trip before deciding to travel. Because Alaska does not have an income tax, the state earns its revenues through a tax burden placed on businesses. 03 Jun. Many mountain ranges, Mt Denali (tallest mountain in North America), about 100,000 glaciers, nice summers with lots of daylight. Mushing is a sport or mode of transportation powered by dogs. Anchorage never had a venue large enough for famous musicians to performuntil recently. Another issue is the lack of available land for development. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska is home to more than half of the worlds brown bears and is the only state in the U.S. where you can find all three species of North American bears: the grizzly, black, and polar bears. The median home price in Alaska is $337,222 which is well below the national average of 398,500. Moose and caribou are abundant throughout Alaska. But if you shop carefully, use your rewards cards, and with a bit of creative budgeting, this possible disadvantage may not apply to you, even if your household lives paycheck to paycheck. This expense is one of the most significant costs that you will face as a household if you decide to move here. As a result, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reports that over 90% of the states surface waters are classified as clean or moderately clean, with only a small number of areas classified as polluted.. If you are out hiking, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Alaska is one of only a handful of states that does not have a state income tax. A high school education is a basic prerequisite for most . From the traditional hunting and fishing activities of the indigenous peoples to the states thriving outdoor recreation industry, which generates over $2 billion in annual economic activity, the connection to the land is a defining feature of Alaskan culture. However, Alaska has some of the highest prices for goods and services in the country, and this can be a major hurdle for retirees on a fixed income. The Pros of living in Sitka is that it truly is beautiful. When determining what cities are good for your personality, life situation, and personal preferences, there are many factors to consider including climate, cost of living, community, job opportunities, population makeup, activities, and things to do. Iditarod mushers will take you on a dog sled ride, share stories about the race, and let you pet and cuddle with the sled dogs. People are going to take an individual approach to how they manage their time. The high cost of goods in Alaska can be particularly burdensome for low-income individuals and families, who may struggle to afford the necessities of daily life. 5. Because it is a lot colder in Alaska than in other states, your heating costs during the winter are going to be significantly higher. In this article Ill cover the pros and cons of living in Alaska based on my own personal experience. Alaska is a vast and very remote state with many communities being extremely isolated from the rest of the country. Airborne pollutants are monitored and regulated, but infractions are common with financial penalties. Whether youre in the mood for a hearty fish stew, a delicious salmon salad, or simply a steaming plate of steamed crab legs, youll be able to find it all in Alaska. These symptoms can be especially difficult to cope with in a place like Alaska, where the long winters can make it feel like youre living in a never-ending episode of Game of Thrones (Winter is coming, and it never seems to leave). Yearly, there are about 5,000 earthquakes in Alaska. Although there are plenty of flights that you can take from Alaska to the continental 48 states, the distance that you face becomes surprisingly large after you make the move. After living in the state for a full calendar year, residents will qualify for what is called the PFD payment. Timber is another important resource in Alaska, with the states forests providing a source of wood for the construction and paper industries. It is important to note that costs are higher in Alaska because of transportation and its isolation. Some of this number leave and move elsewhere, but many return to Alaska. when it's sunny Cons: EXPENSIVE Seems quite snobby Limited trail system and getting above treeline is a haul Rain, rain, lots and lots of rain And all the other stuff that goes with being off the road system in AK, good and bad. The fair includes nightly concerts, games and carnival rides, and much food unique to the state. Here are a few of these traditions valued by the residents of the state. Then there are the Northern Lights that you can see frequently dance across the sky all winter long. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? McKinley. From its early beginnings as a bridge of land extending from Siberia to its declaration as a U.S. state in 1959, Alaska has an exciting and dynamic history. You will not find this type of behavior among the residents of Alaska. $1,019 7% higher than the US average. I'm fine with rain, wind, snow, etc. There is a reason almost every car in Alaska, old or new, has a dent! Saved one of the best pros of living in Alaska for last. In 1971, temperatures drop to a record -80F at Prospect Creek Camp. The states abundant natural resources, including oil, natural gas, seafood, and natural wonders are the main drivers of its economy. The rest of the state is largely rural and sparsely populated. But mushing is still an essential part of life for some Alaskans. There is a higher cost of living to consider before moving to the state. The costs make the town kind of love it or leave it. The Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, The following errors occurred with your submission. Visitors to the park can take guided tours or explore on their own to see the parks incredible wildlife. If hunting and fishing are among your favorite pastimes, Alaska is for you. Alaska Maltese puppy, we encourage you to browse our selection and reach out to us with any questions you may have. However, it can also mean that the state has limited resources for funding certain programs and services, such as education and healthcare. Only California and Hawaii residents will pay more for their fueling needs. The highest peak in North America, Mount Denali, is located in Alaska and stands at over 20,000 feet tall. Military, Federal jobs, and Oil subsidize housing costs which drives up the price. 25 Pros of Living in Alaska There are many reasons why Alaska living is amazing. Population: 2,683. According to the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, on average, 140 people die from freezing to death each year. Up to 30% OFF Sale - Limited Time . One of the most popular places for wildlife viewing in Alaska is Denali National Park. However, this is not the case. The money can be used for anything that I choose, from paying bills to saving for a rainy day. In addition to outdoor activities, there are also many community events and festivals that bring folks together throughout the year. The strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. Mountain View in Anchorage is rated one of the most diverse places to live in the United States. Despite these challenges, there are efforts underway to improve access to fresh produce in Alaska. However, the lack of a state income tax and sales tax can also mean that the state has limited resources for funding certain programs and services, such as education and healthcare. When you consider that they receive a yearly sum from the Permanent Fund, living in Alaska is a great way to save money.