In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 40% of Alaskas population lives in rural areas that are considered frontier or remote.. Because of its geographic place on the planet, winter in Alaska is not just cold; it is dark as well. For generations, dogsled racing has been one of the most prominent sports in Alaska. The annual car insurance premium in Alaska is $1,180. You can get paid to live in Alaska once you qualify. Despite their notorious reputation, however, not all Alaskans see mosquitoes as a problem. The states natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and relatively low cost of living make it an appealing destination for retirees. A deadline that is more of a suggestion then a finite term. Pro: Natural beauty is not in short supply. Some of this number leave and move elsewhere, but many return to Alaska. Fly from Michigan on American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and more. They are really an issue only from the second week in June to the last week in July. This is a favorable statistic, as the national average is $1,450. Alaska has the best summers in the world. Saved one of the best pros of living in Alaska for last. Residents in Alaska enjoy the ultimate summer. The bad weather brings bad road conditions, and consequently bad drivers. The city is the fourth most dangerous place to live in Alaska. Prev. You will also need to consider the cost of the trip before deciding to travel. Symptoms of SAD can include feelings of sadness, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. 1. 8. The rise of other modes of transportation, such as planes, trains, and snowmachines, has reduced the need for dog sleds as a mode of transportation. The average population per 1 square mile is 6.86. Median Household Income . However, depending on where you're moving from, Anchorage might offer a lower cost of living. In rural areas, for example, people often rely on their neighbors for help with things like shoveling snow or carpooling. (Top 10 Reasons), Do not use scented lotions, soaps, or shampoos, Use a headnet for multi-day backpacking or float trips, Dont wear dark colors, as mosquitoes are attracted to them; wear khaki or neutral shades, Tight woven cotton shirts and pants are better than porous synthetics. Not many states are as beautiful as Alaska. That makes it the third-highest state for average prices in this area. The moist air from the ocean is forced upward by the mountains, causing heavy rainfall in many parts of the state. In addition to outdoor activities, there are also many community events and festivals that bring folks together throughout the year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary in Alaska was $77,060 in 2021. D Sitka Housing Home value is 33% higher than Alaska. In fact, Alaska ranks in the top three states for the highest seafood harvest in the country, with over 5 billion dollars worth of seafood caught each year. I actually love all of them! It is not unusual to encounter wildlife every day when you are living in Alaska. After all, as they say, laughter is the best medicine, and theres no shortage of dark humor to be found in the Land of the Midnight Sun. It is also legal to purchase marijuana from licensed retailers, and the state has established a system of taxes and regulations for the marijuana industry. The average high temperature for the city in the month of January is 0. 2. The Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, The following errors occurred with your submission. is 6.0%). There are almost 50 days of thunderstorms every year and an average of 54 tornadoes sweep Illinois. One reason is the states location near the ocean. May 29, 2022 . With the cost of a gallon of gas in Alaska at $3.36 according to GasBuddy, it is the sixth-highest in the whole country. From small town fairs to large cultural events, there are always opportunities to come together and celebrate the things that make Alaska special. The biggest problem, however, is accessibility. This check is a way for the state to share the wealth generated by the states oil and mineral resources with its residents. Fuel costs are much higher in Alaska. This study also included collective feelings of financial security, community pride, and good health. Well, it's good the thieves that you don't believe in now know whose house to rob. Visitors to the park can take guided tours or explore on their own to see the parks incredible wildlife. Driving from one point to another is not something most people stress about these days. Snow removal is going to become part of your daily life. The cost of housing in particular is high in the state, with the average home price in Alaska being nearly twice the national average. The stunningly beautiful state of Alaska is not for the faint of heart. That is unmatched. Many people gather to watch the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race or take dog sled tours while visiting a great way to experience a little history. Homeownership in Alaska stood at 63.7% as of 2018. While this is not a mass exodus it got me thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Alaska. They are talking snobby by Alaska standards, which would probably translate to an average person anywhere else. For example, if the price of oil drops or there is a decline in the demand for fish, it can have a negative impact on the states economy. Home. Must be about $1200 for the electric bill, and $1500 for rent? Best Cities for Outdoor Living in 2023 . You can take many flights from the continental 48 states to Alaska, but the distance you need to travel becomes surprisingly great after you make the move. Some of . The money can be used for anything that I choose, from paying bills to saving for a rainy day. Its an adventure that exceeds some folks wildest dreams and drives other people out faster than you can say Ketchikan. It ranks fifth for the lowest sales tax in the country but first in overall tax burden for companies. 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. To maximize your chances of seeing them, Prudhoe Bay and Barrow in the extreme north or the remote northern villages of Coldfoot in the Yukon Territory offer the best possibility of viewing the Lights. Another thing that contributes to the strong sense of community in Alaska is the fact that many people rely on one another for support in daily life. You can embrace the life, or you can try to fight the elements. 29 January 2019. It's not just the price of groceries that are high in Alaska; it's the cost of everything. Not many states are as beautiful as Alaska. For those who live outside of this metroplex, the only option tends to be heating oil, which is much more expensive. One of the most popular places for wildlife viewing in Alaska is Denali National Park. Ranking in the bottom 20% of all states in the country, according to WalletHub, based on these factors. This means that our seafood is not only fresh, but it also has a unique flavor that cant be found anywhere else in the world. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. The fortunate residents can regularly see and experience the worlds most beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and natural phenomena. While there are things to do, city life is slow compared to larger cities in the country. In fact, you can compare it with any of the most beautiful spots in the world because of its uniqueness and beauty. Pros and cons of living in Madison Wisconsin. However, the median salary can vary depending on factors such as the specific job, level of experience, and location within the state. The most infamous oil spill in the country occurred in 1989 with the Exxon Valdez tankers grounding, where 10.8 million gallons of crude were dumped into the ocean. One of the things that makes Alaskas air and water so clean is its location. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? Hello world! Cell phone service is absolutely awful in Alaska. Pros. Another thing that makes Alaska so incredible is the sense of freedom that you feel here. With its vast, unspoiled wilderness and strict environmental regulations, Alaska is a true haven for clean air and water. Alaska has some of the best air quality in America, 10. Fishing is also an option in the states rivers and streams. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average daily sunlight in Fairbanks, Alaska during the winter months is just 3.5 hours. Your email address will not be published. In Sitka there are a lot of bars and coffee shops. Because there is plenty of sunshine deep into the night during the summer months, you will discover more opportunities to explore trails, kayak in bays, and embrace the explore waiting within. Alaska is a vast and very remote state with many communities being extremely isolated from the rest of the country. This is particularly true for fresh produce, which must be shipped to the state from far-off locations. The area became the 49 th state of the United States. Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Health Care Cost Institute Report of 2016, Colorado Vs. California (Whats The Difference? Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is related to the changing seasons. If you are an entrepreneur and thinking about living in America or . The median home cost in Anchorage amounts to about US$341,100. But if something were to happen to you where you couldn't bring in that income, you got behind, believe me, it would be a different story. That check can offer a nice boost to any retiree's budget. There is some truth to this idea that is percolating around the Internet. Pros. Situated in the far north, away from the pollution of major cities and industrial areas, Alaska is blessed with some of the cleanest air in the country. Find flights to Alaska from $177. Thanks for the replies! That makes it a paradise for those who love to go hunting and fishing. 5. About the moving to Alaska pros and cons. This becomes obvious if you have a family emergency happening outside the state. That is due to the higher cost of transportation and the isolation factor of the state. You heard it right, if outdoor recreation is important then living in Alaska just got easier. They are more plentiful than you may expect. It would soon become a vital investment for the United States, as the purchase allowed for an expansion at the cost of just two cents per acre. Well Ive got news for you. The USA is the powerhouse of designers. Venture to Alaska if you want to see the Aurora Borealis. If you are not a household that was living paycheck to paycheck, then this potential disadvantage does not apply to you. A significant portion of the state is covered in snow and ice, creating difficult living conditions. Moving to an apartment is a great if: You're looking to downsize. Even the sidewalks can be dangerous after a snowfall. You will Master Snow Sports. 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). However, you must be aware of what you are eating, as some might be poisonous. And the road systems are fine with me, too. Living in Sitka offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Education 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. The rest were scum. There is a higher cost of living to consider before moving to the state. Higher taxes. The fund was established in 1976 to conserve a portion of the states revenue from mineral resources, to help future generations of Alaskans, and attract new residents to the state. Activities that take place outside become a part of who you are. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, the cost of living in Alaska is 29.5% higher than the national average. Those are the only career opportunities that are available. The fish in Alaska are so big, you're guaranteed to break a rod at least once a season. Eskimo ice cream is a native dish made with whipped fat from the hunted animals such as reindeer, bears, seals, combined with snow and wild berries. The city of Ketchikan, in particular, is known for its high levels of rainfall, with an average of over 150 inches per year. Some refer to mosquitoes as the states official bird, given their ubiquity and ability to survive in harsh environments. This lack of a state sales tax is unusual among U.S. states, as the majority of states impose some form of sales tax on purchases made within the state. This event caused the Valley of 10,000 Smokes at Katmai Park. You enjoy living close to other people and don't mind occasional elevator small talk. Backpacking, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, hang gliding, and so much more are available in Alaska because the summers are perfect for them. Washington State is abundant with stunning scenic beauty. In 2014, Alaska voters approved Ballot Measure 2, which legalized the possession, use, and sale of marijuana for recreational purposes for adults over the age of 21. There are only 1.07 million people living there being the 4th largest state by area. That said, a larger majority of people living in Indiana are white. Another negative effect of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on your safety. The outdoors is a huge part of Alaskan life: 2. But there are also repelling factors that keep some away. If you decide to move in or around Anchorage, the weather may feel somewhat temperate, but you will experience a shorter summer. Springwater, without a doubt, is considered the best water to drink. A lot of people don't even make that much. Even the southern areas of the state see higher levels of snowfall than most other locations in the United States. Alaska offers you plenty of small-town charm, even in the big cities. In this article Ill cover the pros and cons of living in Alaska based on my own personal experience. 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. Search for Alaska flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Sitka (2,870.3 square miles) Juneau (2,701.9 square miles) Wrangell (2,542.5 square miles) Anchorage (1,704.7 square miles) And the next largest city - Jacksonville, Florida - is less than half the square miles of Anchorage at 747 square miles. The Arkansas Department of Transportation oversees one of the most extensive networks of roads and highways in the United States. Adventurous Outdoor. One of the things that makes the sense of community so strong is the fact that many Alaskans are involved in outdoor activities together such as fishing, hunting, and hiking. In recent years, there have been efforts to reconsider the lack of a state sales tax in Alaska. And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. Another one of the major challenges of living in Alaska is the high cost of goods. One of the advantages of a resource extraction economy is that it can provide good jobs and a stable source of income for many people. Benefits of Living in Massachusetts. Another sticker shock item for most people thinking about moving from abroad and living in Norway is that the country's value-added tax or Merverdiavgift is really high. The cost of living in Alaska is really high. It is possible to drive from Seattle to Alaska in about 72 hours if you dont make a lot of stops along the 1,000-mile trek. This disadvantage is especially noticeable if you happen to have a family emergency going on outside of the state. And are of European descent. $1,019 7% higher than the US average. For someone who receives one of these dividend checks, its always a welcome boost to the old income. WEATHER & CLIMATE There is a reason almost every car in Alaska, old or new, has a dent! Because of the risk of contamination and sickness, prepare to filter or treat the water if necessary. Alaska is home to the largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass National Forest, which covers over 17 million acres. There is a one in 15.2 chance of being a . The second largest industry in Alaska is tourism. Once you live here for a year or two, it is not unusual to encounter someone youve never met, but they already feel like they know you. Oh you adventure seeker you With its rugged wilderness, stunning natural beauty, and endless opportunities for outdoor exploration, Alaska is the perfect place to let your adventurous spirit run wild. . The long days of summer are the best thing about living in Alaska: 1.The long dark winters are probably the worst thing about living in Alaska: 2. It is held in Palmer, Alaska, in the late summer and dates back to 1936. On top of such breathtaking sceneries, this state also . However, others are concerned that a sales tax could be detrimental to the states economy and place an additional burden on residents and businesses. If you are thinking about living in Alaska sometime in the future, then here are some pros and cons to consider before you finalize that decision. Thinking about living in Alaska, eh? There's also a huge amount of fun stuff to do outside and great places to go for low or no cost. Alaskas nearness to the Arctic Circle means that day hours vary in intensity and length. 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