Only California and Hawaii residents will pay more for their fueling needs. Because food, other than the local food, needs to travel a great distance to get there, the prices are relatively high. 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. Driving from Alaska to Seattle in 72 hours is possible if you dont make too many stops along the 1,000-mile trip. It is really easy to start a business after you move to Alaska. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is not unusual for you to start pursuing an idea today, and then be ready to start earning money in a week or two. 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. One of the negative effects of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on mental health. This expense is one of the most significant costs that you will face as a household if you decide to move here. In fact, according to the EPA, over 90% of the air quality monitoring sites in Alaska have air quality that is classified as good or moderate,. Based on the 2017 cost of living study by the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, monthly utility costs in the state are high. Mushing is a sport or mode of transportation powered by dogs. Alaska Maltese puppy, we encourage you to browse our selection and reach out to us with any questions you may have. Larger cities like Fairbanks, Juneau, & Anchorage have pretty much all the amenities you could hope for as well as entertainment. No doubt, this would attract many! You can save money in other ways by moving to Alaska as well. Because of the risk of contamination and sickness, prepare to filter or treat the water if necessary. Daylight is nonexistent in the northernmost regions for months at a time, which creates a physiological shift in disposition and mood. The distinctive demographics in this unique area offer a feeling of pride in the residents. Thanks in advance! Cell phone service is absolutely awful in Alaska. Then the next largest community is Wasilla, with just 10,000 residents. 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). The pros: pretty low crime rate (although it's growing more and more every year . If you decide to make your home around Anchorage when you move to Alaska, then the weather will feel somewhat temperate. The violent crime rate of Sitka is 52% lower than national average. The city of Ketchikan, in particular, is known for its high levels of rainfall, with an average of over 150 inches per year. Median home value. Alaska has the best summers in the world. 1. Chill, Diverse People. This can make fresh fruits and vegetables more expensive and less readily available than in other parts of the country. Alaska is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, including over 3,000 glaciers and over 100,000 miles of coastline. Up to 30% OFF Sale - Limited Time Learn More. Looking to move to Alaska to save on taxes? 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. This can be a difficult adjustment for newcomers living in Alaska. Military, Federal jobs, and Oil subsidize housing costs which drives up the price. They are more plentiful than you may expect. Sitka has 15 fishing charter companies, while Skagway only has three. Residents are not required to pay either income tax or sales tax. Yes, Alaska is generally considered to be a very tax-friendly state for residents. This makes it the 47th most populous state in the United States. Great place to raise a family. Half of the current population of the state lives in the Anchorage metropolitan area. It ranks fifth for the lowest sales tax in the country but first in overall tax burden for companies. Find out Pros and Cons of Living in Alaska. But mushing is still an essential part of life for some Alaskans. 6. Because there are fewer consumers in the state, businesses may have to charge higher prices in order to cover their costs and remain profitable. Based on the FBIs statistics, Alaska is second to Tennessee as the nations most violent state. Artists cannot drive their tour buses to Alaska without going through Canada, and flying can be too expensive. Saved one of the best pros of living in Alaska for last. If you are out hiking, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Many areas of the state are only accessible by boat, plane, train, or floatplane and cannot be reached by car. One common misconception about SAD is that it only affects people who live in cold climates. People are going to take an individual approach to how they manage their time. The trails in the city are closed frequently because of bear activity. What are the pros and cons of living in Alaska? It is one of the few places in the world where someone with virtually no experience can still catch enough fish or hunt as a way to feed their family for an entire year. Overall, the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so its important to be prepared for a range of conditions when visiting the state. The median rent for a studio and one-bedroom in Alaska is $17 and $21 cheaper than the national average in 2019. You can fish for trout, salmon, halibut, and crab. 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. Bears are everywhere in Alaska, and they are not afraid to attack. During the average year, Anchorage sees over 30 inches of snow from January to March. There are several positions that help to support the tourism industry in the state as well. You may receive another 30 inches during the months of November and December combined. Darkness here can be a real challenge. You will not find this type of behavior among the residents of Alaska. For those who already live in Alaska, it is not surprising that their state was ranked #1 as the happiest place to live in America by a well-being study conducted by Gallup-Healthways in 2015. Thanks for the replies! Russia and America completed the purchase agreement in 1867. Required fields are marked *. Alaska was once thought of as a folly. Commercial fishing is another occupation that many households practice in the state. Another popular destination for wildlife viewing in Alaska is the Katmai National Park and Preserve. The states natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and relatively low cost of living make it an appealing destination for retirees. Alaska ranks second to Wyoming for the highest rate of suicide in the country. If you want to work as a freelancer or be self-employed, then you must become a business when you live in the state. We almost all use Helly Hansen Impertec. Some argue that a sales tax could provide a stable source of revenue for the state and help to fund important government services. Cons: 1 - cost of living is high. $1,019 7% higher than the US average. 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. The Alaskan sky is light nearly all night long from late May to late July, with it being light past 10 pm for another month on either side of that. . The states rugged landscape and extreme climate have shaped the way of life of its residents, and this can be seen in many aspects of the culture. Most accidental deaths are from residents who die while sleeping due to carbon monoxide poisoning from clogged chimneys or faulty heaters. Of the two million tourists to visit the state each year, more than half will arrive by ship. Pros and Cons of living in Sitka, Alaska according to Data Do you live in Sitka, Alaska? Keep in mind that these opinions are based merely on my own time here and others may have other experiences. Here are some reasons why Alaska is so attractive to so many. 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. I actually love all of them! Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. The best cities in Alaska depend on individual preferences and priorities. $341,600 85% higher than the US average. 5. Dog sleds have been a means of transportation for centuries, especially in the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas. The long, dark winters can lead to a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (more on that below). That makes it a paradise for those who love to go hunting and fishing. Exploring the wild forests, paddling a kayak through the crystal-clear waters, and taking a deep breath of the clean, fresh air, Alaska is a place where you can truly be free. Milestones such as the Klondike Gold Rush, the Good Friday Earthquake, and the passing of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act reserved millions of acres for preservation throughout the state. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? In addition to outdoor activities, there are also many community events and festivals that bring folks together throughout the year. 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. It is considered the last hurrah for the residents before the end of summer. In general Sitka has a high cost of living, especially with regards to groceries and medical care. Find the best and worst places to live, raise a family or retire in Alaska. While Alaska has diverse geographical regions with different climates, Alaska is known for its long nights and winters no matter where you go. Moving to Alaska, United States. Then there are the Northern Lights that you can see frequently dance across the sky all winter long. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the vacancy rate for rental units in Alaska is just 4.6%, which is well below the national average of 6.9%. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, was almost 300,000 people calling at their home. If bar hopping is to your liking, you will need to walk around a bit as Anchorage is very spread out. However, it can also mean that the state has limited resources for funding certain programs and services, such as education and healthcare. 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. That means your tax burden is potentially higher than what it would be in some other states. With its spectacular beauty, many recreational opportunities, and plentiful wildlife, there is an adventure at every turn in Americas last frontier.