There are still the regular responsibilities that you have with life, like your job and going to school, but the outdoors becomes a third one that is a lot of fun to embrace. Driving from Alaska to Seattle in 72 hours is possible if you dont make too many stops along the 1,000-mile trip. Based on the FBIs statistics, Alaska is second to Tennessee as the nations most violent state. For example, some communities have established local farmers markets or community gardens where residents can purchase locally-grown produce. They love the friendly people, wide-open spaces, mountains, sky, and sea, which they find captivating. 25 Pros of Living in Alaska There are many reasons why Alaska living is amazing. But there are also repelling factors that keep some away. Have you ever heard about the rumor that the government will pay you to live in Alaska? Self-employed individuals or freelancers must become a business when living in Alaska. This disadvantage is especially noticeable if you happen to have a family emergency going on outside of the state. 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. ZIPS IN SITKA, ALASKA 99835 Commercial fishing is another occupation that many households practice in the state. To cope, some turn to overeating, alcohol, drugs, or extended periods of sleep. 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 worst thing for most people is the dreadful cold. Much of the land in Alaska is owned by the federal government, and there are strict regulations on how it can be used. Yes, marijuana is legal in the state of Alaska. It is considered the last hurrah for the residents before the end of summer. A significant portion of the state is covered in snow and ice, creating difficult living conditions. Cheap Flights from Los Angeles to Alaska from $177 - KAYAK Some refer to mosquitoes as the states official bird, given their ubiquity and ability to survive in harsh environments. However, you must be aware of what you are eating, as some might be poisonous. There are many features we have already discussed that draw people to this beautiful state. Cost of Living in Sitka, Alaska - Best Places Hotel costs, gas, food, etc., need to figure into your decision. Thinking about living in Alaska, eh? Then there are the Northern Lights that you can see frequently dance across the sky all winter long. Every day is casual Friday in this state. 2. Alaska will never rank high from a culinary perspective, but there are a few quality meals to be found. The distinctive demographics in this unique area offer a feeling of pride in the residents. Median listing prices for other top cities in Alaska include $270,000 for Fairbanks, $339,900 for homes in Wasilla, and $250,000 for homes in Kenai. Juneau, the state capital and a popular destination for its historic downtown and nearby outdoor attractions. Maltese Dog Pictures . 4. The terrain attracts a hardy, adventure-seeking crowd, who will tell you the states unique beauty and abundant wildlife make the cold temperatures worth it. If you choose to buy a home, know that some cities exempt seniors from part of their property tax. 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. This park is home to many different species of animals, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. It gets a little better in February, but youre still only averaging 13. At the same time, you are experiencing an average low that is sub-zero. Russia and America completed the purchase agreement in 1867. Pros + Cons of Living in Sitka (Barrow, Hope: for rent, condo, house Despite their notorious reputation, however, not all Alaskans see mosquitoes as a problem. I'm fine with rain, wind, snow, etc. You will need to adjust to doing a lot of shoveling, blowing, and plowing to keep your walkways and driveway clear. The sunsets in Alaska are regarded as the most beautiful on earth. Even when the winter months come around, this attitude doesnt change. ), Why Is Newport Beach So Expensive? Additionally, marijuana businesses are not allowed to operate within 500 feet of schools or other areas where children are present. The more rural cities can feel like youre on the surface of the moon. Cordova made our list as one of the best places to live in Alaska for many reasons, and the low crime rates, poverty levels, low unemployment rate, and reasonable housing prices all contributed. 09-28-2015, 02:38 PM rntim Location: sitka, Alaska 279 posts, read 362,335 times Reputation: 381 I live in Sitka. You have to love it and love the lifestyle to justify staying long term. One of the things that makes Alaska so special is the way it stirs your soul. Artists cannot drive their tour buses to Alaska without going through Canada, and flying can be too expensive. The median rent for a studio and one-bedroom in Alaska is $17 and $21 cheaper than the national average in 2019. 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. There is nothing that you can do to change this perspective. It is thought that the Inuit invented dog sleds to transport supplies and food to their people. Including the: Pacific Ocean Gulf of Alaska Bering Sea Chukchi Sea Beaufort Sea Sitka also has a wider range of water -based activities compared to Skagway. For example, many Alaskans work in the fishing or oil industries, and these jobs can be well-paying and provide benefits like health insurance and retirement savings. The lack of a state income tax can be a financial benefit for residents, as it can help to offset the high cost of living in the state. You have to be careful, though, since it is wilderness, and while they have a good Search and Rescue, sometimes they never find people who get lost, besides danger of slides, injuries. Use the menu in the orange box - on the left if you're using a PC - to review a variety of detailed facts and statistics we analyzed, including cost of living, climate, safety, community, infrastructure, education, and a list of pros and cons based on data from more than four dozen trusted sources. (Top 10 Reasons), Why Is Cancn So Expensive? The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaskas largest annual event. You can limit this disadvantage by finding a home in or near Anchorage because there is a natural gas infrastructure that gives you access to this affordable fuel. To be materialistic is to have values that place a high priority on having many possessions and making large sums of money. There is a reason almost every car in Alaska, old or new, has a dent! 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. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska The overall crime rate in Sitka, Alaska is 8% lower than national average. Because of the states remote location, many goods must be shipped in from other parts of the country or even abroad, which can drive up their cost. Additionally, the states harsh weather and isolated location can be difficult for some people to adjust to, particularly those who are used to living in warmer and more urban environments. Alaska is a good place to live for folks who appreciate the stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, and are alright with a high cost of living and challenging weather. 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. The average high temperature for the city in the month of January is 0. The frost-free growing season in Alaska lasts for about 100 days. 2. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? As a result, no urban developments have emerged in those areas. Local taxes tend to be lower than they are in the continental 48 states as well. But dont just take my word for it taste it for yourself and youll see that the succulent salmon, sweet crab, and delicious halibut are all world-class. Another option is to invest in a good mosquito net, which can help keep the bugs at bay while youre trying to sleep. 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. There are various communities in the northern half of the state that experience sub-zero temperatures all year long. A gallon of milk can cost double what it would in other states. This can make it difficult to access basic services and amenities, such as medical care and grocery stores. For those who do love playing in the snow, you wont find a better place to learn a new sport. Airborne pollutants are monitored and regulated, but infractions are common with financial penalties. A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon, Article Overview: Living in Alaska, Moving to Alaska. It can get slightly warmer in February, but it will still average around 13. Alaska has a very diverse climate, with temperatures and weather patterns varying widely depending on where you are in the state. To make things worse, Alaskan private company employees spend more than $99 over the national average for healthcare costs for one person. Automatically get personalized recommendations on where to move. 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. You can save money in other ways by moving to Alaska as well. We are passionate about home decor, design, and all things home related. Residents are not required to pay either income tax or sales tax. Thats because even if you decide that living here isnt right for you, a holiday visit still creates the perfect opportunity to relax. 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. In the winter, the snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes provide a stunning contrast to the dark skies. It is held in Palmer, Alaska, in the late summer and dates back to 1936. Because of the risk of contamination and sickness, prepare to filter or treat the water if necessary. Pros: Nice, quiet small town Good controls on development; no big box stores or too many chain stores, etc Beautiful esp. Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is due in part to the states remote location, which makes it difficult to access certain goods and services. In addition to the high cost and limited availability of fresh produce, the growing season in Alaska is relatively short due to the states harsh climate. 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. But what made it more notable was the pristine setting where it took place. And the road systems are fine with me, too. The biggest problem, however, is accessibility. Still, i definitely don't want to live somewhere with snobby people. You must become a business if you want to be self-employed. The fair includes nightly concerts, games and carnival rides, and much food unique to the state. 1. When you consider that they receive a yearly sum from the Permanent Fund, living in Alaska is a great way to save money. Alaska Will Pay You to Move There Pros and Cons of living in Sitka, Alaska - dwellics.com One of the most popular places for wildlife viewing in Alaska is Denali National Park. In 1971, temperatures drop to a record -80F at Prospect Creek Camp. Depending on where you live, and how much snow comes in the season, you could find this process to be physically demanding and time-consuming. Pros And Cons Of Living In Sitka, Alaska, Moving to Sitka, USA, Cost of Subsistence hunting occurs throughout Alaska all year long and is a central focus of the traditions and customs of many of the cultural groups in Alaska. There are numerous job opportunities available in Alaska right now. This has created a diverse and vibrant cultural landscape, with over 20% of the states population being of Native American or Alaska Native descent. There are several positions that help to support the tourism industry in the state as well. - The average commute for residents of Anchorage is 8.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Sitka. If you have talked to people about moving to Alaska, then you might have heard that retail costs are higher in the state. Another one of the major challenges of living in Alaska is the high cost of goods. Alaska has a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, including over 3 million acres of state park land. That never happened, but it is an interesting part of U.S. history that isnt always taught in history class. Spokesperson for the group said they have spent the last few months considering the pros and cons of moving forward this year despite the risks and uncertainty associated with the . McKinley. 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. Alaska offers you plenty of small-town charm, even in the big cities. Low crime, schools are good, etc. The vibrant display of colors pinks, oranges, reds along with the shadows of the mountain ranges and forests, seem almost to touch the sun. Electricity and gas bills are 33% above the national average in Alaska. As of the latest estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the population of Alaska is 731,545. The state of Alaska does not have a state sales tax. The states leaders at the time believed that a state sales tax would be burdensome for businesses and residents, and opted not to impose one. If nature is important to you then consider it a top pro of moving to Alaska. The states natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and relatively low cost of living make it an appealing destination for retirees. Soon after the ships hull was ruptured, Prince William Sound was filled with oil. People who live in Alaska are called Alaskans. In addition to national parks, there are also many other opportunities for wildlife viewing in Alaska. If you are not a household that was living paycheck to paycheck, then this potential disadvantage does not apply to you. This makes it easier for people to save money by having a lower cost of living. 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. The Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, The following errors occurred with your submission. Alaska ranks high as one of the most popular cruising destinations in the world. Every year, residents of Alaska receive a dividend check from the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC). Only a certain type of human decides to live in an isolated community on an Alaskan island, and none of them are boring. There are even plenty of small business loan programs that are available to entrepreneurs that can ease the burden of start-up costs too. The climate is severe, and the strain of life can demand a heavy price. The best cities in Alaska depend on individual preferences and priorities. Numerous communities in the northern half of the state experience sub-zero temperatures throughout the year. 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. As of April 2019, the amount of money spent on food for one person annually in Anchorage is $450. The costs make the town kind of love it or leave it. General healthcare prices within the Anchorage metro area are an astonishing 82% above the national average, based on the Health Care Cost Institute Report of 2016. There is not the same level of hectic chaos here like there is in most of the rest of the world. 5 Myths About Retiring in Alaska - Alaska Tour Jobs If you love the chaos and bustling pace of New York, you will go stir crazy in Anchorage or Juneau. 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%. The cost of living in Alaska can also be attractive. The states rich history is evident when you look through its national parks, museums, artifacts, and its famed oil industry. As symptoms become more severe, suicide can result. As a result, many people end up living in small, crowded homes or temporary housing, such as trailers or cabins. Police cars are equipped with massive bumpers to fend off rude and unwelcome moose around highways or public areas. Usually, once people settle here, they want to remain. This means that locally-grown fruits and vegetables may only be available for a few months out of the year, further limiting options for consumers. The most vigorous earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. First of all, Alaska is a state of mountains. In addition to lack of houses to own, many Alaskan communities also face a lack of available rental units. They are more plentiful than you may expect. That means you can have some extra cash to save for a new home, college tuition costs, or the outdoor toys you will want to use as you start exploring the millions of acres of wilderness. Skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking, and snowmobiling are all activities that will become part of your life when you move here. Additionally, the state offers a number of tax exemptions and credits for residents, such as the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend, which provides an annual payout to eligible residents. Get out there and meet people and you'll meet some very interesting people. There are many off-the-beaten-path natural hot springs and some easily accessible that residents and visitors can enjoy even in the winter. The result is your tax burden is potentially higher than it would be in some states. 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. Rent is only slightly cheaper than in other areas of the country. However, the higher cost of living is a trade off for higher quality of living. Prices for both of those items are obscene. Reasons not to move to Alaska. Life tends to move a lot slower when living in Alaska. 1. We almost all use Helly Hansen Impertec. The state is home to many species of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and bald eagles. Looking to fill those lungs with some fresh, clean air? It is important to note that costs are higher in Alaska because of transportation and its isolation. Skagway vs. Sitka - Which Is A Better Travel Destination? Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. If you shop strategically, especially with your rewards cards, most of the cost difference can be offset with a little creative budgeting. 20 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Alaska (Local's Guide) Median rent price. The seafood, the hiking, clean, crisp air, the Northern Lights, no pollution! If the cold weather of winter does bother you some, then Alaska might not be the perfect place to live. The state earns its revenues through a tax burden on businesses, as Alaska does not have an income tax. There are also initiatives to support the development of greenhouses and other methods of growing produce in the state. Under Alaskas marijuana laws, adults over the age of 21 are allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants (with no more than three being mature) for personal use.