7. Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. A high school education is a basic prerequisite for most . For most rural residents in Alaska, subsistence hunting is critical to their food security, nutrition, and economic stability. Springwater, without a doubt, is considered the best water to drink. Median home value. The median values are higher for some bigger cities, such as Juneau and Anchorage, with prices averaging $364,000 and $303,000, respectively. (Top 10 Reasons), Why Is Cancn So Expensive? In this article Ill cover the pros and cons of living in Alaska based on my own personal experience. That money applies to every person in your family, including the kids. It is important to consider these factors when looking at salary information for Alaska. Pros: Nice, quiet small town Good controls on development; no big box stores or too many chain stores, etc Beautiful esp. The most notable of them is Mt. Those are the only career opportunities that are available. The states rich history is evident when you look through its national parks, museums, artifacts, and its famed oil industry. Compare Now. 8. PRO: Lots of wild animals. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Alaska will cost you somewhere between $1,000 and $1,169 per month, or less in some smaller, scenic areas like Kenai. 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 result is your tax burden is potentially higher than it would be in some states. 6. Some popular cities in the state include: Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska and a hub for commerce, culture, and outdoor recreation. In March of that year, Prince William Sound experienced a magnitude 9.2 earthquake. The lack of available housing in Alaska, particularly in rural areas, can make it difficult for residents to find a place to live. To be materialistic is to have values that place a high priority on having many possessions and making large sums of money. 15 Reasons to Consider Moving to Alaska - Moving.com Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 1,700 species of plants and animals. Thanks in advance! Some of this number leave and move elsewhere, but many return to Alaska. 10. Other cities to consider include Wasilla, Kenai, and Sitka. Alaska has the best summers in the world. As a local Alaskan, I can attest to the strong sense of community that exists in our state. Because of the risk of contamination and sickness, prepare to filter or treat the water if necessary. Sitka is a city in Alaska state in USA with a population of 8569 residents..The poverty rate of Sitka is 6.6%, which is 53% lower than national average. According to the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, on average, 140 people die from freezing to death each year. There are many off-the-beaten-path natural hot springs and some easily accessible that residents and visitors can enjoy even in the winter. Thats because even if you decide that living here isnt right for you, a holiday visit still creates the perfect opportunity to relax. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This makes it easier for people to save money by having a lower cost of living. As of April 2019, the amount of money spent on food for one person annually in Anchorage is $450. You will not find better summers anywhere else in the world. I actually love all of them! According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, Alaska has the highest cost of living of any state in the United States. Cost of Living in Sitka, Alaska. With its vast, unspoiled wilderness and strict environmental regulations, Alaska is a true haven for clean air and water. There isnt an argument to make for any other location. The ordinary and the extraordinary. In the summer, the days are long and the wildflowers are in bloom, creating a colorful tapestry across the landscape. From the moment you set foot in this wild, beautiful land, you can feel the thrill of adventure coursing through your veins. In fact, over half of the land in Alaska is protected wilderness, ensuring that these beautiful landscapes will be preserved for generations to come. 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. Even when the winter months come around, this attitude doesnt change. Population: 2,683. This disadvantage is especially noticeable if you happen to have a family emergency going on outside of the state. Pros than cons to living in Sitka offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their.. Magic of the 20 highest mountain peaks in States hiking, and economic Well Ive got news for you. Here are a few of these traditions valued by the residents of the state. In 2019, the timber industry in Alaska generated over $935 million in economic activity, supporting over 5,500 jobs. Living in Alaska - Pros and Cons & Cost of Living - WTS Some communities have their own licensing requirements to follow as well. Find the best and worst places to live, raise a family or retire in Alaska. 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. It is the perfect place to learn snow sports. 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. Its no secret that Alaska has some of the most ferocious mosquitoes in the world, with a species called the Alaska mosquito that is known for its aggressive biting habits. Ignore the cold while having a good soak in many of the natural hot springs in Alaska. Even the sidewalks can be dangerous after a snowfall. On average, Anchorage has over 30 inches of snow, from January to March, with another 30 inches accumulating during November and December combined. The state also experiences powerful volcanic eruptions from time to time, including the most powerful of the 20th century at Novarupta Volcano. Self-employed individuals or freelancers must become a business when living in Alaska. There is a reason almost every car in Alaska, old or new, has a dent! D Sitka Housing Home value is 33% higher than Alaska. 03 Jun. When youre living in Anchorage, the temperature tends to hover around 70 in July and August. Looking to move to Alaska to save on taxes? Thank you for taking the time to post this. Artists cannot drive their tour buses to Alaska without going through Canada, and flying can be too expensive. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED HomeMindset.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon website (amazon.com amazon.in etc) and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Including the: Pacific Ocean Gulf of Alaska Bering Sea Chukchi Sea Beaufort Sea However, others are concerned that a sales tax could be detrimental to the states economy and place an additional burden on residents and businesses. At Point Barrow, the sun does not set from May 10 to August 2. This can help to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. But what made it more notable was the pristine setting where it took place. Living in Alaska could just be for you. Driving from one point to another is not something most people stress about these days. While this can vary in size from year to year, it ranges from $800 to $1,100. After living in the state for a full calendar year, residents will qualify for what is called the PFD payment. Bears are everywhere in Alaska, and they are not afraid to attack. There are about 5,000 earthquakes that happen every year in the state of Alaska. One way to protect yourself from mosquitoes in Alaska is to use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing when outdoors. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of a large town or the seclusion of a remote area of the state, there are plenty of options throughout Alaska. Cheap Flights from Los Angeles to Alaska from $177 - KAYAK 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. The summer season is also an enjoyable time in the state, with long days, plenty of sunshine, and a mild climate. The low population density is immense, located so far north, and not connected to the mainland. 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. They can be triggered by landslides, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes. 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. The pros of retiring in Alaska are the stunning landscapes, friendly residents, slow-paced and diverse lifestyles that you'll encounter here, and no income tax. If you are down-to-earth, then you will love the easy-going flow of Alaska. Pros And Cons Of Living In Alaska 2023 - Ablison To cope, some turn to overeating, alcohol, drugs, or extended periods of sleep. The temperatures dropped to a record of minus 80F in 1971 at Prospect Creek Camp. Even though the economy of Alaska is fueled by the oil and gas industry, you will discover that the cost of gasoline is much higher than it is in the continental 48 states. Anchorage gets about five hours of sunlight during the winter solstice, with 19 hours of pitch-black sky. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary in Alaska was $77,060 in 2021. They are more plentiful than you may expect. The Alaskan highways overall road quality and their feeder routes are good, except for some summer road construction. With the national average being $323, you can see how food can get expensive in Alaska. Home ownership. Another option is to invest in a good mosquito net, which can help keep the bugs at bay while youre trying to sleep. Alaska is home to over 100 species of mammals, including brown bears, moose, wolves & over 400 species of birds, including bald eagles and puffins. One reason is the states location near the ocean. Oh, okay. Backpacking, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, hang gliding, and so much more are available in Alaska because the summers are perfect for them. Skagway vs. Sitka - Which Is A Better Travel Destination? 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. However, it 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. Anchorage never had a venue large enough for famous musicians to performuntil recently. The states abundant natural resources, including oil, natural gas, seafood, and natural wonders are the main drivers of its economy. Outdoor activities are literally endless for the adventure-seeking individual. Please share your experience here: When we get comments from people on Pros and Cons of living in Sitka, Alaska, we publish them here. While SAD is more common in areas with long, dark winters, it can also affect people who live in other parts of the world. Moose and caribou are abundant throughout Alaska. The biggest problem, however, is accessibility. The cost of housing, in particular, is higher in Alaska than in many other parts of the country. Despite the vastness of Alaska, Alaskans overall have a deep sense of connection to one another and a strong sense of state pride. 5 Myths About Retiring in Alaska - Alaska Tour Jobs 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. In the summer, the weather is milder, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s. But mushing is still an essential part of life for some Alaskans. For generations, dogsled racing has been one of the most prominent sports in Alaska. Prince William Sound experienced a 9.2 quake in March of that year. Compared to other locations in the country, even the southern locations of Alaska have more snowfall. what was necessary before the mariner could be restored to life again +91 88380 06318 One of the most popular places for wildlife viewing in Alaska is Denali National Park. Furthermore, Alaska is a state surrounded by pristine bodies of water. That gives you plenty of time to start exploring the 300 miles of trails that are around this one city. Thanks for the replies!