With its vast, unspoiled wilderness and strict environmental regulations, Alaska is a true haven for clean air and water. You just learn to dress for the colder weather. Youll experience a shorter summer, but it wont be a jarring difference. Benefits of living in Wisconsin. D Sitka Housing Home value is 33% higher than Alaska. 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. 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. Alaska is a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs. There are four interstate highways for drivers to use, along with almost 3,000 miles of railroad tracks. Those are the only career opportunities that are available. Well, it's good the thieves that you don't believe in now know whose house to rob. Don't plan on going anywhere with a frostbit battery. 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. 8. The median values are higher for some bigger cities, such as Juneau and Anchorage, with prices averaging $364,000 and $303,000, respectively. The larger cities tend to lean more liberal and the rural areas are conservative. The summer season is also an enjoyable time in the state, with long days, plenty of sunshine, and a mild climate. Many tour companies offer wildlife viewing cruises and excursions to see whales, seals, and other marine animals. Meeting start whenever the people involved feel like making them happen. Cost of Living. Home ownership. That is how Alaska got the name Land of the Midnight Sun.. 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. Outside of Anchorage, the next largest city is Juneau, with a total population of 32,000. There is therefore much pure untouched land and the majority of the population is centred in county seats. 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. The Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, The following errors occurred with your submission. Oh, okay. Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Health Care Cost Institute Report of 2016, Colorado Vs. California (Whats The Difference? The strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. Loathe darkness, cold weather, rain, and high prices. culinary experience. Instead, it relies on other sources of revenue, such as taxes on oil and natural gas production, to fund state government services. 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 an entrepreneur and thinking about living in America or . You must become a business if you want to be self-employed. However, depending on where you're moving from, Anchorage might offer a lower cost of living. The amount is more expensive than the national average of about US$291,700. It also can get very hot in the summer, up to 97 degrees F. 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. The city of Ketchikan, in particular, is known for its high levels of rainfall, with an average of over 150 inches per year. Dog sleds have been a means of transportation for centuries, especially in the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas. There is one upside to Alaska's extremely low population densitymile upon mile of unspoiled natural beauty. 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. This is higher than the national median salary, which was $45,790 during the same time period. 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. Recent job growth is Negative. Voel je thuis bij Radio Zwolle. The frost-free growing season in Alaska lasts for about 100 days. I can say that the culture in the USA is not of the oldest origins but it is safe to say that it is the most glamorous of all cultures existing in the world. More Economy. Low wildfire risk. However, this is not the case. I met a couple of decent people in Sitka. And it's expensive. Pros. The Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, The following errors occurred with your submission. 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. And, finally, if you decide to make Alaska your permanent home, you'll soon be eligible for the Permanent Fund Dividend payout, which was $1,114 in 2021. 1. Advantages As a result, many people end up living in small, crowded homes or temporary housing, such as trailers or cabins. 10. Alaskas economy is largely based on resource extraction, such as fishing, mining, and oil drilling. 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). It is important to consider these factors when looking at salary information for Alaska. The state of Alaska does not have a state sales tax. If you are out hiking, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Low cancer incidence rate. If you decide to make your home around Anchorage when you move to Alaska, then the weather will feel somewhat temperate. 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. Anchorage gets about five hours of sunlight during the winter solstice, with 19 hours of pitch-black sky. 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. As of April 2019, the amount of money spent on food for one person annually in Anchorage is $450. Because of its remote location, much of the produce consumed in the state must be shipped in from other parts of the country or even abroad. 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. Some residents have even come to see the insects as a source of entertainment, with some people holding mosquito calling contests to see who can attract the most mosquitoes with a particular sound or scent. Because Alaska is the least densely populated of the United States, you can unwind and relax in complete silence if you choose. For the first time in 26 years Alaska's population has dropped. Ignore the cold while having a good soak in many of the natural hot springs in Alaska. That's the big picture view. 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. 2. Keep in mind that these opinions are based merely on my own time here and others may have other experiences. This can make fresh fruits and vegetables more expensive and less readily available than in other parts of the country. There was just a new hike to the electric bill. Additionally, the absence of a state income tax can make it more difficult for the state to respond to economic downturns or other financial challenges. For some families, that is enough incentive to make the move immediately. Because of the risk of contamination and sickness, prepare to filter or treat the water if necessary. 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. You heard it right, if outdoor recreation is important then living in Alaska just got easier. Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. In many cases, this is true. Soon after the ships hull was ruptured, Prince William Sound was filled with oil. What many people do not realize is that Japan actually occupied two Alaskan islands during World War II for 15 months. Highways are paved in most areas, and the amount of traffic poses no problems for commuters. Those who move here will either stress out because they feel like no one is being responsible, or they will take a deep breath and embrace the relaxed attitude. Life tends to move a lot slower when living in Alaska. One reason is the states location near the ocean. This makes it the 47th most populous state in the United States. For example, some communities have established local farmers markets or community gardens where residents can purchase locally-grown produce. Self-employed individuals or freelancers must become a business when living in Alaska. Except for areas where there is a concentration of wood-burning for home heating, the air quality is the freshest in the world. Anchorage never had a venue large enough for famous musicians to performuntil recently. Snow removal is going to become part of your daily life. 1. Airborne pollutants are monitored and regulated, but infractions are common with financial penalties. A typical cruise ship produces thousands of gallons of raw sewage, garbage, wastewater, and oily bilge water from their engines. It also gives you a chance to embrace the small-town charm that dominates the culture in the state. For someone who receives one of these dividend checks, its always a welcome boost to the old income. This can help to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. Commercial fishing is another occupation that many households practice in the state. The trails in the city are closed frequently because of bear activity. Russia and America completed the purchase agreement in 1867. If hunting and fishing are among your favorite pastimes, Alaska is for you. Larger cities like Fairbanks, Juneau, & Anchorage have pretty much all the amenities you could hope for . Home. Sitka jobs have decreased by 0.1%. polynesian running backs nfl diy arch trellis for vegetables pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. The rest were scum. 5. June 21 has almost 19 hours of daylight in Anchorage, making it the longest day of the year. As symptoms become more severe, suicide can result. Scenic Beauty. However, there can be some health disadvantages. 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 terrain attracts a hardy, adventure-seeking crowd, who will tell you the states unique beauty and abundant wildlife make the cold temperatures worth it. You are looking at $400 to $1200 a month for electricity. The cold really becomes a problem if you move farther north. Some items rack up a 25 percent tax, a rate that is only topped by Hungary, which has a VAT of 27 percent. 6. Driving from one point to another is not something most people stress about these days. Downtown Juneau gets 94" of rain a year, Ketchikan receives 154", Sitka is something like 82". The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaskas largest annual event. Alaska has a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, including over 3 million acres of state park land. The distinctive demographics in this unique area offer a feeling of pride in the residents. Find flights to Alaska from $177. There are many pros for living in Anchorage like actually getting paid to live there (as in more than $1000 for every member of your household). 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. This park is home to many different species of animals, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. You will need to adjust to doing a lot of shoveling, blowing, and plowing to keep your walkways and driveway clear. $800 for groceries. But why is Alaska so rainy? Automatically get personalized recommendations on where to move. Cell phone service is absolutely awful in Alaska. In addition to the high cost of transporting goods to the state, the small population of Alaska also contributes to the high prices of goods. In 1971, temperatures drop to a record -80F at Prospect Creek Camp. The stress of living boils over into violence for some Alaskans. This event helped to form the Valley of 10,000 Smokes at Katmai National Park. Roads and transportation systems have become very reliable; however, in Alaska it hasnt always been and still isnt as easy as in other places. 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. Its an adventure that exceeds some folks wildest dreams and drives other people out faster than you can say Ketchikan. 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