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If you are down-to-earth, then you will love the easy-going flow of Alaska. They used Attu and Kiska has a potential launching point if they were ever going to try to invade the continental 48 states. The inland Alaskan Arctic, where the skies are clearer, is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 40% of Alaskas population lives in rural areas that are considered frontier or remote.. Pros and Cons of Living in Idaho Alaska's social life consists of activities and events very particular to their culture. The constant buzzing and biting can be annoying, and in some cases, mosquitoes can even transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and malaria. The Natural Splendor If nature is important to you then consider it a top pro of moving to Alaska. Call it a way of life. 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. There are many options to choose from when looking for a relaxing natural hot spring to unwind in. It is important to note that costs are higher in Alaska because of transportation and its isolation. What many people do not realize is that Japan actually occupied two Alaskan islands during World War II for 15 months. Fairbanks is the home to 31,000 people. 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. 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. Electricity and gas bills are 33% above the national average in Alaska. A high school education is a basic prerequisite for most . 2. Cons; it is on an island. 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. You will need to adjust to doing a lot of shoveling, blowing, and plowing to keep your walkways and driveway clear. In 2019, the timber industry in Alaska generated over $935 million in economic activity, supporting over 5,500 jobs. Rent is only slightly cheaper than in other areas of the country. Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. You heard it right, if outdoor recreation is important then living in Alaska just got easier. If you decide to move in or around Anchorage, the weather may feel somewhat temperate, but you will experience a shorter summer. To make things worse, Alaskan private company employees spend more than $99 over the national average for healthcare costs for one person. Maybe living in Alaska is your pace. When youre living in Anchorage, the temperature tends to hover around 70 in July and August. 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. Alaska is a good place to retire for people who love nature, dont live on a fixed income, and are alright with harsh weather. If you are considering residency in Alaska, you need to weigh both the pros and cons to determine if Alaska is right for you. If you are not a household that was living paycheck to paycheck, then this potential disadvantage does not apply to you. While this can vary in size from year to year, it ranges from $800 to $1,100. Roads and transportation systems have become very reliable; however, in Alaska it hasnt always been and still isnt as easy as in other places. There is not the same level of hectic chaos here like there is in most of the rest of the world. Dogsled racing is the primary form of mushing and thrives as an unorganized sport that provides a healthy outdoor form of winter exercise for all families. One way to protect yourself from mosquitoes in Alaska is to use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing when outdoors. Keep in mind that these opinions are based merely on my own time here and others may have other experiences. Many families can still save money because of how taxes are structured here. In 1971, temperatures drop to a record -80F at Prospect Creek Camp. One of the challenges of living in Alaska is the difficulty of obtaining fresh produce. The high cost of living in Alaska can be a challenge for many people, particularly for those on fixed incomes or low salaries. One of the most effective treatments for SAD is exposure to bright light. Through its established Permanent Fund Dividend Program, Alaska will pay you to move there. The fair includes nightly concerts, games and carnival rides, and much food unique to 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. Looking to fill those lungs with some fresh, clean air? 10. For generations, dogsled racing has been one of the most prominent sports in Alaska. As symptoms become more severe, suicide can result. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? 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 Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, The following errors occurred with your submission. Living in Alaska pays dividends, literally, 8. it's cool - pros and cons of anchorage - 9/5/2022 it's nice, i liked it when i grew up there. COST OF LIVING: Sitka: Alaska: USA Overall: 116.6: 116.5: 100 Grocery: 146.4: 141.7 . 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. Despite the regulations, the violation ofwastewater and air quality regulations is usually repeated. There are numerous job opportunities available in Alaska right now. 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. 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. Pros: Nice, quiet small town Good controls on development; no big box stores or too many chain stores, etc Beautiful esp. Get yours today! Alaskas nearness to the Arctic Circle means that day hours vary in intensity and length. The Pros of living in Sitka is that it truly is beautiful. Pros of Moving to Alaska 1. The median values are higher for some of the bigger cities, with Anchorage and Juneau standing at $303,601 and $364,295, respectively. Dog sleds have been a means of transportation for centuries, especially in the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas. Prices for both of those items are obscene. - The average commute for residents of Anchorage is 8.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Sitka. 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 biggest problem, however, is accessibility. I'm fine with rain, wind, snow, etc. The public schools in Sitka are above average. 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. Snow removal is going to become part of your daily life. For most rural residents in Alaska, subsistence hunting is critical to their food security, nutrition, and economic stability. 7. 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. For example, it is illegal to consume marijuana in public, and it is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. 8. 8. 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. Ignore the cold while having a good soak in many of the natural hot springs in Alaska. The median rent for a studio and one-bedroom in Alaska is $17 and $21 cheaper than the national average in 2019. Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for! This event helped to form the Valley of 10,000 Smokes at Katmai National Park. So, if you order clothes, electronics, or any other items, it may take forever to get them. Cost of Living Find Your Best Place Quiz City Compare Climate Top Lists Rankings Schools Find a Place DataEngine Interactive Map. Besides its ideal temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees, the state also offers very long, sunshine-filled days. For those who live outside of this metroplex, the only option tends to be heating oil, which is much more expensive. That is due to the higher cost of transportation and the isolation factor of the state. The strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. 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. Mountain View in Anchorage is rated one of the most diverse places to live in the United States. In addition to national parks, there are also many other opportunities for wildlife viewing in 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. The seafood, the hiking, clean, crisp air, the Northern Lights, no pollution! 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. 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. Oil spills continue to occur regularly in the spot where the Exxon incident occurred. Additionally, Alaskas coastal location means that it is often hit by storms, which can bring even more precipitation. Timber is another important resource in Alaska, with the states forests providing a source of wood for the construction and paper industries. Sitka, AK vs Anchorage, AK Change Cities Highlights - The Median Age in Anchorage is 5.9 years younger than in Sitka. Another popular destination for wildlife viewing in Alaska is the Katmai National Park and Preserve. Even if you make your home in Anchorage, there is an excellent chance that you will encounter a moose at least once per day. First of all, Alaska is a state of mountains. 17 out of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are found here. Despite their small size, mosquitoes can be a big problem in Alaska, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts and those who live in rural areas. 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.