The fish in Alaska are so big, you're guaranteed to break a rod at least once a season. Alaska was once thought of as a folly. The stress of living boils over into violence for some Alaskans. In Alaska, there are two seasons, road construction and winter. Some of this number leave and move elsewhere, but many return to Alaska. Low cancer mortality rate. And $2500 a month expenses that you so causally mention? Thinking about living in Alaska, eh? The USA is the powerhouse of designers. Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. Like, EVER. The result is your tax burden is potentially higher than it would be in some states. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. That never happened, but it is an interesting part of U.S. history that isnt always taught in history class. This expense is one of the most significant costs that you will face as a household if you decide to move here. The rest of the state is largely rural and sparsely populated. As a local in Alaska, I can say with 100% certainty (according to my taste buds) that the fresh seafood here is absolutely top-notch. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. List of the Pros of Living in Arkansas. If you shop strategically, especially with your rewards cards, most of the cost difference can be offset with a little creative budgeting. Thanks in advance! There are almost 50 days of thunderstorms every year and an average of 54 tornadoes sweep Illinois. 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. Still, i definitely don't want to live somewhere with snobby people. WEATHER & CLIMATE If you want to work as a freelancer or be self-employed, then you must become a business when you live in the state. Based on the 2017 cost of living study by the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, monthly utility costs in the state are high. These people are defined by their language groups and are considered Alaskan Natives. The second largest industry in Alaska is tourism. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Sitka, AK. One of the most interesting things to do in Sitka for families, solo travelers, and kids is to check out the New Archangel Dancers. Every winter, thousands of Alaskans suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. With strict regulations on pollution and development, as well as a strong focus on conservation and sustainable resource management, Alaska takes its role as a steward of the environment very seriously. 4. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. I'm fine with rain, wind, snow, etc. AK Craft Brew & Barleywine Festival Giveaway. Thats because even if you decide that living here isnt right for you, a holiday visit still creates the perfect opportunity to relax. Some popular cities in the state include: Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska and a hub for commerce, culture, and outdoor recreation. The suns view so far north is unbelievable. This can make fresh fruits and vegetables more expensive and less readily available than in other parts of the country. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, Alaska has the highest cost of living of any state in the United States. In addition to those incentives, residents of Anchorage also enjoy having zero dollars in state income tax deducted from their checks. Another reason why Alaskas seafood is so fantastic is the variety. Venture to Alaska if you want to see the Aurora Borealis. Just as Anchorage gets lovely sunshine almost all day during the summer months, it is the opposite during the winter when darkness and cold take over. To be materialistic is to have values that place a high priority on having many possessions and making large sums of money. Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 1,700 species of plants and animals. The majority of people in the state are homeowners, however. McKinley, which is the tallest mountain in North America at 20,320 feet. Homes are in the $625K-$1.2M price point. A typical cruise ship produces thousands of gallons of raw sewage, garbage, wastewater, and oily bilge water from their engines. Many tour companies offer wildlife viewing cruises and excursions to see whales, seals, and other marine animals. It does have the fifth lowest sales tax in the country, and the state ranks first in overall tax burden for companies. 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 most notable of them is Mt. You can save money in other ways by moving to Alaska as well. It comprises of coastal beaches, fishing locations, several beautiful parks, hiking trails, rain-forests covered with moss, adventurous mountains, and crystal-clear lakes. In 2019, the timber industry in Alaska generated over $935 million in economic activity, supporting over 5,500 jobs. Pros. This lack of availability means that many individuals and families are forced to compete for a limited number of rental units, which can drive up prices. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average annual precipitation in Alaska is over 20 inches, making it the fifth rainiest state in the country. Fairbanks has an average temperature in the city during January of 0. If hunting and fishing are among your favorite pastimes, Alaska is for you. Compared to the rest of Alaska, the city is the most costly in this regard. Popularity and image, which are always expressed through money and possessions, lead people to have materialistic values and be concerned about the status quo. 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. You will not find better summers anywhere else in the world. Millions of marine animals, birds, and fish were killed. With its spectacular beauty, many recreational opportunities, and plentiful wildlife, there is an adventure at every turn in Americas last frontier. 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. Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. The Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, The following errors occurred with your submission. The fees for a business licenses are non-refundable, so if you make an error on your application, then you must pay for a second fee. Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, salmonberries can be found on Alaskas hiking trails. This park is home to many different species of animals, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. Another negative effect of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on your safety. Higher taxes. 12. 5. The median values are higher for some of the bigger cities, with Anchorage and Juneau standing at $303,601 and $364,295, respectively. You are looking at $400 to $1200 a month for electricity. They love the friendly people, wide-open spaces, mountains, sky, and sea, which they find captivating. 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. As a local Alaskan, I can attest to the strong sense of community that exists in our state. Some of these longstanding traditions may seem odd to outsiders, but they are captivating and essential to the residents living throughout the rural villages and more populated areas in Alaska. However, there can be some health disadvantages. 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. We are passionate about home decor, design, and all things home related. Low cancer incidence rate. Fishing is also an option in the states rivers and streams. Taking note of the rent, Alaska is only slightly cheaper than the entire U.S. Whether youre hiking through the towering peaks of the Alaska Range, fishing for wild salmon in a glacial stream, or simply gazing at the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you, Alaska has a way of making you feel alive like nowhere else on earth. Based on the FBIs statistics, Alaska is second to Tennessee as the nations most violent state. However, it can also mean that the state has limited resources for funding certain programs and services, such as education and healthcare. Economy largely dependent on resource extraction, Summary of the Pros & Cons of Living in Alaska, Lets Talk: 20 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Florida (+ Forum), 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Massachusetts, 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Chicago, Illinois. 7. 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking Sites, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Alaska's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $10.34 per hour in 2022. Clothes as many signature brands origin in there. In 1971, temperatures drop to a record -80F at Prospect Creek Camp. The states population is relatively small and sparsely distributed, with much of the population concentrated in the urban centers of Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. In general, Juneau is one-third more expensive than the average American city. Here are the pros and cons of living in Alaska. If you love the chaos and bustling pace of New York, you will go stir crazy in Anchorage or Juneau. Alaska was once thought of as a folly. Additionally, the tourism industry is a major contributor to the states economy, with many visitors coming to Alaska to see its natural beauty and participate in outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting. Living in Sitka offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. The city is the fourth most dangerous place to live in Alaska. Sitka: 8,789: $287,300: $53,600: Ketchikan: 8,050: $237,400: $50,000: Pros of Moving to Alaska. Cons: The VAT in Norway is huge. Alaska is a state which deals with numerous earthquakes each year. A gallon of milk can cost double what it would in other states. Pros of Living in Alaska. However, if this is your thing, snow sports will totally be an added bonus. 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. Additionally, Alaskans pay a lot for electricity 23.42 cents/kWh as compared to the national average of 13.90 cents/kWh.iii. Pros and cons of living in Madison Wisconsin., Madison, 18 replies Pros/cons living in or around Denver, Colorado, 11 replies Sitka va Ketchikan Living, Alaska, 11 replies Sitka Living?, Alaska, 24 replies The Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, Oregon, 28 replies This becomes obvious if you have a family emergency happening outside the state. 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). Another popular destination for wildlife viewing in Alaska is the Katmai National Park and Preserve. The constant buzzing and biting can be annoying, and in some cases, mosquitoes can even transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and malaria. Most people find that the rewards far outweigh whatever sacrifices they may need to make. However, this is not the case. 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 The cost of housing, in particular, is higher in Alaska than in many other parts of the country. The biggest problem, however, is accessibility. Only California and Hawaii residents will pay more for their fueling needs. Have you ever heard of the concept called Island Time? When you move to Alaska, you will get to experience this slowing of life across the entire state. As with many of the items on this list of pros and cons of living in Alaska, this largely depends on where you live. 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. In fact, there are so many different types of seafood to choose from in Alaska that you could eat a different type of fish or shellfish every day for a year and still have some leftovers. But why is Alaska so rainy? This has created a diverse and vibrant cultural landscape, with over 20% of the states population being of Native American or Alaska Native descent. With the cost of a gallon of gas in Alaska at $3.36 according to GasBuddy, it is the sixth-highest in the whole country. There is a reason almost every car in Alaska, old or new, has a dent! In addition to its incredible landscape, Alaska is also home to many glaciers, including the world famous Mendenhall Glacier. Outside of Anchorage, the next largest city is Juneau, with a total population of 32,000. Alaska is surprisingly far from the rest of the United States. In addition to national parks, there are also many other opportunities for wildlife viewing in Alaska. 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. They are really an issue only from the second week in June to the last week in July. People are going to take an individual approach to how they manage their time. The cons, however, include high gas prices and the cost of living. But there are also repelling factors that keep some away. It is thought that the Inuit invented dog sleds to transport supplies and food to their people. Alaska experiences long, dark winters and short, sunny summers. Fairbanks, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and access to outdoor activities. Alaska has the longest coastline of any state in the United States, at over 6,600 miles long. You can embrace the life, or you can try to fight the elements. Loathe darkness, cold weather, rain, and high prices. 1. Compared to other locations in the country, even the southern locations of Alaska have more snowfall. After all, as they say, laughter is the best medicine, and theres no shortage of dark humor to be found in the Land of the Midnight Sun. The distinctive demographics in this unique area offer a feeling of pride in the residents. Russia and America completed the purchase agreement in 1867. When you live in the state, then you are 15 minutes from being out in the wild, no matter where your home happens to be. That is unmatched. Hotel costs, gas, food, etc., need to figure into your decision. Too close to an airport. As a resident of Alaska, you get to experience the renowned Alaska State Fair, which is one of the best in the country. The area became the 49 th state of the United States. The outdoors is a huge part of Alaskan life: 2. Alaska has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of Native American, Russian, and American influences. Keep in mind that these opinions are based merely on my own time here and others may have other experiences. The fortunate residents can regularly see and experience the worlds most beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and natural phenomena. Job market. In addition, the states economy is heavily dependent on the oil industry, which can be volatile and contribute to fluctuations in the cost of living. Dwellics instantly analyzes thousands of relevant data points and your selected preferences like lifestyle, weather, community and more to find the perfect place for you to live. Moose attacks are a prevalent thing in Alaska. For the first time in 26 years Alaska's population has dropped. The transportation network in Arkansas is extensive. It can get extremely cold in Alaska, even during the summer months. Alaskas economy is largely based on resource extraction, such as fishing, mining, and oil drilling. Pro: Natural beauty is not in short supply. It is important to consider these factors when looking at salary information for Alaska. The payment in 2017 was $1,100 per person. The moist air from the ocean is forced upward by the mountains, causing heavy rainfall in many parts of the state. From the natural beauty of the Aleutian Islands, which has dozens of volcanoes, to the snow-covered peaks of the Denali National Park, Alaska is both overwhelming and blissful at the same time. It would soon become a vital investment for the United States, as the purchase allowed for an expansion at the cost of just two cents per acre. One of the things that makes Alaskan culture so interesting is its focus on the natural environment. For some families, that is enough incentive to make the move immediately. For example, it is illegal to consume marijuana in public, and it is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. As so many people today communicate by cell phone or send text messages, use the Internet, etc., this can be an inconvenience difficult to deal with. The state earns its revenues through a tax burden on businesses, as Alaska does not have an income tax. The estimated population per square kilometer (.62 miles) in Sitka is 1. Many of Alaskas rivers are perfect for whitewater rafting, cruise the coastal waters by boat or take a flightseeing tour of glaciers. As of the latest estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the population of Alaska is 731,545. Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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