Thats because even if you decide that living here isnt right for you, a holiday visit still creates the perfect opportunity to relax. Based on the 2017 cost of living study by the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, monthly utility costs in the state are high. The biggest problem, however, is accessibility. In more recent years, Alaska has also been influenced by the cultures of European explorers and settlers, as well as more recent immigrants from various parts of the world. The cost of living in Alaska can also be attractive. In 2014, Alaska voters approved Ballot Measure 2, which legalized the possession, use, and sale of marijuana for recreational purposes for adults over the age of 21. If you are a married couple with four children, then you received a $6,600 PFT payment. View Full Report Card. The cost of housing, in particular, is higher in Alaska than in many other parts of the country. This is particularly true for fresh produce, which must be shipped to the state from far-off locations. 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. One of the things that makes Alaskas seafood so amazing is its location. In fact, you can compare it with any of the most beautiful spots in the world because of its uniqueness and beauty. 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 most notable of them is Mt. The money can be used for anything that I choose, from paying bills to saving for a rainy day. Its an adventure that exceeds some folks wildest dreams and drives other people out faster than you can say Ketchikan. One way to protect yourself from mosquitoes in Alaska is to use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing when outdoors. Thanks for the replies! It also gives you a chance to embrace the small-town charm that dominates the culture in the state. This disadvantage is especially noticeable if you happen to have a family emergency going on outside of the state. If you want to work as a freelancer or be self-employed, then you must become a business when you live in the state. Pros and cons of living in Madison Wisconsin. List of the Pros of Living in Arkansas. And the road systems are fine with me, too. Exploring the wild forests, paddling a kayak through the crystal-clear waters, and taking a deep breath of the clean, fresh air, Alaska is a place where you can truly be free. That is unmatched. Yes, marijuana is legal in the state of Alaska. The climate is severe, and the strain of life can demand a heavy price. 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. The seafood, the hiking, clean, crisp air, the Northern Lights, no pollution! There is therefore much pure untouched land and the majority of the population is centred in county seats. The median household income is only $65,000, which won't go far with the current cost of living. The constant buzzing and biting can be annoying, and in some cases, mosquitoes can even transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and malaria. national park college basketball roster. In this article Ill cover the pros and cons of living in Alaska based on my own personal experience. Ranking in the bottom 20% of all states in the country, according to WalletHub, based on these factors. The typical household in Sitka earns $81708 a year, compared to the national median of $67,500.Nearly 29.1% of households earn less than $50,000 a year compared to 39% national rate. Driving from one point to another is not something most people stress about these days. 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. You can save money in other ways by moving to Alaska as well. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. 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. 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. Engaging in cultural values and respecting Alaska Native heritage is fundamental to understanding Alaskas diversity. Alaska is the most outdoorsy state in America, 4. Fairbanks, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and access to outdoor activities. Looking to move to Alaska to save on taxes? In 2019, the timber industry in Alaska generated over $935 million in economic activity, supporting over 5,500 jobs. The worst thing for most people is the dreadful cold. 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. This can be a difficult adjustment for newcomers living in Alaska. You heard it right, if outdoor recreation is important then living in Alaska just got easier. There is a higher cost of living to consider before moving to the state. The largest employers in Alaska include the state government, the University of Alaska, and the military, as well as companies in the oil and gas industry such as BP and ConocoPhillips. The rest were scum. Keep in mind that these opinions are based merely on my own time here and others may have other experiences. Lets take Fairbanks, Alaska, as an example here. (The Sound is Better)Somebody asked me, what it was like living in Alaska? Alaska is a state which deals with numerous earthquakes each year. 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. Post author: Post published: junho 10, 2022; Post category: aries constellation tattoo; If you want a city that retains a small-town feel but has all the big-city advantages, this is the place to be. Numerous communities in the northern half of the state experience sub-zero temperatures throughout the year. It is really easy to start a business after you move to Alaska. In addition to lack of houses to own, many Alaskan communities also face a lack of available rental units. On top of such breathtaking sceneries, this state also . Montana is a renowned state for its natural beauty. There is not the same level of hectic chaos here like there is in most of the rest of the world. For example, it is illegal to consume marijuana in public, and it is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. That means you are going to be doing a lot of blowing, shoveling, and plowing to keep your driveway and walkways clear. For some families, that is enough incentive to make the move immediately. One of the most interesting things to do in Sitka for families, solo travelers, and kids is to check out the New Archangel Dancers. Cons: it can get very cold for a very long time. Outside of Anchorage, the next largest city is Juneau, with a total population of 32,000. That money applies to every person in your family, including the kids. As symptoms become more severe, suicide can result. 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. That means your tax burden is potentially higher than what it would be in some other states. These events are associated with the Aleutian Trench, a subduction zone, where the Pacific plate is pushed under the American continents crust. I lived in Juneau for three years and three months--1983-1986 and HATED it! Here are some interesting statistics about Alaskas natural beauty: No matter where you go in Alaska, youre sure to be awestruck by the beauty of the natural world. Wild horses couldn't drag me back here. A festival haven. 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. The best cities in Alaska depend on individual preferences and priorities. 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. Larger cities like Fairbanks, Juneau, & Anchorage have pretty much all the amenities you could hope for . Much of the land in Alaska is owned by the federal government, and there are strict regulations on how it can be used. A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon, Article Overview: Living in Alaska, Moving to Alaska. The sunsets in Alaska are regarded as the most beautiful on earth. Severe climate. Thanks in advance! (Top 10 Reasons), Do not use scented lotions, soaps, or shampoos, Use a headnet for multi-day backpacking or float trips, Dont wear dark colors, as mosquitoes are attracted to them; wear khaki or neutral shades, Tight woven cotton shirts and pants are better than porous synthetics. Because Alaska does not have an income tax, the state earns its revenues through a tax burden placed on businesses. 5. Some folks I know use it toward a vacation every year. Some refer to mosquitoes as the states official bird, given their ubiquity and ability to survive in harsh environments. 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. The state earns its revenues through a tax burden on businesses, as Alaska does not have an income tax. During the average year, Anchorage sees over 30 inches of snow from January to March. The Pros of living in Sitka is that it truly is beautiful. This means that residents of Alaska do not have to pay state taxes on the money they earn from wages, salaries, and other forms of income. As with many of the items on this list of pros and cons of living in Alaska, this largely depends on where you live. Some popular cities in the state include: Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska and a hub for commerce, culture, and outdoor recreation. 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. Should you move to Sitka, Alaska? 3. 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. Alaska has the longest coastline of any state in the United States, at over 6,600 miles long. However, there can be some health disadvantages. They are talking snobby by Alaska standards, which would probably translate to an average person anywhere else. Snow removal is going to become part of your daily life. Another reason why Alaskas seafood is so fantastic is the variety. 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. Sitka: 8,789: $287,300: $53,600: Ketchikan: 8,050: $237,400: $50,000: Pros of Moving to Alaska. To be materialistic is to have values that place a high priority on having many possessions and making large sums of money. 29 January 2019. For someone who receives one of these dividend checks, its always a welcome boost to the old income. This becomes obvious if you have a family emergency happening outside the state. And $2500 a month expenses that you so causally mention? There is nothing that you can do to change this perspective. 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. Required fields are marked *. Dog sleds remained an essential mode of transportation even after the Gold Rush era. Rent is only slightly cheaper than in other areas of the country. Mountain View in Anchorage is rated one of the most diverse places to live in the United States. Alaska was once thought of as a folly. The cost of living in Alaska is higher than the national average. In March of that year, Prince William Sound experienced a magnitude 9.2 earthquake. Low cancer mortality rate. Those are the only career opportunities that are available. Situated in the far north, Alaska is surrounded by cold, clean ocean waters that are teeming with a wide variety of fish and shellfish. Fishing is also an option in the states rivers and streams. You may receive another 30 inches during the months of November and December combined. The fair includes nightly concerts, games and carnival rides, and much food unique to the state. Roads and transportation systems have become very reliable; however, in Alaska it hasnt always been and still isnt as easy as in other places. The highest peak in North America, Mount Denali, is located in Alaska and stands at over 20,000 feet tall. . Therefore, there are pros and cons to living in this city. They are really an issue only from the second week in June to the last week in July. So, if you order clothes, electronics, or any other items, it may take forever to get them. In addition to its incredible landscape, Alaska is also home to many glaciers, including the world famous Mendenhall Glacier. Another negative effect of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on your safety. People are going to take an individual approach to how they manage their time. Usually, once people settle here, they want to remain. What contributes to Juneau's high cost of living is housing and health care. When you live in Alaska, the outdoors is no longer an afterthought. 5. The bad weather brings bad road conditions, and consequently bad drivers. Consider yourself as and adventurous sort that can forgo some creature comforts in return for epic natural bounty? COST OF LIVING Compared to the rest of the country, Sitka's cost of living is 16.6% higher than the U.S. average. Alaska is surprisingly far from the rest of the United States. 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. It can get extremely cold in Alaska, even during the summer months. This means that the states economy is heavily dependent on its natural resources, which can be a good thing but also has its challenges (outside of the obvious ones like massive negative contributions to climate change). Wasilla. 7. Adventurous Outdoor. 3. Then there are the Northern Lights that you can see frequently dance across the sky all winter long. 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