One of the things that makes Alaskan culture so interesting is its focus on the natural environment. 5. Required fields are marked *. One way to protect yourself from mosquitoes in Alaska is to use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing when outdoors. Drawbacks of Living in Massachusetts. You can spend lots of time hiking, fishing, whale watching. 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. Oh, okay. Too close to an airport. In fact, you can compare it with any of the most beautiful spots in the world because of its uniqueness and beauty. You will Master Snow Sports. The expanse of wilderness and miles of coastline provide the ideal means for fabulous meat and fish meals. A typical cruise ship produces thousands of gallons of raw sewage, garbage, wastewater, and oily bilge water from their engines. Despite the regulations, the violation ofwastewater and air quality regulations is usually repeated. In addition to those incentives, residents of Anchorage also enjoy having zero dollars in state income tax deducted from their checks. Another option is to invest in a good mosquito net, which can help keep the bugs at bay while youre trying to sleep. safety, community, infrastructure, education, and a list of pros and cons based on data from more than four dozen trusted sources. The long days of summer are the best thing about living in Alaska: 1.The long dark winters are probably the worst thing about living in Alaska: 2. Its an adventure that exceeds some folks wildest dreams and drives other people out faster than you can say Ketchikan. Washington State is abundant with stunning scenic beauty. 2. Expect to pay about $.45 per gallon more for your fuel needs when you move to the state. Mushing is a sport or mode of transportation powered by dogs. Saved one of the best pros of living in Alaska for last. Alaska is the most outdoorsy state in America, 4. Alaska receives no attention from authors and artists. Job market. Adventurous Outdoor. Alaska has the longest coastline of any state in the United States, at over 6,600 miles long. Sitka: 8,789: $287,300: $53,600: Ketchikan: 8,050: $237,400: $50,000: Pros of Moving to Alaska. Lets get started! The cost of housing, in particular, is higher in Alaska than in many other parts of the country. For those who do love playing in the snow, you wont find a better place to learn a new sport. The high cost of goods in Alaska can be particularly burdensome for low-income individuals and families, who may struggle to afford the necessities of daily life. If bar hopping is to your liking, you will need to walk around a bit as Anchorage is very spread out. Alaska is usually not the best place to live if you can't stand the cold winter. Alaska was ranked the most outdoorsy state in America with 81 percent of the population being involved in outdoor activities. Alaska puts you face-to-face with wildlife all of the time. Most accidental deaths are from residents who die while sleeping due to carbon monoxide poisoning from clogged chimneys or faulty heaters. People who live in Alaska are called Alaskans. While Alaska has many incredible natural wonders, they are not always easy to get to. If living in a more remote area of the state and want to see the capital of Alaska, plan to take a boat or plane. Even then, the cost of travel is going to be something that you will want to think about before you finalize any plans. meredith baxter father knows best; johnston high school football roster; eviction friendly apartments huntsville, al; thurgood marshall school of law 509; You will not find better summers anywhere else in the world. That money applies to every person in your family, including the kids. Many tour companies offer wildlife viewing cruises and excursions to see whales, seals, and other marine animals. One of the things that makes Alaskas seafood so amazing is its location. Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for! There is nothing that you can do to change this perspective. Another negative effect of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on your safety. 17 out of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are found here. People of all kinds and professions from students, nomads, musicians, actors, and businessmen to entrepreneurs, America has it all.. So if youre feeling a little down during the winter months, you may want to try sitting near a window or using a light therapy box. 4. The suns view so far north is unbelievable. On the other hand, a resource extraction economy can also be vulnerable to changes in the market or shifts in consumer demand. The high cost of living in Alaska can be a challenge for many people, particularly for those on fixed incomes or low salaries. It's not just the price of groceries that are high in Alaska; it's the cost of everything. Alaska is a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs. In this article Ill cover the pros and cons of living in Alaska based on my own personal experience. Just remember, its not all doom and gloom (even though it might feel that way sometimes). Compared to the rest of Alaska, the city is the most costly in this regard. 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. On top of such breathtaking sceneries, this state also . Well, considering the fact that I've only lived here for 10 months and most of tha. Because of the states remote location, many goods must be shipped in from other parts of the country or even abroad, which can drive up their cost. According to the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, on average, 140 people die from freezing to death each year. 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. In March of that year, Prince William Sound experienced a magnitude 9.2 earthquake. The rest were scum. For someone who receives one of these dividend checks, its always a welcome boost to the old income. The city is the fourth most dangerous place to live in Alaska. It is also higher than the Alaska average. Median Household Income . In fact, data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the poverty rate in Alaska is higher than the national average, with 13.4% of residents living in poverty compared to the national average of 11.8%. Every day is casual Friday in this state. If you shop strategically, especially with your rewards cards, most of the cost difference can be offset with a little creative budgeting. Situated in the far north, Alaska is surrounded by cold, clean ocean waters that are teeming with a wide variety of fish and shellfish. You have 7 miles of road one way and 6 miles the other. This is particularly true for fresh produce, which must be shipped to the state from far-off locations. Police cars are equipped with massive bumpers to fend off rude and unwelcome moose around highways or public areas. 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. 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. Electricity and gas bills are 33% above the national average in Alaska. This park is famous for its brown bears, which can often be seen fishing for salmon in the parks rivers. Pros and cons of living in Madison Wisconsin. Pros and cons of living in Madison Wisconsin. Alaska is a beautiful and unspoiled state but a difficult place to live. 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. However, if this is your thing, snow sports will totally be an added bonus. In Alaska, the sense of community is strong. This disadvantage is especially noticeable if you happen to have a family emergency going on outside of the state. It can get extremely cold in Alaska, even during the summer months. Air quality fines are usually more than $20,000, but that is a small fraction of the slot machines daily take in the ships casino. Alaska is one of only a handful of states that does not have a state income tax. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. The wildlife is as incredible as they say, 4. 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 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. Fly from Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines, Delta, American Airlines and more. Have you ever heard about the rumor that the government will pay you to live in Alaska? 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. 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. If you are an entrepreneur and thinking about living in America or . When you start thinking about the jobs that are open in Alaska, two industries come to mind immediately: the oil industry, and the natural gas industry. Substance abuse rate on the higher side. This can make it difficult to access basic services and amenities, such as medical care and grocery stores. Answer (1 of 3): Sitka, is a small town, on an island, in southeast Alaska. The summer season is also an enjoyable time in the state, with long days, plenty of sunshine, and a mild climate. Venture to Alaska if you want to see the Aurora Borealis. In addition to outdoor activities, there are also many community events and festivals that bring folks together throughout the year. While this is not a mass exodus it got me thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Alaska. Alaska is surprisingly far from the rest of the United States. Okay. However, there can be some health disadvantages. D Sitka Housing Home value is 33% higher than Alaska. 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. From the moment you set foot in this wild, beautiful land, you can feel the thrill of adventure coursing through your veins. About the moving to Alaska pros and cons. For most rural residents in Alaska, subsistence hunting is critical to their food security, nutrition, and economic stability. The cost of living in Alaska is higher than the national average. Moose and caribou are abundant throughout Alaska. The average amount of the dividend check is around $1,600, although the actual amount can vary from year to year depending on the performance of the fund. 2. I'm fine with rain, wind, snow, etc. Of the 365 million acres that make up the state of Alaska, only 160,000 of them have been developed. The most popular cities to live in Oregon are: Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham and Hillsboro. 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. The entire state of Alaska has a laid-back feel. Larger cities like Fairbanks, Juneau, & Anchorage have pretty much all the amenities you could hope for as well as entertainment. Compared to other locations in the country, even the southern locations of Alaska have more snowfall. Advantages It is really easy to start a business after you move to Alaska. To make things worse, Alaskan private company employees spend more than $99 over the national average for healthcare costs for one person. Some items rack up a 25 percent tax, a rate that is only topped by Hungary, which has a VAT of 27 percent. Driving from one point to another is not something most people stress about these days. It was once a place you could as a small child, go anywhere and be safe; times have changed and this is no longer something a child can do. The Alaskan sky is light nearly all night long from late May to late July, with it being light past 10 pm for another month on either side of that. 1. Your email address will not be published. This park is home to many different species of animals, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. Despite their small size, mosquitoes can be a big problem in Alaska, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts and those who live in rural areas. In fact, according to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, over half of the households in rural Alaska are considered overcrowded.. That is unmatched. On average, Anchorage has over 30 inches of snow, from January to March, with another 30 inches accumulating during November and December combined. Hope that you are able to leave there with the same delusion you have now about what a decent place it is. 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. The low population density is immense, located so far north, and not connected to the mainland. Anchorage never had a venue large enough for famous musicians to performuntil recently. Fairbanks has an average temperature in the city during January of 0. It's time to dig into the 10 pros and cons of living in Alaska. 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. As of the latest estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the population of Alaska is 731,545. Overall, the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so its important to be prepared for a range of conditions when visiting the state. It ranks fifth for the lowest sales tax in the country but first in overall tax burden for companies. Good air year round. They love the friendly people, wide-open spaces, mountains, sky, and sea, which they find captivating. If hunting and fishing are among your favorite pastimes, Alaska is for you. The Pros of living in Sitka is that it truly is beautiful. The state also experiences powerful volcanic eruptions from time to time, including the most powerful of the 20th century at Novarupta Volcano. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, the cost of living in Alaska is 29.5% higher than the national average. For generations, dogsled racing has been one of the most prominent sports in Alaska. They are indigenous peoples of the state. The living index here is 107.8 which is much higher than the national average of 100. Russia and America completed the purchase agreement in 1867. Pros of Living in Alaska. However, the median salary can vary depending on factors such as the specific job, level of experience, and location within the state. Alaska was once thought of as a folly. You don't have a lot of stuff to store. The cost of living in Juneau is higher than the national average. The cost of housing in particular is high in the state, with the average home price in Alaska being nearly twice the national average. As a result, food prices can be quite high. Homes in Alaska cost a little more than compared to the rest of the country. The median values are higher for some bigger cities, such as Juneau and Anchorage, with prices averaging $364,000 and $303,000, respectively. 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