According to the Bureau of Vital Statistics, approximately 400 people a year come to an untimely death in Alaska, making it the second most deadly state in the country behind Mississippi. In addition to lack of houses to own, many Alaskan communities also face a lack of available rental units. As tragic as the spills are, the Alaskans love their oil. The cost of living in Alaska is higher than the national average. At Point Barrow, the sun does not set from May 10 to August 2. Alaska has a very diverse climate, with temperatures and weather patterns varying widely depending on where you are in the state. 3. However, it is important to note that marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and there are some restrictions on its use in Alaska. A cost of living index above 100 means Sitka, Alaska is more expensive. Because of the risk of contamination and sickness, prepare to filter or treat the water if necessary. If you have talked to people about moving to Alaska, then you might have heard that retail costs are higher in the state. There is a higher cost of living to consider before moving to the state. The more rural cities can feel like youre on the surface of the moon. Living in Alaska I Pros & Cons - YouTube McKinley. Self-employed individuals or freelancers must become a business when living in Alaska. 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. The pros and cons of living in Alaska involve what you are willing to embrace so that you can have year-round access to all of the outdoor opportunities that exist in the state. For some families, that is enough incentive to make the move immediately. In addition to outdoor activities, there are also many community events and festivals that bring folks together throughout the year. That makes it the third-highest state for average prices in this area. While Alaska has many incredible natural wonders, they are not always easy to get to. The state of Alaska has the lowest taxes in the United States. Contrary to what many people believe, living in Alaska is actually quite expensive with the cost of living nearly 30% higher than the national average. 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. I've been thinking of moving to Sitka for a while, but i wanted to know some pros and cons of living there from someone who does live there or has visited there. 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. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary in Alaska was $77,060 in 2021. This check is a way for the state to share the wealth generated by the states oil and mineral resources with its residents. This makes it the 47th most populous state in the United States. The city of Ketchikan, in particular, is known for its high levels of rainfall, with an average of over 150 inches per year. Some folks I know use it toward a vacation every year. 3. Popularity and image, which are always expressed through money and possessions, lead people to have materialistic values and be concerned about the status quo. You get an opportunity to embrace a slower pace in life that focuses on individual dreams. In fact, according to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska is home to over 200 Native American tribes and language groups, making it one of the most diverse states in the country in terms of indigenous cultures. Here are a few of these traditions valued by the residents of the state. 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. They are talking snobby by Alaska standards, which would probably translate to an average person anywhere else. Alaska has some of the best air quality in America, 10. 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. Cordova. One of the most effective treatments for SAD is exposure to bright light. Get yours today! Best Places to Live in Fairbanks, Alaska Fairbanks AK rests close Arctic Circle famed principally for its natural sites such as Chena River State Recreation Area where visitors may take part in different water sports or simply enjoy some peace & tranquility while walking along sandy beaches! Population 8,518 View Nearby Homes Alaska Real Estate Median Home Value $367,800 National $244,900 It provides vital nutrients for the body, and it is delicious! Visitors can also go birdwatching in the states many wetlands and forests, or take a trip to see the Northern Lights. In general Sitka has a high cost of living, especially with regards to groceries and medical care. However, the lack of a state income tax and sales tax can also mean that the state has limited resources for funding certain programs and services, such as education and healthcare. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, was almost 300,000 people calling at their home. A typical cruise ship produces thousands of gallons of raw sewage, garbage, wastewater, and oily bilge water from their engines. Many mountain ranges, Mt Denali (tallest mountain in North America), about 100,000 glaciers, nice summers with lots of daylight. The worst thing for most people is the dreadful cold. Prince William Sound experienced a 9.2 quake in March of that year. Your email address will not be published. Many tour companies offer wildlife viewing cruises and excursions to see whales, seals, and other marine animals. Alaska is also a state of mountains. Thats because even if you decide that living here isnt right for you, a holiday visit still creates the perfect opportunity to relax. From small town fairs to large cultural events, there are always opportunities to come together and celebrate the things that make Alaska special. Meeting start whenever the people involved feel like making them happen. In fact, you can compare it with any of the most beautiful spots in the world because of its uniqueness and beauty. Posted by: Category: Uncategorized . Where most of the highest peaks within the US are found. Timber is another important resource in Alaska, with the states forests providing a source of wood for the construction and paper industries. Its an adventure that exceeds some folks wildest dreams and drives other people out faster than you can say Ketchikan. Sitka has 15 fishing charter companies, while Skagway only has three. Yes, Alaska is generally considered to be a very tax-friendly state for residents. The wildlife is as incredible as they say, 4. In addition, 71.8% of the homes in Alaska are placed somewhere between $108,722 and $435,285 in value. Outdoor activities are literally endless for the adventure-seeking individual. Maybe living in Alaska is your pace. The states natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and relatively low cost of living make it an appealing destination for retirees. There is not a state income tax that is withheld from your paycheck. 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. Some popular cities in the state include: Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska and a hub for commerce, culture, and outdoor recreation. The most notable of them is Mt. - Anchorage housing costs are 18.0% less expensive than Sitka housing costs. 5 Myths About Retiring in Alaska - Alaska Tour Jobs The temperatures dropped to a record of minus 80F in 1971 at Prospect Creek Camp. 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. Because of its geographic place on the planet, winter in Alaska is not just cold; it is dark as well. Even the sidewalks can be dangerous after a snowfall. The moist air from the ocean is forced upward by the mountains, causing heavy rainfall in many parts of the state. The state is home to many species of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and bald eagles. If nature is important to you then consider it a top pro of moving to Alaska. Alaska was ranked the most outdoorsy state in America with 81 percent of the population being involved in outdoor activities. Alaska is a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs. Venture to Alaska if you want to see the Aurora Borealis. Dog sleds remained an essential mode of transportation even after the Gold Rush era. Cost of Living in Sitka, Alaska. It is essential to remember that costs are higher in Alaska. The low population density is immense, located so far north, and not connected to the mainland. Fuel costs are much higher in Alaska. If you are thinking about moving to Alaska then prepare to combat SAD. June 21 has almost 19 hours of daylight in Anchorage, making it the longest day of the year. Alaska is surprisingly far from the rest of the United States. 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 This means that locally-grown fruits and vegetables may only be available for a few months out of the year, further limiting options for consumers. Alaska receives no attention from authors and artists. You can get paid to live in Alaska once you qualify. The Alaska Airlines Center was built, and famous acts now have a place to perform. The frost-free growing season in Alaska lasts for about 100 days. You may receive another 30 inches during the months of November and December combined. Another issue is the lack of available land for development. Many of Alaskas rivers are perfect for whitewater rafting, cruise the coastal waters by boat or take a flightseeing tour of glaciers. Besides its ideal temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees, the state also offers very long, sunshine-filled days. However, Alaska has some of the highest prices for goods and services in the country, and this can be a major hurdle for retirees on a fixed income. In rural areas, for example, people often rely on their neighbors for help with things like shoveling snow or carpooling. The estimated population of Alaska is 738,000. Property taxes are generally low, and the sales tax is non-existent. Because Alaska is the least densely populated of the United States, you can unwind and relax in complete silence if you choose. Alaska is one of only a handful of states that does not have a state income tax. This can make it difficult to access basic services and amenities, such as medical care and grocery stores. Police cars are equipped with massive bumpers to fend off rude and unwelcome moose around highways or public areas. Fairbanks has an average temperature in the city during January of 0. I actually love all of them! It is held in Palmer, Alaska, in the late summer and dates back to 1936. In Alaska, there are two seasons, road construction and winter. The highest peak in North America, Mount Denali, is located in Alaska and stands at over 20,000 feet tall. Some refer to mosquitoes as the states official bird, given their ubiquity and ability to survive in harsh environments. The second largest industry in Alaska is tourism. In 2019, the oil and gas industry in Alaska generated over $11 billion in economic activity, supporting over 33,000 jobs. Located in Denali National Park. If youre thinking of moving to Alaska, its important to be prepared for rain lots of it. The cost of housing, in particular, is higher in Alaska than in many other parts of the country. Sitka is on an island and the only access is by plane or boat. Hike through Denali National Park or cruise the Seward Highway. While SAD is more common in areas with long, dark winters, it can also affect people who live in other parts of the world. The annual car insurance premium in Alaska is $1,180. Those are the only career opportunities that are available. Residents are not required to pay either income tax or sales tax. Looking to move to Alaska to save on taxes? Cost of Living in Sitka, Alaska - Best Places You can fish for trout, salmon, halibut, and crab. Moving to Sitka, Alaska in 2023 - Dwellics When determining what cities are good for your personality, life situation, and personal preferences, there are many factors to consider including climate, cost of living, community, job opportunities, population makeup, activities, and things to do. 1. Visitors to the park can take guided tours or explore on their own to see the parks incredible wildlife. (Top 10 Reasons), Why Is Cancn So Expensive? Backpacking, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, hang gliding, and so much more are available in Alaska because the summers are perfect for them. ), Why Is Newport Beach So Expensive? 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. With the long, dark winters, its not uncommon for roads and sidewalks to be covered in ice and snow, making everyday tasks all the more treacherous. The bad weather brings bad road conditions, and consequently bad drivers. 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. 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. Every day is casual Friday in this state. The state of Alaska does not have a state sales tax. Life tends to move a lot slower when living in Alaska. If the cold weather of winter does bother you some, then Alaska might not be the perfect place to live. Only California and Hawaii residents will pay more for their fueling needs. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the vacancy rate for rental units in Alaska is just 4.6%, which is well below the national average of 6.9%. 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 law went into effect on February 24, 2015, making Alaska the third state in the United States to legalize marijuana for recreational use, after Colorado and Washington. The distinctive demographics in this unique area offer a feeling of pride in the residents. Despite their small size, mosquitoes can be a big problem in Alaska, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts and those who live in rural areas.