Alaska is also a state of mountains. 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. One of the things that makes Alaska so special is the way it stirs your soul. Some refer to mosquitoes as the states official bird, given their ubiquity and ability to survive in harsh environments. It does have the fifth lowest sales tax in the country, and the state ranks first in overall tax burden for companies. Alaskas economy is largely based on resource extraction, such as fishing, mining, and oil drilling. 7. The rest of the state is largely rural and sparsely populated. Compare Now. 03 Jun. They can be triggered by landslides, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes. Numerous communities in the northern half of the state experience sub-zero temperatures throughout the year. 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. 4. 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. Cordova has a small-town vibe due to its tiny population of fewer than 3,000 people and is only accessible by ferry. Get yours today! As with many of the items on this list of pros and cons of living in Alaska, this largely depends on where you live. This can make it difficult to access basic services and amenities, such as medical care and grocery stores. Popularity and image, which are always expressed through money and possessions, lead people to have materialistic values and be concerned about the status quo. Located in Denali National Park. Should you move to Sitka, Alaska? One of the negative effects of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on mental health. Furthermore, Alaska is a state surrounded by pristine bodies of water. The cons, however, include high gas prices and the cost of living. Find out Pros and Cons of Living in Alaska. The average high temperature for the city in the month of January is 0. Millions of marine animals, birds, and fish were killed. Dog sleds remained an essential mode of transportation even after the Gold Rush era. 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). Moose, brown and black bears, caribou (aka reindeer) elk, musk ox, wood bison, wolves, lynx, wolverines, eagles, etc, etc. Great idea. Here are some reasons why Alaska is so attractive to so many. In Alaska, there are two seasons, road construction and winter. 3. 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. You will not find better summers anywhere else in the world. The military base nearby and international immigration has created a cultural melting pot in the area. PRO: Lots of wild animals. There are still the regular responsibilities that you have with life, like your job and going to school, but the outdoors becomes a third one that is a lot of fun to embrace. But if you shop carefully, use your rewards cards, and with a bit of creative budgeting, this possible disadvantage may not apply to you, even if your household lives paycheck to paycheck. But why is Alaska so rainy? The fair includes nightly concerts, games and carnival rides, and much food unique to the state. It is possible to drive from Seattle to Alaska in about 72 hours if you dont make a lot of stops along the 1,000-mile trek. Many of Alaskas rivers are perfect for whitewater rafting, cruise the coastal waters by boat or take a flightseeing tour of glaciers. There are also initiatives to support the development of greenhouses and other methods of growing produce in the state. Yearly, there are about 5,000 earthquakes in Alaska. Cons; it is on an island. Moving to Alaska, United States. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? People turnover a lot. The states population is relatively small and sparsely distributed, with much of the population concentrated in the urban centers of Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. Visitors to the park can take guided tours or explore on their own to see the parks incredible wildlife. Sitka Housing Options Homes For Sale New Homes There is a reason almost every car in Alaska, old or new, has a dent! There are various communities in the northern half of the state that experience sub-zero temperatures all year long. Chill, Diverse People. Alaska offers you plenty of small-town charm, even in the big cities. Because of its remote location, much of the produce consumed in the state must be shipped in from other parts of the country or even abroad. 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. Electricity and gas bills are 33% above the national average in Alaska. 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. Sufferers from SAD experience malaise, anxiety, and deep depression. This is a favorable statistic, as the national average is $1,450. Living in Sitka Alaska Everyday life in Sitka, Alaska. Looking to move to Alaska to save on taxes? Ignore the cold while having a good soak in many of the natural hot springs in Alaska. Some homes can get through the season using coal or wood with an interior stove to limit costs, but you will be trading time for money with that choice. 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. 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. Maybe living in Alaska is your pace. The sunsets in Alaska are regarded as the most beautiful on earth. A deadline that is more of a suggestion then a finite term. Additionally, marijuana businesses are not allowed to operate within 500 feet of schools or other areas where children are present. 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). However, it is important to note that marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and there are some restrictions on its use in Alaska. Alaska Will Pay You to Move There Search for Alaska flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. 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. 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. Many families can still save money because of how taxes are structured here. 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 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. Alaska ranks high as one of the most popular cruising destinations in the world. For example, some communities have established local farmers markets or community gardens where residents can purchase locally-grown produce. The pros: pretty low crime rate (although it's growing more and more every year . Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Health Care Cost Institute Report of 2016, Colorado Vs. California (Whats The Difference? In the summer, the weather is milder, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s. 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. Its no secret that Alaska has some of the most ferocious mosquitoes in the world, with a species called the Alaska mosquito that is known for its aggressive biting habits. Airborne pollutants are monitored and regulated, but infractions are common with financial penalties. Alaska puts you face-to-face with wildlife all of the time. Visitors and residents can view them between September and late April. If you decide to make your home around Anchorage when you move to Alaska, then the weather will feel somewhat temperate. In fact, Alaska ranks in the top three states for the highest seafood harvest in the country, with over 5 billion dollars worth of seafood caught each year. Pros and cons of living in Madison Wisconsin. There is a higher cost of living to consider before moving to the state. That makes it a paradise for those who love to go hunting and fishing. If bar hopping is to your liking, you will need to walk around a bit as Anchorage is very spread out. What are the pros and cons of living in Alaska? Another reason why Alaskas air and water are so clean is the states commitment to protecting the environment. In the summer, the days are long and the wildflowers are in bloom, creating a colorful tapestry across the landscape. Despite higher-than-average wages, low poverty level, and a sparse population, violent crimes are surprisingly frequent. Median rent price. 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. It also gives you a chance to embrace the small-town charm that dominates the culture in the state. Living in Alaska pays dividends, literally, 8. This can be a difficult adjustment for newcomers living in Alaska. Snow removal is going to become part of your daily life. Even when the winter months come around, this attitude doesnt change. The moist air from the ocean is forced upward by the mountains, causing heavy rainfall in many parts of the state. When you consider that they receive a yearly sum from the Permanent Fund, living in Alaska is a great way to save money. It can get extremely cold in Alaska, even during the summer months. However, it can also mean that the state has limited resources for funding certain programs and services, such as education and healthcare. Hike through Denali National Park or cruise the Seward Highway. Try Premium; Log In Sign Up. If nature is important to you then consider it a top pro of moving to Alaska. Some folks I know use it toward a vacation every year. If you are not a household that was living paycheck to paycheck, then this potential disadvantage does not apply to you. Despite its reputation for cold weather and snow, Alaska is actually one of the rainiest states in the United States. 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.
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