Even if you make your home in Anchorage, there is an excellent chance that you will encounter a moose at least once per day. That check can offer a nice boost to any retiree's budget. While this can vary in size from year to year, it ranges from $800 to $1,100. Local taxes tend to be lower than they are in the continental 48 states as well. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 40% of Alaskas population lives in rural areas that are considered frontier or remote.. I'm fine with rain, wind, snow, etc. Some items rack up a 25 percent tax, a rate that is only topped by Hungary, which has a VAT of 27 percent. It's time to dig into the 10 pros and cons of living in Alaska. While bear attacks always make the headlines, they are few compared to the number of people who die of exposure in the extreme cold. They are really an issue only from the second week in June to the last week in July. Here are some reasons why Alaska is so attractive to so many. Looking to move to Alaska to save on taxes? Alaska will never rank high from a culinary perspective, but there are a few quality meals to be found. The payment in 2017 was $1,100 per person. 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. The most popular cities to live in Oregon are: Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham and Hillsboro. Yearly, there are about 5,000 earthquakes in Alaska. This park is home to many different species of animals, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The money can be used for anything that I choose, from paying bills to saving for a rainy day. Median rent price. In addition to the high cost and limited availability of fresh produce, the growing season in Alaska is relatively short due to the states harsh climate. In many cases, this is true. Heh, could be. 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. The living index here is 107.8 which is much higher than the national average of 100. As a local Alaskan, I can attest to the strong sense of community that exists in our state. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. This means that our seafood is not only fresh, but it also has a unique flavor that cant be found anywhere else in the world. In the summer, the weather is milder, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s. Another issue is the lack of available land for development. Situated in the far north, away from the pollution of major cities and industrial areas, Alaska is blessed with some of the cleanest air in the country. From the moment you set foot in this wild, beautiful land, you can feel the thrill of adventure coursing through your veins. The city is the fourth most dangerous place to live in Alaska. Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. Some popular cities in the state include: Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska and a hub for commerce, culture, and outdoor recreation. Prince William Sound experienced a 9.2 quake in March of that year. Despite these challenges, there are efforts underway to improve access to fresh produce in Alaska. You will not find this type of behavior among the residents of Alaska. 3. There are four interstate highways for drivers to use, along with almost 3,000 miles of railroad tracks. 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 state is home to many species of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and bald eagles. The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaskas largest annual event. You will need to adjust to doing a lot of shoveling, blowing, and plowing to keep your walkways and driveway clear. This can make it difficult to access basic services and amenities, such as medical care and grocery stores. The outdoors is a huge part of Alaskan life: 2. 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. In rural areas, for example, people often rely on their neighbors for help with things like shoveling snow or carpooling. Electricity and gas bills are 33% above the national average in Alaska. If you are considering residency in Alaska, you need to weigh both the pros and cons to determine if Alaska is right for you. That said, a larger majority of people living in Indiana are white. Alaska will become a significant investment for states. Because there is plenty of sunshine deep into the night during the summer months, you will discover more opportunities to explore trails, kayak in bays, and embrace the explore waiting within. Hope that you are able to leave there with the same delusion you have now about what a decent place it is. Alaska was once thought of as a folly. You will Master Snow Sports. They are indigenous peoples of the state. There is not the same level of hectic chaos here like there is in most of the rest of the world. According to the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, on average, 140 people die from freezing to death each year. Alaska Is Breathtakingly Beautiful. Millions of marine animals, birds, and fish were killed. So Alaskans are less snobby then everyone else..? 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 The amount is more expensive than the national average of about US$291,700. The distinctive demographics in this unique area offer a feeling of pride in the residents. Home. There is a higher cost of living to consider before moving to the state. Call it a way of life. There are various communities in the northern half of the state that experience sub-zero temperatures all year long. That money applies to every person in your family, including the kids. 5. Snow removal is going to become part of your daily life. 3. The states remote location and difficult climate make it more expensive to transport goods and services to and from the state, which drives up the cost of living. Alaska was once thought of as a folly. used tiffin motorhomes . Fuel costs are much higher in Alaska. 3. 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. 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. The states population is relatively small and sparsely distributed, with much of the population concentrated in the urban centers of Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. If you decide to move in or around Anchorage, the weather may feel somewhat temperate, but you will experience a shorter summer. 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). Yes, marijuana is legal in the state of Alaska. Thank you for taking the time to post this. Alaska puts you face-to-face with wildlife all of the time. The lack of light is due to its far northern location, and that also means it gets very cold: 3. Clothes as many signature brands origin in there. One of the most interesting things to do in Sitka for families, solo travelers, and kids is to check out the New Archangel Dancers. You'll definitely enjoy backpacking, hiking, and skiing. 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. The median home prices for homes in Anchorage are $299,000, Fairbanks $222,000, Wasilla $239,000, and $185,000 for Kenai. Here are some tips to help repel the mosquito. Larger cities like Fairbanks, Juneau, & Anchorage have pretty much all the amenities you could hope for as well as entertainment. This check is a way for the state to share the wealth generated by the states oil and mineral resources with its residents. Despite their small size, mosquitoes can be a big problem in Alaska, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts and those who live in rural areas. It's not just the price of groceries that are high in Alaska; it's the cost of everything. If you are thinking about moving to Alaska then prepare to combat SAD. Alaska is also a state of mountains. But what made it more notable was the pristine setting where it took place. This is due in part to the states remote location, which makes it difficult to access certain goods and services. A deadline that is more of a suggestion then a finite term. B- Sitka Schools HS graduation rate is equal to Alaska. Many people gather to watch the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race or take dog sled tours while visiting a great way to experience a little history. 1. Wasilla. You can spend lots of time hiking, fishing, whale watching. While SAD is more common in areas with long, dark winters, it can also affect people who live in other parts of the world. As a result, food prices can be quite high. The top industries in Alaska include oil and gas, fishing, tourism, and government. Although the overall cost of living in Alaska is relatively high because groceries and resources need to be shipped in and imported from great distances, real estate prices are rather affordable. 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. Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 1,700 species of plants and animals. The daily commute in Alaskan cities is one of breathtaking views of lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and gleaming glaciers, which would make driving to work a pleasure for most residents. 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