Looking to move to Alaska to save on taxes? Where most of the highest peaks within the US are found. 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. 4. The second largest industry in Alaska is tourism. Even with strict regulations and watchdog groups, cruise ships still pollute the pristine waters they travel through. As of the latest estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the population of Alaska is 731,545. They are talking snobby by Alaska standards, which would probably translate to an average person anywhere else. Pros And Cons Of Living In Alaska 2023 - Ablison $341,600 85% higher than the US average. As a result, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reports that over 90% of the states surface waters are classified as clean or moderately clean, with only a small number of areas classified as polluted.. Cons; it is on an island. Outside of Anchorage, the next largest city is Juneau, with a total population of 32,000. The cons, however, include high gas prices and the cost of living. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 40% of Alaskas population lives in rural areas that are considered frontier or remote.. Is Alaska a Good Place to Live? Pros and Cons of Living in Alaska Despite their small size, mosquitoes can be a big problem in Alaska, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts and those who live in rural areas. Get yours today! 6. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? While Alaska has diverse geographical regions with different climates, Alaska is known for its long nights and winters no matter where you go. Additionally, the absence of a state income tax can make it more difficult for the state to respond to economic downturns or other financial challenges. 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. The temperatures dropped to a record of minus 80F in 1971 at Prospect Creek Camp. But what made it more notable was the pristine setting where it took place. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. People turnover a lot. 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. This expense is one of the most significant costs that you will face as a household if you decide to move here. You can embrace the life, or you can try to fight the elements. Cost of Living in Sitka, Alaska - Best Places Another thing that makes Alaska so incredible is the sense of freedom that you feel here. There is nothing that you can do to change this perspective. Required fields are marked *. Visitors and residents can view them between September and late April. Median listing prices for other top cities in Alaska include $270,000 for Fairbanks, $339,900 for homes in Wasilla, and $250,000 for homes in Kenai. This study also included collective feelings of financial security, community pride, and good health. The constant buzzing and biting can be annoying, and in some cases, mosquitoes can even transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and malaria. In the winter, the snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes provide a stunning contrast to the dark skies. 18 Living in Alaska Pros and Cons - Vittana.org Skagway vs. Sitka - Which Is A Better Travel Destination? Some of this number leave and move elsewhere, but many return to Alaska. It is essential to remember that costs are higher in Alaska. The ordinary and the extraordinary. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska So Alaskans are less snobby then everyone else..? Other cities to consider include Wasilla, Kenai, and Sitka. Economy largely dependent on resource extraction, Summary of the Pros & Cons of Living in Alaska, 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Los Angeles, California, 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Orlando, Florida (Locals Guide), 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Hawaii. The most vigorous earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. This can make it difficult to access basic services and amenities, such as medical care and grocery stores. The fair includes nightly concerts, games and carnival rides, and much food unique to the state. Alaska is a good place to retire for people who love nature, dont live on a fixed income, and are alright with harsh weather. When you consider that they receive a yearly sum from the Permanent Fund, living in Alaska is a great way to save money. When youre living in Anchorage, the temperature tends to hover around 70 in July and August. Once you live here for a year or two, it is not unusual to encounter someone youve never met, but they already feel like they know you. Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. Just remember, its not all doom and gloom (even though it might feel that way sometimes). An amount below 100 means Sitka is cheaper than the US average. That gives you plenty of time to start exploring the 300 miles of trails that are around this one city. Skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking, and snowmobiling are all activities that will become part of your life when you move here. The Pros of living in Sitka is that it truly is beautiful. 10. For example, some communities have established local farmers markets or community gardens where residents can purchase locally-grown produce. Thank you for taking the time to post this. Get out there and meet people and you'll meet some very interesting people. A gallon of milk can cost double what it would in other states. Moving to Alaska, United States. For those who live outside of this metroplex, the only option tends to be heating oil, which is much more expensive. You will also need to consider the cost of the trip before deciding to travel. 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). The most notable of them is Mt. As of April 2019, the amount of money spent on food for one person annually in Anchorage is $450. However, you must be aware of what you are eating, as some might be poisonous. 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. The payment in 2017 was $1,100 per person. The Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, The following errors occurred with your submission. Great idea. 2023 Compare Cities Overview: Sitka, AK vs Anchorage, AK - Best Places One reason is the states location near the ocean. The state median home value is $265,000, with 71% of the homes in the state priced between $108,000 and $435,000. 2023 Compare Cities Job Market: Parkersburg, WV vs Lafayette, IN 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. If you choose to buy a home, know that some cities exempt seniors from part of their property tax. B- Sitka Schools HS graduation rate is equal to Alaska. When Alaska was first established as a state in 1959, its economy was primarily based on fishing, mining, and other extractive industries. The high cost of living in Alaska can be a challenge for many people, particularly for those on fixed incomes or low salaries. While this can vary in size from year to year, it ranges from $800 to $1,100. Oh, okay. Another popular destination for wildlife viewing in Alaska is the Katmai National Park and Preserve. Another option is to invest in a good mosquito net, which can help keep the bugs at bay while youre trying to sleep. June 21 has almost 19 hours of daylight in Anchorage, making it the longest day of the year. Watching these animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. 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. Sitka real estate or Sitka rentals. Alaska is the most outdoorsy state in America, 4. The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaskas largest annual event. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, nearly 75% of Alaska residents say that they know their neighbors well and feel a strong sense of community in their neighborhood. There are also initiatives to support the development of greenhouses and other methods of growing produce in the state. The entire state of Alaska has a laid-back feel. There is a reason almost every car in Alaska, old or new, has a dent! In fact, according to the EPA, over 90% of the air quality monitoring sites in Alaska have air quality that is classified as good or moderate,. We have more than 10 years of experience in the civil works industry and we are experts in new house construction, tiles works, earth moving works, architecture works, and compound wall works In 1971, temperatures drop to a record -80F at Prospect Creek Camp. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average daily sunlight in Fairbanks, Alaska during the winter months is just 3.5 hours. Even when the winter months come around, this attitude doesnt change. 03 Jun. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Alaska will cost you somewhere between $1,000 and $1,169 per month, or less in some smaller, scenic areas like Kenai. One way to protect yourself from mosquitoes in Alaska is to use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing when outdoors. There are several opportunities to pursue your sport of choice during the summer as well. Alaska is also a state of mountains. Dont forget to budget your heating costs during the winter months. We are passionate about home decor, design, and all things home related. Cons: 1 - cost of living is high. It is really easy to start a business after you move to Alaska. We almost all use Helly Hansen Impertec. Including the: Pacific Ocean Gulf of Alaska Bering Sea Chukchi Sea Beaufort Sea Lets get started! Compare that with a median price of $1,596 in California and $1,150 in Florida. Alaskas economy is largely based on resource extraction, such as fishing, mining, and oil drilling. 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. 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 - dwellics.com Sitka, AK vs Anchorage, AK Change Cities Highlights - The Median Age in Anchorage is 5.9 years younger than in Sitka. It is considered the last hurrah for the residents before the end of summer. From small town fairs to large cultural events, there are always opportunities to come together and celebrate the things that make Alaska special. 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. Cordova has a small-town vibe due to its tiny population of fewer than 3,000 people and is only accessible by ferry. According to Realtor.com, Anchorage's median listing home price was $339,000 in February 2022, trending up 7.9% year-over-year. Based on the 2017 cost of living study by the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, monthly utility costs in the state are high. Your email address will not be published. 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 biggest problem, however, is accessibility. The sunsets in Alaska are regarded as the most beautiful on earth. It can get slightly warmer in February, but it will still average around 13. The cost of living in Alaska is really high. 4. Pros and cons of living in Madison Wisconsin. Daylight is nonexistent in the northernmost regions for months at a time, which creates a physiological shift in disposition and mood. The rest of the state is largely rural and sparsely populated. Moose, brown and black bears, caribou (aka reindeer) elk, musk ox, wood bison, wolves, lynx, wolverines, eagles, etc, etc. Through its established Permanent Fund Dividend Program, Alaska will pay you to move there. Living in Alaska pays dividends, literally, 8. Visitors to the park can take guided tours or explore on their own to see the parks incredible wildlife. Taking note of the rent, Alaska is only slightly cheaper than the entire U.S. A buddy of mine brought Sitka gear to Kodiak last fall. While SAD is more common in areas with long, dark winters, it can also affect people who live in other parts of the world. 20 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Alaska (Local's Guide) Despite their notorious reputation, however, not all Alaskans see mosquitoes as a problem. It is thought that the Inuit invented dog sleds to transport supplies and food to their people. Some refer to mosquitoes as the states official bird, given their ubiquity and ability to survive in harsh environments. In other words, its the Arctic Circle of flavor. Great place to raise a family. 7. In fact, you can compare it with any of the most beautiful spots in the world because of its uniqueness and beauty. Because there are fewer consumers in the state, businesses may have to charge higher prices in order to cover their costs and remain profitable. What many people do not realize is that Japan actually occupied two Alaskan islands during World War II for 15 months. Eskimo ice cream is a native dish made with whipped fat from the hunted animals such as reindeer, bears, seals, combined with snow and wild berries. The state experiences powerful volcanic eruptions time and time again, including the most powerful of the 20thcentury at the Novarupta Volcano. Based on the FBIs statistics, Alaska is second to Tennessee as the nations most violent state.