5. If you have talked to people about moving to Alaska, then you might have heard that retail costs are higher in the state. Alaska was ranked the most outdoorsy state in America with 81 percent of the population being involved in outdoor activities. If bar hopping is to your liking, you will need to walk around a bit as Anchorage is very spread out. Job market. This is the perfect place for snow sports including hiking, skiing . Milestones such as the Klondike Gold Rush, the Good Friday Earthquake, and the passing of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act reserved millions of acres for preservation throughout the state. I'm fine with rain, wind, snow, etc. And it's expensive. Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, salmonberries can be found on Alaskas hiking trails. According to statistics from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, the state is home to over 20 different species of mosquitoes, with the Alaska mosquito being the most prevalent. Visitors can also go birdwatching in the states many wetlands and forests, or take a trip to see the Northern Lights. 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 general, Juneau is one-third more expensive than the average American city. Because it is a lot colder in Alaska than in other states, your heating costs during the winter are going to be significantly higher. Alaska is a good place to retire for people who love nature, dont live on a fixed income, and are alright with harsh weather. Low wildfire risk. 3. You heard it right, if outdoor recreation is important then living in Alaska just got easier. The real estate market in Alaska is quite expensive. The Natural Splendor. Many families can still save money because of how taxes are structured here. 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. Culture. The inland Alaskan Arctic, where the skies are clearer, is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. If youre thinking of moving to Alaska, its important to be prepared for rain lots of it. Under Alaskas marijuana laws, adults over the age of 21 are allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants (with no more than three being mature) for personal use. Cost of Living in Alaska. The long, dark winters can lead to a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (more on that below). It is really easy to start a business after you move to Alaska. 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. You can whale watch in Juneau, watch or participate in dog sledding with huskies, explore ice caves, view the beauty of the Northern Lights. Search for Alaska flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. . Bears are everywhere in Alaska, and they are not afraid to attack. One thing Alaskans are very proud of is our clean air and water quality, I can confidently say that the air and water here are absolutely pristine. The cost of living in Alaska is really high. Yes, Alaska is generally considered to be a very tax-friendly state for residents. There is nothing that you can do to change this perspective. 2. It rains a lot! View Full Report Card. The result is your tax burden is potentially higher than it would be in some 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. The states abundant natural resources, including oil, natural gas, seafood, and natural wonders are the main drivers of its economy. The entire state of Alaska has a laid-back feel. If you forget to plug in your car during the wintertime, you'll be frozen in time. However, others are concerned that a sales tax could be detrimental to the states economy and place an additional burden on residents and businesses. Must be about $1200 for the electric bill, and $1500 for rent? Popularity and image, which are always expressed through money and possessions, lead people to have materialistic values and be concerned about the status quo. Too close to an airport. Let's look at some of the benefits of living in Anchorage, Alaska. This can make it difficult to access basic services and amenities, such as medical care and grocery stores. The cons, however, include high gas prices and the cost of living. To make things worse, Alaskan private company employees spend more than $99 over the national average for healthcare costs for one person. Those activities will make your stay memorable. Substance abuse rate on the higher side. 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. 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 From small town fairs to large cultural events, there are always opportunities to come together and celebrate the things that make Alaska special. There are many off-the-beaten-path natural hot springs and some easily accessible that residents and visitors can enjoy even in the winter. 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. The bad weather brings bad road conditions, and consequently bad drivers. Cheap housing facilities. The average high temperature for the city in the month of January is 0. 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. COST OF LIVING Compared to the rest of the country, Sitka's cost of living is 16.6% higher than the U.S. average. In 2019, the timber industry in Alaska generated over $935 million in economic activity, supporting over 5,500 jobs. Despite the vastness of Alaska, Alaskans overall have a deep sense of connection to one another and a strong sense of state pride. Another reason why Alaskas seafood is so fantastic is the variety. The frost-free growing season in Alaska lasts for about 100 days. 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. You have 7 miles of road one way and 6 miles the other. 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. This is due in part to the states remote location, which makes it difficult to access certain goods and services. Moose attacks are a prevalent thing in Alaska. Coastal towns collect more than $60 million in revenue through the docking fees and other taxes. And are of European descent. Yes, marijuana is legal in the state of Alaska. Drawbacks of living in Wisconsin. Ranking in the bottom 20% of all states in the country, according to WalletHub, based on these factors. However, it can also mean that the state has limited resources for funding certain programs and services, such as education and healthcare. The seafood, the hiking, clean, crisp air, the Northern Lights, no pollution! Health hazards. The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word alyeska, which means great land.. Alaska has a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, including over 3 million acres of state park land. Low cancer mortality rate. The climate is severe, and the strain of life can demand a heavy price. 3. Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. There is not a state income tax that is withheld from your paycheck. Hotel costs, gas, food, etc., need to figure into your decision. The wildlife is as incredible as they say, 4. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. 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. When you consider that they receive a yearly sum from the Permanent Fund, living in Alaska is a great way to save money. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The average population per 1 square mile is 6.86. Some items rack up a 25 percent tax, a rate that is only topped by Hungary, which has a VAT of 27 percent. There are clearly many advantages of living in the city. The payment in 2017 was $1,100 per person. The vibrant display of colors pinks, oranges, reds along with the shadows of the mountain ranges and forests, seem almost to touch the sun. Roads and transportation systems have become very reliable; however, in Alaska it hasnt always been and still isnt as easy as in other places. That is unmatched. Rent is only slightly cheaper than in other areas of the country. What contributes to Juneau's high cost of living is housing and health care. You want a low maintenance lifestyle. Average prices of more than 40 products and services in Ketchikan, AK, United StatesSep 2022. Thinking about living in Alaska, eh? Pro: Natural beauty is not in short supply. Of the 365 million acres that make up the state of Alaska, only 160,000 of them have been developed. Low proficiency in Reading and Language Arts at High schools. Saved one of the best pros of living in Alaska for last. Alaska receives no attention from authors and artists. Of the two million tourists to visit the state each year, more than half will arrive by ship. 7. You can save money in other ways by moving to Alaska as well. That makes it a paradise for those who love to go hunting and fishing. The median home price in Alaska is $337,222 which is well below the national average of 398,500. 5. The stress of living boils over into violence for some Alaskans. Then there are the Northern Lights that you can see frequently dance across the sky all winter long. As someone who has lived in Alaska for most of my life I can say there are some amazing things about living in Alaska and some things everyone should know before moving here. Therefore, there are pros and cons to living in this city. If you are out hiking, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Benefits of living in Wisconsin. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. In 1971, temperatures drop to a record -80F at Prospect Creek Camp. From the natural beauty of the Aleutian Islands, which has dozens of volcanoes, to the snow-covered peaks of the Denali National Park, Alaska is both overwhelming and blissful at the same time. Keep in mind that these opinions are based merely on my own time here and others may have other experiences. This can be a physically demanding and time-consuming job depending on where you live and how much it snows. The state experiences powerful volcanic eruptions time and time again, including the most powerful of the 20thcentury at the Novarupta Volcano. In rural areas, for example, people often rely on their neighbors for help with things like shoveling snow or carpooling. Median home value. The rest were scum. It is thought that the Inuit invented dog sleds to transport supplies and food to their people. In this article Ill cover the pros and cons of living in Alaska based on my own personal experience. With its vast, unspoiled wilderness and lack of crowds, Alaska is a place where you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature in a way that is truly special. With strict regulations on pollution and development, as well as a strong focus on conservation and sustainable resource management, Alaska takes its role as a steward of the environment very seriously. Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for! There is therefore much pure untouched land and the majority of the population is centred in county seats. Public Transport can be Confusing. Because of the risk of contamination and sickness, prepare to filter or treat the water if necessary. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Many tour companies offer wildlife viewing cruises and excursions to see whales, seals, and other marine animals. The Arkansas Department of Transportation oversees one of the most extensive networks of roads and highways in the United States. That is due to the higher cost of transportation and the isolation factor of the state. While judging the pros and cons of living in Illinois, you would have learned that the state is highly vulnerable to thunderstorms, lightning, floods, and tornadoes. This state has a depth of outdoor beauty. It is the perfect place to learn snow sports. But what made it more notable was the pristine setting where it took place. That means your tax burden is potentially higher than what it would be in some other states. That means you are going to be doing a lot of blowing, shoveling, and plowing to keep your driveway and walkways clear. General healthcare prices within the Anchorage metro area are an astonishing 82% above the national average, based on the Health Care Cost Institute Report of 2016. 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. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, Alaska has the highest cost of living of any state in the United States. Venture to Alaska if you want to see the Aurora Borealis. With Alaskas 6,640 miles of coastline, tsunamis can happen. 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%. Pros of Living in Alaska Cons of Living in Alaska; 1. McKinley, which is the tallest mountain in North America at 20,320 feet. 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. The cost of living in Juneau is higher than the national average. Outdoor activities are literally endless for the adventure-seeking individual. Snow removal is going to become part of your daily life. All of the best foreclosed homes for sale in Sitka are located in the following zip code areas on Foreclosure.com: 99835. Not many states are as beautiful as Alaska. 4. Dog sleds have been a means of transportation for centuries, especially in the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas. Pros. Thanks for the replies! Symptoms of SAD can include feelings of sadness, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. This expense is one of the most significant costs that you will face as a household if you decide to move here. In the USA, almost any business in all fields exists. At the same time, you are experiencing an average low that is sub-zero. Fly from Michigan on American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and more. The area became the 49 th state of the United States. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Sitka, AK. Salmon fixed any way is a staple; also, reindeer dogs, halibut, crab, sourdough bread, and oysters are among the favorites. It has 17 out of 20 highest mountain peaks in states. Education Sitka is a city in Alaska state in USA with a population of 8569 residents..The poverty rate of Sitka is 6.6%, which is 53% lower than national average. As a local in Alaska, I can say with 100% certainty (according to my taste buds) that the fresh seafood here is absolutely top-notch. 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