You can limit this disadvantage by finding a home in or near Anchorage because there is a natural gas infrastructure that gives you access to this affordable fuel. And the road systems are fine with me, too. Median rent price. Pros. But what made it more notable was the pristine setting where it took place. Because Alaska does not have an income tax, the state earns its revenues through a tax burden placed on businesses. Another sticker shock item for most people thinking about moving from abroad and living in Norway is that the country's value-added tax or Merverdiavgift is really high. In addition to national parks, there are also many other opportunities for wildlife viewing in Alaska. To make things worse, Alaskan private company employees spend more than $99 over the national average for healthcare costs for one person. After all, as they say, laughter is the best medicine, and theres no shortage of dark humor to be found in the Land of the Midnight Sun. So, while the darkness in Alaska can be beautiful and magical at times, it can also be a real challenge. So, let's get moving The Great Outdoors. There's also a huge amount of fun stuff to do outside and great places to go for low or no cost. According to an estimate from the Alaska Department of Labor 61 fewer people are living in Alaska than there were last year. Usually, once people settle here, they want to remain. ), Why Is Newport Beach So Expensive? Alaska is also a state of mountains. What many people do not realize is that Japan actually occupied two Alaskan islands during World War II for 15 months. The best cities in Alaska depend on individual preferences and priorities. This expense is one of the most significant costs that you will face as a household if you decide to move here. And $2500 a month expenses that you so causally mention? Cons: The VAT in Norway is huge. The states abundant natural resources, including oil, natural gas, seafood, and natural wonders are the main drivers of its economy. 6. The city is the fourth most dangerous place to live in Alaska. Okay. Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. 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. From its early beginnings as a bridge of land extending from Siberia to its declaration as a U.S. state in 1959, Alaska has an exciting and dynamic history. No place is perfect not even Alaska. Living in Alaska could just be for you. Because of its geographic place on the planet, winter in Alaska is not just cold; it is dark as well. This has created a diverse and vibrant cultural landscape, with over 20% of the states population being of Native American or Alaska Native descent. 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 has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of Native American, Russian, and American influences. 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. 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. Iditarod mushers will take you on a dog sled ride, share stories about the race, and let you pet and cuddle with the sled dogs. At Point Barrow, the sun does not set from May 10 to August 2. With its vast, unspoiled wilderness and strict environmental regulations, Alaska is a true haven for clean air and water. It is really easy to start a business after you move to Alaska. I met a couple of decent people in Sitka. Your email address will not be published. 5. One of the things that makes Alaskan culture so interesting is its focus on the natural environment. June 21 has almost 19 hours of daylight in Anchorage, making it the longest day of the year. It is important to consider these factors when looking at salary information for Alaska. 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. Most people find that the rewards far outweigh whatever sacrifices they may need to make. Lets get started! Property taxes are generally low, and the sales tax is non-existent. Some parts of the state see nearly 24 hours of daylight during the season. Here are some interesting statistics about Alaskas natural beauty: No matter where you go in Alaska, youre sure to be awestruck by the beauty of the natural world. Keep in mind that these opinions are based merely on my own time here and others may have other experiences. Pros of Living in Alaska. Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. In addition to its incredible landscape, Alaska is also home to many glaciers, including the world famous Mendenhall Glacier. You can fish for trout, salmon, halibut, and crab. It is one of the few places in the world where someone with virtually no experience can still catch enough fish or hunt as a way to feed their family for an entire year. I can say that the culture in the USA is not of the oldest origins but it is safe to say that it is the most glamorous of all cultures existing in the world. The highest peak in North America, Mount Denali, is located in Alaska and stands at over 20,000 feet tall. The high cost of living in Alaska can be a challenge for many people, particularly for those on fixed incomes or low salaries. You will find plenty of cultural opportunities to explore in the community, with every amenity you would expect from an urban environment. 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. The cost of living in Juneau is higher than the national average. Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Health Care Cost Institute Report of 2016, Colorado Vs. California (Whats The Difference? This limits the ability of developers to build new housing units and contributes to the overall shortage of affordable options. Flickr - James Brooks. Self-employed individuals or freelancers must become a business when living in Alaska. You want a low maintenance lifestyle. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. Every day is casual Friday in this state. Low proficiency in Reading and Language Arts at High schools. You can get paid to live in Alaska once you qualify. Every year, residents of Alaska receive a dividend check from the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC). As of the latest estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the population of Alaska is 731,545. It rains 12 months of the year, is dark 20 hours a day in winter. Alaska is surprisingly far from the rest of the United States. Backpacking, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, hang gliding, and so much more are available in Alaska because the summers are perfect for them. Overall, the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so its important to be prepared for a range of conditions when visiting the state. It is not unusual to encounter wildlife every day when you are living in Alaska. As with many of the items on this list of pros and cons of living in Alaska, this largely depends on where you live. Here are some tips to help repel the mosquito. 3. It comprises of coastal beaches, fishing locations, several beautiful parks, hiking trails, rain-forests covered with moss, adventurous mountains, and crystal-clear lakes. Alaska is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, including over 3,000 glaciers and over 100,000 miles of coastline. But if something were to happen to you where you couldn't bring in that income, you got behind, believe me, it would be a different story. The most vigorous earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska is home to more than half of the worlds brown bears and is the only state in the U.S. where you can find all three species of North American bears: the grizzly, black, and polar bears. You might pay $6 for a gallon of milk instead of $3. Alaska is a beautiful and unspoiled state but a difficult place to live. . On top of such breathtaking sceneries, this state also . Alaska will become a significant investment for states. Based on the FBIs statistics, Alaska is second to Tennessee as the nations most violent state. As you probably know, Juneau is the . Many families can still save money because of how taxes are structured here. danitza athanassiadis biography; statute of limitations on traffic tickets in california; craigslist low income apartments for rent. A lot of people don't even make that much. It's time to dig into the 10 pros and cons of living in Alaska. The average population per 1 square mile is 6.86. 1. 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. When Alaska was first established as a state in 1959, its economy was primarily based on fishing, mining, and other extractive industries. 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. Alaska is a state which deals with numerous earthquakes each year. The fund was established in 1976 to conserve a portion of the states revenue from mineral resources, to help future generations of Alaskans, and attract new residents to the state. Sitka is located in Sitka, Alaska, with an estimated municipal population of 8,493 residents. As a result, food prices can be quite high. They are indigenous peoples of the state. One of the most effective treatments for SAD is exposure to bright light. You can save money in other ways by moving to Alaska as well. The estimated population per square kilometer (.62 miles) in Sitka is 1. 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. Another reason why Alaskas air and water are so clean is the states commitment to protecting the environment. Must be about $1200 for the electric bill, and $1500 for rent? Hello world! Life tends to move a lot slower when living in Alaska. This is due in part to the states remote location, which makes it difficult to access certain goods and services. 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. All of the best foreclosed homes for sale in Sitka are located in the following zip code areas on Foreclosure.com: 99835. Montana is a renowned state for its natural beauty. In fact, according to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Alaska has the most state park land per resident of any state in the country, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Another one of the major challenges of living in Alaska is the high cost of goods. Moose attacks are a prevalent thing in Alaska. Alaska was once thought of as a folly. Loathe darkness, cold weather, rain, and high prices. For those who already live in Alaska, it is not surprising that their state was ranked #1 as the happiest place to live in America by a well-being study conducted by Gallup-Healthways in 2015. This event helped to form the Valley of 10,000 Smokes at Katmai National Park. The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word alyeska, which means great land.. 56% 12% lower than the US average. Median Household Income . There are various communities in the northern half of the state that experience sub-zero temperatures all year long. 3. 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. However, this is not the case. Homes are in the $625K-$1.2M price point. That means you can have some extra cash to save for a new home, college tuition costs, or the outdoor toys you will want to use as you start exploring the millions of acres of wilderness. Hotel costs, gas, food, etc., need to figure into your decision. Lets take Fairbanks, Alaska, as an example here. Great idea. Let us take a detailed look at the pros and cons this state has to offer. Some argue that a sales tax could provide a stable source of revenue for the state and help to fund important government services. That said, a larger majority of people living in Indiana are white. 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. This makes it the 47th most populous state in the United States. Post author: Post published: junho 10, 2022; Post category: aries constellation tattoo; 4. The Natural Splendor. One of the most interesting things to do in Sitka for families, solo travelers, and kids is to check out the New Archangel Dancers. Because of the states remote location, many goods must be shipped in from other parts of the country or even abroad, which can drive up their cost. The frost-free growing season in Alaska lasts for about 100 days. Therefore, there are pros and cons to living in this city. Driving from one point to another is not something most people stress about these days. In Alaska, there are two seasons, road construction and winter. However, it is important to note that marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and there are some restrictions on its use in Alaska. In Sitka there are a lot of bars and coffee shops. Millions of marine animals, birds, and fish were killed. The suns view so far north is unbelievable. Job market. 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. Fairbanks is the home to 31,000 people. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 40% of Alaskas population lives in rural areas that are considered frontier or remote.. 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 bad weather brings bad road conditions, and consequently bad drivers. A high school education is a basic prerequisite for most . This disadvantage is especially noticeable if you happen to have a family emergency going on outside of the state. Pros of Living in Alaska Cons of Living in Alaska; 1. Living in Sitka offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. From the traditional hunting and fishing activities of the indigenous peoples to the states thriving outdoor recreation industry, which generates over $2 billion in annual economic activity, the connection to the land is a defining feature of Alaskan culture. 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. The entire state of Alaska has a laid-back feel. Alaska is one of only a handful of states that does not have a state income tax. Taking note of the rent, Alaska is only slightly cheaper than the entire U.S. 10. Some of this number leave and move elsewhere, but many return to Alaska. 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 average house price is $303,000, and a gallon of gas will set you back about $2.80 to start with. And these things will have you thinking hard. Alaska was ranked the most outdoorsy state in America with 81 percent of the population being involved in outdoor activities. In fact, there are so many different types of seafood to choose from in Alaska that you could eat a different type of fish or shellfish every day for a year and still have some leftovers. You get an opportunity to embrace a slower pace in life that focuses on individual dreams. The median home prices for homes in Anchorage are $299,000, Fairbanks $222,000, Wasilla $239,000, and $185,000 for Kenai. Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 1,700 species of plants and animals. If you want a city that retains a small-town feel but has all the big-city advantages, this is the place to be. 5. It typically occurs during the fall and winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. You just learn to dress for the colder weather. Despite higher-than-average wages, low poverty level, and a sparse population, violent crimes are surprisingly frequent. Half of the current population of the state lives in the Anchorage metropolitan area. The sunsets in Alaska are regarded as the most beautiful on earth. Saved one of the best pros of living in Alaska for last. The state also experiences powerful volcanic eruptions from time to time, including the most powerful of the 20th century at Novarupta Volcano. The cons, however, include high gas prices and the cost of living. A typical cruise ship produces thousands of gallons of raw sewage, garbage, wastewater, and oily bilge water from their engines. Snow sports: Alaska is the best place for winter lovers. From small town fairs to large cultural events, there are always opportunities to come together and celebrate the things that make Alaska special. Despite the vastness of Alaska, Alaskans overall have a deep sense of connection to one another and a strong sense of state pride. And with those points taken care of. 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. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Much of the land in Alaska is owned by the federal government, and there are strict regulations on how it can be used. 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,. 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. The states population is relatively small and sparsely distributed, with much of the population concentrated in the urban centers of Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. What makes them seem like that? Except for areas where there is a concentration of wood-burning for home heating, the air quality is the freshest in the world. It would soon become a vital investment for the United States, as the purchase allowed for an expansion at the cost of just two cents per acre. The climate is severe, and the strain of life can demand a heavy price. 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. There is some truth to this idea that is percolating around the Internet. More Economy. 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