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 cons, however, include high gas prices and the cost of living. Breathtaking scenery. Lets take Fairbanks, Alaska, as an example here. 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. A deadline that is more of a suggestion then a finite term. Pros of Moving to Alaska 1. When youre living in Anchorage, the temperature tends to hover around 70 in July and August. If you are out hiking, you need to be aware of your surroundings. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. They are really an issue only from the second week in June to the last week in July. Looking to fill those lungs with some fresh, clean air? The constant buzzing and biting can be annoying, and in some cases, mosquitoes can even transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and malaria. The cost of living in Alaska is higher than the national average. The military base nearby and international immigration has created a cultural melting pot in the area. That is how Alaska got the name Land of the Midnight Sun.. Residents in Alaska enjoy the ultimate summer. 2. The decision to not impose a state sales tax in Alaska is rooted in the states history and its reliance on natural resource extraction for revenue. Skagway is heavily focused on history, with plaques, tours, and museums (several of which are free) all around the town. The state earns its revenues through a tax burden on businesses, as Alaska does not have an income tax. Some of this number leave and move elsewhere, but many return to Alaska. Here are some tips to help repel the mosquito. It is not unusual to encounter wildlife every day when you are living in Alaska. Median home value. 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. Alaska is a beautiful and unique state with a lot to offer retirees. If you want to work as a freelancer or be self-employed, then you must become a business when you live in the state. You can embrace the life, or you can try to fight the elements. Some popular cities in the state include: Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska and a hub for commerce, culture, and outdoor recreation. Not many states are as beautiful as Alaska. 5. The entire state of Alaska has a laid-back feel. The Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, The following errors occurred with your submission. Another issue is the lack of available land for development. But there are also repelling factors that keep some away. Venture to Alaska if you want to see the Aurora Borealis. At the same time, you are experiencing an average low that is sub-zero. B- Sitka Schools HS graduation rate is equal to Alaska. ), Why Is Newport Beach So Expensive? That means your tax burden is potentially higher than what it would be in some other states. Highways are paved in most areas, and the amount of traffic poses no problems for commuters. This dividend comes from a permanent fund that is fueled by the oil and gas industry industries. Another popular destination for wildlife viewing in Alaska is the Katmai National Park and Preserve. Self-employed individuals or freelancers must become a business when living in Alaska. Alaska is home to over 100 species of mammals, including brown bears, moose, wolves & over 400 species of birds, including bald eagles and puffins. 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. Just as Anchorage gets lovely sunshine almost all day during the summer months, it is the opposite during the winter when darkness and cold take over. Watching these animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. People who live in Alaska are called Alaskans. It is important to note that costs are higher in Alaska because of transportation and its isolation. But why is Alaska so rainy? According to Realtor.com, Anchorage's median listing home price was $339,000 in February 2022, trending up 7.9% year-over-year. You can fish for trout, salmon, halibut, and crab. Best Places to Live in Fairbanks, Alaska Fairbanks AK rests close Arctic Circle famed principally for its natural sites such as Chena River State Recreation Area where visitors may take part in different water sports or simply enjoy some peace & tranquility while walking along sandy beaches! Some parts of the state see nearly 24 hours of daylight during the season. 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. 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. These activities are taken to the next level when you move to this state. It does have the fifth lowest sales tax in the country, and the state ranks first in overall tax burden for companies. Fairbanks, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and access to outdoor activities. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, was almost 300,000 people calling at their home. Driving from one point to another is not something most people stress about these days. The median rent for a studio and one-bedroom in Alaska is $17 and $21 cheaper than the national average in 2019. 1. The higher median salary in Alaska is likely due in part to the states high cost of living, as well as the presence of higher-paying industries such as oil and gas. It typically occurs during the fall and winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. Another negative effect of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on your safety. Many tour companies offer wildlife viewing cruises and excursions to see whales, seals, and other marine animals. Cost of Living in Sitka, Alaska. The terrain attracts a hardy, adventure-seeking crowd, who will tell you the states unique beauty and abundant wildlife make the cold temperatures worth it. Numerous communities in the northern half of the state experience sub-zero temperatures throughout the year. In general, the weather in Alaska is cold and snowy in the winter, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. kinda wish i could move back, . Living in Alaska pays dividends, literally, 8. Hunting options include grouse, hare, mountain goat or brown bear, hunting in the rainforest region. Another thing that makes Alaska so incredible is the sense of freedom that you feel here. Based on the 2017 cost of living study by the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, monthly utility costs in the state are high. 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. 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. The biggest problem, however, is accessibility. There is not a state income tax that is withheld from your paycheck. 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. Living in Sitka offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. This means that residents of Alaska do not have to pay state taxes on the money they earn from wages, salaries, and other forms of income. Pros and Cons of living in Sitka, Alaska according to Data Do you live in Sitka, Alaska? Many families can still save money because of how taxes are structured here. In 2019, the oil and gas industry in Alaska generated over $11 billion in economic activity, supporting over 33,000 jobs. While there are things to do, city life is slow compared to larger cities in the country. Alaska was ranked the most outdoorsy state in America with 81 percent of the population being involved in outdoor activities. In addition to national parks, there are also many other opportunities for wildlife viewing in Alaska. 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. In the winter, the snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes provide a stunning contrast to the dark skies. Millions of marine animals, birds, and fish were killed. Pros & Cons Overview Jobs80% Housing85% Affordability60% Safety60% Amenities60% Diversity90% Education85% Commute100% Is Sitka, Alaska safe place to live? The inland Alaskan Arctic, where the skies are clearer, is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. Oil spills continue to occur regularly in the spot where the Exxon incident occurred. If you are not a household that was living paycheck to paycheck, then this potential disadvantage does not apply to you. This is a favorable statistic, as the national average is $1,450. For someone who receives one of these dividend checks, its always a welcome boost to the old income. Spokesperson for the group said they have spent the last few months considering the pros and cons of moving forward this year despite the risks and uncertainty associated with the . Mushing is a sport or mode of transportation powered by dogs. Even if you make your home in Anchorage, there is an excellent chance that you will encounter a moose at least once per day. There are even plenty of small business loan programs that are available to entrepreneurs that can ease the burden of start-up costs too. Loathe darkness, cold weather, rain, and high prices. In addition to the high cost of transporting goods to the state, the small population of Alaska also contributes to the high prices of goods. One of the advantages of a resource extraction economy is that it can provide good jobs and a stable source of income for many people. Thank you for taking the time to post this. Bears are everywhere in Alaska, and they are not afraid to attack. Search for Alaska flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. The payment in 2017 was $1,100 per person. Fuel costs are much higher in Alaska. Situated in the far north, Alaska is surrounded by cold, clean ocean waters that are teeming with a wide variety of fish and shellfish. According to the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, on average, 140 people die from freezing to death each year. The fair includes nightly concerts, games and carnival rides, and much food unique to the state. So many artists will not come to Alaska to perform. The high cost of living in Alaska can be a challenge for many people, particularly for those on fixed incomes or low salaries. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, the cost of living in Alaska is 29.5% higher than the national average. 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking Sites, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. Get out there and meet people and you'll meet some very interesting people. Alaska is a beautiful and unspoiled state but a difficult place to live. The worst thing for most people is the dreadful cold. No doubt, this would attract many! 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. Daylight is nonexistent in the northernmost regions for months at a time, which creates a physiological shift in disposition and mood. Darkness here can be a real challenge. There are several opportunities to pursue your sport of choice during the summer as well. 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. big sur carmel, monterey itinerary . Dwellics instantly analyzes thousands of relevant data points and your selected preferences like lifestyle, weather, community and more to find the perfect place for you to live. This can help to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon, Article Overview: Living in Alaska, Moving to Alaska. One of the things that makes Alaskas air and water so clean is its location. . The cold really becomes a problem if you move farther north. Most people find that the rewards far outweigh whatever sacrifices they may need to make. Alaska is a good place to live for folks who appreciate the stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, and are alright with a high cost of living and challenging weather. However, this is not the case. With the cost of a gallon of gas in Alaska at $3.36 according to GasBuddy, it is the sixth-highest in the whole country. 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. Those are the only career opportunities that are available. Use the menu in the orange box - on the left if you're using a PC - to review a variety of detailed facts and statistics we analyzed, including cost of living, climate, safety, community, infrastructure, education, and a list of pros and cons based on data from more than four dozen trusted sources. 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. 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. 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. That means you are going to be doing a lot of blowing, shoveling, and plowing to keep your driveway and walkways clear. 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. Whether youre hiking through the towering peaks of the Alaska Range, fishing for wild salmon in a glacial stream, or simply gazing at the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you, Alaska has a way of making you feel alive like nowhere else on earth. Cons; it is on an island. That means you are going to be struggling with about the same number of days with snow each year. One reason is the states location near the ocean. Alaska has 35 species of mosquito, and all but a few will bite humans. Meeting start whenever the people involved feel like making them happen. Here are a few of these traditions valued by the residents of the state. Here are some reasons why Alaska is so attractive to so many. Posted by: Category: Uncategorized . Have you ever heard about the rumor that the government will pay you to live in Alaska? No place is perfect not even Alaska. To maximize your chances of seeing them, Prudhoe Bay and Barrow in the extreme north or the remote northern villages of Coldfoot in the Yukon Territory offer the best possibility of viewing the Lights. When Alaska was first established as a state in 1959, its economy was primarily based on fishing, mining, and other extractive industries. Juneau, the state capital and a popular destination for its historic downtown and nearby outdoor attractions. You are going to be exposed to the Great Outdoors all of the time. Thanks for the replies! 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,. Cordova has a small-town vibe due to its tiny population of fewer than 3,000 people and is only accessible by ferry. 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. Some residents have even come to see the insects as a source of entertainment, with some people holding mosquito calling contests to see who can attract the most mosquitoes with a particular sound or scent. 4. As of the latest estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the population of Alaska is 731,545. Alaska is a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs. Compare Sitka, Alaska Cost of Living vs Anchorage, Alaska Cost of Living: Taxes, Childcare, Groceries, Health. Because of the risk of contamination and sickness, prepare to filter or treat the water if necessary. Another option is to invest in a good mosquito net, which can help keep the bugs at bay while youre trying to sleep. Subsistence hunting occurs throughout Alaska all year long and is a central focus of the traditions and customs of many of the cultural groups in Alaska. If you have talked to people about moving to Alaska, then you might have heard that retail costs are higher in the state. Snow removal is going to become part of your daily life. 2. And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. However, it is important to note that marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and there are some restrictions on its use in Alaska. Many areas of the state are only accessible by boat, plane, train, or floatplane and cannot be reached by car. Another reason why Alaskas air and water are so clean is the states commitment to protecting the environment. However, Alaska has some of the highest prices for goods and services in the country, and this can be a major hurdle for retirees on a fixed income. Fishing is also an option in the states rivers and streams.