Alaska has some of the best air quality in America, 10. The suns view so far north is unbelievable. Alaska is also a state of mountains. The money can be used for anything that I choose, from paying bills to saving for a rainy day. With the national average being $323, you can see how food can get expensive in Alaska. 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. 1. Police cars are equipped with massive bumpers to fend off rude and unwelcome moose around highways or public areas. A significant portion of the state is covered in snow and ice, creating difficult living conditions. Just remember, its not all doom and gloom (even though it might feel that way sometimes). The constant buzzing and biting can be annoying, and in some cases, mosquitoes can even transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and malaria. You can save money in other ways by moving to Alaska as well. Pros and Cons of Living in Idaho Alaska's social life consists of activities and events very particular to their culture. 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Alaska Right Now The cost of housing in particular is high in the state, with the average home price in Alaska being nearly twice the national average. You can get paid to live in Alaska once you qualify. You can fish for trout, salmon, halibut, and crab. To make things worse, Alaskan private company employees spend more than $99 over the national average for healthcare costs for one person. The top industries in Alaska include oil and gas, fishing, tourism, and government. Each year, residents living in Alaska full-time receive royalties from the funds earnings. 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. That money applies to every person in your family, including the kids. Skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking, and snowmobiling are all activities that will become part of your life when you move here. A high school education is a basic prerequisite for most . Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. Automatically get personalized recommendations on where to move. Find the best and worst places to live, raise a family or retire in Alaska. It is essential to remember that costs are higher in Alaska. This can be a difficult adjustment for newcomers living in Alaska. The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaskas largest annual event. There is not the same level of hectic chaos here like there is in most of the rest of the world. The violent crime rate of Sitka is 52% lower than national average. In fact, Alaska has some of the strictest environmental regulations in the country. 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. 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.. Alaska is a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs. The wildlife is as incredible as they say, 4. The states rugged landscape and extreme climate have shaped the way of life of its residents, and this can be seen in many aspects of the culture. The worst thing for most people is the dreadful cold. Here are a few of these traditions valued by the residents of the state. Cons; it is on an island. 4. You can whale watch in Juneau, watch or participate in dog sledding with huskies, explore ice caves, view the beauty of the Northern Lights. Maybe living in Alaska is your pace. In 2014, Alaska voters approved Ballot Measure 2, which legalized the possession, use, and sale of marijuana for recreational purposes for adults over the age of 21. Pros and cons - 5/23/2010 Just like most places, Parkersburg definitely has it's pros and cons. Chartered fishing trips are a great way to spend your time on the sea on a high-quality fishing boat that you will not have to operate or upkeep, and that allows you to fish in a variety of areas effortlessly. Because of its geographic place on the planet, winter in Alaska is not just cold; it is dark as well. However, the higher cost of living is a trade off for higher quality of living. The average amount of the dividend check is around $1,600, although the actual amount can vary from year to year depending on the performance of the fund. The city of Ketchikan, in particular, is known for its high levels of rainfall, with an average of over 150 inches per year. The overall crime rate in Sitka, Alaska is 8% lower than national average. 8. The Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, The following errors occurred with your submission. Numerous communities in the northern half of the state experience sub-zero temperatures throughout the year. For example, many Alaskans work in the fishing or oil industries, and these jobs can be well-paying and provide benefits like health insurance and retirement savings. Here are some reasons why Alaska is so attractive to so many. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, was almost 300,000 people calling at their home. Dog sleds have been a means of transportation for centuries, especially in the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas. Rent is only slightly cheaper than in other areas of the country. The biggest problem, however, is accessibility. kinda wish i could move back, . You get an opportunity to embrace a slower pace in life that focuses on individual dreams. Based on the FBIs statistics, Alaska is second to Tennessee as the nations most violent state. Even though the economy of Alaska is fueled by the oil and gas industry, you will discover that the cost of gasoline is much higher than it is in the continental 48 states. Explore the best neighborhoods to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, real estate, housing, properties, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities in Alaska. ZIPS IN SITKA, ALASKA 99835 Through its established Permanent Fund Dividend Program, Alaska will pay you to move there. 3. If the cold weather of winter does bother you some, then Alaska might not be the perfect place to live. As a resident of Alaska, you get to experience the renowned Alaska State Fair, which is one of the best in the country. Some parts of the state see nearly 24 hours of daylight during the season. . Alaska has 35 species of mosquito, and all but a few will bite humans. At the same time, you are experiencing an average low that is sub-zero. $1,019 7% higher than the US average. Because it is a lot colder in Alaska than in other states, your heating costs during the winter are going to be significantly higher. However, it is important to note that marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and there are some restrictions on its use in Alaska. 5. As of April 2019, the amount of money spent on food for one person annually in Anchorage is $450. One of the things that makes Alaskas seafood so amazing is its location. There are many features we have already discussed that draw people to this beautiful state. Thanks for the replies! That gives you plenty of time to start exploring the 300 miles of trails that are around this one city. Another popular destination for wildlife viewing in Alaska is the Katmai National Park and Preserve. According to Realtor.com, Anchorage's median listing home price was $339,000 in February 2022, trending up 7.9% year-over-year. Search for Alaska flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. 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. To be materialistic is to have values that place a high priority on having many possessions and making large sums of money. Living in Alaska pays dividends, literally, 8. pros and cons of living in sitka alaska - mamafengshui.com.au It also gives you a chance to embrace the small-town charm that dominates the culture in the state. They can be triggered by landslides, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is related to the changing seasons. One reason is the states location near the ocean. (Top 10 Reasons), Why Is Cancn So Expensive? So many artists will not come to Alaska to perform. 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. Still, i definitely don't want to live somewhere with snobby people. In addition, the states economy is heavily dependent on the oil industry, which can be volatile and contribute to fluctuations in the cost of living. 8. Maltese Dog Pictures . Ready to head to Americas Last Frontier? When you consider that they receive a yearly sum from the Permanent Fund, living in Alaska is a great way to save money. Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. There is a reason almost every car in Alaska, old or new, has a dent! 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). 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. 25 Pro's And Con's Of Living In Alaska (2023 Updated) - Home Mindset Median home value. 4. Great idea. Find flights to Alaska from $177. The cost of housing, in particular, is higher in Alaska than in many other parts of the country. Pros and Cons of Charter Fishing. A deadline that is more of a suggestion then a finite term. But there are also repelling factors that keep some away. That means you are going to be struggling with about the same number of days with snow each year. Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 1,700 species of plants and animals. Sufferers from SAD experience malaise, anxiety, and deep depression. Thats because even if you decide that living here isnt right for you, a holiday visit still creates the perfect opportunity to relax.