As a local Alaskan, I can attest to the strong sense of community that exists in our state. Sitka has 15 fishing charter companies, while Skagway only has three. The cost of living in Alaska is higher than the national average. The states leaders at the time believed that a state sales tax would be burdensome for businesses and residents, and opted not to impose one. 2023 Compare Cities Overview: Sitka, AK vs Anchorage, AK - Best Places The rise of other modes of transportation, such as planes, trains, and snowmachines, has reduced the need for dog sleds as a mode of transportation. Local taxes tend to be lower than they are in the continental 48 states as well. 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. Loathe darkness, cold weather, rain, and high prices. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? 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. Pros than cons to living in Sitka offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their.. Magic of the 20 highest mountain peaks in States hiking, and economic While bear attacks always make the headlines, they are few compared to the number of people who die of exposure in the extreme cold. Youll experience a shorter summer, but it wont be a jarring difference. Alaska has a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, including over 3 million acres of state park land. Overall, the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so its important to be prepared for a range of conditions when visiting the 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. Maybe living in Alaska is your pace. Timber is another important resource in Alaska, with the states forests providing a source of wood for the construction and paper industries. The majority of people in the state are homeowners, however. With the national average being $323, you can see how food can get expensive in Alaska. 2. Another reason why Alaskas air and water are so clean is the states commitment to protecting the environment. Have you ever heard of the concept called Island Time? When you move to Alaska, you will get to experience this slowing of life across the entire state. Alaska is a state which deals with numerous earthquakes each year. (Top 10 Reasons), Why Is Cancn So Expensive? Because there is plenty of sunshine deep into the night during the summer months, you will discover more opportunities to explore trails, kayak in bays, and embrace the explore waiting within. Most accidental deaths are from residents who die while sleeping due to carbon monoxide poisoning from clogged chimneys or faulty heaters. McKinley, which is the tallest mountain in North America at 20,320 feet. If you shop strategically, especially with your rewards cards, most of the cost difference can be offset with a little creative budgeting. Many tour companies offer wildlife viewing cruises and excursions to see whales, seals, and other marine animals. Visitors to the park can take guided tours or explore on their own to see the parks incredible wildlife. To cope, some turn to overeating, alcohol, drugs, or extended periods of sleep. You can get paid to live in Alaska once you qualify. Skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking, and snowmobiling are all activities that will become part of your life when you move here. So Alaskans are less snobby then everyone else..? Find the best and worst places to live, raise a family or retire in Alaska. When you live in the state, then you are 15 minutes from being out in the wild, no matter where your home happens to be. 09-28-2015, 02:38 PM rntim Location: sitka, Alaska 279 posts, read 362,335 times Reputation: 381 I live in Sitka. Up to 30% OFF Sale - Limited Time . 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 estimated population of Alaska is 738,000. The cold really becomes a problem if you move farther north. Alaska is home to the largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass National Forest, which covers over 17 million acres. Try Premium; Log In Sign Up. When you move further north in the state, thats when the cold really becomes an issue. That money applies to every person in your family, including the kids. The most notable of them is Mt. Get out there and meet people and you'll meet some very interesting people. There are even plenty of small business loan programs that are available to entrepreneurs that can ease the burden of start-up costs too. However, others are concerned that a sales tax could be detrimental to the states economy and place an additional burden on residents and businesses. Some folks I know use it toward a vacation every year. Not many states are as beautiful as Alaska. In fact, according to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska is home to over 200 Native American tribes and language groups, making it one of the most diverse states in the country in terms of indigenous cultures. 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. 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. For example, if the price of oil drops or there is a decline in the demand for fish, it can have a negative impact on the states economy. If you decide to move in or around Anchorage, the weather may feel somewhat temperate, but you will experience a shorter summer. As tragic as the spills are, the Alaskans love their oil. Because of the risk of contamination and sickness, prepare to filter or treat the water if necessary. Most people find that the rewards far outweigh whatever sacrifices they may need to make. - The average commute for residents of Anchorage is 8.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Sitka. 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. The lack of available housing in Alaska, particularly in rural areas, can make it difficult for residents to find a place to live. When you start thinking about the jobs that are open in Alaska, two industries come to mind immediately: the oil industry, and the natural gas industry. While Alaska has diverse geographical regions with different climates, Alaska is known for its long nights and winters no matter where you go. It is held in Palmer, Alaska, in the late summer and dates back to 1936. Those who move here will either stress out because they feel like no one is being responsible, or they will take a deep breath and embrace the relaxed attitude. Expect to pay about $.45 per gallon more for your fuel needs when you move to the state. On the other hand, a resource extraction economy can also be vulnerable to changes in the market or shifts in consumer demand. The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaskas largest annual event. Roads and transportation systems have become very reliable; however, in Alaska it hasnt always been and still isnt as easy as in other places. Cost of Living Find Your Best Place Quiz City Compare Climate Top Lists Rankings Schools Find a Place DataEngine Interactive Map. Moving to Alaska might not be quite your speed. 2. 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. You must become a business if you want to be self-employed. This lack of a state sales tax is unusual among U.S. states, as the majority of states impose some form of sales tax on purchases made within the state. If living in a more remote area of the state and want to see the capital of Alaska, plan to take a boat or plane. The constant buzzing and biting can be annoying, and in some cases, mosquitoes can even transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and malaria. There are times when the weather and the costs of living here will be challenging. From the moment you set foot in this wild, beautiful land, you can feel the thrill of adventure coursing through your veins. Alaska is a beautiful and unspoiled state but a difficult place to live. 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. Your email address will not be published. There are several positions that help to support the tourism industry in the state as well. Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for! In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 40% of Alaskas population lives in rural areas that are considered frontier or remote.. 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. Looking to fill those lungs with some fresh, clean air? Another popular destination for wildlife viewing in Alaska is the Katmai National Park and Preserve. This makes it easier for people to save money by having a lower cost of living. This becomes obvious if you have a family emergency happening outside the state. 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. The rest of the state is largely rural and sparsely populated. Chill, Diverse People. 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. Reasons not to move to Alaska. As so many people today communicate by cell phone or send text messages, use the Internet, etc., this can be an inconvenience difficult to deal with. In March of that year, Prince William Sound experienced a magnitude 9.2 earthquake. Anchorage never had a venue large enough for famous musicians to performuntil recently. The most vigorous earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. Alaska has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of Native American, Russian, and American influences. Moose attacks are a prevalent thing in Alaska. 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 There is some truth to this idea that is percolating around the Internet. It also gives you a chance to embrace the small-town charm that dominates the culture in the state. This can make fresh fruits and vegetables more expensive and less readily available than in other parts of the country. The state of Alaska does not have a state sales tax. Cordova made our list as one of the best places to live in Alaska for many reasons, and the low crime rates, poverty levels, low unemployment rate, and reasonable housing prices all contributed. For most rural residents in Alaska, subsistence hunting is critical to their food security, nutrition, and economic stability. 6. The more rural cities can feel like youre on the surface of the moon. In this article Ill cover the pros and cons of living in Alaska based on my own personal experience. 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. - Anchorage housing costs are 18.0% less expensive than Sitka housing costs. The seafood, the hiking, clean, crisp air, the Northern Lights, no pollution! pros and cons of living in sitka alaska - mamafengshui.com.au Fairbanks is the home to 31,000 people. 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. Coastal towns collect more than $60 million in revenue through the docking fees and other taxes. There are many options to choose from when looking for a relaxing natural hot spring to unwind in. pros and cons of living in sitka, 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. However, you must be aware of what you are eating, as some might be poisonous. Alaska puts you face-to-face with wildlife all of the time. This disadvantage is especially noticeable if you happen to have a family emergency going on outside of the state. 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. 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 state also experiences powerful volcanic eruptions from time to time, including the most powerful of the 20th century at Novarupta Volcano. One of the things that makes Alaskas air and water so clean is its location. You will not find this type of behavior among the residents of Alaska. The largest employers in Alaska include the state government, the University of Alaska, and the military, as well as companies in the oil and gas industry such as BP and ConocoPhillips. pros and cons of living in sitka alaskaswiffer commercial actress 2020. junio 1, 2022 . Contrary to what many people believe, living in Alaska is actually quite expensive with the cost of living nearly 30% higher than the national average. If you are out hiking, you need to be aware of your surroundings. With its spectacular beauty, many recreational opportunities, and plentiful wildlife, there is an adventure at every turn in Americas last frontier. This can make it difficult to access basic services and amenities, such as medical care and grocery stores. Oil spills continue to occur regularly in the spot where the Exxon incident occurred. Living in Alaska I Pros & Cons - YouTube Another thing that contributes to the strong sense of community in Alaska is the fact that many people rely on one another for support in daily life. If the cold weather of winter does bother you some, then Alaska might not be the perfect place to live. 03 Jun. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, the cost of living in Alaska is 29.5% higher than the national average. 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! 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 expanse of wilderness and miles of coastline provide the ideal means for fabulous meat and fish meals. 4. Highways are paved in most areas, and the amount of traffic poses no problems for commuters. Each year, residents living in Alaska full-time receive royalties from the funds earnings. Dont forget to budget your heating costs during the winter months. These people are defined by their language groups and are considered Alaskan Natives.