Local taxes tend to be lower than they are in the continental 48 states as well. 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. Sitka, AK vs Anchorage, AK Change Cities Highlights - The Median Age in Anchorage is 5.9 years younger than in Sitka. Engaging in cultural values and respecting Alaska Native heritage is fundamental to understanding Alaskas diversity. 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Alaska Right Now 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. There are also initiatives to support the development of greenhouses and other methods of growing produce in the state. A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon, Article Overview: Living in Alaska, Moving to Alaska. 4. They can be triggered by landslides, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes. 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. 8. Alaska is the most outdoorsy state in America, 4. With Alaskas 6,640 miles of coastline, tsunamis can happen. Ready to head to Americas Last Frontier? The highest peak in North America, Mount Denali, is located in Alaska and stands at over 20,000 feet tall. 17 out of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are found here. These blood-sucking insects are most active during the warmer months of the year, typically from May to September. This can help to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. 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. Residents are not required to pay either income tax or sales tax. The cons, however, include high gas prices and the cost of living. Living in Alaska I Pros & Cons - YouTube In recent years, the amount of the dividend has ranged from a low of $900 to a high of $2,000. Fly from Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines, Delta, American Airlines and more. That means your tax burden is potentially higher than what it would be in some other states. The distinctive demographics in this unique area offer a feeling of pride in the residents. Find out Pros and Cons of 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. As of the latest estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the population of Alaska is 731,545. 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. You can whale watch in Juneau, watch or participate in dog sledding with huskies, explore ice caves, view the beauty of the Northern Lights. If you are not a household that was living paycheck to paycheck, then this potential disadvantage does not apply to you. Of the two million tourists to visit the state each year, more than half will arrive by ship. . Additionally, Alaskas coastal location means that it is often hit by storms, which can bring even more precipitation. Moving to Sitka, Alaska : alaska - reddit.com 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). In the summer, the days are long and the wildflowers are in bloom, creating a colorful tapestry across the landscape. Alaska has a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, including over 3 million acres of state park land. The second largest industry in Alaska is tourism. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the vacancy rate for rental units in Alaska is just 4.6%, which is well below the national average of 6.9%. People are going to take an individual approach to how they manage their time. 10. 03 Jun. The median values are higher for some bigger cities, such as Juneau and Anchorage, with prices averaging $364,000 and $303,000, respectively. Despite their notorious reputation, however, not all Alaskans see mosquitoes as a problem. In other words, its the Arctic Circle of flavor. Then there are the Northern Lights that you can see frequently dance across the sky all winter long. Cons; it is on an island. Some communities have their own licensing requirements to follow as well. Looking to move to Alaska to save on taxes? The public schools in Sitka are above average. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is related to the changing seasons. You heard it right, if outdoor recreation is important then living in Alaska just got easier. Some folks I know use it toward a vacation every year. Alaskas nearness to the Arctic Circle means that day hours vary in intensity and length. What are the pros and cons of living in Alaska? There are several positions that help to support the tourism industry in the state as well. Self-employed individuals or freelancers must become a business when living in Alaska. Venture to Alaska if you want to see the Aurora Borealis. Loathe darkness, cold weather, rain, and high prices. Life tends to move a lot slower when living in 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. Exploring the wild forests, paddling a kayak through the crystal-clear waters, and taking a deep breath of the clean, fresh air, Alaska is a place where you can truly be free. Salmon fixed any way is a staple; also, reindeer dogs, halibut, crab, sourdough bread, and oysters are among the favorites. In recent years, there have been efforts to reconsider the lack of a state sales tax in Alaska. Great place to raise a family. The land what eventually become the 49th state in 1957. For some families, that is enough incentive to make the move immediately. One of the things that makes Alaskas air and water so clean is its location. Then the next largest community is Wasilla, with just 10,000 residents. It ranks fifth for the lowest sales tax in the country but first in overall tax burden for companies. The states abundant natural resources, including oil, natural gas, seafood, and natural wonders are the main drivers of its economy. Meeting start whenever the people involved feel like making them happen. The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaskas largest annual event. Many tour companies offer wildlife viewing cruises and excursions to see whales, seals, and other marine animals. The entire state of Alaska has a laid-back feel. (Top 10 Reasons), Do not use scented lotions, soaps, or shampoos, Use a headnet for multi-day backpacking or float trips, Dont wear dark colors, as mosquitoes are attracted to them; wear khaki or neutral shades, Tight woven cotton shirts and pants are better than porous synthetics. 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. In the winter, the snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes provide a stunning contrast to the dark skies. 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%. Most accidental deaths are from residents who die while sleeping due to carbon monoxide poisoning from clogged chimneys or faulty heaters. 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. The bad weather brings bad road conditions, and consequently bad drivers. As tragic as the spills are, the Alaskans love their oil. Fuel costs are much higher in Alaska. Revathi Constructions is a Leading Construction Company in Trichy. Up to 30% OFF Sale - Limited Time Learn More. The climate is severe, and the strain of life can demand a heavy price. The state median home value is $265,000, with 71% of the homes in the state priced between $108,000 and $435,000. Pros and cons of living in Madison Wisconsin. Your email address will not be published. Half of the current population of the state lives in the Anchorage metropolitan area. If long (and were talking looonnnggg) periods of darkness are challenging for you then moving to Alaska may not be your cup of tea. Alaska is a good place to retire for people who love nature, dont live on a fixed income, and are alright with harsh weather. Great idea. It is important to note that costs are higher in Alaska because of transportation and its isolation. Even when the winter months come around, this attitude doesnt change. The Natural Splendor If nature is important to you then consider it a top pro of moving to Alaska. You might pay $6 for a gallon of milk instead of $3. Additionally, marijuana businesses are not allowed to operate within 500 feet of schools or other areas where children are present. Alaska receives no attention from authors and artists. One of the most popular places for wildlife viewing in Alaska is Denali National Park. It is thought that the Inuit invented dog sleds to transport supplies and food to their people. 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. If you shop strategically, especially with your rewards cards, most of the cost difference can be offset with a little creative budgeting. The suns view so far north is unbelievable. 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. A high school education is a basic prerequisite for most . Except for areas where there is a concentration of wood-burning for home heating, the air quality is the freshest in the world. Military, Federal jobs, and Oil subsidize housing costs which drives up the price. Anchorage gets about five hours of sunlight during the winter solstice, with 19 hours of pitch-black sky. You are going to be exposed to the Great Outdoors all of the time. Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for! One of the things that makes the sense of community so strong is the fact that many Alaskans are involved in outdoor activities together such as fishing, hunting, and hiking. The violent crime rate of Sitka is 52% lower than national average. Instead, it relies on other sources of revenue, such as taxes on oil and natural gas production, to fund state government services. You have to love it and love the lifestyle to justify staying long term. You must become a business if you want to be self-employed. Another reason why Alaskas seafood is so fantastic is the variety. Electricity and gas bills are 33% above the national average in Alaska. Even if you make your home in Anchorage, there is an excellent chance that you will encounter a moose at least once per day. As with many of the items on this list of pros and cons of living in Alaska, this largely depends on where you live. If you are thinking about living in Alaska sometime in the future, then here are some pros and cons to consider before you finalize that decision. Darkness here can be a real challenge. Some of this number leave and move elsewhere, but many return to Alaska. Homes in Alaska cost a little more than compared to the rest of the country. 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. Additionally, the states harsh weather and isolated location can be difficult for some people to adjust to, particularly those who are used to living in warmer and more urban environments. Outdoor activities are literally endless for the adventure-seeking individual. 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. Artists cannot drive their tour buses to Alaska without going through Canada, and flying can be too expensive. Much of the land in Alaska is owned by the federal government, and there are strict regulations on how it can be used. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska Mountain View in Anchorage is rated one of the most diverse places to live in the United States. Sitka also has a wider range of water -based activities compared to Skagway. For generations, dogsled racing has been one of the most prominent sports in Alaska. B- Sitka Schools HS graduation rate is equal to Alaska. This can make it difficult to access basic services and amenities, such as medical care and grocery stores. You will need to adjust to doing a lot of shoveling, blowing, and plowing to keep your walkways and driveway clear. Alaska is a beautiful and unspoiled state but a difficult place to live. Some refer to mosquitoes as the states official bird, given their ubiquity and ability to survive in harsh environments. Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. Alaska offers you plenty of small-town charm, even in the big cities. According to the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, on average, 140 people die from freezing to death each year. It gets a little better in February, but youre still only averaging 13. Commercial fishing is another occupation that many households practice in the state. And the road systems are fine with me, too. Oh you adventure seeker you With its rugged wilderness, stunning natural beauty, and endless opportunities for outdoor exploration, Alaska is the perfect place to let your adventurous spirit run wild. 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. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, was almost 300,000 people calling at their home. Thats because even if you decide that living here isnt right for you, a holiday visit still creates the perfect opportunity to relax. 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. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in Alaska? A significant portion of the state is covered in snow and ice, creating difficult living conditions. On the other hand, a resource extraction economy can also be vulnerable to changes in the market or shifts in consumer demand. In rural areas, for example, people often rely on their neighbors for help with things like shoveling snow or carpooling. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Health Care Cost Institute Report of 2016, Colorado Vs. California (Whats The Difference? Please share your experience here: When we get comments from people on Pros and Cons of living in Sitka, Alaska, we publish them here. The most notable of them is Mt. The city of Ketchikan, in particular, is known for its high levels of rainfall, with an average of over 150 inches per year. 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. You will find dog sled races, whale festivals and native arts and music festivals. If hunting and fishing are among your favorite pastimes, Alaska is for you. The cost of living in Alaska is higher than the national average. That makes it a paradise for those who love to go hunting and fishing. This means that the states economy is heavily dependent on its natural resources, which can be a good thing but also has its challenges (outside of the obvious ones like massive negative contributions to climate change). 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.
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pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska