pros and cons of living in sitka alaska

If you decide to move in or around Anchorage, the weather may feel somewhat temperate, but you will experience a shorter summer. When Alaska was first established as a state in 1959, its economy was primarily based on fishing, mining, and other extractive industries. The outdoors is a huge part of Alaskan life: 2. It gets a little better in February, but youre still only averaging 13. In rural areas, for example, people often rely on their neighbors for help with things like shoveling snow or carpooling. The median home prices for homes in Anchorage are $299,000, Fairbanks $222,000, Wasilla $239,000, and $185,000 for Kenai. Substance abuse rate on the higher side. However, the lack of a state income tax and sales tax can also mean that the state has limited resources for funding certain programs and services, such as education and healthcare. There are many options to choose from when looking for a relaxing natural hot spring to unwind in. $1,019 7% higher than the US average. There are about 5,000 earthquakes that happen every year in the state of Alaska. During the average year, Anchorage sees over 30 inches of snow from January to March. 4. Have you ever heard about the rumor that the government will pay you to live in Alaska? While bear attacks always make the headlines, they are few compared to the number of people who die of exposure in the extreme cold. Property taxes are generally low, and the sales tax is non-existent. You heard it right, if outdoor recreation is important then living in Alaska just got easier. If long (and were talking looonnnggg) periods of darkness are challenging for you then moving to Alaska may not be your cup of tea. There are four interstate highways for drivers to use, along with almost 3,000 miles of railroad tracks. They are required to pay property taxes, but the fact that they can save on state income tax and sales tax is a considerable saving for the residents. The fair includes nightly concerts, games and carnival rides, and much food unique to the state. That means you are going to be doing a lot of blowing, shoveling, and plowing to keep your driveway and walkways clear. If nature is important to you then consider it a top pro of moving to Alaska. For most rural residents in Alaska, subsistence hunting is critical to their food security, nutrition, and economic stability. pros and cons of living in mackay; is alaska: the last frontier coming back in 2021; hillsborough county public schools employee handbook; index of series cheers; jack steward is he married. If bar hopping is to your liking, you will need to walk around a bit as Anchorage is very spread out. 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. Despite higher-than-average wages, low poverty level, and a sparse population, violent crimes are surprisingly frequent. Alaska will become a significant investment for states. 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. Some argue that a sales tax could provide a stable source of revenue for the state and help to fund important government services. Local taxes tend to be lower than they are in the continental 48 states as well. As of the latest estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the population of Alaska is 731,545. Hike through Denali National Park or cruise the Seward Highway. 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. The unemployment rate in Sitka is 5.6% (U.S. avg. 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. This park is famous for its brown bears, which can often be seen fishing for salmon in the parks rivers. For some families, that is enough incentive to make the move immediately. Snow sports: Alaska is the best place for winter lovers. 2. Not many states are as beautiful as Alaska. 3. This check is a way for the state to share the wealth generated by the states oil and mineral resources with its residents. The median home price in Alaska is $337,222 which is well below the national average of 398,500. This can help to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. Despite its reputation for cold weather and snow, Alaska is actually one of the rainiest states in the United States. With a strong feeling of purpose in our nation and a sense of contentment, Alaska residents are generally at peace and very happy with the place they call home. The industry also contributed over $2.2 billion in state and local tax revenue (talk about a vice grip). 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. It is important to consider these factors when looking at salary information for Alaska. However, there can be some health disadvantages. Based on the 2017 cost of living study by the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, monthly utility costs in the state are high. And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. Salmon fixed any way is a staple; also, reindeer dogs, halibut, crab, sourdough bread, and oysters are among the favorites. (The Sound is Better)Somebody asked me, what it was like living in Alaska? If you want to work as a freelancer or be self-employed, then you must become a business when you live in the state. But why is Alaska so rainy? For those who live outside of this metroplex, the only option tends to be heating oil, which is much more expensive. Another reason why Alaskas air and water are so clean is the states commitment to protecting the environment. The living index here is 107.8 which is much higher than the national average of 100. In more recent years, Alaska has also been influenced by the cultures of European explorers and settlers, as well as more recent immigrants from various parts of the world. Youll experience a shorter summer, but it wont be a jarring difference. Health hazards. But there are also repelling factors that keep some away. List of the Pros of Living in Arkansas. The cost of groceries and health care are also higher in Alaska compared to the national average. Many people gather to watch the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race or take dog sled tours while visiting a great way to experience a little history. Some homes can get through the season using coal or wood with an interior stove to limit costs, but you will be trading time for money with that choice. However, it can also mean that the state has limited resources for funding certain programs and services, such as education and healthcare. 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. To be materialistic is to have values that place a high priority on having many possessions and making large sums of money. According to an estimate from the Alaska Department of Labor 61 fewer people are living in Alaska than there were last year. In other words, its the Arctic Circle of flavor. Popularity and image, which are always expressed through money and possessions, lead people to have materialistic values and be concerned about the status quo. 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. Every winter, thousands of Alaskans suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. The more rural cities can feel like youre on the surface of the moon. 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). There are also initiatives to support the development of greenhouses and other methods of growing produce in the state. Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included. Too close to an airport. Must be about $1200 for the electric bill, and $1500 for rent? There are still the regular responsibilities that you have with life, like your job and going to school, but the outdoors becomes a third one that is a lot of fun to embrace. Job market. Pros. In addition, 71.8% of the homes in Alaska are placed somewhere between $108,722 and $435,285 in value. Dogsled racing is the primary form of mushing and thrives as an unorganized sport that provides a healthy outdoor form of winter exercise for all families. As with many of the items on this list of pros and cons of living in Alaska, this largely depends on where you live. Moose and caribou are abundant throughout Alaska. 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. Larger cities like Fairbanks, Juneau, & Anchorage have pretty much all the amenities you could hope for as well as entertainment. However, you must be aware of what you are eating, as some might be poisonous. In 1971, temperatures drop to a record -80F at Prospect Creek Camp. Alaska has some of the best air quality in America, 10. This park is home to many different species of animals, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. Nice that you both are nurses, and people are nice to you, because they need nurses in Sitka. The land what eventually become the 49th state in 1957. The median values are higher for some of the bigger cities, with Anchorage and Juneau standing at $303,601 and $364,295, respectively. As a resident of Alaska, you get to experience the renowned Alaska State Fair, which is one of the best in the country. In this article Ill cover the pros and cons of living in Alaska based on my own personal experience. The estimated population of Alaska is 738,000. The Pros of living in Sitka is that it truly is beautiful. And these things will have you thinking hard. Education The entire state of Alaska has a laid-back feel. They are really an issue only from the second week in June to the last week in July. However, others are concerned that a sales tax could be detrimental to the states economy and place an additional burden on residents and businesses. Skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking, and snowmobiling are all activities that will become part of your life when you move here. 7. Yearly, there are about 5,000 earthquakes in Alaska. The wildlife is as incredible as they say, 4. The inland Alaskan Arctic, where the skies are clearer, is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. The majority of people in the state are homeowners, however. Moose attacks are a prevalent thing in Alaska. 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. While SAD is more common in areas with long, dark winters, it can also affect people who live in other parts of the world. Fairbanks has an average temperature in the city during January of 0. The expanse of wilderness and miles of coastline provide the ideal means for fabulous meat and fish meals. Consider yourself as and adventurous sort that can forgo some creature comforts in return for epic natural bounty? Hunting options include grouse, hare, mountain goat or brown bear, hunting in the rainforest region. Even if you make your home in Anchorage, there is an excellent chance that you will encounter a moose at least once per day. If hunting and fishing are among your favorite pastimes, Alaska is for you. The amount is more expensive than the national average of about US$291,700. AK Craft Brew & Barleywine Festival Giveaway. Let's look at some of the benefits of living in Anchorage, Alaska. 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. 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. Ready to head to Americas Last Frontier? Despite these challenges, there are efforts underway to improve access to fresh produce in Alaska. With its vast, unspoiled wilderness and lack of crowds, Alaska is a place where you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature in a way that is truly special. Bears are everywhere in Alaska, and they are not afraid to attack. That is due to the higher cost of transportation and the isolation factor of the state. Cons: The VAT in Norway is huge. Then there are the Northern Lights that you can see frequently dance across the sky all winter long. Benefits of living in Wisconsin. Based on the FBIs statistics, Alaska is second to Tennessee as the nations most violent state. The Natural Splendor. While this is not a mass exodus it got me thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Alaska. It is thought that the Inuit invented dog sleds to transport supplies and food to their people. For someone who receives one of these dividend checks, its always a welcome boost to the old income. Home ownership. In March of that year, Prince William Sound experienced a magnitude 9.2 earthquake. It is held in Palmer, Alaska, in the late summer and dates back to 1936. So many artists will not come to Alaska to perform. You will not find this type of behavior among the residents of Alaska. 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.

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