Still, i definitely don't want to live somewhere with snobby people. Based on the FBIs statistics, Alaska is second to Tennessee as the nations most violent state. List of the Pros of Living in Arkansas. 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. View Full Report Card. Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. Timber is another important resource in Alaska, with the states forests providing a source of wood for the construction and paper industries. . 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. Too close to an airport. You will not find this type of behavior among the residents of Alaska. And with those points taken care of. The stress of living boils over into violence for some Alaskans. And it's expensive. The average house price is $303,000, and a gallon of gas will set you back about $2.80 to start with. The cost of living in Alaska is higher than the national average. Every year, residents of Alaska receive a dividend check from the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC). I actually love all of them! Half of the current population of the state lives in the Anchorage metropolitan area. Incio > 2022 > junho > 10 > Uncategorized > pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. Alaska ranks second to Wyoming for the highest rate of suicide in the country. The long days of summer are the best thing about living in Alaska: 1.The long dark winters are probably the worst thing about living in Alaska: 2. Education. The top industries in Alaska include oil and gas, fishing, tourism, and government. 5. Even if you make your home in Anchorage, there is an excellent chance that you will encounter a moose at least once per day. But dont just take my word for it taste it for yourself and youll see that the succulent salmon, sweet crab, and delicious halibut are all world-class. Public Transport can be Confusing. I lived in Juneau for three years and three months--1983-1986 and HATED it! No place is perfect not even Alaska. Juneau, the state capital and a popular destination for its historic downtown and nearby outdoor attractions. 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. 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. You are going to be exposed to the Great Outdoors all of the time. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is related to the changing seasons. Driving from Alaska to Seattle in 72 hours is possible if you dont make too many stops along the 1,000-mile trip. Then there are the Northern Lights that you can see frequently dance across the sky all winter long. The cost of living in Juneau is higher than the national average. 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. 5. Despite the vastness of Alaska, Alaskans overall have a deep sense of connection to one another and a strong sense of state pride. The most vigorous earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. You might pay $6 for a gallon of milk instead of $3. Adventurous Outdoor. May 29, 2022 . There are various communities in the northern half of the state that experience sub-zero temperatures all year long. The median rent for a studio and one-bedroom in Alaska is $17 and $21 cheaper than the national average in 2019. 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. If youre thinking of moving to Alaska, its important to be prepared for rain lots of it. Alaska receives no attention from authors and artists. The Weather. If you are not a household that was living paycheck to paycheck, then this potential disadvantage does not apply to you. Other cities to consider include Wasilla, Kenai, and Sitka. If you forget to plug in your car during the wintertime, you'll be frozen in time. Sitka is located in Sitka, Alaska, with an estimated municipal population of 8,493 residents. Millions of marine animals, birds, and fish were killed. Some of this number leave and move elsewhere, but many return to Alaska. Okay. Money is what makes people nice in Sitka, as long as you have it, and they can get it from you. This can be a difficult adjustment for newcomers living in Alaska. Alaska is usually not the best place to live if you can't stand the cold winter. It's not just the price of groceries that are high in Alaska; it's the cost of everything. Residents are not required to pay either income tax or sales tax. That means you are going to be struggling with about the same number of days with snow each year. The sunsets in Alaska are regarded as the most beautiful on earth. This has created a diverse and vibrant cultural landscape, with over 20% of the states population being of Native American or Alaska Native descent. When you move further north in the state, thats when the cold really becomes an issue. Because not all companies ship products to Alaska, obtaining the items you ordered can be a problem. There are even plenty of small business loan programs that are available to entrepreneurs that can ease the burden of start-up costs too. You can fish for trout, salmon, halibut, and crab. In Alaska, the sense of community is strong. A lot of people don't even make that much. They can be triggered by landslides, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes. 17 out of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are found here. 4. This is higher than the national median salary, which was $45,790 during the same time period. While judging the pros and cons of living in Illinois, you would have learned that the state is highly vulnerable to thunderstorms, lightning, floods, and tornadoes. Despite low-interest rates, there are still barriers to homeownership in Alaska including down payments and mortgage insurance. 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. If you love the chaos and bustling pace of New York, you will go stir crazy in Anchorage or Juneau. But don't fret. In March of that year, Prince William Sound experienced a magnitude 9.2 earthquake. 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. Let us take a detailed look at the pros and cons this state has to offer. The median home prices for homes in Anchorage are $299,000, Fairbanks $222,000, Wasilla $239,000, and $185,000 for Kenai. That is true because of the added transportation costs to move goods that far north. When determining what cities are good for your personality, life situation, and personal preferences, there are many factors to consider including climate, cost of living, community, job opportunities, population makeup, activities, and things to do. There are many features we have already discussed that draw people to this beautiful state. The bad weather brings bad road conditions, and consequently bad drivers. Well, it's good the thieves that you don't believe in now know whose house to rob. The cost of housing, in particular, is higher in Alaska than in many other parts of the country. The median home price in Alaska is $337,222 which is well below the national average of 398,500. Expect to pay about $.45 per gallon more for your fuel needs when you move to the state. For those who do love playing in the snow, you wont find a better place to learn a new sport. Alaska is surprisingly far from the rest of the United States. The summer season is also an enjoyable time in the state, with long days, plenty of sunshine, and a mild climate. Outdoor activities are literally endless for the adventure-seeking individual. Alaska has a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, including over 3 million acres of state park land. Well Ive got news for you. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Sitka, AK. According to the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, on average, 140 people die from freezing to death each year. The state also experiences powerful volcanic eruptions from time to time, including the most powerful of the 20th century at Novarupta Volcano. About the moving to Alaska pros and cons. The Arkansas Department of Transportation oversees one of the most extensive networks of roads and highways in the United States. Here are some interesting statistics about Alaskas natural beauty: No matter where you go in Alaska, youre sure to be awestruck by the beauty of the natural world. Living in Sitka offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Usually, once people settle here, they want to remain. 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). So if youre feeling a little down during the winter months, you may want to try sitting near a window or using a light therapy box. For generations, dogsled racing has been one of the most prominent sports in Alaska. Despite their notorious reputation, however, not all Alaskans see mosquitoes as a problem. The states remote location and difficult climate make it more expensive to transport goods and services to and from the state, which drives up the cost of living. Thats because even if you decide that living here isnt right for you, a holiday visit still creates the perfect opportunity to relax. As with many of the items on this list of pros and cons of living in Alaska, this largely depends on where you live. These activities are taken to the next level when you move to this state. Sitka (2,870.3 square miles) Juneau (2,701.9 square miles) Wrangell (2,542.5 square miles) Anchorage (1,704.7 square miles) And the next largest city - Jacksonville, Florida - is less than half the square miles of Anchorage at 747 square miles. There are many off-the-beaten-path natural hot springs and some easily accessible that residents and visitors can enjoy even in the winter. There is one upside to Alaska's extremely low population densitymile upon mile of unspoiled natural beauty. Alaska was ranked the most outdoorsy state in America with 81 percent of the population being involved in outdoor activities. In fact, you can compare it with any of the most beautiful spots in the world because of its uniqueness and beauty. Alaska ranks high as one of the most popular cruising destinations in the world. In recent years, there have been efforts to reconsider the lack of a state sales tax in Alaska. Youll experience a shorter summer, but it wont be a jarring difference. Pros. Commercial fishing is another occupation that many households practice in the state. By and large, Oregon is considered a liberal state and hasn't leaned red in a presidential election since 1988. 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. That is due to the higher cost of transportation and the isolation factor of the state. 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. I can say that the culture in the USA is not of the oldest origins but it is safe to say that it is the most glamorous of all cultures existing in the world. A festival haven. If long (and were talking looonnnggg) periods of darkness are challenging for you then moving to Alaska may not be your cup of tea. Find flights to Alaska from $177. But why is Alaska so rainy? 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. Additionally, Alaskans pay a lot for electricity 23.42 cents/kWh as compared to the national average of 13.90 cents/kWh.iii. Here are some tips to help repel the mosquito. However, if this is your thing, snow sports will totally be an added bonus. The median household income is only $65,000, which won't go far with the current cost of living. Ignore the cold while having a good soak in many of the natural hot springs in Alaska. Anchorage gets about five hours of sunlight during the winter solstice, with 19 hours of pitch-black sky. There are almost 50 days of thunderstorms every year and an average of 54 tornadoes sweep Illinois. They are really an issue only from the second week in June to the last week in July. Because Alaska does not have an income tax, the state earns its revenues through a tax burden placed on businesses. One way to protect yourself from mosquitoes in Alaska is to use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing when outdoors. Alaska puts you face-to-face with wildlife all of the time. 18 Living in Alaska Pros and Cons. Symptoms of SAD can include feelings of sadness, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. The most notable of them is Mt. The inland Alaskan Arctic, where the skies are clearer, is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. Although there are plenty of flights that you can take from Alaska to the continental 48 states, the distance that you face becomes surprisingly large after you make the move. They are indigenous peoples of the state. Pros and cons of living in Madison Wisconsin. Pro: Natural beauty is not in short supply. 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. As of the latest estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the population of Alaska is 731,545. Best Cities for Outdoor Living in 2023 . Alaska is a beautiful and unique state with a lot to offer retirees. The Alaska Airlines Center was built, and famous acts now have a place to perform. It also gives you a chance to embrace the small-town charm that dominates the culture in the state. Then the next largest community is Wasilla, with just 10,000 residents. And $2500 a month expenses that you so causally mention? 1. The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word alyeska, which means great land.. Roads and transportation systems have become very reliable; however, in Alaska it hasnt always been and still isnt as easy as in other places. The lack of a state income tax can be a financial benefit for residents, as it can help to offset the high cost of living in the state. Alaska is a beautiful and unspoiled state but a difficult place to live. If you are a married couple with four children, then you received a $6,600 PFT payment. 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. Under Alaskas marijuana laws, adults over the age of 21 are allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants (with no more than three being mature) for personal use. The most popular cities to live in Oregon are: Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham and Hillsboro. It comprises of coastal beaches, fishing locations, several beautiful parks, hiking trails, rain-forests covered with moss, adventurous mountains, and crystal-clear lakes. Because of its geographic place on the planet, winter in Alaska is not just cold; it is dark as well. Housing costs in Anchorage are more expensive than the national average by 44.6%. Like, literally. Cell phone service is absolutely awful in Alaska. Great idea. On the other hand, the median household income is reasonable, and the schools in the area are decent. People in urban environments are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders than people in other locations. Residents in Alaska enjoy the ultimate summer. This is particularly true for fresh produce, which must be shipped to the state from far-off locations. Low cancer mortality rate. In 2019, the oil and gas industry in Alaska generated over $11 billion in economic activity, supporting over 33,000 jobs. Mushing is a sport or mode of transportation powered by dogs. For those who live outside of this metroplex, the only option tends to be heating oil, which is much more expensive. One of the most popular places for wildlife viewing in Alaska is Denali National Park. The estimated population per square kilometer (.62 miles) in Sitka is 1. It is important to note that costs are higher in Alaska because of transportation and its isolation. 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. For example, it is illegal to consume marijuana in public, and it is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. Thinking about living in Alaska, eh? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Only California and Hawaii residents will pay more for their fueling needs. The fair includes nightly concerts, games and carnival rides, and much food unique to the state. This is the perfect place for snow sports including hiking, skiing . You will also need to consider the cost of the trip before deciding to travel. Despite their small size, mosquitoes can be a big problem in Alaska, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts and those who live in rural areas. But mushing is still an essential part of life for some Alaskans. And, finally, if you decide to make Alaska your permanent home, you'll soon be eligible for the Permanent Fund Dividend payout, which was $1,114 in 2021. Air quality fines are usually more than $20,000, but that is a small fraction of the slot machines daily take in the ships casino. Good air year round. Substance abuse rate on the higher side. This makes it the 47th most populous state in the United States. Pros. If you are an entrepreneur and thinking about living in America or . D Sitka Housing Home value is 33% higher than Alaska. The biggest problem, however, is accessibility. One of the negative effects of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on mental health. At the same time, you are experiencing an average low that is sub-zero. You will Master Snow Sports. We are passionate about home decor, design, and all things home related. It rains a lot! You may receive another 30 inches during the months of November and December combined. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. Alaska is a vast and very remote state with many communities being extremely isolated from the rest of the country. It also can get very hot in the summer, up to 97 degrees F. It does have the fifth lowest sales tax in the country, and the state ranks first in overall tax burden for companies. 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. During the average year, Anchorage sees over 30 inches of snow from January to March. You can take many flights from the continental 48 states to Alaska, but the distance you need to travel becomes surprisingly great after you make the move. To make things worse, Alaskan private company employees spend more than $99 over the national average for healthcare costs for one person. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska is home to more than half of the worlds brown bears and is the only state in the U.S. where you can find all three species of North American bears: the grizzly, black, and polar bears. It is also legal to purchase marijuana from licensed retailers, and the state has established a system of taxes and regulations for the marijuana industry. You will not find better summers anywhere else in the world. These people are defined by their language groups and are considered Alaskan Natives. One of the things that makes Alaskas seafood so amazing is its location. Maybe living in Alaska is your pace. If you have talked to people about moving to Alaska, then you might have heard that retail costs are higher in the state. However, there can be some health disadvantages. Russia and America completed the purchase agreement in 1867. The entire state of Alaska has a laid-back feel. For most rural residents in Alaska, subsistence hunting is critical to their food security, nutrition, and economic stability. Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included. Keep in mind that these opinions are based merely on my own time here and others may have other experiences. The lack of light is due to its far northern location, and that also means it gets very cold: 3. WEATHER & CLIMATE 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. If you shop strategically, especially with your rewards cards, most of the cost difference can be offset with a little creative budgeting. 5. 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. 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