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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. Some folks I know use it toward a vacation every year. Pro's and Con's of living in Alaska. Are you happy living - reddit There is not the same level of hectic chaos here like there is in most of the rest of the world. The state also experiences powerful volcanic eruptions from time to time, including the most powerful of the 20th century at Novarupta Volcano. The median listing home price per square foot was $202. Some refer to mosquitoes as the states official bird, given their ubiquity and ability to survive in harsh environments. Except for areas where there is a concentration of wood-burning for home heating, the air quality is the freshest in the world. One of the negative effects of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on mental health. In recent years, the amount of the dividend has ranged from a low of $900 to a high of $2,000. Thinking about living in Alaska, eh? pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska - newhomesinbarrie.ca You can whale watch in Juneau, watch or participate in dog sledding with huskies, explore ice caves, view the beauty of the Northern Lights. 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. 6. The Pros of living in Sitka is that it truly is beautiful. Not many states are as beautiful as Alaska. Because food, other than the local food, needs to travel a great distance to get there, the prices are relatively high. While there are things to do, city life is slow compared to larger cities in the country. For generations, dogsled racing has been one of the most prominent sports in Alaska. Property taxes are generally low, and the sales tax is non-existent. Sufferers from SAD experience malaise, anxiety, and deep depression. Expect to pay about $.45 per gallon more for your fuel needs when you move to the state. Even then, the cost of travel is going to be something that you will want to think about before you finalize any plans. That makes it the third-highest state for average prices in this area. Still, i definitely don't want to live somewhere with snobby people. 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! Here are a few of these traditions valued by the residents of the state. 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. When you live in Alaska, the outdoors is no longer an afterthought. 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. One of the things that makes Alaska so special is the way it stirs your soul. At Point Barrow, the sun does not set from May 10 to August 2. 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. The result is your tax burden is potentially higher than it would be in some states. The cost of living in Alaska is really high. Most people find that the rewards far outweigh whatever sacrifices they may need to make. One of the advantages of a resource extraction economy is that it can provide good jobs and a stable source of income for many people. For someone who receives one of these dividend checks, its always a welcome boost to the old income. You will need to adjust to doing a lot of shoveling, blowing, and plowing to keep your walkways and driveway clear. The cold really becomes a problem if you move farther north. 7. 09-28-2015, 02:38 PM rntim Location: sitka, Alaska 279 posts, read 362,335 times Reputation: 381 I live in Sitka. Living in Alaska pays dividends, literally, 8. Some communities have their own licensing requirements to follow as well. Despite these challenges, there are efforts underway to improve access to fresh produce in Alaska. Try Premium; Log In Sign Up. Living in Alaska I Pros & Cons - YouTube Skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking, and snowmobiling are all activities that will become part of your life when you move here. Alaska is the most outdoorsy state in America, 4. In 2019, the oil and gas industry in Alaska generated over $11 billion in economic activity, supporting over 33,000 jobs. 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. In fact, Alaska has some of the strictest environmental regulations in the country. Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are many features we have already discussed that draw people to this beautiful state. With its spectacular beauty, many recreational opportunities, and plentiful wildlife, there is an adventure at every turn in Americas last frontier. PRO: Lots of wild animals. The Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, The following errors occurred with your submission. This is a favorable statistic, as the national average is $1,450. 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. The states natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and relatively low cost of living make it an appealing destination for retirees. Chill, Diverse People. 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. 5. 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. 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. We are passionate about home decor, design, and all things home related. This makes it easier for people to save money by having a lower cost of living. What many people do not realize is that Japan actually occupied two Alaskan islands during World War II for 15 months. While Alaska has diverse geographical regions with different climates, Alaska is known for its long nights and winters no matter where you go. Pros and Cons of Living in Idaho Alaska's social life consists of activities and events very particular to their culture. This can make fresh fruits and vegetables more expensive and less readily available than in other parts of the country. Pros And Cons Of Living In Alaska, Moving to Alaska, USA, Cost of Sitka, AK vs Anchorage, AK Change Cities Highlights - The Median Age in Anchorage is 5.9 years younger than in Sitka. 2023 Compare Cities Cost of Living: Sitka, AK vs Anchorage, AK Through its established Permanent Fund Dividend Program, Alaska will pay you to move there. Lets get started! It is essential to remember that costs are higher in Alaska. Juneau, the state capital and a popular destination for its historic downtown and nearby outdoor attractions. In the winter, the snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes provide a stunning contrast to the dark skies. You may receive another 30 inches during the months of November and December combined. As tragic as the spills are, the Alaskans love their oil. The temperatures dropped to a record of minus 80F in 1971 at Prospect Creek Camp. It is important to consider these factors when looking at salary information for Alaska. - Anchorage housing costs are 18.0% less expensive than Sitka housing costs. According to the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, on average, 140 people die from freezing to death each year. Because not all companies ship products to Alaska, obtaining the items you ordered can be a problem. You will not find this type of behavior among the residents of Alaska. The average high temperature for the city in the month of January is 0. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska The trails in the city are closed frequently because of bear activity. Each year, residents living in Alaska full-time receive royalties from the funds earnings. Skagway vs. Sitka - Which Is A Better Travel Destination? Whether youre in the mood for a hearty fish stew, a delicious salmon salad, or simply a steaming plate of steamed crab legs, youll be able to find it all in Alaska. People who live in Alaska are called Alaskans. Thanks for the replies! Much of the land in Alaska is owned by the federal government, and there are strict regulations on how it can be used. The estimated population of Alaska is 738,000. For most rural residents in Alaska, subsistence hunting is critical to their food security, nutrition, and economic stability. It is held in Palmer, Alaska, in the late summer and dates back to 1936. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For some families, that is enough incentive to make the move immediately. Pros and Cons of living in Sitka, Alaska - dwellics.com There is some truth to this idea that is percolating around the Internet. The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word alyeska, which means great land.. The distinctive demographics in this unique area offer a feeling of pride in the residents. Another option is to invest in a good mosquito net, which can help keep the bugs at bay while youre trying to sleep. Where most of the highest peaks within the US are found. With the cost of a gallon of gas in Alaska at $3.36 according to GasBuddy, it is the sixth-highest in the whole country. In fact, over half of the land in Alaska is protected wilderness, ensuring that these beautiful landscapes will be preserved for generations to come. No place is perfect not even Alaska. There is a higher cost of living to consider before moving to the state. Alaskas nearness to the Arctic Circle means that day hours vary in intensity and length. The constant buzzing and biting can be annoying, and in some cases, mosquitoes can even transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and malaria. That is true because of the added transportation costs to move goods that far north. Alaska is a beautiful and unspoiled state but a difficult place to live. Although the overall cost of living in Alaska is relatively high because groceries and resources need to be shipped in and imported from great distances, real estate prices are rather affordable. Alaska receives no attention from authors and artists. If youre thinking of moving to Alaska, its important to be prepared for rain lots of it. Mushing is a sport or mode of transportation powered by dogs. 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. Visitors and residents can view them between September and late April. Well Ive got news for you. 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. Sitka also has a wider range of water -based activities compared to Skagway. Roads and transportation systems have become very reliable; however, in Alaska it hasnt always been and still isnt as easy as in other places. However, this is not the case. Living in Alaska Pros and Cons Pros You will experience the great outdoors in Alaska in a way that you never have before. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is related to the changing seasons. 8. Dont forget to budget your heating costs during the winter months. That money applies to every person in your family, including the kids. In fact, you can compare it with any of the most beautiful spots in the world because of its uniqueness and beauty. Alaska has a very diverse climate, with temperatures and weather patterns varying widely depending on where you are in the state. Larger cities like Fairbanks, Juneau, & Anchorage have pretty much all the amenities you could hope for as well as entertainment. Alaska is home to the largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass National Forest, which covers over 17 million acres. As of April 2019, the amount of money spent on food for one person annually in Anchorage is $450. However, the higher cost of living is a trade off for higher quality of living. To make things worse, Alaskan private company employees spend more than $99 over the national average for healthcare costs for one person. The fair includes nightly concerts, games and carnival rides, and much food unique to the state. You must become a business if you want to be self-employed. Just remember, its not all doom and gloom (even though it might feel that way sometimes). ), Why Is Newport Beach So Expensive? The states abundant natural resources, including oil, natural gas, seafood, and natural wonders are the main drivers of its economy. Best Places to Live in Fairbanks, Alaska In addition to the high cost and limited availability of fresh produce, the growing season in Alaska is relatively short due to the states harsh climate. You are going to be exposed to the Great Outdoors all of the time. Eskimo ice cream is a native dish made with whipped fat from the hunted animals such as reindeer, bears, seals, combined with snow and wild berries. Symptoms of SAD can include feelings of sadness, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. It is thought that the Inuit invented dog sleds to transport supplies and food to their people. In March of that year, Prince William Sound experienced a magnitude 9.2 earthquake. People are going to take an individual approach to how they manage their time. Coastal towns collect more than $60 million in revenue through the docking fees and other taxes. It does have the fifth lowest sales tax in the country, and the state ranks first in overall tax burden for companies. Some parts of the state see nearly 24 hours of daylight during the season. The rest of the state is largely rural and sparsely populated. Highways are paved in most areas, and the amount of traffic poses no problems for commuters. They are more plentiful than you may expect. For those who live outside of this metroplex, the only option tends to be heating oil, which is much more expensive. The cost of housing in particular is high in the state, with the average home price in Alaska being nearly twice the national average. 2023 Compare Cities Overview: Sitka, AK vs Anchorage, AK - Best Places In general Sitka has a high cost of living, especially with regards to groceries and medical care. A typical cruise ship produces thousands of gallons of raw sewage, garbage, wastewater, and oily bilge water from their engines. You might pay $6 for a gallon of milk instead of $3. (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. The more rural cities can feel like youre on the surface of the moon. 17 out of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are found here. A cost of living index above 100 means Sitka, Alaska is more expensive. In addition, 71.8% of the homes in Alaska are placed somewhere between $108,722 and $435,285 in value. The lack of available housing in Alaska, particularly in rural areas, can make it difficult for residents to find a place to live. The most notable of them is Mt. Yes, marijuana is legal in the state of Alaska. big sur carmel, monterey itinerary . At the same time, you are experiencing an average low that is sub-zero. However, you must be aware of what you are eating, as some might be poisonous. The biggest problem, however, is accessibility. 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. There are even plenty of small business loan programs that are available to entrepreneurs that can ease the burden of start-up costs too. One common misconception about SAD is that it only affects people who live in cold climates. Spokesperson for the group said they have spent the last few months considering the pros and cons of moving forward this year despite the risks and uncertainty associated with the . Despite their small size, mosquitoes can be a big problem in Alaska, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts and those who live in rural areas.