Some argue that a sales tax could provide a stable source of revenue for the state and help to fund important government services. The cost of living in Alaska is really high. With the long, dark winters, its not uncommon for roads and sidewalks to be covered in ice and snow, making everyday tasks all the more treacherous. Thanks in advance! There are many options to choose from when looking for a relaxing natural hot spring to unwind in. Bears are everywhere in Alaska, and they are not afraid to attack. If you are thinking about moving to Alaska then prepare to combat SAD. 4. it's cool - pros and cons of anchorage - 9/5/2022 it's nice, i liked it when i grew up there. You can save money in other ways by moving to Alaska as well. 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. Thank you for taking the time to post this. In fact, Alaska has some of the strictest environmental regulations in the country. Cost of Living in Sitka, Alaska. 1. Median listing prices for other top cities in Alaska include $270,000 for Fairbanks, $339,900 for homes in Wasilla, and $250,000 for homes in Kenai. This is particularly true for fresh produce, which must be shipped to the state from far-off locations. There are several positions that help to support the tourism industry in the state as well. 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. Some communities have their own licensing requirements to follow as well. Alaska has a very diverse climate, with temperatures and weather patterns varying widely depending on where you are in the state. To make things worse, Alaskan private company employees spend more than $99 over the national average for healthcare costs for one person. Visitors to the park can take guided tours or explore on their own to see the parks incredible wildlife. 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. In fact, you can compare it with any of the most beautiful spots in the world because of its uniqueness and beauty. 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. 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. You have to love it and love the lifestyle to justify staying long term. Including the: Pacific Ocean Gulf of Alaska Bering Sea Chukchi Sea Beaufort Sea The cost of housing, in particular, is higher in Alaska than in many other parts of the country. Every winter, thousands of Alaskans suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. People who live in Alaska are called Alaskans. Thanks for the replies! Of the two million tourists to visit the state each year, more than half will arrive by ship. Dont forget to budget your heating costs during the winter months. Larger cities like Fairbanks, Juneau, & Anchorage have pretty much all the amenities you could hope for as well as entertainment. However, this is not the case. You will need to adjust to doing a lot of shoveling, blowing, and plowing to keep your walkways and driveway clear. You are going to be exposed to the Great Outdoors all of the time. These events are associated with the Aleutian Trench, a subduction zone, where the Pacific plate is pushed under the American continents crust. In 1971, temperatures drop to a record -80F at Prospect Creek Camp. 4. 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. Many mountain ranges, Mt Denali (tallest mountain in North America), about 100,000 glaciers, nice summers with lots of daylight. The stress of living boils over into violence for some Alaskans. Cons; it is on an island. 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. Another option is to invest in a good mosquito net, which can help keep the bugs at bay while youre trying to sleep. Hunting options include grouse, hare, mountain goat or brown bear, hunting in the rainforest region. Up to 30% OFF Sale - Limited Time Learn More. In fact, there are so many different types of seafood to choose from in Alaska that you could eat a different type of fish or shellfish every day for a year and still have some leftovers. Alaska is also a state of mountains. The process is online, allowing you to obtain your identity numbers and file your incorporation papers in less than an hour for most businesses. Alaska receives no attention from authors and artists. 9. Compared to other locations in the country, even the southern locations of Alaska have more snowfall. 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. 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. Every year, residents of Alaska receive a dividend check from the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC). The daily commute in Alaskan cities is one of breathtaking views of lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and gleaming glaciers, which would make driving to work a pleasure for most residents. A typical cruise ship produces thousands of gallons of raw sewage, garbage, wastewater, and oily bilge water from their engines. It also gives you a chance to embrace the small-town charm that dominates the culture in the state. 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. Alaska has the best summers in the world. Alaska has the longest coastline of any state in the United States, at over 6,600 miles long. Millions of marine animals, birds, and fish were killed. Its no secret that Alaska has some of the most ferocious mosquitoes in the world, with a species called the Alaska mosquito that is known for its aggressive biting habits. Prices for both of those items are obscene. 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. There is not a state income tax that is withheld from your paycheck. They are talking snobby by Alaska standards, which would probably translate to an average person anywhere else. A high school education is a basic prerequisite for most . Because there are fewer consumers in the state, businesses may have to charge higher prices in order to cover their costs and remain profitable. The constant buzzing and biting can be annoying, and in some cases, mosquitoes can even transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and malaria. The cost of living in Alaska is higher than the national average. 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. Population 8,518 View Nearby Homes Alaska Real Estate Median Home Value $367,800 National $244,900 In addition to lack of houses to own, many Alaskan communities also face a lack of available rental units. Still, i definitely don't want to live somewhere with snobby people. The Alaskan sky is light nearly all night long from late May to late July, with it being light past 10 pm for another month on either side of that. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Alaska will cost you somewhere between $1,000 and $1,169 per month, or less in some smaller, scenic areas like Kenai. Alaska does not have a state income tax or a state sales tax, which can help to offset the high cost of living. Alaska is a good place to retire for people who love nature, dont live on a fixed income, and are alright with harsh weather. You may receive another 30 inches during the months of November and December combined. These activities are taken to the next level when you move to this state. It provides vital nutrients for the body, and it is delicious! Youll experience a shorter summer, but it wont be a jarring difference. I'm fine with rain, wind, snow, etc. So, if you order clothes, electronics, or any other items, it may take forever to get them. You will find plenty of cultural opportunities to explore in the community, with every amenity you would expect from an urban environment. The strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. 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. Those are the only career opportunities that are available. First of all, Alaska is a state of mountains. 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. Reasons not to move to Alaska. This park is famous for its brown bears, which can often be seen fishing for salmon in the parks rivers. The bad weather brings bad road conditions, and consequently bad drivers. It can get slightly warmer in February, but it will still average around 13. 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. big sur carmel, monterey itinerary . One of the things that makes Alaskas seafood so amazing is its location. Despite their small size, mosquitoes can be a big problem in Alaska, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts and those who live in rural areas. There are also initiatives to support the development of greenhouses and other methods of growing produce in the state. Pros of Moving to Alaska 1. 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. Some of this number leave and move elsewhere, but many return to Alaska. Fishing is also an option in the states rivers and streams. Because not all companies ship products to Alaska, obtaining the items you ordered can be a problem. Because food, other than the local food, needs to travel a great distance to get there, the prices are relatively high. 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. Lets get started! The best cities in Alaska depend on individual preferences and priorities. This means that locally-grown fruits and vegetables may only be available for a few months out of the year, further limiting options for consumers. In 2019, the oil and gas industry in Alaska generated over $11 billion in economic activity, supporting over 33,000 jobs. 2. As a result, many people end up living in small, crowded homes or temporary housing, such as trailers or cabins. Driving from Alaska to Seattle in 72 hours is possible if you dont make too many stops along the 1,000-mile trip. The median rent for a studio and one-bedroom in Alaska is $17 and $21 cheaper than the national average in 2019. The costs make the town kind of love it or leave it. The state of Alaska does not have a state sales tax. For example, it is illegal to consume marijuana in public, and it is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. 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. The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaskas largest annual event. While Alaska has many incredible natural wonders, they are not always easy to get to. The median listing home price per square foot was $202. 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. The cons, however, include high gas prices and the cost of living. Find the best and worst places to live, raise a family or retire in Alaska. The pros and cons of living in Alaska involve what you are willing to embrace so that you can have year-round access to all of the outdoor opportunities that exist in the state. The money can be used for anything that I choose, from paying bills to saving for a rainy day.
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