Some folks I know use it toward a vacation every year. As a result, many people end up living in small, crowded homes or temporary housing, such as trailers or cabins. Highways are paved in most areas, and the amount of traffic poses no problems for commuters. Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 1,700 species of plants and animals. With Alaskas 6,640 miles of coastline, tsunamis can happen. Illinois is prone to natural disasters. Low cancer mortality rate. Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Health Care Cost Institute Report of 2016, Colorado Vs. California (Whats The Difference? One of the most interesting things to do in Sitka for families, solo travelers, and kids is to check out the New Archangel Dancers. Despite these challenges, there are efforts underway to improve access to fresh produce in Alaska. You enjoy living close to other people and don't mind occasional elevator small talk. In addition to lack of houses to own, many Alaskan communities also face a lack of available rental units. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED HomeMindset.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon website (amazon.com amazon.in etc) and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. There are many off-the-beaten-path natural hot springs and some easily accessible that residents and visitors can enjoy even in the winter. Hello world! Prev. This makes it easier for people to save money by having a lower cost of living. Airborne pollutants are monitored and regulated, but infractions are common with financial penalties. Job market. Salmon fixed any way is a staple; also, reindeer dogs, halibut, crab, sourdough bread, and oysters are among the favorites. national park college basketball roster. As symptoms become more severe, suicide can result. The typical household in Sitka earns $81708 a year, compared to the national median of $67,500.Nearly 29.1% of households earn less than $50,000 a year compared to 39% national rate. Recent job growth is Negative. If you are out hiking, you need to be aware of your surroundings. It is important to consider these factors when looking at salary information for Alaska. Many families and young professionals live in Sitka. The top industries in Alaska include oil and gas, fishing, tourism, and government. This has created a diverse and vibrant cultural landscape, with over 20% of the states population being of Native American or Alaska Native descent. Alaska will become a significant investment for states. It is considered the last hurrah for the residents before the end of summer. Okay. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. 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. Residents are not required to pay either income tax or sales tax. If you are not a household that was living paycheck to paycheck, then this potential disadvantage does not apply to you. Situated in the far north, away from the pollution of major cities and industrial areas, Alaska is blessed with some of the cleanest air in the country. You may receive another 30 inches during the months of November and December combined. The cost of groceries and health care are also higher in Alaska compared to the national average. Hotel costs, gas, food, etc., need to figure into your decision. Even with strict regulations and watchdog groups, cruise ships still pollute the pristine waters they travel through. Residents in Alaska enjoy the ultimate summer. In recent years, there have been efforts to reconsider the lack of a state sales tax in Alaska. Find flights to Alaska from $177. People are going to take an individual approach to how they manage their time. Fuel costs are much higher in Alaska. When you move to Alaska, you will discover that there are military, transportation, healthcare, and construction jobs readily available. People in urban environments are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders than people in other locations. This limits the ability of developers to build new housing units and contributes to the overall shortage of affordable options. Based on the 2017 cost of living study by the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, monthly utility costs in the state are high. Still, i definitely don't want to live somewhere with snobby people. The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaskas largest annual event. Higher taxes. Clothes as many signature brands origin in there. Mushing is a sport or mode of transportation powered by dogs. Low wildfire risk. Homes are in the $625K-$1.2M price point. The median home prices for homes in Anchorage are $299,000, Fairbanks $222,000, Wasilla $239,000, and $185,000 for Kenai. Low cancer incidence rate. 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. Even when the winter months come around, this attitude doesnt change. Low proficiency in Reading and Language Arts at High schools. 17 out of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are found here. The biggest problem, however, is accessibility. If you are considering residency in Alaska, you need to weigh both the pros and cons to determine if Alaska is right for you. Even if you make your home in Anchorage, there is an excellent chance that you will encounter a moose at least once per day. It provides vital nutrients for the body, and it is delicious! Despite higher-than-average wages, low poverty level, and a sparse population, violent crimes are surprisingly frequent. Less comfortable weather (low number of days with temperatures 50-90 F) The states natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and relatively low cost of living make it an appealing destination for retirees. 3. If long (and were talking looonnnggg) periods of darkness are challenging for you then moving to Alaska may not be your cup of tea. Because Alaska is the least densely populated of the United States, you can unwind and relax in complete silence if you choose. That check can offer a nice boost to any retiree's budget. This can help to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. And with those points taken care of. Cost of Living. There are various communities in the northern half of the state that experience sub-zero temperatures all year long. A festival haven. 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. Moose and caribou are abundant throughout Alaska. 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. The average high temperature for the city in the month of January is 0. You're looking to save money on a monthly basis. 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. 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. However, the median salary can vary depending on factors such as the specific job, level of experience, and location within the state. This can make fresh fruits and vegetables more expensive and less readily available than in other parts of the country. Timber is another important resource in Alaska, with the states forests providing a source of wood for the construction and paper industries. That is true because of the added transportation costs to move goods that far north. At Point Barrow, the sun does not set from May 10 to August 2. Hope that you are able to leave there with the same delusion you have now about what a decent place it is. So, if you order clothes, electronics, or any other items, it may take forever to get them. polynesian running backs nfl diy arch trellis for vegetables pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. Additionally, the tourism industry is a major contributor to the states economy, with many visitors coming to Alaska to see its natural beauty and participate in outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting. If you decide to move in or around Anchorage, the weather may feel somewhat temperate, but you will experience a shorter summer. Those activities will make your stay memorable. This makes it the 47th most populous state in the United States. The industry also contributed over $2.2 billion in state and local tax revenue (talk about a vice grip). Every year, residents of Alaska receive a dividend check from the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC). Alaska is a good place to retire for people who love nature, dont live on a fixed income, and are alright with harsh weather. So Alaskans are less snobby then everyone else..? Hike through Denali National Park or cruise the Seward Highway. And these things will have you thinking hard. 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. Compared to other locations in the country, even the southern locations of Alaska have more snowfall. 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. The first $150,000 of the assessed value of a home are exempt from property taxes for all residents 65+. Living in Sitka offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. danitza athanassiadis biography; statute of limitations on traffic tickets in california; craigslist low income apartments for rent. 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). If hunting and fishing are among your favorite pastimes, Alaska is for you. From the moment you set foot in this wild, beautiful land, you can feel the thrill of adventure coursing through your veins. They are more plentiful than you may expect. The wildlife is as incredible as they say, 4. Visitors to the park can take guided tours or explore on their own to see the parks incredible wildlife. Living in Alaska pays dividends, literally, 8. The city is the fourth most dangerous place to live in Alaska. how did francesco sforza become the duke of milan. Ready to head to Americas Last Frontier? 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. Many families can still save money because of how taxes are structured here. 56% 12% lower than the US average. Alaska has 35 species of mosquito, and all but a few will bite humans. There isnt an argument to make for any other location. Your email address will not be published. So, while the darkness in Alaska can be beautiful and magical at times, it can also be a real challenge. Oh, okay. If bar hopping is to your liking, you will need to walk around a bit as Anchorage is very spread out. And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. Lets take Fairbanks, Alaska, as an example here. 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. Economy largely dependent on resource extraction, Summary of the Pros & Cons of Living in Alaska, Lets Talk: 20 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Florida (+ Forum), 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Massachusetts, 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Chicago, Illinois. They are really an issue only from the second week in June to the last week in July. 9. The pros of retiring in Alaska are the stunning landscapes, friendly residents, slow-paced and diverse lifestyles that you'll encounter here, and no income tax. I'm fine with rain, wind, snow, etc. Cons: it can get very cold for a very long time. 1. For those who do love playing in the snow, you wont find a better place to learn a new sport. Local taxes tend to be lower than they are in the continental 48 states as well. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, salmonberries can be found on Alaskas hiking trails. Cell phone service is absolutely awful in Alaska. May 29, 2022 . The median home cost in Anchorage amounts to about US$341,100. The state is home to many species of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and bald eagles. The Pros of living in Sitka is that it truly is beautiful. They can be triggered by landslides, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes. If you love the chaos and bustling pace of New York, you will go stir crazy in Anchorage or Juneau. June 21 has almost 19 hours of daylight in Anchorage, making it the longest day of the year. Learn what it's like to live in Sitka, Alaska including the climate, cost of living, community, job opportunities, crime statistics, and more. The suns view so far north is unbelievable. At the same time, you are experiencing an average low that is sub-zero. Pros. It typically occurs during the fall and winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. used tiffin motorhomes . It rains a lot! You'll definitely enjoy backpacking, hiking, and skiing. On the other hand, the median household income is reasonable, and the schools in the area are decent. 7. 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. 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