Venture to Alaska if you want to see the Aurora Borealis. As a result, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reports that over 90% of the states surface waters are classified as clean or moderately clean, with only a small number of areas classified as polluted.. The states natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and relatively low cost of living make it an appealing destination for retirees. For example, it is illegal to consume marijuana in public, and it is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. To maximize your chances of seeing them, Prudhoe Bay and Barrow in the extreme north or the remote northern villages of Coldfoot in the Yukon Territory offer the best possibility of viewing the Lights. Alaska has a very diverse climate, with temperatures and weather patterns varying widely depending on where you are in the state. Pros: Nice, quiet small town Good controls on development; no big box stores or too many chain stores, etc Beautiful esp. There is not the same level of hectic chaos here like there is in most of the rest of the world. These events are associated with the Aleutian Trench, a subduction zone, where the Pacific plate is pushed under the American continents crust. Electricity and gas bills are 33% above the national average in Alaska. In fact, over half of the land in Alaska is protected wilderness, ensuring that these beautiful landscapes will be preserved for generations to come. Alaska is a vast and very remote state with many communities being extremely isolated from the rest of the country. Despite the regulations, the violation ofwastewater and air quality regulations is usually repeated. when it's sunny Cons: EXPENSIVE Seems quite snobby Limited trail system and getting above treeline is a haul Rain, rain, lots and lots of rain And all the other stuff that goes with being off the road system in AK, good and bad. The more rural cities can feel like youre on the surface of the moon. There are many features we have already discussed that draw people to this beautiful state. (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. Alaska has 35 species of mosquito, and all but a few will bite humans. They are more plentiful than you may expect. Lets take Fairbanks, Alaska, as an example here. Thanks in advance! Sitka real estate or Sitka rentals. . For those who live outside of this metroplex, the only option tends to be heating oil, which is much more expensive. While this can vary in size from year to year, it ranges from $800 to $1,100. They used Attu and Kiska has a potential launching point if they were ever going to try to invade the continental 48 states. Another reason why Alaskas seafood is so fantastic is the variety. 1. The most vigorous earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. That makes it the third-highest state for average prices in this area. If bar hopping is to your liking, you will need to walk around a bit as Anchorage is very spread out. There is nothing that you can do to change this perspective. If you decide to make your home around Anchorage when you move to Alaska, then the weather will feel somewhat temperate. If living in a more remote area of the state and want to see the capital of Alaska, plan to take a boat or plane. Activities that take place outside become a part of who you are. Another issue is the lack of available land for development. 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. It is the perfect place to learn snow sports. That means you can have some extra cash to save for a new home, college tuition costs, or the outdoor toys you will want to use as you start exploring the millions of acres of wilderness. The distinctive demographics in this unique area offer a feeling of pride in the residents. But if you shop carefully, use your rewards cards, and with a bit of creative budgeting, this possible disadvantage may not apply to you, even if your household lives paycheck to paycheck. Engaging in cultural values and respecting Alaska Native heritage is fundamental to understanding Alaskas diversity. This can help to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. As a result, many people end up living in small, crowded homes or temporary housing, such as trailers or cabins. In Alaska, the sense of community is strong. Exploring the wild forests, paddling a kayak through the crystal-clear waters, and taking a deep breath of the clean, fresh air, Alaska is a place where you can truly be free. Sitka cost of living is 116.6. You can get paid to live in Alaska once you qualify. Great idea. Popularity and image, which are always expressed through money and possessions, lead people to have materialistic values and be concerned about the status quo. When you live in Alaska, the outdoors is no longer an afterthought. Driving from one point to another is not something most people stress about these days. kinda wish i could move back, . There is not a state income tax that is withheld from your paycheck. The city of Ketchikan, in particular, is known for its high levels of rainfall, with an average of over 150 inches per year. Some residents have even come to see the insects as a source of entertainment, with some people holding mosquito calling contests to see who can attract the most mosquitoes with a particular sound or scent. The fortunate residents can regularly see and experience the worlds most beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and natural phenomena. Chill, Diverse People. The estimated population of Alaska is 738,000. That means you are going to be struggling with about the same number of days with snow each year. Outdoor activities are literally endless for the adventure-seeking individual. The best cities in Alaska depend on individual preferences and priorities. The worst thing for most people is the dreadful cold. Prices for both of those items are obscene. In recent years, the amount of the dividend has ranged from a low of $900 to a high of $2,000. This is due in part to the states remote location, which makes it difficult to access certain goods and services. When you move further north in the state, thats when the cold really becomes an issue. It can get slightly warmer in February, but it will still average around 13. After all, as they say, laughter is the best medicine, and theres no shortage of dark humor to be found in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Another reason why Alaskas air and water are so clean is the states commitment to protecting the environment. 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. Every day is casual Friday in this 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. As a local Alaskan, I can attest to the strong sense of community that exists in our state. The result is your tax burden is potentially higher than it would be in some states. Moose and caribou are abundant throughout Alaska. Should you move to Sitka, Alaska? If you decide to move in or around Anchorage, the weather may feel somewhat temperate, but you will experience a shorter summer. There isnt an argument to make for any other location. From small town fairs to large cultural events, there are always opportunities to come together and celebrate the things that make Alaska special. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. Population 8,518 View Nearby Homes Alaska Real Estate Median Home Value $367,800 National $244,900 For those who do love playing in the snow, you wont find a better place to learn a new sport. You will also need to consider the cost of the trip before deciding to travel. 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. The state median home value is $265,000, with 71% of the homes in the state priced between $108,000 and $435,000. That is how Alaska got the name Land of the Midnight Sun.. 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. Then there are the Northern Lights that you can see frequently dance across the sky all winter long. The highest peak in North America, Mount Denali, is located in Alaska and stands at over 20,000 feet tall. One of the things that makes Alaska so special is the way it stirs your soul. You can embrace the life, or you can try to fight the elements. The rise of other modes of transportation, such as planes, trains, and snowmachines, has reduced the need for dog sleds as a mode of transportation. Every year, residents of Alaska receive a dividend check from the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC). McKinley. The cons, however, include high gas prices and the cost of living. 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. 6. Still, i definitely don't want to live somewhere with snobby people. What many people do not realize is that Japan actually occupied two Alaskan islands during World War II for 15 months. A high school education is a basic prerequisite for most . 2. Springwater, without a doubt, is considered the best water to drink. This can be a physically demanding and time-consuming job depending on where you live and how much it snows. The stress of living boils over into violence for some Alaskans. One of the challenges of living in Alaska is the difficulty of obtaining fresh produce. Mushing is a sport or mode of transportation powered by dogs. 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. You have to be careful, though, since it is wilderness, and while they have a good Search and Rescue, sometimes they never find people who get lost, besides danger of slides, injuries. 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. Fuel costs are much higher in Alaska. The median listing home price per square foot was $202. COST OF LIVING: Sitka: Alaska: USA Overall: 116.6: 116.5: 100 Grocery: 146.4: 141.7 . Half of the current population of the state lives in the Anchorage metropolitan area. Moving to Alaska might not be quite your speed. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 40% of Alaskas population lives in rural areas that are considered frontier or remote.. As of April 2019, the amount of money spent on food for one person annually in Anchorage is $450. The cost of living in Alaska is really high. Alaska has the longest coastline of any state in the United States, at over 6,600 miles long. As tragic as the spills are, the Alaskans love their oil. PRO: Lots of wild animals. - The average commute for residents of Anchorage is 8.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Sitka. Just remember, its not all doom and gloom (even though it might feel that way sometimes). Revathi Constructions is a Leading Construction Company in Trichy. There are even plenty of small business loan programs that are available to entrepreneurs that can ease the burden of start-up costs too. 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. The states rich history is evident when you look through its national parks, museums, artifacts, and its famed oil industry. Sitka, AK vs Anchorage, AK Change Cities Highlights - The Median Age in Anchorage is 5.9 years younger than in Sitka. Highways are paved in most areas, and the amount of traffic poses no problems for commuters. There are also initiatives to support the development of greenhouses and other methods of growing produce in the state. Dog sleds have been a means of transportation for centuries, especially in the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas. And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. Cell phone service is absolutely awful in Alaska. The vibrant display of colors pinks, oranges, reds along with the shadows of the mountain ranges and forests, seem almost to touch the sun. While SAD is more common in areas with long, dark winters, it can also affect people who live in other parts of the world. Subsistence hunting occurs throughout Alaska all year long and is a central focus of the traditions and customs of many of the cultural groups in Alaska. It can get extremely cold in Alaska, even during the summer months. Ignore the cold while having a good soak in many of the natural hot springs in Alaska. 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. Some argue that a sales tax could provide a stable source of revenue for the state and help to fund important government services. The ordinary and the extraordinary. Alaska was ranked the most outdoorsy state in America with 81 percent of the population being involved in outdoor activities. One reason is the states location near the ocean. 10. Additionally, Alaskas coastal location means that it is often hit by storms, which can bring even more precipitation. Consider yourself as and adventurous sort that can forgo some creature comforts in return for epic natural bounty? Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? 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. If long (and were talking looonnnggg) periods of darkness are challenging for you then moving to Alaska may not be your cup of tea. It is one of the few places in the world where someone with virtually no experience can still catch enough fish or hunt as a way to feed their family for an entire year. Required fields are marked *. The states abundant natural resources, including oil, natural gas, seafood, and natural wonders are the main drivers of its economy. You can save money in other ways by moving to Alaska as well. There are times when the weather and the costs of living here will be challenging. Fairbanks is the home to 31,000 people. The strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. 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. With its spectacular beauty, many recreational opportunities, and plentiful wildlife, there is an adventure at every turn in Americas last frontier. In fact, according to the EPA, over 90% of the air quality monitoring sites in Alaska have air quality that is classified as good or moderate,. Dont forget to budget your heating costs during the winter months. The median values are higher for some bigger cities, such as Juneau and Anchorage, with prices averaging $364,000 and $303,000, respectively. It typically occurs during the fall and winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The state also experiences powerful volcanic eruptions from time to time, including the most powerful of the 20th century at Novarupta Volcano. Living in Sitka Alaska Everyday life in Sitka, Alaska. In addition to outdoor activities, there are also many community events and festivals that bring folks together throughout the year. Life tends to move a lot slower when living in Alaska. 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. Rent is only slightly cheaper than in other areas of the country. Some communities have their own licensing requirements to follow as well. Alaska Will Pay You to Move There Prince William Sound experienced a 9.2 quake in March of that year. There are several opportunities to pursue your sport of choice during the summer as well. Driving from Alaska to Seattle in 72 hours is possible if you dont make too many stops along the 1,000-mile trip. The average high temperature for the city in the month of January is 0. A buddy of mine brought Sitka gear to Kodiak last fall. When you consider that they receive a yearly sum from the Permanent Fund, living in Alaska is a great way to save money.
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