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. Drawbacks of living in Wisconsin. Low cancer mortality rate. Another thing that makes Alaska so incredible is the sense of freedom that you feel here. Thank you for taking the time to post this. Because of the states remote location, many goods must be shipped in from other parts of the country or even abroad, which can drive up their cost. There are even plenty of small business loan programs that are available to entrepreneurs that can ease the burden of start-up costs too. It is not unusual to encounter wildlife every day when you are living in Alaska. Substance abuse rate on the higher side. Each year, residents living in Alaska full-time receive royalties from the funds earnings. There are several opportunities to pursue your sport of choice during the summer as well. You have 7 miles of road one way and 6 miles the other. Alaska is a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs. 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. 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. You may receive another 30 inches during the months of November and December combined. Keep in mind that these opinions are based merely on my own time here and others may have other experiences. If you have talked to people about moving to Alaska, then you might have heard that retail costs are higher in the state. They are really an issue only from the second week in June to the last week in July. Hike through Denali National Park or cruise the Seward Highway. 1. The state of Alaska does not have a state sales tax. The summer season is also an enjoyable time in the state, with long days, plenty of sunshine, and a mild climate. 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. 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. The larger cities tend to lean more liberal and the rural areas are conservative. In fact, you can compare it with any of the most beautiful spots in the world because of its uniqueness and beauty. The cost of living in Alaska is higher than the national average. The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaskas largest annual event. This park is famous for its brown bears, which can often be seen fishing for salmon in the parks rivers. 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. However, others are concerned that a sales tax could be detrimental to the states economy and place an additional burden on residents and businesses. So, let's get moving The Great Outdoors. Additionally, Alaskans pay a lot for electricity 23.42 cents/kWh as compared to the national average of 13.90 cents/kWh.iii. The median household income is only $65,000, which won't go far with the current cost of living. 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. There are many reasons why Alaska living is amazing. The climate is severe, and the strain of life can demand a heavy price. 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. Learn what it's like to live in Sitka, Alaska including the climate, cost of living, community, job opportunities, crime statistics, and more. Many families can still save money because of how taxes are structured here. As symptoms become more severe, suicide can result. Lets get started! If you want a city that retains a small-town feel but has all the big-city advantages, this is the place to be. Like, literally. Education. Russia and America completed the purchase agreement in 1867. It is really easy to start a business after you move to Alaska. People are going to take an individual approach to how they manage their time. This can be a physically demanding and time-consuming job depending on where you live and how much it snows. Here are the pros and cons of living in Alaska. 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. Anchorage never had a venue large enough for famous musicians to performuntil recently. Scenic Beauty. List of the Pros of Living in Arkansas. 1. Oh you adventure seeker you With its rugged wilderness, stunning natural beauty, and endless opportunities for outdoor exploration, Alaska is the perfect place to let your adventurous spirit run wild. Homes in Alaska cost a little more than compared to the rest of the country. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the vacancy rate for rental units in Alaska is just 4.6%, which is well below the national average of 6.9%. In general, Juneau is one-third more expensive than the average American city. Pros of Living in Alaska. Electricity and gas bills are 33% above the national average in Alaska. Job market. 3. This is the perfect place for snow sports including hiking, skiing . 17 out of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are found here. As tragic as the spills are, the Alaskans love their oil. The cost of living in Alaska is really high. Because Alaska does not have an income tax, the state earns its revenues through a tax burden placed on businesses. Through its established Permanent Fund Dividend Program, Alaska will pay you to move there. Top Reasons To Live In Sitka, AK In 2022. Despite the regulations, the violation ofwastewater and air quality regulations is usually repeated. national park college basketball roster. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of a large town or the seclusion of a remote area of the state, there are plenty of options throughout Alaska. Thats because even if you decide that living here isnt right for you, a holiday visit still creates the perfect opportunity to relax. It is also higher than the Alaska average. In the summer, the days are long and the wildflowers are in bloom, creating a colorful tapestry across the landscape. Another popular destination for wildlife viewing in Alaska is the Katmai National Park and Preserve. No doubt, this would attract many! That check can offer a nice boost to any retiree's budget. Drawbacks of Living in Massachusetts. Alaska has 35 species of mosquito, and all but a few will bite humans. In many cases, this is true. 10. 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. This event helped to form the Valley of 10,000 Smokes at Katmai National Park. As a local Alaskan, I can attest to the strong sense of community that exists in our state. If the cold weather of winter does bother you some, then Alaska might not be the perfect place to live. The land what eventually become the 49th state in 1957. 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. These people are defined by their language groups and are considered Alaskan Natives. For those who do love playing in the snow, you wont find a better place to learn a new sport. Downtown Juneau gets 94" of rain a year, Ketchikan receives 154", Sitka is something like 82". Alaska is a good place to live for folks who appreciate the stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, and are alright with a high cost of living and challenging weather. This becomes obvious if you have a family emergency happening outside the state. If you forget to plug in your car during the wintertime, you'll be frozen in time. Good air year round. The state is home to many species of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and bald eagles. Alaska has the best summers in the world. That means you are going to be doing a lot of blowing, shoveling, and plowing to keep your driveway and walkways clear. The real estate market in Alaska is quite expensive. 4. The states natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and relatively low cost of living make it an appealing destination for retirees. Wasilla. 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. The biggest problem, however, is accessibility. For someone who receives one of these dividend checks, its always a welcome boost to the old income. The majority of people in the state are homeowners, however. The living index here is 107.8 which is much higher than the national average of 100. 2. Living in Alaska pays dividends, literally, 8. And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. Because of its remote location, much of the produce consumed in the state must be shipped in from other parts of the country or even abroad. As a resident of Alaska, you get to experience the renowned Alaska State Fair, which is one of the best in the country. One of the things that makes Alaska so special is the way it stirs your soul. 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. It ranks fifth for the lowest sales tax in the country but first in overall tax burden for companies. Dont forget to budget your heating costs during the winter months. In Sitka there are a lot of bars and coffee shops. Use the menu in the orange box - on the left if you're using a PC - to review a variety of detailed facts and statistics we analyzed, including cost of living, climate, safety, community, infrastructure, education, and a list of pros and cons based on data from more than four dozen trusted sources. Compared to other locations in the country, even the southern locations of Alaska have more snowfall. This state has a depth of outdoor beauty. Depending on where you live, and how much snow comes in the season, you could find this process to be physically demanding and time-consuming. You can embrace the life, or you can try to fight the elements. Find flights to Kaua'i from $360. There is some truth to this idea that is percolating around the Internet. Some folks I know use it toward a vacation every year. Benefits of living in Wisconsin. 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. This means over 99% of the state is wilderness. The entire state of Alaska has a laid-back feel. Alaska will never rank high from a culinary perspective, but there are a few quality meals to be found. That money applies to every person in your family, including the kids. COST OF LIVING Compared to the rest of the country, Sitka's cost of living is 16.6% higher than the U.S. average. Alaska has some of the best air quality in America, 10. The rest of the state is largely rural and sparsely populated. Since so many of you are interested in what it's like to live in Alaska, here I break down the pros & cons after having lived here for over a year straight.C. If youre thinking of moving to Alaska, its important to be prepared for rain lots of it. Alaska experiences long, dark winters and short, sunny summers. 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