The state of Alaska has the lowest taxes in the United States. Your email address will not be published. The entire state of Alaska has a laid-back feel. 7. In addition to lack of houses to own, many Alaskan communities also face a lack of available rental units. Alaska is a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs. - The average commute for residents of Anchorage is 8.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Sitka. Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for! Please share your experience here: When we get comments from people on Pros and Cons of living in Sitka, Alaska, we publish them here. The state is home to many species of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and bald eagles. Every day is casual Friday in this state. Once you live here for a year or two, it is not unusual to encounter someone youve never met, but they already feel like they know you. Population: 2,683. Economy largely dependent on resource extraction, Summary of the Pros & Cons of Living in Alaska, 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Los Angeles, California, 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Orlando, Florida (Locals Guide), 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Hawaii. You may receive another 30 inches during the months of November and December combined. There is nothing that you can do to change this perspective. 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. A buddy of mine brought Sitka gear to Kodiak last fall. Another one of the major challenges of living in Alaska is the high cost of goods. You will need to adjust to doing a lot of shoveling, blowing, and plowing to keep your walkways and driveway clear. Thinking about living in Alaska, eh? Most people find that the rewards far outweigh whatever sacrifices they may need to make. Search for Alaska flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Have you ever heard about the rumor that the government will pay you to live in Alaska? The Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, The following errors occurred with your submission. In the winter, the snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes provide a stunning contrast to the dark skies. One of the negative effects of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on mental health. We have more than 10 years of experience in the civil works industry and we are experts in new house construction, tiles works, earth moving works, architecture works, and compound wall works 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. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. These activities are taken to the next level when you move to this state. This lack of availability means that many individuals and families are forced to compete for a limited number of rental units, which can drive up prices. For generations, dogsled racing has been one of the most prominent sports in Alaska. The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word alyeska, which means great land.. According to the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, on average, 140 people die from freezing to death each year. Fairbanks, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and access to outdoor activities. Despite the regulations, the violation ofwastewater and air quality regulations is usually repeated. On the other hand, a resource extraction economy can also be vulnerable to changes in the market or shifts in consumer demand. Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. To be materialistic is to have values that place a high priority on having many possessions and making large sums of money. 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. 4. It also gives you a chance to embrace the small-town charm that dominates the culture in the state. Alaska Maltese puppy, we encourage you to browse our selection and reach out to us with any questions you may have. The highest peak in North America, Mount Denali, is located in Alaska and stands at over 20,000 feet tall. The inland Alaskan Arctic, where the skies are clearer, is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. However, it can also mean that the state has limited resources for funding certain programs and services, such as education and healthcare. The Alaska Airlines Center was built, and famous acts now have a place to perform. 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. Because there are fewer consumers in the state, businesses may have to charge higher prices in order to cover their costs and remain profitable. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? 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 vibrant display of colors pinks, oranges, reds along with the shadows of the mountain ranges and forests, seem almost to touch the sun. You are going to be exposed to the Great Outdoors all of the time. If you shop strategically, especially with your rewards cards, most of the cost difference can be offset with a little creative budgeting. Another reason why Alaskas air and water are so clean is the states commitment to protecting the environment. Moose attacks are a prevalent thing in Alaska. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? Saved one of the best pros of living in Alaska for last. Posted by: Category: Uncategorized . For example, many Alaskans work in the fishing or oil industries, and these jobs can be well-paying and provide benefits like health insurance and retirement savings. This disadvantage is especially noticeable if you happen to have a family emergency going on outside of the state. 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. People are going to take an individual approach to how they manage their time. Despite higher-than-average wages, low poverty level, and a sparse population, violent crimes are surprisingly frequent. 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 home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, including over 3,000 glaciers and over 100,000 miles of coastline. The states leaders at the time believed that a state sales tax would be burdensome for businesses and residents, and opted not to impose one. 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,. You will also need to consider the cost of the trip before deciding to travel. Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 1,700 species of plants and animals. If long (and were talking looonnnggg) periods of darkness are challenging for you then moving to Alaska may not be your cup of tea. Median rent price. The median home price in Alaska is $337,222 which is well below the national average of 398,500. The overall crime rate in Sitka, Alaska is 8% lower than national average. It is considered the last hurrah for the residents before the end of summer. The cost of housing, in particular, is higher in Alaska than in many other parts of the country. At the same time, you are experiencing an average low that is sub-zero. This event caused the Valley of 10,000 Smokes at Katmai Park. Prices for both of those items are obscene. Artists cannot drive their tour buses to Alaska without going through Canada, and flying can be too expensive. Yes, marijuana is legal in the state of Alaska. Dog sleds remained an essential mode of transportation even after the Gold Rush era. Compared to other locations in the country, even the southern locations of Alaska have more snowfall. What makes them seem like that? 6. Yearly, there are about 5,000 earthquakes in Alaska. One of the things that makes Alaskan culture so interesting is its focus on the natural environment. 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. Because of the risk of contamination and sickness, prepare to filter or treat the water if necessary. 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. If youre thinking of moving to Alaska, its important to be prepared for rain lots of it. Still, i definitely don't want to live somewhere with snobby people. With its spectacular beauty, many recreational opportunities, and plentiful wildlife, there is an adventure at every turn in Americas last frontier. Overall, the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so its important to be prepared for a range of conditions when visiting the state. Of the two million tourists to visit the state each year, more than half will arrive by ship. But there are also repelling factors that keep some away. Automatically get personalized recommendations on where to move. Call it a way of life. They are really an issue only from the second week in June to the last week in July. The Pros of living in Sitka is that it truly is beautiful. If the cold weather of winter does bother you some, then Alaska might not be the perfect place to live. In this article Ill cover the pros and cons of living in Alaska based on my own personal experience. (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. In recent years, there have been efforts to reconsider the lack of a state sales tax in Alaska. ), Why Is Newport Beach So Expensive? 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. Revathi Constructions is a Leading Construction Company in Trichy. 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. As of April 2019, the amount of money spent on food for one person annually in Anchorage is $450. There are also initiatives to support the development of greenhouses and other methods of growing produce in the state. 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. Meeting start whenever the people involved feel like making them happen. You will not find better summers anywhere else in the world. 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. In fact, Alaska ranks in the top three states for the highest seafood harvest in the country, with over 5 billion dollars worth of seafood caught each year. The process is online, allowing you to obtain your identity numbers and file your incorporation papers in less than an hour for most businesses. While there are things to do, city life is slow compared to larger cities in the country. When you move to Alaska, you will discover that there are military, transportation, healthcare, and construction jobs readily available. Based on the 2017 cost of living study by the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, monthly utility costs in the state are high. 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. When you move further north in the state, thats when the cold really becomes an issue. However, you must be aware of what you are eating, as some might be poisonous. Sitka Housing Options Homes For Sale New Homes The states population is relatively small and sparsely distributed, with much of the population concentrated in the urban centers of Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. Up to 30% OFF Sale - Limited Time . Great place to raise a family. There are several opportunities to pursue your sport of choice during the summer as well. Pros and Cons of living in Sitka, Alaska according to Data Do you live in Sitka, Alaska? They used Attu and Kiska has a potential launching point if they were ever going to try to invade the continental 48 states. 3. Alaska is a vast and very remote state with many communities being extremely isolated from the rest of the country. Every year, residents of Alaska receive a dividend check from the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC). Engaging in cultural values and respecting Alaska Native heritage is fundamental to understanding Alaskas diversity. Coastal towns collect more than $60 million in revenue through the docking fees and other taxes. 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. Pros and cons - 5/23/2010 Just like most places, Parkersburg definitely has it's pros and cons. You get an opportunity to embrace a slower pace in life that focuses on individual dreams. 25 Pros of Living in Alaska There are many reasons why Alaska living is amazing. Alaska has the best summers in the world. 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. In the summer, the weather is milder, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s. You can limit this disadvantage by finding a home in or near Anchorage because there is a natural gas infrastructure that gives you access to this affordable fuel. 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. Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Health Care Cost Institute Report of 2016, Colorado Vs. California (Whats The Difference? Thank you for taking the time to post this. Moose and caribou are abundant throughout Alaska. The most notable of them is Mt. You can fish for trout, salmon, halibut, and crab. Usually, once people settle here, they want to remain. Hunting options include grouse, hare, mountain goat or brown bear, hunting in the rainforest region. D Sitka Housing Home value is 33% higher than Alaska. It is important to note that costs are higher in Alaska because of transportation and its isolation. Just remember, its not all doom and gloom (even though it might feel that way sometimes). Alaska ranks second to Wyoming for the highest rate of suicide in the country. A significant portion of the state is covered in snow and ice, creating difficult living conditions. 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. People turnover a lot. While Alaska has many incredible natural wonders, they are not always easy to get to. The higher median salary in Alaska is likely due in part to the states high cost of living, as well as the presence of higher-paying industries such as oil and gas. Outdoor activities are literally endless for the adventure-seeking individual. You can spend lots of time hiking, fishing, whale watching. Here are some interesting statistics about Alaskas natural beauty: No matter where you go in Alaska, youre sure to be awestruck by the beauty of the natural world. One of the most effective treatments for SAD is exposure to bright light. There is not a state income tax that is withheld from your paycheck. 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. Alaska has sunshine for almost 20 hours a day. From its early beginnings as a bridge of land extending from Siberia to its declaration as a U.S. state in 1959, Alaska has an exciting and dynamic history. 1. If you love the chaos and bustling pace of New York, you will go stir crazy in Anchorage or Juneau. Your email address will not be published. Numerous communities in the northern half of the state experience sub-zero temperatures throughout the year. Visitors can also go birdwatching in the states many wetlands and forests, or take a trip to see the Northern Lights. kinda wish i could move back, . 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 . 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. While bear attacks always make the headlines, they are few compared to the number of people who die of exposure in the extreme cold. 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. 4BD are closer to $2500. Instead, it relies on other sources of revenue, such as taxes on oil and natural gas production, to fund state government services. No doubt, this would attract many! Pros & Cons Overview Jobs80% Housing85% Affordability60% Safety60% Amenities60% Diversity90% Education85% Commute100% Is Sitka, Alaska safe place to live? That means you are going to be doing a lot of blowing, shoveling, and plowing to keep your driveway and walkways clear. To cope, some turn to overeating, alcohol, drugs, or extended periods of sleep. The decision to not impose a state sales tax in Alaska is rooted in the states history and its reliance on natural resource extraction for revenue. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, was almost 300,000 people calling at their home. 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. Outside of Anchorage, the next largest city is Juneau, with a total population of 32,000. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is related to the changing seasons. 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. Located in Denali National Park. Fly from Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines, Delta, American Airlines and more. Airborne pollutants are monitored and regulated, but infractions are common with financial penalties. You can save money in other ways by moving to Alaska as well. Breathtaking scenery. It is really easy to start a business after you move to Alaska. Some communities have their own licensing requirements to follow as well. In the summer, the days are long and the wildflowers are in bloom, creating a colorful tapestry across the landscape. The distinctive demographics in this unique area offer a feeling of pride in the residents. The law went into effect on February 24, 2015, making Alaska the third state in the United States to legalize marijuana for recreational use, after Colorado and Washington. Half of the current population of the state lives in the Anchorage metropolitan area. One thing Alaskans are very proud of is our clean air and water quality, I can confidently say that the air and water here are absolutely pristine. Because Alaska is the least densely populated of the United States, you can unwind and relax in complete silence if you choose. it's cool - pros and cons of anchorage - 9/5/2022 it's nice, i liked it when i grew up there.