Thats because even if you decide that living here isnt right for you, a holiday visit still creates the perfect opportunity to relax. The low population density is immense, located so far north, and not connected to the mainland. For example, it is illegal to consume marijuana in public, and it is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. Dont forget to budget your heating costs during the winter months. Many families and young professionals live in Sitka. The Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, The following errors occurred with your submission. Dog sleds remained an essential mode of transportation even after the Gold Rush era. Alaska offers you plenty of small-town charm, even in the big cities. Alaska is a beautiful and unspoiled state but a difficult place to live. Venture to Alaska if you want to see the Aurora Borealis. And, finally, if you decide to make Alaska your permanent home, you'll soon be eligible for the Permanent Fund Dividend payout, which was $1,114 in 2021. 6. The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaskas largest annual event. The frost-free growing season in Alaska lasts for about 100 days. However, if this is your thing, snow sports will totally be an added bonus. 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. Low cancer mortality rate. A festival haven. Fly from Michigan on American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and more. Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included. The summer season is also an enjoyable time in the state, with long days, plenty of sunshine, and a mild climate. A high school education is a basic prerequisite for most . Dog sleds have been a means of transportation for centuries, especially in the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas. In fact, data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the poverty rate in Alaska is higher than the national average, with 13.4% of residents living in poverty compared to the national average of 11.8%. Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. Only California and Hawaii residents will pay more for their fueling needs. 17 out of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are found here. 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. Alaska has sunshine for almost 20 hours a day. So many artists will not come to Alaska to perform. People in urban environments are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders than people in other locations. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Sitka, AK. Flickr - James Brooks. A significant portion of the state is covered in snow and ice, creating difficult living conditions. However, it is important to note that marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and there are some restrictions on its use in Alaska. With its vast, unspoiled wilderness and strict environmental regulations, Alaska is a true haven for clean air and water. WEATHER & CLIMATE The cold really becomes a problem if you move farther north. Milestones such as the Klondike Gold Rush, the Good Friday Earthquake, and the passing of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act reserved millions of acres for preservation throughout the state. Culture. This means that the states economy is heavily dependent on its natural resources, which can be a good thing but also has its challenges (outside of the obvious ones like massive negative contributions to climate change). Some argue that a sales tax could provide a stable source of revenue for the state and help to fund important government services. 1. Timber is another important resource in Alaska, with the states forests providing a source of wood for the construction and paper industries. A deadline that is more of a suggestion then a finite term. 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. is 6.0%). This limits the ability of developers to build new housing units and contributes to the overall shortage of affordable options. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, Alaska has the highest cost of living of any state in the United States. Prince William Sound experienced a 9.2 quake in March of that year. General healthcare prices within the Anchorage metro area are an astonishing 82% above the national average, based on the Health Care Cost Institute Report of 2016. Snow removal is going to become part of your daily life. 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. It is really easy to start a business after you move to Alaska. The Alaska Airlines Center was built, and famous acts now have a place to perform. There are times when the weather and the costs of living here will be challenging. Hotel costs, gas, food, etc., need to figure into your decision. Usually, once people settle here, they want to remain. If you are considering residency in Alaska, you need to weigh both the pros and cons to determine if Alaska is right for you. That check can offer a nice boost to any retiree's budget. That gives you plenty of time to start exploring the 300 miles of trails that are around this one city. 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. It is important to consider these factors when looking at salary information for Alaska. If you are thinking about moving to Alaska then prepare to combat SAD. The trails in the city are closed frequently because of bear activity. Those activities will make your stay memorable. You can embrace the life, or you can try to fight the elements. $341,600 85% higher than the US average. The fish in Alaska are so big, you're guaranteed to break a rod at least once a season. Whether youre in the mood for a hearty fish stew, a delicious salmon salad, or simply a steaming plate of steamed crab legs, youll be able to find it all in Alaska. Despite these challenges, there are efforts underway to improve access to fresh produce in Alaska. That's the big picture view. Health hazards. Alaska is also a state of mountains. As with many of the items on this list of pros and cons of living in Alaska, this largely depends on where you live. And these things will have you thinking hard. Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Health Care Cost Institute Report of 2016, Colorado Vs. California (Whats The Difference? Cons: The VAT in Norway is huge. From the moment you set foot in this wild, beautiful land, you can feel the thrill of adventure coursing through your veins. This is the perfect place for snow sports including hiking, skiing . Benefits of living in Wisconsin. But if something were to happen to you where you couldn't bring in that income, you got behind, believe me, it would be a different story. This makes it the 47th most populous state in the United States. Alaska puts you face-to-face with wildlife all of the time. Despite higher-than-average wages, low poverty level, and a sparse population, violent crimes are surprisingly frequent. And are of European descent. danitza athanassiadis biography; statute of limitations on traffic tickets in california; craigslist low income apartments for rent. For example, some communities have established local farmers markets or community gardens where residents can purchase locally-grown produce. AK Craft Brew & Barleywine Festival Giveaway. . Thinking about living in Alaska, eh? 18 Living in Alaska Pros and Cons. You can save money in other ways by moving to Alaska as well. The median home cost in Anchorage amounts to about US$341,100. Another option is to invest in a good mosquito net, which can help keep the bugs at bay while youre trying to sleep. The long, dark winters can lead to a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (more on that below). Alaska ranks second to Wyoming for the highest rate of suicide in the country. This means that our seafood is not only fresh, but it also has a unique flavor that cant be found anywhere else in the world. 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. This means over 99% of the state is wilderness. As of the latest estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the population of Alaska is 731,545. Even with strict regulations and watchdog groups, cruise ships still pollute the pristine waters they travel through. 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. Required fields are marked *. In March of that year, Prince William Sound experienced a magnitude 9.2 earthquake. First things first. Overall, the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so its important to be prepared for a range of conditions when visiting the state. 7. Also you get a check just for living in Alaska. Here are a few of these traditions valued by the residents of the state. 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. With a strong feeling of purpose in our nation and a sense of contentment, Alaska residents are generally at peace and very happy with the place they call home. 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. Alaska ranks high as one of the most popular cruising destinations in the world. Benefits of Living in Massachusetts. There is a reason almost every car in Alaska, old or new, has a dent! 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. 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. The Arkansas Department of Transportation oversees one of the most extensive networks of roads and highways in the United States. One of the advantages of a resource extraction economy is that it can provide good jobs and a stable source of income for many people. There is nothing that you can do to change this perspective. 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. And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. 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. The city of Ketchikan, in particular, is known for its high levels of rainfall, with an average of over 150 inches per year. These activities are taken to the next level when you move to this state. While judging the pros and cons of living in Illinois, you would have learned that the state is highly vulnerable to thunderstorms, lightning, floods, and tornadoes. One of the things that makes Alaskan culture so interesting is its focus on the natural environment. If you are a married couple with four children, then you received a $6,600 PFT payment. Sitka jobs have decreased by 0.1%. Because there are fewer consumers in the state, businesses may have to charge higher prices in order to cover their costs and remain profitable. All of the best foreclosed homes for sale in Sitka are located in the following zip code areas on Foreclosure.com: 99835. 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. national park college basketball roster. Prev. The cons, however, include high gas prices and the cost of living. There is some truth to this idea that is percolating around the Internet. There are many features we have already discussed that draw people to this beautiful state. Severe climate. 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking Sites, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. You don't have a lot of stuff to store. Russia and America completed the purchase agreement in 1867. You may receive another 30 inches during the months of November and December combined. Pros and cons of living in Madison Wisconsin., Madison, 18 replies Pros/cons living in or around Denver, Colorado, 11 replies Sitka va Ketchikan Living, Alaska, 11 replies Sitka Living?, Alaska, 24 replies The Pros & Cons of Living in Ashland vs. Bend, Oregon, 28 replies Wasilla. Thank you for taking the time to post this. If you have talked to people about moving to Alaska, then you might have heard that retail costs are higher in the state. 1. So, if you order clothes, electronics, or any other items, it may take forever to get them. Hope that you are able to leave there with the same delusion you have now about what a decent place it is. The high cost of living in Alaska can be a challenge for many people, particularly for those on fixed incomes or low salaries. Just remember, its not all doom and gloom (even though it might feel that way sometimes). 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