pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska

Search for Alaska flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Alaska Right Now This makes it easier for people to save money by having a lower cost of living. Expect to pay about $.45 per gallon more for your fuel needs when you move to the state. Great place to raise a family. The Pros of living in Sitka is that it truly is beautiful. According to statistics from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, the state is home to over 20 different species of mosquitoes, with the Alaska mosquito being the most prevalent. The military base nearby and international immigration has created a cultural melting pot in the area. Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for! There are several opportunities to pursue your sport of choice during the summer as well. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska One of the things that makes Alaskas air and water so clean is its location. Visitors and residents can view them between September and late April. Coastal towns collect more than $60 million in revenue through the docking fees and other taxes. Still, i definitely don't want to live somewhere with snobby people. Many of Alaskas rivers are perfect for whitewater rafting, cruise the coastal waters by boat or take a flightseeing tour of glaciers. Median listing prices for other top cities in Alaska include $270,000 for Fairbanks, $339,900 for homes in Wasilla, and $250,000 for homes in Kenai. At Point Barrow, the sun does not set from May 10 to August 2. Fuel costs are much higher in Alaska. The public schools in Sitka are above average. Snow removal is going to become part of your daily life. Some parts of the state see nearly 24 hours of daylight during the season. You will not find better summers anywhere else in the world. Your email address will not be published. You must become a business if you want to be self-employed. There are many features we have already discussed that draw people to this beautiful state. The state also experiences powerful volcanic eruptions from time to time, including the most powerful of the 20th century at Novarupta Volcano. Looking to move to Alaska to save on taxes? Please share your experience here: When we get comments from people on Pros and Cons of living in Sitka, Alaska, we publish them here. Alaska is one of only a handful of states that does not have a state income tax. As of April 2019, the amount of money spent on food for one person annually in Anchorage is $450. Visitors can also go birdwatching in the states many wetlands and forests, or take a trip to see the Northern Lights. Highways are paved in most areas, and the amount of traffic poses no problems for commuters. Alaska receives no attention from authors and artists. Cost of Living in Sitka, Alaska. 5. Compare Now. 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. If you have talked to people about moving to Alaska, then you might have heard that retail costs are higher in the state. Then there are the Northern Lights that you can see frequently dance across the sky all winter long. Every year, residents of Alaska receive a dividend check from the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC). 2. 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. In addition to national parks, there are also many other opportunities for wildlife viewing in Alaska. We are passionate about home decor, design, and all things home related. 1. It is not unusual to encounter wildlife every day when you are living in Alaska. Alaska is home to the largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass National Forest, which covers over 17 million acres. A deadline that is more of a suggestion then a finite term. You heard it right, if outdoor recreation is important then living in Alaska just got easier. 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. What's It like to live in Sitka? : r/alaska - reddit One reason is the states location near the ocean. Automatically get personalized recommendations on where to move. Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. The frost-free growing season in Alaska lasts for about 100 days. When you live in the state, then you are 15 minutes from being out in the wild, no matter where your home happens to be. 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. In general Sitka has a high cost of living, especially with regards to groceries and medical care. Juneau, the state capital and a popular destination for its historic downtown and nearby outdoor attractions. However, the higher cost of living is a trade off for higher quality of living. This check is a way for the state to share the wealth generated by the states oil and mineral resources with its residents. Median rent price. We almost all use Helly Hansen Impertec. 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. 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 . If nature is important to you then consider it a top pro of moving to Alaska. Of the two million tourists to visit the state each year, more than half will arrive by ship. Half of the current population of the state lives in the Anchorage metropolitan area. Alaska does not have a state income tax or a state sales tax, which can help to offset the high cost of living. The more rural cities can feel like youre on the surface of the moon. The constant buzzing and biting can be annoying, and in some cases, mosquitoes can even transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and malaria. Backpacking, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, hang gliding, and so much more are available in Alaska because the summers are perfect for them. Despite higher-than-average wages, low poverty level, and a sparse population, violent crimes are surprisingly frequent. 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. If you want to work as a freelancer or be self-employed, then you must become a business when you live in the state. Additionally, marijuana businesses are not allowed to operate within 500 feet of schools or other areas where children are present. In addition, the states economy is heavily dependent on the oil industry, which can be volatile and contribute to fluctuations in the cost of living. The median home price in Alaska is $337,222 which is well below the national average of 398,500. Those are the only career opportunities that are available. Hunting options include grouse, hare, mountain goat or brown bear, hunting in the rainforest region. There is not the same level of hectic chaos here like there is in most of the rest of the world. This means that locally-grown fruits and vegetables may only be available for a few months out of the year, further limiting options for consumers. Some refer to mosquitoes as the states official bird, given their ubiquity and ability to survive in harsh environments. These activities are taken to the next level when you move to this state. In fact, according to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Alaska has the most state park land per resident of any state in the country, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Living in Alaska Pros and Cons Pros You will experience the great outdoors in Alaska in a way that you never have before. Pros than cons to living in Sitka offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their.. Magic of the 20 highest mountain peaks in States hiking, and economic There are times when the weather and the costs of living here will be challenging. 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. So, if you order clothes, electronics, or any other items, it may take forever to get them. There are many reasons why Alaska living is amazing. The second largest industry in Alaska is tourism. The cons, however, include high gas prices and the cost of living. Compare Sitka, Alaska Cost of Living vs Anchorage, Alaska Cost of Living: Taxes, Childcare, Groceries, Health. The biggest problem, however, is accessibility. The state median home value is $265,000, with 71% of the homes in the state priced between $108,000 and $435,000. 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). In addition to lack of houses to own, many Alaskan communities also face a lack of available rental units. Fairbanks has an average temperature in the city during January of 0. They are indigenous peoples of the state. The state of Alaska does not have a state sales tax. Alaska will never rank high from a culinary perspective, but there are a few quality meals to be found. Sitka, AK vs Anchorage, AK Change Cities Highlights - The Median Age in Anchorage is 5.9 years younger than in Sitka. Many areas of the state are only accessible by boat, plane, train, or floatplane and cannot be reached by car. Thinking about living in Alaska, eh? The land what eventually become the 49th state in 1957. In Alaska, there are two seasons, road construction and winter. In addition to outdoor activities, there are also many community events and festivals that bring folks together throughout the year. If bar hopping is to your liking, you will need to walk around a bit as Anchorage is very spread out. Numerous communities in the northern half of the state experience sub-zero temperatures throughout the year. Even when the winter months come around, this attitude doesnt change. If the cold weather of winter does bother you some, then Alaska might not be the perfect place to live. And the road systems are fine with me, too. This park is famous for its brown bears, which can often be seen fishing for salmon in the parks rivers. Based on the 2017 cost of living study by the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, monthly utility costs in the state are high. Is Alaska a Good Place to Live? Pros and Cons of Living in Alaska Some of these longstanding traditions may seem odd to outsiders, but they are captivating and essential to the residents living throughout the rural villages and more populated areas in Alaska. Because Alaska is the least densely populated of the United States, you can unwind and relax in complete silence if you choose. The most infamous oil spill in the country occurred in 1989 with the Exxon Valdez tankers grounding, where 10.8 million gallons of crude were dumped into the ocean. Electricity and gas bills are 33% above the national average in Alaska. The Natural Splendor If nature is important to you then consider it a top pro of moving to Alaska. With its spectacular beauty, many recreational opportunities, and plentiful wildlife, there is an adventure at every turn in Americas last frontier. 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. In rural areas, for example, people often rely on their neighbors for help with things like shoveling snow or carpooling. Alaska ranks high as one of the most popular cruising destinations in the world. If you are not a household that was living paycheck to paycheck, then this potential disadvantage does not apply to you. ), Why Is Newport Beach So Expensive? Dont forget to budget your heating costs during the winter months. Moose, brown and black bears, caribou (aka reindeer) elk, musk ox, wood bison, wolves, lynx, wolverines, eagles, etc, etc. Yes, marijuana is legal in the state of Alaska. The median listing home price per square foot was $202. When you move to Alaska, you will discover that there are military, transportation, healthcare, and construction jobs readily available. Best Places to Live in Fairbanks, Alaska Fairbanks AK rests close Arctic Circle famed principally for its natural sites such as Chena River State Recreation Area where visitors may take part in different water sports or simply enjoy some peace & tranquility while walking along sandy beaches! Alaska is the most outdoorsy state in America, 4. 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. Hike through Denali National Park or cruise the Seward Highway. The top industries in Alaska include oil and gas, fishing, tourism, and government. The fees for a business licenses are non-refundable, so if you make an error on your application, then you must pay for a second fee. Find the best and worst places to live, raise a family or retire in Alaska. And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. Moving to Sitka, Alaska : alaska - reddit.com Up to 30% OFF Sale - Limited Time . 1. Cordova. In the summer, the days are long and the wildflowers are in bloom, creating a colorful tapestry across the landscape. No doubt, this would attract many! That means your tax burden is potentially higher than what it would be in some other states. There are many options to choose from when looking for a relaxing natural hot spring to unwind in. Another issue is the lack of available land for development. The states remote location and difficult climate make it more expensive to transport goods and services to and from the state, which drives up the cost of living. The payment in 2017 was $1,100 per person. A high school education is a basic prerequisite for most . But why is Alaska so rainy? The most notable of them is Mt. Maybe living in Alaska is your pace. Cordova has a small-town vibe due to its tiny population of fewer than 3,000 people and is only accessible by ferry. 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. In other words, its the Arctic Circle of flavor. Alaska is a beautiful and unique state with a lot to offer retirees. It typically occurs during the fall and winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. You might pay $6 for a gallon of milk instead of $3. If you choose to buy a home, know that some cities exempt seniors from part of their property tax. For example, some communities have established local farmers markets or community gardens where residents can purchase locally-grown produce. Loathe darkness, cold weather, rain, and high prices. Iditarod mushers will take you on a dog sled ride, share stories about the race, and let you pet and cuddle with the sled dogs. Just as Anchorage gets lovely sunshine almost all day during the summer months, it is the opposite during the winter when darkness and cold take over. 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. That never happened, but it is an interesting part of U.S. history that isnt always taught in history class. You may receive another 30 inches during the months of November and December combined. If you are out hiking, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Another reason why Alaskas seafood is so fantastic is the variety. 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. (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. 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. What makes them seem like that? Local taxes tend to be lower than they are in the continental 48 states as well. Another one of the major challenges of living in Alaska is the high cost of goods. 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. If you decide to move in or around Anchorage, the weather may feel somewhat temperate, but you will experience a shorter summer. Whether youre hiking through the towering peaks of the Alaska Range, fishing for wild salmon in a glacial stream, or simply gazing at the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you, Alaska has a way of making you feel alive like nowhere else on earth. 3. The Alaska Airlines Center was built, and famous acts now have a place to perform. The inland Alaskan Arctic, where the skies are clearer, is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. The stress of living boils over into violence for some Alaskans. 20 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Alaska (Local's Guide) Lets get started! Popularity and image, which are always expressed through money and possessions, lead people to have materialistic values and be concerned about the status quo. Then the next largest community is Wasilla, with just 10,000 residents. A typical cruise ship produces thousands of gallons of raw sewage, garbage, wastewater, and oily bilge water from their engines. These people are defined by their language groups and are considered Alaskan Natives. 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.

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