In Alaska, there are two seasons, road construction and winter. You will need to adjust to doing a lot of shoveling, blowing, and plowing to keep your walkways and driveway clear. Alaskas economy is largely based on resource extraction, such as fishing, mining, and oil drilling. For those who live outside of this metroplex, the only option tends to be heating oil, which is much more expensive. At the same time, you are experiencing an average low that is sub-zero. Breathtaking scenery. The average amount of the dividend check is around $1,600, although the actual amount can vary from year to year depending on the performance of the fund. Alaska receives no attention from authors and artists. Although there are plenty of flights that you can take from Alaska to the continental 48 states, the distance that you face becomes surprisingly large after you make the move. In recent years, there have been efforts to reconsider the lack of a state sales tax in Alaska. Fairbanks, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and access to outdoor activities. Posted by: Category: Uncategorized . Well Ive got news for you. This can be a difficult adjustment for newcomers living in Alaska. Moose attacks are a prevalent thing in Alaska. What are the pros and cons of living in Alaska? Alaska was once thought of as a folly. 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. You might pay $6 for a gallon of milk instead of $3. The cost of living in Alaska is really high. Half of the current population of the state lives in the Anchorage metropolitan area. That gives you plenty of time to start exploring the 300 miles of trails that are around this one city. As symptoms become more severe, suicide can result. 7. 1. Anchorage gets about five hours of sunlight during the winter solstice, with 19 hours of pitch-black sky. The state median home value is $265,000, with 71% of the homes in the state priced between $108,000 and $435,000. They are talking snobby by Alaska standards, which would probably translate to an average person anywhere else. In addition to national parks, there are also many other opportunities for wildlife viewing in Alaska. The most notable of them is Mt. Outdoor activities are literally endless for the adventure-seeking individual. For example, it is illegal to consume marijuana in public, and it is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. In addition to lack of houses to own, many Alaskan communities also face a lack of available rental units. Even then, the cost of travel is going to be something that you will want to think about before you finalize any plans. Dog sleds have been a means of transportation for centuries, especially in the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas. One of the things that makes the sense of community so strong is the fact that many Alaskans are involved in outdoor activities together such as fishing, hunting, and hiking. Artists cannot drive their tour buses to Alaska without going through Canada, and flying can be too expensive. The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaskas largest annual event. Juneau, the state capital and a popular destination for its historic downtown and nearby outdoor attractions. The suns view so far north is unbelievable. Chill, Diverse People. Based on the FBIs statistics, Alaska is second to Tennessee as the nations most violent state. 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. 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 Many tour companies offer wildlife viewing cruises and excursions to see whales, seals, and other marine animals. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? It is really easy to start a business after you move to Alaska. With the national average being $323, you can see how food can get expensive in Alaska. 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. 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. This event helped to form the Valley of 10,000 Smokes at Katmai National Park. Situated in the far north, Alaska is surrounded by cold, clean ocean waters that are teeming with a wide variety of fish and shellfish. McKinley. 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. 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. 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. There are several opportunities to pursue your sport of choice during the summer as well. Sufferers from SAD experience malaise, anxiety, and deep depression. The fortunate residents can regularly see and experience the worlds most beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and natural phenomena. Another reason why Alaskas seafood is so fantastic is the variety. According to the Bureau of Vital Statistics, approximately 400 people a year come to an untimely death in Alaska, making it the second most deadly state in the country behind Mississippi. This has created a diverse and vibrant cultural landscape, with over 20% of the states population being of Native American or Alaska Native descent. Oh, okay. In rural areas, for example, people often rely on their neighbors for help with things like shoveling snow or carpooling. From small town fairs to large cultural events, there are always opportunities to come together and celebrate the things that make Alaska special. 4. The lack of a state income tax can be a financial benefit for residents, as it can help to offset the high cost of living in the state. Including the: Pacific Ocean Gulf of Alaska Bering Sea Chukchi Sea Beaufort Sea A high school education is a basic prerequisite for most . 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. It is also legal to purchase marijuana from licensed retailers, and the state has established a system of taxes and regulations for the marijuana industry. That makes it the third-highest state for average prices in this area. 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. Looking to move to Alaska to save on taxes? A significant portion of the state is covered in snow and ice, creating difficult living conditions. Please share your experience here: When we get comments from people on Pros and Cons of living in Sitka, Alaska, we publish them here. 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. Median home value. In fact, you can compare it with any of the most beautiful spots in the world because of its uniqueness and beauty. 7. To be materialistic is to have values that place a high priority on having many possessions and making large sums of money. 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! 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. One of the things that makes Alaska so special is the way it stirs your soul. Have you ever heard of the concept called Island Time? When you move to Alaska, you will get to experience this slowing of life across the entire state. I actually love all of them! While Alaska has many incredible natural wonders, they are not always easy to get to. Low crime, schools are good, etc. Dogsled racing is the primary form of mushing and thrives as an unorganized sport that provides a healthy outdoor form of winter exercise for all families. There are several positions that help to support the tourism industry in the state as well. The money can be used for anything that I choose, from paying bills to saving for a rainy day. 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. Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, salmonberries can be found on Alaskas hiking trails. Springwater, without a doubt, is considered the best water to drink. Have you ever heard about the rumor that the government will pay you to live in Alaska? COST OF LIVING: Sitka: Alaska: USA Overall: 116.6: 116.5: 100 Grocery: 146.4: 141.7 . Police cars are equipped with massive bumpers to fend off rude and unwelcome moose around highways or public areas. There are many reasons why Alaska living is amazing. It also gives you a chance to embrace the small-town charm that dominates the culture in the state. 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. During the average year, Anchorage sees over 30 inches of snow from January to March. If long (and were talking looonnnggg) periods of darkness are challenging for you then moving to Alaska may not be your cup of tea. Another thing that contributes to the strong sense of community in Alaska is the fact that many people rely on one another for support in daily life. If you want to work as a freelancer or be self-employed, then you must become a business when you live in the state. Sitka real estate or Sitka rentals. Other cities to consider include Wasilla, Kenai, and Sitka. 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. Alaska has a very diverse climate, with temperatures and weather patterns varying widely depending on where you are in the state. The second largest industry in Alaska is tourism. The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word alyeska, which means great land.. Compare Now. 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. Another one of the major challenges of living in Alaska is the high cost of goods. 25 Pros of Living in Alaska There are many reasons why Alaska living is amazing. Sitka is a city in Alaska state in USA with a population of 8569 residents..The poverty rate of Sitka is 6.6%, which is 53% lower than national average. While Alaska has diverse geographical regions with different climates, Alaska is known for its long nights and winters no matter where you go. Some popular cities in the state include: Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska and a hub for commerce, culture, and outdoor recreation. It is not unusual for you to start pursuing an idea today, and then be ready to start earning money in a week or two. 6. Call it a way of life. The median listing home price per square foot was $202. 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. Anchorage never had a venue large enough for famous musicians to performuntil recently. When determining what cities are good for your personality, life situation, and personal preferences, there are many factors to consider including climate, cost of living, community, job opportunities, population makeup, activities, and things to do. - The average commute for residents of Anchorage is 8.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Sitka. A deadline that is more of a suggestion then a finite term. Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. 6. Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. You can embrace the life, or you can try to fight the elements. These people are defined by their language groups and are considered Alaskan Natives. Alaska offers you plenty of small-town charm, even in the big cities. That is due to the higher cost of transportation and the isolation factor of the state. Compared to other locations in the country, even the southern locations of Alaska have more snowfall. (Top 10 Reasons), Why Is Cancn So Expensive? Another negative effect of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on your safety. The strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. Some argue that a sales tax could provide a stable source of revenue for the state and help to fund important government services. To cope, some turn to overeating, alcohol, drugs, or extended periods of sleep. It is held in Palmer, Alaska, in the late summer and dates back to 1936. Sitka also has a wider range of water -based activities compared to Skagway. In general, the weather in Alaska is cold and snowy in the winter, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Only California and Hawaii residents will pay more for their fueling needs.