One reason is the states location near the ocean. Not many states are as beautiful as Alaska. All of the best foreclosed homes for sale in Sitka are located in the following zip code areas on Foreclosure.com: 99835. This event helped to form the Valley of 10,000 Smokes at Katmai National Park. It has 17 out of 20 highest mountain peaks in states. Much of the land in Alaska is owned by the federal government, and there are strict regulations on how it can be used. Commercial fishing is another occupation that many households practice in the state. It is essential to remember that costs are higher in Alaska. The first $150,000 of the assessed value of a home are exempt from property taxes for all residents 65+. $341,600 85% higher than the US average. Nice that you both are nurses, and people are nice to you, because they need nurses in Sitka. From the natural beauty of the Aleutian Islands, which has dozens of volcanoes, to the snow-covered peaks of the Denali National Park, Alaska is both overwhelming and blissful at the same time. The good news is that there are more pros than cons to living in Anchorage, Alaska. Like, literally. Here are the pros and cons of living in Alaska. Half of the current population of the state lives in the Anchorage metropolitan area. 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. In fact, you can compare it with any of the most beautiful spots in the world because of its uniqueness and beauty. When youre living in Anchorage, the temperature tends to hover around 70 in July and August. There are only 1.07 million people living there being the 4th largest state by area. Many families and young professionals live in Sitka. The state median home value is $265,000, with 71% of the homes in the state priced between $108,000 and $435,000. 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 fish in Alaska are so big, you're guaranteed to break a rod at least once a season. The wildlife is as incredible as they say, 4. A lot of people don't even make that much. And $2500 a month expenses that you so causally mention? Because Alaska does not have an income tax, the state earns its revenues through a tax burden placed on businesses. Consider yourself as and adventurous sort that can forgo some creature comforts in return for epic natural bounty? A typical cruise ship produces thousands of gallons of raw sewage, garbage, wastewater, and oily bilge water from their engines. 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. Daylight is nonexistent in the northernmost regions for months at a time, which creates a physiological shift in disposition and mood. If long (and were talking looonnnggg) periods of darkness are challenging for you then moving to Alaska may not be your cup of tea. It's time to dig into the 10 pros and cons of living in Alaska. Despite the vastness of Alaska, Alaskans overall have a deep sense of connection to one another and a strong sense of state pride. The land what eventually become the 49th state in 1957. Timber is another important resource in Alaska, with the states forests providing a source of wood for the construction and paper industries. The military base nearby and international immigration has created a cultural melting pot in the area. In addition to its incredible landscape, Alaska is also home to many glaciers, including the world famous Mendenhall Glacier. Maybe living in Alaska is your pace. June 21 has almost 19 hours of daylight in Anchorage, making it the longest day of the year. In more recent years, Alaska has also been influenced by the cultures of European explorers and settlers, as well as more recent immigrants from various parts of the world. Those activities will make your stay memorable. Let us take a detailed look at the pros and cons this state has to offer. Sitka: 8,789: $287,300: $53,600: Ketchikan: 8,050: $237,400: $50,000: Pros of Moving to Alaska. If bar hopping is to your liking, you will need to walk around a bit as Anchorage is very spread out. 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. So Alaskans are less snobby then everyone else..? 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. 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. They have been performing for the last 49 years and showcase Alaska's Russian history through song and folk dance. Even if you make your home in Anchorage, there is an excellent chance that you will encounter a moose at least once per day. The median values are higher for some bigger cities, such as Juneau and Anchorage, with prices averaging $364,000 and $303,000, respectively. Alaska offers you plenty of small-town charm, even in the big cities. 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. 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. 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. After living in the state for a full calendar year, residents will qualify for what is called the PFD payment. However, it is important to note that marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and there are some restrictions on its use in Alaska. Skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking, and snowmobiling are all activities that will become part of your life when you move here. When you move to Alaska, you will discover that there are military, transportation, healthcare, and construction jobs readily available. 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. Pros of Living in Alaska. Cell phone service is absolutely awful in Alaska. People who live in Alaska are called Alaskans. The area became the 49 th state of the United States. The most vigorous earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. However, depending on where you're moving from, Anchorage might offer a lower cost of living. Symptoms of SAD can include feelings of sadness, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. Situated in the far north, Alaska is surrounded by cold, clean ocean waters that are teeming with a wide variety of fish and shellfish. When Alaska was first established as a state in 1959, its economy was primarily based on fishing, mining, and other extractive industries. Alaska is a vast and very remote state with many communities being extremely isolated from the rest of the country. You don't have a lot of stuff to store. 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. Because food, other than the local food, needs to travel a great distance to get there, the prices are relatively high. Scenic Beauty. On average, Anchorage has over 30 inches of snow, from January to March, with another 30 inches accumulating during November and December combined. Anchorage never had a venue large enough for famous musicians to performuntil recently. With its spectacular beauty, many recreational opportunities, and plentiful wildlife, there is an adventure at every turn in Americas last frontier. If you are thinking about living in Alaska sometime in the future, then here are some pros and cons to consider before you finalize that decision. A high school education is a basic prerequisite for most . 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. 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. A gallon of milk can cost double what it would in other states. To maximize your chances of seeing them, Prudhoe Bay and Barrow in the extreme north or the remote northern villages of Coldfoot in the Yukon Territory offer the best possibility of viewing the Lights. It is the perfect place to learn snow sports. For those who already live in Alaska, it is not surprising that their state was ranked #1 as the happiest place to live in America by a well-being study conducted by Gallup-Healthways in 2015. Of the 365 million acres that make up the state of Alaska, only 160,000 of them have been developed. Instead, it relies on other sources of revenue, such as taxes on oil and natural gas production, to fund state government services. Pros and cons of living in Madison Wisconsin. 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. Don't plan on going anywhere with a frostbit battery. Keep in mind that these opinions are based merely on my own time here and others may have other experiences. For a family of two adults and two children, you would need a combined income of $118,551 per year or $9,879 every month to live comfortably in Stamford, the most expensive city of Connecticut. Voel je thuis bij Radio Zwolle. Compared to the rest of Alaska, the city is the most costly in this regard. Pros. To be materialistic is to have values that place a high priority on having many possessions and making large sums of money. Driving from Alaska to Seattle in 72 hours is possible if you dont make too many stops along the 1,000-mile trip. 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). 5. 1. Salmon fixed any way is a staple; also, reindeer dogs, halibut, crab, sourdough bread, and oysters are among the favorites. The low population density is immense, located so far north, and not connected to the mainland. Less comfortable weather (low number of days with temperatures 50-90 F) There is not the same level of hectic chaos here like there is in most of the rest of the world. In Sitka there are a lot of bars and coffee shops. 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. pros and cons of living in mackay; is alaska: the last frontier coming back in 2021; hillsborough county public schools employee handbook; index of series cheers; jack steward is he married. The rest of the state is largely rural and sparsely populated. The seafood, the hiking, clean, crisp air, the Northern Lights, no pollution! The stress of living boils over into violence for some Alaskans. 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