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That is how Alaska got the name Land of the Midnight Sun.. That makes it a paradise for those who love to go hunting and fishing. Pros and Cons of Charter Fishing. 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. For example, it is illegal to consume marijuana in public, and it is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. Call it a way of life. It is thought that the Inuit invented dog sleds to transport supplies and food to their people. Alaska has some of the best air quality in America, 10. Sitka Housing Options Homes For Sale New Homes Besides its ideal temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees, the state also offers very long, sunshine-filled days. Get out there and meet people and you'll meet some very interesting people. The industry also contributed over $2.2 billion in state and local tax revenue (talk about a vice grip). You can get paid to live in Alaska once you qualify. Alaska is the most outdoorsy state in America, 4. Hunting options include grouse, hare, mountain goat or brown bear, hunting in the rainforest region. The moist air from the ocean is forced upward by the mountains, causing heavy rainfall in many parts of the state. McKinley. So, if you order clothes, electronics, or any other items, it may take forever to get them. When you consider that they receive a yearly sum from the Permanent Fund, living in Alaska is a great way to save money. Most accidental deaths are from residents who die while sleeping due to carbon monoxide poisoning from clogged chimneys or faulty heaters. If you are thinking about moving to Alaska then prepare to combat SAD. Even the southern areas of the state see higher levels of snowfall than most other locations in the United States. Your email address will not be published. The cost of housing, in particular, is higher in Alaska than in many other parts of the country. The city of Ketchikan, in particular, is known for its high levels of rainfall, with an average of over 150 inches per year. If you are considering residency in Alaska, you need to weigh both the pros and cons to determine if Alaska is right for you. There are several positions that help to support the tourism industry in the state as well. Driving from one point to another is not something most people stress about these days. You will need to adjust to doing a lot of shoveling, blowing, and plowing to keep your walkways and driveway clear. Military, Federal jobs, and Oil subsidize housing costs which drives up the price. If you want to work as a freelancer or be self-employed, then you must become a business when you live in the state. In addition to lack of houses to own, many Alaskan communities also face a lack of available rental units. Fly from Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines, Delta, American Airlines and more. Sitka has 15 fishing charter companies, while Skagway only has three. There is not the same level of hectic chaos here like there is in most of the rest of the world. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska As a resident of Alaska, you get to experience the renowned Alaska State Fair, which is one of the best in the country. It would soon become a vital investment for the United States, as the purchase allowed for an expansion at the cost of just two cents per acre. People who live in Alaska are called Alaskans. Additionally, Alaskas coastal location means that it is often hit by storms, which can bring even more precipitation. One of the most effective treatments for SAD is exposure to bright light. The average high temperature for the city in the month of January is 0. 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. 25 Pro's And Con's Of Living In Alaska (2023 Updated) - Home Mindset And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. Skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking, and snowmobiling are all activities that will become part of your life when you move here. Sitka, AK vs Anchorage, AK Change Cities Highlights - The Median Age in Anchorage is 5.9 years younger than in Sitka. 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. - The average commute for residents of Anchorage is 8.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Sitka. what was necessary before the mariner could be restored to life again +91 88380 06318 ), Why Is Newport Beach So Expensive? 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. Including the: Pacific Ocean Gulf of Alaska Bering Sea Chukchi Sea Beaufort Sea To cope, some turn to overeating, alcohol, drugs, or extended periods of sleep. 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. That gives you plenty of time to start exploring the 300 miles of trails that are around this one city. Alaska receives no attention from authors and artists. Yes, Alaska is generally considered to be a very tax-friendly state for residents. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? Please share your experience here: When we get comments from people on Pros and Cons of living in Sitka, Alaska, we publish them here. Residents in Alaska enjoy the ultimate summer. Pros + Cons of Living in Sitka (Barrow, Hope: for rent, condo, house Oh, okay. The inland Alaskan Arctic, where the skies are clearer, is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. This park is famous for its brown bears, which can often be seen fishing for salmon in the parks rivers. The military base nearby and international immigration has created a cultural melting pot in the area. Alaska has the longest coastline of any state in the United States, at over 6,600 miles long. So if youre feeling a little down during the winter months, you may want to try sitting near a window or using a light therapy box. Alaska has the best summers in the world. If you shop strategically, especially with your rewards cards, most of the cost difference can be offset with a little creative budgeting. Anchorage never had a venue large enough for famous musicians to performuntil recently. Thanks in advance! Every day is casual Friday in this state. This can make it difficult to access basic services and amenities, such as medical care and grocery stores. The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaskas largest annual event. Terrific information. Even then, the cost of travel is going to be something that you will want to think about before you finalize any plans. Dont forget to budget your heating costs during the winter months. The top industries in Alaska include oil and gas, fishing, tourism, and government. This expense is one of the most significant costs that you will face as a household if you decide to move here. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED HomeMindset.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon website (amazon.com amazon.in etc) and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. 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. Only California and Hawaii residents will pay more for their fueling needs. You must become a business if you want to be self-employed. At the same time, you are experiencing an average low that is sub-zero. So, while the darkness in Alaska can be beautiful and magical at times, it can also be a real challenge. Alaskas economy is largely based on resource extraction, such as fishing, mining, and oil drilling. It is held in Palmer, Alaska, in the late summer and dates back to 1936. It is not unusual to encounter wildlife every day when you are living in Alaska. It is essential to remember that costs are higher in Alaska. The strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. The median values are higher for some of the bigger cities, with Anchorage and Juneau standing at $303,601 and $364,295, respectively. You have to love it and love the lifestyle to justify staying long term. Air quality fines are usually more than $20,000, but that is a small fraction of the slot machines daily take in the ships casino. 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. If you are out hiking, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Then the next largest community is Wasilla, with just 10,000 residents. The state is home to many species of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and bald eagles. Because of its remote location, much of the produce consumed in the state must be shipped in from other parts of the country or even abroad. Smaller places with 1 BD are cheaper but if you have a family, 3BD are $1500/mo and up. What many people do not realize is that Japan actually occupied two Alaskan islands during World War II for 15 months. Anchorage gets about five hours of sunlight during the winter solstice, with 19 hours of pitch-black sky. Just remember, its not all doom and gloom (even though it might feel that way sometimes). It ranks fifth for the lowest sales tax in the country but first in overall tax burden for companies. Chill, Diverse People. Pros; it is on an island. Fairbanks, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and access to outdoor activities. 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. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska is home to more than half of the worlds brown bears and is the only state in the U.S. where you can find all three species of North American bears: the grizzly, black, and polar bears. In the winter, the snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes provide a stunning contrast to the dark skies. Pros and cons - 5/23/2010 Just like most places, Parkersburg definitely has it's pros and cons. 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. You get an opportunity to embrace a slower pace in life that focuses on individual dreams. Overall, the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so its important to be prepared for a range of conditions when visiting the state. If you have talked to people about moving to Alaska, then you might have heard that retail costs are higher in the state. During the average year, Anchorage sees over 30 inches of snow from January to March. Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. In Alaska, the sense of community is strong. 3. 7. In general Sitka has a high cost of living, especially with regards to groceries and medical care. Living In Sitka, AK - AreaVibes Youll experience a shorter summer, but it wont be a jarring difference. Up to 30% OFF Sale - Limited Time . Other cities to consider include Wasilla, Kenai, and Sitka. According to Realtor.com, Anchorage's median listing home price was $339,000 in February 2022, trending up 7.9% year-over-year. Here are a few of these traditions valued by the residents of the state. Soon after the ships hull was ruptured, Prince William Sound was filled with oil. Automatically get personalized recommendations on where to move. 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. If you decide to make your home around Anchorage when you move to Alaska, then the weather will feel somewhat temperate. June 21 has almost 19 hours of daylight in Anchorage, making it the longest day of the year. In addition, 71.8% of the homes in Alaska are placed somewhere between $108,722 and $435,285 in value. There is nothing that you can do to change this perspective. Yearly, there are about 5,000 earthquakes in Alaska. Thank you for taking the time to post this. Self-employed individuals or freelancers must become a business when living in Alaska. The cost of living in Alaska is really high. Alaska was once thought of as a folly. Another reason why Alaskas air and water are so clean is the states commitment to protecting the environment. 17 out of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are found here. As of April 2019, the amount of money spent on food for one person annually in Anchorage is $450. For most rural residents in Alaska, subsistence hunting is critical to their food security, nutrition, and economic stability. 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 state also experiences powerful volcanic eruptions from time to time, including the most powerful of the 20th century at Novarupta Volcano. 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. From the moment you set foot in this wild, beautiful land, you can feel the thrill of adventure coursing through your veins. One of the things that makes Alaskan culture so interesting is its focus on the natural environment. Coastal towns collect more than $60 million in revenue through the docking fees and other taxes. Median home value. Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 1,700 species of plants and animals. A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon, Article Overview: Living in Alaska, Moving to Alaska. That means you can have some extra cash to save for a new home, college tuition costs, or the outdoor toys you will want to use as you start exploring the millions of acres of wilderness. 2023 Compare Cities Cost of Living: Sitka, AK vs Anchorage, AK Rent is only slightly cheaper than in other areas of the country. This limits the ability of developers to build new housing units and contributes to the overall shortage of affordable options. With its spectacular beauty, many recreational opportunities, and plentiful wildlife, there is an adventure at every turn in Americas last frontier. 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. Alaska is a beautiful and unique state with a lot to offer retirees. Alaska is home to over 100 species of mammals, including brown bears, moose, wolves & over 400 species of birds, including bald eagles and puffins. 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. But why is Alaska so rainy? pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska Every year, residents of Alaska receive a dividend check from the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC). There are even plenty of small business loan programs that are available to entrepreneurs that can ease the burden of start-up costs too. They are indigenous peoples of the state. The highest peak in North America, Mount Denali, is located in Alaska and stands at over 20,000 feet tall. In addition to the high cost of transporting goods to the state, the small population of Alaska also contributes to the high prices of goods. 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. Consider yourself as and adventurous sort that can forgo some creature comforts in return for epic natural bounty?