pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska

Other cities to consider include Wasilla, Kenai, and Sitka. Some popular cities in the state include: Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska and a hub for commerce, culture, and outdoor recreation. 10. 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. Life tends to move a lot slower when living in Alaska. It is considered the last hurrah for the residents before the end of summer. Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. Alaska is a state which deals with numerous earthquakes each year. While bear attacks always make the headlines, they are few compared to the number of people who die of exposure in the extreme cold. In the summer, the weather is milder, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s. 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. Some argue that a sales tax could provide a stable source of revenue for the state and help to fund important government services. The state of Alaska does not have a state sales tax. 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. Half of the current population of the state lives in the Anchorage metropolitan area. 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. Pros and Cons of Living in Idaho Alaska's social life consists of activities and events very particular to their culture. Another negative effect of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on your safety. Military, Federal jobs, and Oil subsidize housing costs which drives up the price. Another one of the major challenges of living in Alaska is the high cost of goods. The median values are higher for some of the bigger cities, with Anchorage and Juneau standing at $303,601 and $364,295, respectively. - The average commute for residents of Anchorage is 8.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Sitka. Electricity and gas bills are 33% above the national average in Alaska. As a resident of Alaska, you get to experience the renowned Alaska State Fair, which is one of the best in the country. Alaska has a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, including over 3 million acres of state park land. People turnover a lot. Every winter, thousands of Alaskans suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Yes, marijuana is legal in the state of Alaska. Snow removal is going to become part of your daily life. You will find plenty of cultural opportunities to explore in the community, with every amenity you would expect from an urban environment. Maltese Dog Pictures . Venture to Alaska if you want to see the Aurora Borealis. Thank you for taking the time to post this. That makes it a paradise for those who love to go hunting and fishing. You are going to be exposed to the Great Outdoors all of the time. Additionally, marijuana businesses are not allowed to operate within 500 feet of schools or other areas where children are present. One of the challenges of living in Alaska is the difficulty of obtaining fresh produce. Cons; it is on an island. This is higher than the national median salary, which was $45,790 during the same time period. Despite their small size, mosquitoes can be a big problem in Alaska, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts and those who live in rural areas. The state of Alaska has the lowest taxes in the United States. Alaskas economy is largely based on resource extraction, such as fishing, mining, and oil drilling. This can help to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. The states leaders at the time believed that a state sales tax would be burdensome for businesses and residents, and opted not to impose one. Because Alaska is the least densely populated of the United States, you can unwind and relax in complete silence if you choose. You have to love it and love the lifestyle to justify staying long term. Cities Near Sitka: Port Alexander, Tenakee Springs, Prince of Wales census subarea, Hoonah-Angoon census subarea, Angoon It is one of the few places in the world where someone with virtually no experience can still catch enough fish or hunt as a way to feed their family for an entire year. Despite its reputation for cold weather and snow, Alaska is actually one of the rainiest states in the United States. Pros of Moving to Alaska 1. $1,019 7% higher than the US average. 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. Required fields are marked *. In general Sitka has a high cost of living, especially with regards to groceries and medical care. The stress of living boils over into violence for some Alaskans. For generations, dogsled racing has been one of the most prominent sports in Alaska. Looking to move to Alaska to save on taxes? Thats because even if you decide that living here isnt right for you, a holiday visit still creates the perfect opportunity to relax. Alaska is home to over 100 species of mammals, including brown bears, moose, wolves & over 400 species of birds, including bald eagles and puffins. Alaska is also a state of mountains. That is how Alaska got the name Land of the Midnight Sun.. B- Sitka Schools HS graduation rate is equal to Alaska. With its vast, unspoiled wilderness and lack of crowds, Alaska is a place where you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature in a way that is truly special. It is thought that the Inuit invented dog sleds to transport supplies and food to their people. The overall crime rate in Sitka, Alaska is 8% lower than national average. The median home prices for homes in Anchorage are $299,000, Fairbanks $222,000, Wasilla $239,000, and $185,000 for Kenai. 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. If you are thinking about moving to Alaska then prepare to combat SAD. So, if you order clothes, electronics, or any other items, it may take forever to get them. Population: 2,683. The cost of housing in particular is high in the state, with the average home price in Alaska being nearly twice the national average. Much of the land in Alaska is owned by the federal government, and there are strict regulations on how it can be used. It does have the fifth lowest sales tax in the country, and the state ranks first in overall tax burden for companies. Its an adventure that exceeds some folks wildest dreams and drives other people out faster than you can say Ketchikan. Darkness here can be a real challenge. Except for areas where there is a concentration of wood-burning for home heating, the air quality is the freshest in the world. The most notable of them is Mt. The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word alyeska, which means great land.. You just learn to dress for the colder weather. You get an opportunity to embrace a slower pace in life that focuses on individual dreams. Situated in the far north, away from the pollution of major cities and industrial areas, Alaska is blessed with some of the cleanest air in the country. This event helped to form the Valley of 10,000 Smokes at Katmai National Park. 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. Alaska is home to the largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass National Forest, which covers over 17 million acres. When you start thinking about the jobs that are open in Alaska, two industries come to mind immediately: the oil industry, and the natural gas industry. Many areas of the state are only accessible by boat, plane, train, or floatplane and cannot be reached by car. They are really an issue only from the second week in June to the last week in July. Homes in Alaska cost a little more than compared to the rest of the country. Moose and caribou are abundant throughout Alaska. 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. Police cars are equipped with massive bumpers to fend off rude and unwelcome moose around highways or public areas. Not many states are as beautiful as Alaska. The most notable of them is Mt. The cold really becomes a problem if you move farther north. One of the things that makes Alaska so special is the way it stirs your soul. Rent is only slightly cheaper than in other areas of the country. I actually love all of them! Fairbanks, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and access to outdoor activities. 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! Have you ever heard about the rumor that the government will pay you to live in Alaska? 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. Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Popularity and image, which are always expressed through money and possessions, lead people to have materialistic values and be concerned about the status quo. Alaska is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, including over 3,000 glaciers and over 100,000 miles of coastline. In addition to outdoor activities, there are also many community events and festivals that bring folks together throughout the year. Many mountain ranges, Mt Denali (tallest mountain in North America), about 100,000 glaciers, nice summers with lots of daylight. Get yours today! A cost of living index above 100 means Sitka, Alaska is more expensive. 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. You have to be careful, though, since it is wilderness, and while they have a good Search and Rescue, sometimes they never find people who get lost, besides danger of slides, injuries. Find out Pros and Cons of Living in Alaska. 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. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average annual precipitation in Alaska is over 20 inches, making it the fifth rainiest state in the country. COST OF LIVING: Sitka: Alaska: USA Overall: 116.6: 116.5: 100 Grocery: 146.4: 141.7 . Then the next largest community is Wasilla, with just 10,000 residents. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? If you love the chaos and bustling pace of New York, you will go stir crazy in Anchorage or Juneau. 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. The moist air from the ocean is forced upward by the mountains, causing heavy rainfall in many parts of the state. This study also included collective feelings of financial security, community pride, and good health. They love the friendly people, wide-open spaces, mountains, sky, and sea, which they find captivating. The highest peak in North America, Mount Denali, is located in Alaska and stands at over 20,000 feet tall.

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