Many tour companies offer wildlife viewing cruises and excursions to see whales, seals, and other marine animals. 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. 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. Cordova has a small-town vibe due to its tiny population of fewer than 3,000 people and is only accessible by ferry. Even when the winter months come around, this attitude doesnt change. As a local Alaskan, I can attest to the strong sense of community that exists in our state. This makes it the 47th most populous state in the United States. Cons; it is on an island. Symptoms of SAD can include feelings of sadness, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. 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. In Alaska, you will find an incredible amount of beauty. What are the pros and cons of living in Alaska? This can make fresh fruits and vegetables more expensive and less readily available than in other parts of the country. There is a higher cost of living to consider before moving to the state. I've been thinking of moving to Sitka for a while, but i wanted to know some pros and cons of living there from someone who does live there or has visited there. 3. Usually, once people settle here, they want to remain. The Natural Splendor If nature is important to you then consider it a top pro of moving to Alaska. In March of that year, Prince William Sound experienced a magnitude 9.2 earthquake. You will not find better summers anywhere else in the world. The seafood, the hiking, clean, crisp air, the Northern Lights, no pollution! Fishing is also an option in the states rivers and streams. But what made it more notable was the pristine setting where it took place. Half of the current population of the state lives in the Anchorage metropolitan area. Larger cities like Fairbanks, Juneau, & Anchorage have pretty much all the amenities you could hope for as well as entertainment. This makes it easier for people to save money by having a lower cost of living. Fuel costs are much higher in Alaska. If you are out hiking, you need to be aware of your surroundings. There are also initiatives to support the development of greenhouses and other methods of growing produce in the state. Mushing is a sport or mode of transportation powered by dogs. Living in Alaska pays dividends, literally, 8. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary in Alaska was $77,060 in 2021. And the road systems are fine with me, too. According to Realtor.com, Anchorage's median listing home price was $339,000 in February 2022, trending up 7.9% year-over-year. 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 hunting and fishing are among your favorite pastimes, Alaska is for you. If you are down-to-earth, then you will love the easy-going flow of Alaska. With Alaskas 6,640 miles of coastline, tsunamis can happen. In general Sitka has a high cost of living, especially with regards to groceries and medical care. So many artists will not come to Alaska to perform. Local taxes tend to be lower than they are in the continental 48 states as well. Based on the 2017 cost of living study by the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, monthly utility costs in the state are high. I actually love all of them! During the average year, Anchorage sees over 30 inches of snow from January to March. Except for areas where there is a concentration of wood-burning for home heating, the air quality is the freshest in the world. 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. In Alaska, the sense of community is strong. You can spend lots of time hiking, fishing, whale watching. In recent years, the amount of the dividend has ranged from a low of $900 to a high of $2,000. Pros and Cons of Charter Fishing. Alaska is home to over 100 species of mammals, including brown bears, moose, wolves & over 400 species of birds, including bald eagles and puffins. Additionally, the states harsh weather and isolated location can be difficult for some people to adjust to, particularly those who are used to living in warmer and more urban environments. COST OF LIVING: Sitka: Alaska: USA Overall: 116.6: 116.5: 100 Grocery: 146.4: 141.7 . Even with strict regulations and watchdog groups, cruise ships still pollute the pristine waters they travel through. One of the things that makes Alaska so special is the way it stirs your soul. There is nothing that you can do to change this perspective. The violent crime rate of Sitka is 52% lower than national average. While this can vary in size from year to year, it ranges from $800 to $1,100. The state is home to many species of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and bald eagles. Besides its ideal temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees, the state also offers very long, sunshine-filled days. Some homes can get through the season using coal or wood with an interior stove to limit costs, but you will be trading time for money with that choice. 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. I'm fine with rain, wind, snow, etc. Because Alaska does not have an income tax, the state earns its revenues through a tax burden placed on businesses. $1,019 7% higher than the US average. 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. Outside of Anchorage, the next largest city is Juneau, with a total population of 32,000. Based on the FBIs statistics, Alaska is second to Tennessee as the nations most violent state. The state experiences powerful volcanic eruptions time and time again, including the most powerful of the 20thcentury at the Novarupta Volcano. The bad weather brings bad road conditions, and consequently bad drivers. 17 out of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are found here. Compare Now. 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. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the vacancy rate for rental units in Alaska is just 4.6%, which is well below the national average of 6.9%. If you are thinking about moving to Alaska then prepare to combat SAD. In 1971, temperatures drop to a record -80F at Prospect Creek Camp. 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. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is related to the changing seasons. Despite these challenges, there are efforts underway to improve access to fresh produce in Alaska. You can embrace the life, or you can try to fight the elements. The ordinary and the extraordinary. The largest employers in Alaska include the state government, the University of Alaska, and the military, as well as companies in the oil and gas industry such as BP and ConocoPhillips. If you choose to buy a home, know that some cities exempt seniors from part of their property tax. Because there are fewer consumers in the state, businesses may have to charge higher prices in order to cover their costs and remain profitable. In addition to lack of houses to own, many Alaskan communities also face a lack of available rental units. Driving from Alaska to Seattle in 72 hours is possible if you dont make too many stops along the 1,000-mile trip. Instead, it relies on other sources of revenue, such as taxes on oil and natural gas production, to fund state government services. This lack of availability means that many individuals and families are forced to compete for a limited number of rental units, which can drive up prices. 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. Another reason why Alaskas seafood is so fantastic is the variety. There isnt an argument to make for any other location. Despite higher-than-average wages, low poverty level, and a sparse population, violent crimes are surprisingly frequent. Despite the vastness of Alaska, Alaskans overall have a deep sense of connection to one another and a strong sense of state pride. 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. Population: 2,683. The median home price in Alaska is $337,222 which is well below the national average of 398,500. You can whale watch in Juneau, watch or participate in dog sledding with huskies, explore ice caves, view the beauty of the Northern Lights. 5. This is due in part to the states remote location, which makes it difficult to access certain goods and services. You can take many flights from the continental 48 states to Alaska, but the distance you need to travel becomes surprisingly great after you make the move. Alaska puts you face-to-face with wildlife all of the time. With a strong feeling of purpose in our nation and a sense of contentment, Alaska residents are generally at peace and very happy with the place they call home. 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. The state of Alaska has the lowest taxes in the United States. The annual car insurance premium in Alaska is $1,180. The land what eventually become the 49th state in 1957. Hike through Denali National Park or cruise the Seward Highway. Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Health Care Cost Institute Report of 2016, Colorado Vs. California (Whats The Difference? Dont forget to budget your heating costs during the winter months. 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. The fair includes nightly concerts, games and carnival rides, and much food unique to the state. Another one of the major challenges of living in Alaska is the high cost of goods. Get yours today! A gallon of milk can cost double what it would in other states. In the summer, the days are long and the wildflowers are in bloom, creating a colorful tapestry across the landscape. You will not find this type of behavior among the residents of Alaska. The biggest problem, however, is accessibility. Residents are not required to pay either income tax or sales tax. No doubt, this would attract many! 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 fact, according to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska is home to over 200 Native American tribes and language groups, making it one of the most diverse states in the country in terms of indigenous cultures. 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. As tragic as the spills are, the Alaskans love their oil. The average high temperature for the city in the month of January is 0. 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. Your email address will not be published. Alaska has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of Native American, Russian, and American influences. The state median home value is $265,000, with 71% of the homes in the state priced between $108,000 and $435,000. These blood-sucking insects are most active during the warmer months of the year, typically from May to September. Only California and Hawaii residents will pay more for their fueling needs. One of the challenges of living in Alaska is the difficulty of obtaining fresh produce. 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. In this article Ill cover the pros and cons of living in Alaska based on my own personal experience. Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 1,700 species of plants and animals.
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