Looking to move to Alaska to save on taxes? Despite these challenges, there are efforts underway to improve access to fresh produce in Alaska. So Alaskans are less snobby then everyone else..? Numerous communities in the northern half of the state experience sub-zero temperatures throughout the year. You can limit this disadvantage by finding a home in or near Anchorage because there is a natural gas infrastructure that gives you access to this affordable fuel. Compare Now. 10. This can make fresh fruits and vegetables more expensive and less readily available than in other parts of the country. If you want to work as a freelancer or be self-employed, then you must become a business when you live in the state. 9. 03 Jun. Additionally, the state offers a number of tax exemptions and credits for residents, such as the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend, which provides an annual payout to eligible residents. With the national average being $323, you can see how food can get expensive in Alaska. Because not all companies ship products to Alaska, obtaining the items you ordered can be a problem. Based on the FBIs statistics, Alaska is second to Tennessee as the nations most violent state. This can be a physically demanding and time-consuming job depending on where you live and how much it snows. Alaska has 35 species of mosquito, and all but a few will bite humans. If you are not a household that was living paycheck to paycheck, then this potential disadvantage does not apply to you. This means that residents of Alaska do not have to pay state taxes on the money they earn from wages, salaries, and other forms of income. Prices for both of those items are obscene. You are going to be exposed to the Great Outdoors all of the time. 7. Symptoms of SAD can include feelings of sadness, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. Since so many of you are interested in what it's like to live in Alaska, here I break down the pros & cons after having lived here for over a year straight.C. Electricity and gas bills are 33% above the national average in Alaska. 5. Alaska is home to the largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass National Forest, which covers over 17 million acres. So many artists will not come to Alaska to perform. 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 estimated population of Alaska is 738,000. Because Alaska is the least densely populated of the United States, you can unwind and relax in complete silence if you choose. This makes it the 47th most populous state in the United States. Activities that take place outside become a part of who you are. Consider yourself as and adventurous sort that can forgo some creature comforts in return for epic natural bounty? But there are also repelling factors that keep some away. That makes it a paradise for those who love to go hunting and fishing. Another negative effect of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on your safety. As a local in Alaska, I can say with 100% certainty (according to my taste buds) that the fresh seafood here is absolutely top-notch. One of the advantages of a resource extraction economy is that it can provide good jobs and a stable source of income for many people. With the best natural resources and wild game worldwide, you can live off the land with subsistence hunting, which is taking game animals by a resident of a state for maintaining or supporting oneself at the minimum level needed for subsistence. Sitka is on an island and the only access is by plane or boat. When youre living in Anchorage, the temperature tends to hover around 70 in July and August. If you want to acquire a boat in Sitka, charter boats are another terrific opportunity to check out . Artists cannot drive their tour buses to Alaska without going through Canada, and flying can be too expensive. 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. If the cold weather of winter does bother you some, then Alaska might not be the perfect place to live. Self-employed individuals or freelancers must become a business when living in Alaska. Thinking about living in Alaska, eh? You heard it right, if outdoor recreation is important then living in Alaska just got easier. 17 out of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are found here. Venture to Alaska if you want to see the Aurora Borealis. Rent is only slightly cheaper than in other areas of the country. Except for areas where there is a concentration of wood-burning for home heating, the air quality is the freshest in the world. Alaska is a good place to retire for people who love nature, dont live on a fixed income, and are alright with harsh weather. 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. Many areas of the state are only accessible by boat, plane, train, or floatplane and cannot be reached by car. 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. After all, as they say, laughter is the best medicine, and theres no shortage of dark humor to be found in the Land of the Midnight Sun. 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. 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. It provides vital nutrients for the body, and it is delicious! Alaska was once thought of as a folly. . 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. Some argue that a sales tax could provide a stable source of revenue for the state and help to fund important government services. Breathtaking scenery. They love the friendly people, wide-open spaces, mountains, sky, and sea, which they find captivating. 2. It gets a little better in February, but youre still only averaging 13. The states natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and relatively low cost of living make it an appealing destination for retirees. 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. Many mountain ranges, Mt Denali (tallest mountain in North America), about 100,000 glaciers, nice summers with lots of daylight. After living in the state for a full calendar year, residents will qualify for what is called the PFD payment. Furthermore, Alaska is a state surrounded by pristine bodies of water. There are also initiatives to support the development of greenhouses and other methods of growing produce in the state. The state experiences powerful volcanic eruptions time and time again, including the most powerful of the 20thcentury at the Novarupta Volcano. 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. Then there are the Northern Lights that you can see frequently dance across the sky all winter long. Pros and Cons of Living in Idaho Alaska's social life consists of activities and events very particular to their culture. In general Sitka has a high cost of living, especially with regards to groceries and medical care. In the winter, the snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes provide a stunning contrast to the dark skies. 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 The state of Alaska does not have a state sales tax. Alaskas economy is largely based on resource extraction, such as fishing, mining, and oil drilling. Despite their small size, mosquitoes can be a big problem in Alaska, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts and those who live in rural areas. 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. Even with strict regulations and watchdog groups, cruise ships still pollute the pristine waters they travel through. 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. Instead, it relies on other sources of revenue, such as taxes on oil and natural gas production, to fund state government services. The most notable of them is Mt. 3. The cost of living in Alaska is really high. With Alaskas 6,640 miles of coastline, tsunamis can happen. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 40% of Alaskas population lives in rural areas that are considered frontier or remote.. Not many states are as beautiful as Alaska. That means you are going to be struggling with about the same number of days with snow each year. Because of the risk of contamination and sickness, prepare to filter or treat the water if necessary. A gallon of milk can cost double what it would in other states. Of the two million tourists to visit the state each year, more than half will arrive by ship. The seafood, the hiking, clean, crisp air, the Northern Lights, no pollution! Alaska is surprisingly far from the rest of the United States. It is thought that the Inuit invented dog sleds to transport supplies and food to their people. The cost of housing in particular is high in the state, with the average home price in Alaska being nearly twice the national average. The state also experiences powerful volcanic eruptions from time to time, including the most powerful of the 20th century at Novarupta Volcano. However, the median salary can vary depending on factors such as the specific job, level of experience, and location within the state. Moose and caribou are abundant throughout Alaska. The state is home to many species of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and bald eagles. In Sitka there are a lot of bars and coffee shops. 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. 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. The median rent for a studio and one-bedroom in Alaska is $17 and $21 cheaper than the national average in 2019. 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. Alaska was ranked the most outdoorsy state in America with 81 percent of the population being involved in outdoor activities. The industry also contributed over $2.2 billion in state and local tax revenue (talk about a vice grip). ZIPS IN SITKA, ALASKA 99835 You can save money in other ways by moving to Alaska as well. In fact, according to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, over half of the households in rural Alaska are considered overcrowded.. 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. As with many of the items on this list of pros and cons of living in Alaska, this largely depends on where you live. Alaska has some of the best air quality in America, 10. The inland Alaskan Arctic, where the skies are clearer, is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. Alaska ranks high as one of the most popular cruising destinations in the world. Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 1,700 species of plants and animals. Fly from Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines, Delta, American Airlines and more. Local taxes tend to be lower than they are in the continental 48 states as well. 6. 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. There is not a state income tax that is withheld from your paycheck. Dog sleds remained an essential mode of transportation even after the Gold Rush era. The terrain attracts a hardy, adventure-seeking crowd, who will tell you the states unique beauty and abundant wildlife make the cold temperatures worth it. Another issue is the lack of available land for development. Despite the regulations, the violation ofwastewater and air quality regulations is usually repeated. Even the southern areas of the state see higher levels of snowfall than most other locations in the United States. In Alaska, there are two seasons, road construction and winter. No doubt, this would attract many! Despite higher-than-average wages, low poverty level, and a sparse population, violent crimes are surprisingly frequent. Larger cities like Fairbanks, Juneau, & Anchorage have pretty much all the amenities you could hope for as well as entertainment. 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 strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. Those who move here will either stress out because they feel like no one is being responsible, or they will take a deep breath and embrace the relaxed attitude. Alaska is also a state of mountains. This check is a way for the state to share the wealth generated by the states oil and mineral resources with its residents. For example, it is illegal to consume marijuana in public, and it is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. An amount below 100 means Sitka is cheaper than the US average. For those who do love playing in the snow, you wont find a better place to learn a new sport. Alaska receives no attention from authors and artists. For someone who receives one of these dividend checks, its always a welcome boost to the old income. Your email address will not be published. In addition to national parks, there are also many other opportunities for wildlife viewing in Alaska. - Anchorage housing costs are 18.0% less expensive than Sitka housing costs. 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. 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. Highways are paved in most areas, and the amount of traffic poses no problems for commuters. Usually, once people settle here, they want to remain. Reasons not to move to Alaska. If you choose to buy a home, know that some cities exempt seniors from part of their property tax. This limits the ability of developers to build new housing units and contributes to the overall shortage of affordable options. These blood-sucking insects are most active during the warmer months of the year, typically from May to September. Lets get started! On average, Anchorage has over 30 inches of snow, from January to March, with another 30 inches accumulating during November and December combined. These events are associated with the Aleutian Trench, a subduction zone, where the Pacific plate is pushed under the American continents crust. There are many options to choose from when looking for a relaxing natural hot spring to unwind in. Alaska will never rank high from a culinary perspective, but there are a few quality meals to be found. You will not find this type of behavior among the residents of Alaska. 7. The decision to not impose a state sales tax in Alaska is rooted in the states history and its reliance on natural resource extraction for revenue. Keep in mind that these opinions are based merely on my own time here and others may have other experiences. Ignore the cold while having a good soak in many of the natural hot springs in Alaska. From small town fairs to large cultural events, there are always opportunities to come together and celebrate the things that make Alaska special. This is due in part to the states remote location, which makes it difficult to access certain goods and services. Dwellics instantly analyzes thousands of relevant data points and your selected preferences like lifestyle, weather, community and more to find the perfect place for you to live. The seafood, the hiking, clean, crisp air, the Northern Lights, no pollution! This is higher than the national median salary, which was $45,790 during the same time period. You will also need to consider the cost of the trip before deciding to travel. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? In fact, data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the poverty rate in Alaska is higher than the national average, with 13.4% of residents living in poverty compared to the national average of 11.8%. If you are a married couple with four children, then you received a $6,600 PFT payment. According to Realtor.com, Anchorage's median listing home price was $339,000 in February 2022, trending up 7.9% year-over-year. Search for Alaska flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. 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. Low crime, schools are good, etc. Cities Near Sitka: Port Alexander, Tenakee Springs, Prince of Wales census subarea, Hoonah-Angoon census subarea, Angoon The median values are higher for some of the bigger cities, with Anchorage and Juneau standing at $303,601 and $364,295, respectively. The wildlife is as incredible as they say, 4. This park is home to many different species of animals, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. Cordova made our list as one of the best places to live in Alaska for many reasons, and the low crime rates, poverty levels, low unemployment rate, and reasonable housing prices all contributed.
Marshall Coach Salary, Luxury Houses For Sale In Medellin Colombia, Articles P