The fund was established in 1976 to conserve a portion of the states revenue from mineral resources, to help future generations of Alaskans, and attract new residents to the state. 10. But if something were to happen to you where you couldn't bring in that income, you got behind, believe me, it would be a different story. 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. To make things worse, Alaskan private company employees spend more than $99 over the national average for healthcare costs for one person. They love the friendly people, wide-open spaces, mountains, sky, and sea, which they find captivating. I lived in Juneau for three years and three months--1983-1986 and HATED it! McKinley, which is the tallest mountain in North America at 20,320 feet. 4. Lodge owner and founder Karl Albert Hap Wurlitzer would have loved it. The lack of light is due to its far northern location, and that also means it gets very cold: 3. People are going to take an individual approach to how they manage their time. polynesian running backs nfl diy arch trellis for vegetables pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. Some parts of the state see nearly 24 hours of daylight during the season. And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. Based on the FBIs statistics, Alaska is second to Tennessee as the nations most violent state. There are many reasons why Alaska living is amazing. The amount is more expensive than the national average of about US$291,700. Alaska has the best summers in the world. The best cities in Alaska depend on individual preferences and priorities. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Sitka, AK. However, the lack of a state income tax and sales tax can also mean that the state has limited resources for funding certain programs and services, such as education and healthcare. 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. If you want a city that retains a small-town feel but has all the big-city advantages, this is the place to be. 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. 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. There is not the same level of hectic chaos here like there is in most of the rest of the world. Home. When you move further north in the state, thats when the cold really becomes an issue. The states rich history is evident when you look through its national parks, museums, artifacts, and its famed oil industry. Sitka jobs have decreased by 0.1%. 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. Because of the risk of contamination and sickness, prepare to filter or treat the water if necessary. Alaska is a beautiful and unspoiled state but a difficult place to live. 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. 56% 12% lower than the US average. ), Why Is Newport Beach So Expensive? Illinois is prone to natural disasters. If you are considering residency in Alaska, you need to weigh both the pros and cons to determine if Alaska is right for you. What contributes to Juneau's high cost of living is housing and health care. One common misconception about SAD is that it only affects people who live in cold climates. It can get slightly warmer in February, but it will still average around 13. Because of its geographic place on the planet, winter in Alaska is not just cold; it is dark as well. You will also need to consider the cost of the trip before deciding to travel. Oil spills continue to occur regularly in the spot where the Exxon incident occurred. Alaska has sunshine for almost 20 hours a day. No doubt, this would attract many! Venture to Alaska if you want to see the Aurora Borealis. In 2019, the timber industry in Alaska generated over $935 million in economic activity, supporting over 5,500 jobs. Severe climate. 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 shop strategically, especially with your rewards cards, most of the cost difference can be offset with a little creative budgeting. It is held in Palmer, Alaska, in the late summer and dates back to 1936. Additionally, marijuana businesses are not allowed to operate within 500 feet of schools or other areas where children are present. At Point Barrow, the sun does not set from May 10 to August 2. The summer season is also an enjoyable time in the state, with long days, plenty of sunshine, and a mild climate. As someone who has lived in Alaska for most of my life I can say there are some amazing things about living in Alaska and some things everyone should know before moving here. People who live in Alaska are called Alaskans. As a resident of Alaska, you get to experience the renowned Alaska State Fair, which is one of the best in the country. This lack of a state sales tax is unusual among U.S. states, as the majority of states impose some form of sales tax on purchases made within the state. On average, Anchorage has over 30 inches of snow, from January to March, with another 30 inches accumulating during November and December combined. Pros and cons of living in Madison Wisconsin. Wild horses couldn't drag me back here. 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. There are numerous job opportunities available in Alaska right now. Local taxes tend to be lower than they are in the continental 48 states as well. You want a low maintenance lifestyle. It is not unusual for you to start pursuing an idea today, and then be ready to start earning money in a week or two. List of the Pros of Living in Arkansas. Ignore the cold while having a good soak in many of the natural hot springs in Alaska. highlands county jail mugshots; waterville maine car accident march 29, 2021; pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska; pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska Prev. For someone who receives one of these dividend checks, its always a welcome boost to the old income. Alaska is a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs. 3. One of the negative effects of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on mental health. It's not just the price of groceries that are high in Alaska; it's the cost of everything. Pros of Living in Washington State. Alaska ranks second to Wyoming for the highest rate of suicide in the country. Even though the economy of Alaska is fueled by the oil and gas industry, you will discover that the cost of gasoline is much higher than it is in the continental 48 states. For generations, dogsled racing has been one of the most prominent sports in Alaska. Taking note of the rent, Alaska is only slightly cheaper than the entire U.S. Russia and America completed the purchase agreement in 1867. The highest peak in North America, Mount Denali, is located in Alaska and stands at over 20,000 feet tall. There is nothing that you can do to change this perspective. Snow sports: Alaska is the best place for winter lovers. When determining what cities are good for your personality, life situation, and personal preferences, there are many factors to consider including climate, cost of living, community, job opportunities, population makeup, activities, and things to do. 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. No place is perfect not even Alaska. Looking to move to Alaska to save on taxes? If you are not a household that was living paycheck to paycheck, then this potential disadvantage does not apply to you. This becomes obvious if you have a family emergency happening outside the state. This can be a physically demanding and time-consuming job depending on where you live and how much it snows. 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. The sunsets in Alaska are regarded as the most beautiful on earth. On the other hand, a resource extraction economy can also be vulnerable to changes in the market or shifts in consumer demand. The good news is that there are more pros than cons to living in Anchorage, Alaska. 2. Here are a few of these traditions valued by the residents of the state. However, there can be some health disadvantages. 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. Moose attacks are a prevalent thing in Alaska. This check is a way for the state to share the wealth generated by the states oil and mineral resources with its residents. Thanks in advance! In the summer, the weather is milder, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s. If youre thinking of moving to Alaska, its important to be prepared for rain lots of it. Median rent price. If you are considering a move to Wisconsin, you must weigh the following list of pros and cons diligently. Its an adventure that exceeds some folks wildest dreams and drives other people out faster than you can say Ketchikan. 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. When youre living in Anchorage, the temperature tends to hover around 70 in July and August. Alaska has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of Native American, Russian, and American influences. Although the overall cost of living in Alaska is relatively high because groceries and resources need to be shipped in and imported from great distances, real estate prices are rather affordable. What many people do not realize is that Japan actually occupied two Alaskan islands during World War II for 15 months. Those are the only career opportunities that are available. On top of such breathtaking sceneries, this state also . The outdoors is a huge part of Alaskan life: 2. 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. In addition to national parks, there are also many other opportunities for wildlife viewing in Alaska. The median home price in Alaska is $337,222 which is well below the national average of 398,500. The Alaska Airlines Center was built, and famous acts now have a place to perform. It does have the fifth lowest sales tax in the country, and the state ranks first in overall tax burden for companies. The climate is severe, and the strain of life can demand a heavy price. Alaska is one of only a handful of states that does not have a state income tax. May 29, 2022 . D Sitka Housing Home value is 33% higher than Alaska. From its early beginnings as a bridge of land extending from Siberia to its declaration as a U.S. state in 1959, Alaska has an exciting and dynamic history. Education. And are of European descent. Another issue is the lack of available land for development. 1. That makes it the third-highest state for average prices in this area. The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word alyeska, which means great land.. 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). Advantages 7. Substance abuse rate on the higher side. Sitka is in Sitka Borough. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska. However, depending on where you're moving from, Anchorage might offer a lower cost of living. Alaska has 35 species of mosquito, and all but a few will bite humans. You can spend lots of time hiking, fishing, whale watching. The more rural cities can feel like youre on the surface of the moon. You must become a business if you want to be self-employed. View Full Report Card. You will find plenty of cultural opportunities to explore in the community, with every amenity you would expect from an urban environment. Alaska offers you plenty of small-town charm, even in the big cities. Pros of Living in Alaska. Additionally, Alaskans pay a lot for electricity 23.42 cents/kWh as compared to the national average of 13.90 cents/kWh.iii. They are indigenous peoples of the state. Hunting options include grouse, hare, mountain goat or brown bear, hunting in the rainforest region. Pros. Alaska experiences long, dark winters and short, sunny summers. Because food, other than the local food, needs to travel a great distance to get there, the prices are relatively high. Still, i definitely don't want to live somewhere with snobby people. 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. Subsistence hunting occurs throughout Alaska all year long and is a central focus of the traditions and customs of many of the cultural groups in Alaska. The lack of a state income tax can be a financial benefit for residents, as it can help to offset the high cost of living in the state. 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. Property taxes are generally low, and the sales tax is non-existent. Compared to other locations in the country, even the southern locations of Alaska have more snowfall. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, was almost 300,000 people calling at their home. The state earns its revenues through a tax burden on businesses, as Alaska does not have an income tax. Well, it's good the thieves that you don't believe in now know whose house to rob. 18 Living in Alaska Pros and Cons. 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). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary in Alaska was $77,060 in 2021. The Natural Splendor. Maybe living in Alaska is your pace. Alaska has the longest coastline of any state in the United States, at over 6,600 miles long. 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. Flickr - JLS Photography - Alaska. 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