That means your tax burden is potentially higher than what it would be in some other states. In fact, there are so many different types of seafood to choose from in Alaska that you could eat a different type of fish or shellfish every day for a year and still have some leftovers. 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 process is online, allowing you to obtain your identity numbers and file your incorporation papers in less than an hour for most businesses. There are many reasons why Alaska living is amazing. Activities that take place outside become a part of who you are. Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for! From the moment you set foot in this wild, beautiful land, you can feel the thrill of adventure coursing through your veins. Another option is to invest in a good mosquito net, which can help keep the bugs at bay while youre trying to sleep. Alaska is a beautiful and unique state with a lot to offer retirees. As of April 2019, the amount of money spent on food for one person annually in Anchorage is $450. Is Sitka, Alaska a good place to live? Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There is a higher cost of living to consider before moving to the state. Visitors to the park can take guided tours or explore on their own to see the parks incredible wildlife. Alaska receives no attention from authors and artists. The law went into effect on February 24, 2015, making Alaska the third state in the United States to legalize marijuana for recreational use, after Colorado and Washington. As with many of the items on this list of pros and cons of living in Alaska, this largely depends on where you live. For example, many Alaskans work in the fishing or oil industries, and these jobs can be well-paying and provide benefits like health insurance and retirement savings. No place is perfect not even Alaska. Still, i definitely don't want to live somewhere with snobby people. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 40% of Alaskas population lives in rural areas that are considered frontier or remote.. 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. When you live in Alaska, the outdoors is no longer an afterthought. Driving from Alaska to Seattle in 72 hours is possible if you dont make too many stops along the 1,000-mile trip. It is really easy to start a business after you move to Alaska. 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. You will find dog sled races, whale festivals and native arts and music festivals. 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking Sites, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. However, it can also mean that the state has limited resources for funding certain programs and services, such as education and healthcare. 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. - Anchorage housing costs are 18.0% less expensive than Sitka housing costs. However, it is important to note that marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and there are some restrictions on its use in Alaska. Local taxes tend to be lower than they are in the continental 48 states as well. Population 8,518 View Nearby Homes Alaska Real Estate Median Home Value $367,800 National $244,900 If you are thinking about moving to Alaska then prepare to combat SAD. Because Alaska is the least densely populated of the United States, you can unwind and relax in complete silence if you choose. The states rugged landscape and extreme climate have shaped the way of life of its residents, and this can be seen in many aspects of the culture. Living in Alaska could just be for you. Here are a few of these traditions valued by the residents of the state. But what made it more notable was the pristine setting where it took place. One of the most effective treatments for SAD is exposure to bright light. The money can be used for anything that I choose, from paying bills to saving for a rainy day. If you are not a household that was living paycheck to paycheck, then this potential disadvantage does not apply to you. The seafood, the hiking, clean, crisp air, the Northern Lights, no pollution! 3. The pros of retiring in Alaska are the stunning landscapes, friendly residents, slow-paced and diverse lifestyles that you'll encounter here, and no income tax. Because food, other than the local food, needs to travel a great distance to get there, the prices are relatively high. This event helped to form the Valley of 10,000 Smokes at Katmai National Park. 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. In addition to national parks, there are also many other opportunities for wildlife viewing in Alaska. 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. If you want to acquire a boat in Sitka, charter boats are another terrific opportunity to check out . Because of its geographic place on the planet, winter in Alaska is not just cold; it is dark as well. In fact, Alaska has some of the strictest environmental regulations in the country. Alaska has 35 species of mosquito, and all but a few will bite humans. 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. The sunsets in Alaska are regarded as the most beautiful on earth. 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Alaska Right Now pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska 15 Reasons to Consider Moving to Alaska - Moving.com Self-employed individuals or freelancers must become a business when living in Alaska. If you are a married couple with four children, then you received a $6,600 PFT payment. Even if you make your home in Anchorage, there is an excellent chance that you will encounter a moose at least once per day. The lack of available housing in Alaska, particularly in rural areas, can make it difficult for residents to find a place to live. Alaska was once thought of as a folly. This expense is one of the most significant costs that you will face as a household if you decide to move here. Alaska is one of only a handful of states that does not have a state income tax. pros and cons of living in sitka, alaska 5. In Alaska, you will find an incredible amount of beauty. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, was almost 300,000 people calling at their home. People turnover a lot. Some popular cities in the state include: Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska and a hub for commerce, culture, and outdoor recreation. The cons, however, include high gas prices and the cost of living. Moving to Alaska can be a bit SAD (were talking Seasonal Affective Disorder), 5. If nature is important to you then consider it a top pro of moving to Alaska. Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, salmonberries can be found on Alaskas hiking trails. Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. In fact, over half of the land in Alaska is protected wilderness, ensuring that these beautiful landscapes will be preserved for generations to come. With its spectacular beauty, many recreational opportunities, and plentiful wildlife, there is an adventure at every turn in Americas last frontier. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of a large town or the seclusion of a remote area of the state, there are plenty of options throughout Alaska. While this can vary in size from year to year, it ranges from $800 to $1,100. 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 summer, the days are long and the wildflowers are in bloom, creating a colorful tapestry across the landscape. Sitka Pros And Cons Of Living In Sitka, Alaska, Moving to Sitka, USA So, if you order clothes, electronics, or any other items, it may take forever to get them. Yearly, there are about 5,000 earthquakes in Alaska. From the traditional hunting and fishing activities of the indigenous peoples to the states thriving outdoor recreation industry, which generates over $2 billion in annual economic activity, the connection to the land is a defining feature of Alaskan culture. Alaska has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of Native American, Russian, and American influences. 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. The bad weather brings bad road conditions, and consequently bad drivers. To be materialistic is to have values that place a high priority on having many possessions and making large sums of money. Alaska is home to the largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass National Forest, which covers over 17 million acres. Meeting start whenever the people involved feel like making them happen. They are really an issue only from the second week in June to the last week in July. The Alaskan highways overall road quality and their feeder routes are good, except for some summer road construction. Some parts of the state see nearly 24 hours of daylight during the season. There is not the same level of hectic chaos here like there is in most of the rest of the world. Sitka has 15 fishing charter companies, while Skagway only has three. 7. Those are the only career opportunities that are available. Many of Alaskas rivers are perfect for whitewater rafting, cruise the coastal waters by boat or take a flightseeing tour of glaciers. 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 Including the: Pacific Ocean Gulf of Alaska Bering Sea Chukchi Sea Beaufort Sea Popularity and image, which are always expressed through money and possessions, lead people to have materialistic values and be concerned about the status quo. Cons: 1 - cost of living is high. It typically occurs during the fall and winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. Great idea. Alaska has some of the best air quality in America, 10. 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. 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. Cons; it is on an island. 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. Of the two million tourists to visit the state each year, more than half will arrive by ship. The cost of living in Alaska is really high. Because of the states remote location, many goods must be shipped in from other parts of the country or even abroad, which can drive up their cost. Many mountain ranges, Mt Denali (tallest mountain in North America), about 100,000 glaciers, nice summers with lots of daylight. The most notable of them is Mt. 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. You might pay $6 for a gallon of milk instead of $3. 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. In fact, according to the EPA, over 90% of the air quality monitoring sites in Alaska have air quality that is classified as good or moderate,. For most rural residents in Alaska, subsistence hunting is critical to their food security, nutrition, and economic stability. What's It like to live in Sitka? : r/alaska - reddit Sitka Housing Options Homes For Sale New Homes You can whale watch in Juneau, watch or participate in dog sledding with huskies, explore ice caves, view the beauty of the Northern Lights. Many families can still save money because of how taxes are structured here. Springwater, without a doubt, is considered the best water to drink. 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. Alaska has the longest coastline of any state in the United States, at over 6,600 miles long. That makes it a paradise for those who love to go hunting and fishing. Because not all companies ship products to Alaska, obtaining the items you ordered can be a problem. Median listing prices for other top cities in Alaska include $270,000 for Fairbanks, $339,900 for homes in Wasilla, and $250,000 for homes in Kenai. 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. The cost of housing in particular is high in the state, with the average home price in Alaska being nearly twice the national average. So Alaskans are less snobby then everyone else..? 6. You just learn to dress for the colder weather. I'm fine with rain, wind, snow, etc. We have more than 10 years of experience in the civil works industry and we are experts in new house construction, tiles works, earth moving works, architecture works, and compound wall works It can get extremely cold in Alaska, even during the summer months. Smaller places with 1 BD are cheaper but if you have a family, 3BD are $1500/mo and up. 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: pretty low crime rate (although it's growing more and more every year . June 21 has almost 19 hours of daylight in Anchorage, making it the longest day of the year. There are times when the weather and the costs of living here will be challenging. If you are down-to-earth, then you will love the easy-going flow of Alaska. Alaska will never rank high from a culinary perspective, but there are a few quality meals to be found. 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. 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. D Sitka Housing Home value is 33% higher than Alaska. Where most of the highest peaks within the US are found. Maybe living in Alaska is your pace. Yes, marijuana is legal in the state of Alaska. 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). Despite the vastness of Alaska, Alaskans overall have a deep sense of connection to one another and a strong sense of state pride. The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word alyeska, which means great land.. Life tends to move a lot slower when living in Alaska. It is possible to drive from Seattle to Alaska in about 72 hours if you dont make a lot of stops along the 1,000-mile trek. Every winter, thousands of Alaskans suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Chill, Diverse People. This is higher than the national median salary, which was $45,790 during the same time period. The state of Alaska has the lowest taxes in the United States. And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. This park is home to many different species of animals, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaskas largest annual event. 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. Alaska has the best summers in the world. . Pros: Nice, quiet small town Good controls on development; no big box stores or too many chain stores, etc Beautiful esp. Sitka cost of living is 116.6. It does have the fifth lowest sales tax in the country, and the state ranks first in overall tax burden for companies. Expect to pay about $.45 per gallon more for your fuel needs when you move to the state. One of the things that makes Alaskas seafood so amazing is its location. Living in Sitka offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. These events are associated with the Aleutian Trench, a subduction zone, where the Pacific plate is pushed under the American continents crust. Fairbanks, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and access to outdoor activities. It is thought that the Inuit invented dog sleds to transport supplies and food to their people. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average daily sunlight in Fairbanks, Alaska during the winter months is just 3.5 hours. 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. Larger cities like Fairbanks, Juneau, & Anchorage have pretty much all the amenities you could hope for as well as entertainment. This means that our seafood is not only fresh, but it also has a unique flavor that cant be found anywhere else in the world.