You will also need to consider the cost of the trip before deciding to travel. While Alaska has many incredible natural wonders, they are not always easy to get to. 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. Sitka has 15 fishing charter companies, while Skagway only has three. Alaska is a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs. You heard it right, if outdoor recreation is important then living in Alaska just got easier. 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. One of the things that makes Alaskas air and water so clean is its location. Please share your experience here: When we get comments from people on Pros and Cons of living in Sitka, Alaska, we publish them here. Cons: 1 - cost of living is high. The top industries in Alaska include oil and gas, fishing, tourism, and government. Moving to Alaska might not be quite your speed. There are various communities in the northern half of the state that experience sub-zero temperatures all year long. Cost of Living in Sitka, Alaska. Highways are paved in most areas, and the amount of traffic poses no problems for commuters. Saved one of the best pros of living in Alaska for last. One reason is the states location near the ocean. According to statistics from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, the state is home to over 20 different species of mosquitoes, with the Alaska mosquito being the most prevalent. Alaska has the longest coastline of any state in the United States, at over 6,600 miles long. 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. Here are a few of these traditions valued by the residents of the state. There are several positions that help to support the tourism industry in the state as well. See gorgeous pictures and amazing stories of happy Premier Pups Maltese dogs living in Hobart Bay, Alaska. Hike through Denali National Park or cruise the Seward Highway. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, was almost 300,000 people calling at their home. In fact, you can compare it with any of the most beautiful spots in the world because of its uniqueness and beauty. If you choose to buy a home, know that some cities exempt seniors from part of their property tax. You must become a business if you want to be self-employed. Visitors and residents can view them between September and late April. Hunting options include grouse, hare, mountain goat or brown bear, hunting in the rainforest region. These events are associated with the Aleutian Trench, a subduction zone, where the Pacific plate is pushed under the American continents crust. The city of Ketchikan, in particular, is known for its high levels of rainfall, with an average of over 150 inches per year. 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. Because it is a lot colder in Alaska than in other states, your heating costs during the winter are going to be significantly higher. Sitka Housing Options Homes For Sale New Homes Dog sleds remained an essential mode of transportation even after the Gold Rush era. It is not unusual to encounter wildlife every day when you are living in Alaska. 2. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED HomeMindset.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon website (amazon.com amazon.in etc) and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Cordova. It can get extremely cold in Alaska, even during the summer months. With its vast, unspoiled wilderness and strict environmental regulations, Alaska is a true haven for clean air and water. Because food, other than the local food, needs to travel a great distance to get there, the prices are relatively high. If you shop strategically, especially with your rewards cards, most of the cost difference can be offset with a little creative budgeting. 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. Cost of Living Find Your Best Place Quiz City Compare Climate Top Lists Rankings Schools Find a Place DataEngine Interactive Map. Popularity and image, which are always expressed through money and possessions, lead people to have materialistic values and be concerned about the status quo. One thing Alaskans are very proud of is our clean air and water quality, I can confidently say that the air and water here are absolutely pristine. 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. Sitka also has a wider range of water -based activities compared to Skagway. You are going to be exposed to the Great Outdoors all of the time. There is a higher cost of living to consider before moving to the state. Then the next largest community is Wasilla, with just 10,000 residents. Sitka, AK vs Anchorage, AK Change Cities Highlights - The Median Age in Anchorage is 5.9 years younger than in Sitka. Alaska is home to the largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass National Forest, which covers over 17 million acres. The distinctive demographics in this unique area offer a feeling of pride in the residents. The states population is relatively small and sparsely distributed, with much of the population concentrated in the urban centers of Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. Sufferers from SAD experience malaise, anxiety, and deep depression. They can be triggered by landslides, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes. The most vigorous earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. Median rent price. Alaska does not have a state income tax or a state sales tax, which can help to offset the high cost of living. 09-28-2015, 02:38 PM rntim Location: sitka, Alaska 279 posts, read 362,335 times Reputation: 381 I live in Sitka. That money applies to every person in your family, including the kids. Some of this number leave and move elsewhere, but many return to Alaska. But what made it more notable was the pristine setting where it took place. Lets take Fairbanks, Alaska, as an example here. The state median home value is $265,000, with 71% of the homes in the state priced between $108,000 and $435,000. Population 8,518 View Nearby Homes Alaska Real Estate Median Home Value $367,800 National $244,900 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. Located in Denali National Park. That never happened, but it is an interesting part of U.S. history that isnt always taught in history class. Another one of the major challenges of living in Alaska is the high cost of goods. 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. A gallon of milk can cost double what it would in other states. 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. 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. Many tour companies offer wildlife viewing cruises and excursions to see whales, seals, and other marine animals. Whether youre hiking through the towering peaks of the Alaska Range, fishing for wild salmon in a glacial stream, or simply gazing at the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you, Alaska has a way of making you feel alive like nowhere else on earth. Not many states are as beautiful as Alaska. The money can be used for anything that I choose, from paying bills to saving for a rainy day. The median home prices for homes in Anchorage are $299,000, Fairbanks $222,000, Wasilla $239,000, and $185,000 for Kenai. 1. Here are some tips to help repel the mosquito. Some refer to mosquitoes as the states official bird, given their ubiquity and ability to survive in harsh environments. The frost-free growing season in Alaska lasts for about 100 days. Outside of Anchorage, the next largest city is Juneau, with a total population of 32,000. Yearly, there are about 5,000 earthquakes in 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). Every winter, thousands of Alaskans suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Compare Sitka, Alaska Cost of Living vs Anchorage, Alaska Cost of Living: Taxes, Childcare, Groceries, Health. From the moment you set foot in this wild, beautiful land, you can feel the thrill of adventure coursing through your veins. You just learn to dress for the colder weather. PRO: Lots of wild animals. The fair includes nightly concerts, games and carnival rides, and much food unique to the state. For those who live outside of this metroplex, the only option tends to be heating oil, which is much more expensive. So many artists will not come to Alaska to perform. Instead, it relies on other sources of revenue, such as taxes on oil and natural gas production, to fund state government services. These blood-sucking insects are most active during the warmer months of the year, typically from May to September. For those who do love playing in the snow, you wont find a better place to learn a new sport. One of the negative effects of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on mental health. Required fields are marked *. Dont forget to budget your heating costs during the winter months. Every day is casual Friday in this state. Chartered fishing trips are a great way to spend your time on the sea on a high-quality fishing boat that you will not have to operate or upkeep, and that allows you to fish in a variety of areas effortlessly. Great place to raise a family. 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. In Sitka there are a lot of bars and coffee shops. 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 inland Alaskan Arctic, where the skies are clearer, is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. So, while the darkness in Alaska can be beautiful and magical at times, it can also be a real challenge. 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. 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. Thanks for the replies! 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. These people are defined by their language groups and are considered Alaskan Natives. The rise of other modes of transportation, such as planes, trains, and snowmachines, has reduced the need for dog sleds as a mode of transportation. You can save money in other ways by moving to Alaska as well. Find the best and worst places to live, raise a family or retire in Alaska. The constant buzzing and biting can be annoying, and in some cases, mosquitoes can even transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and malaria. The strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. If living in a more remote area of the state and want to see the capital of Alaska, plan to take a boat or plane. A high school education is a basic prerequisite for most . In Alaska, the sense of community is strong. Only California and Hawaii residents will pay more for their fueling needs. B- Sitka Schools HS graduation rate is equal to Alaska. There are several opportunities to pursue your sport of choice during the summer as well. We almost all use Helly Hansen Impertec. The temperatures dropped to a record of minus 80F in 1971 at Prospect Creek Camp. Alaska was ranked the most outdoorsy state in America with 81 percent of the population being involved in outdoor activities. The median values are higher for some bigger cities, such as Juneau and Anchorage, with prices averaging $364,000 and $303,000, respectively. Pros and Cons of Charter Fishing. Venture to Alaska if you want to see the Aurora Borealis. It provides vital nutrients for the body, and it is delicious! With Alaskas 6,640 miles of coastline, tsunamis can happen. In Alaska, there are two seasons, road construction and winter. It is thought that the Inuit invented dog sleds to transport supplies and food to their people. Living in Alaska Pros and Cons Pros You will experience the great outdoors in Alaska in a way that you never have before. Some parts of the state see nearly 24 hours of daylight during the season. The industry also contributed over $2.2 billion in state and local tax revenue (talk about a vice grip). When Alaska was first established as a state in 1959, its economy was primarily based on fishing, mining, and other extractive industries. 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. In addition, the states economy is heavily dependent on the oil industry, which can be volatile and contribute to fluctuations in the cost of living. The payment in 2017 was $1,100 per person. Sitka is on an island and the only access is by plane or boat. Alaska Maltese puppy, we encourage you to browse our selection and reach out to us with any questions you may have. People who live in Alaska are called Alaskans. That is true because of the added transportation costs to move goods that far north. That is how Alaska got the name Land of the Midnight Sun.. The entire state of Alaska has a laid-back feel. Pros and Cons of living in Sitka, Alaska according to Data Do you live in Sitka, Alaska? The state experiences powerful volcanic eruptions time and time again, including the most powerful of the 20thcentury at the Novarupta Volcano. The cost of groceries and health care are also higher in Alaska compared to the national average. Cons; it is on an island. However, the median salary can vary depending on factors such as the specific job, level of experience, and location within the state. 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. 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. Alaska has a very diverse climate, with temperatures and weather patterns varying widely depending on where you are in the state. As so many people today communicate by cell phone or send text messages, use the Internet, etc., this can be an inconvenience difficult to deal with. You can whale watch in Juneau, watch or participate in dog sledding with huskies, explore ice caves, view the beauty of the Northern Lights. Larger cities like Fairbanks, Juneau, & Anchorage have pretty much all the amenities you could hope for as well as entertainment. The climate is severe, and the strain of life can demand a heavy price. 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.