It is the home to many wild animals including eagles, bears, and tons of marine life! We have a good indoor pool and recreation center. With a population of about … Used to be a great, friendly fishing town. For those who already live in Alaska, it is not surprising that their state was ranked #1 as the happiest place to live in America by a well-being study conducted by Gallup-Healthways in 2015. Michelle- I totally agree that Alaska feels like a whole other country! It ranks fifth for the lowest sales tax in the country but first in overall tax burden for companies. The Alaskan highway is connected to various areas with very few branches. On average, Anchorage has over 30 inches of snow, from January to March, with another 30 inches accumulating during November and December combined. If you love the chaos and bustling pace of New York, you will go stir crazy in Anchorage or Juneau. The expanse of wilderness and miles of coastline provide the ideal means for fabulous meat and fish meals. It’s also a state of boundless nature and majestic landscapes, with some of the best hiking, fishing and hunting in the world. You can live anywhere in Alaska and be closer to nature. Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Health Care Cost Institute Report of 2016, Why Is Florida So Expensive? I loved the history video. There are lots of opertunities for jobs, and most employers will hire students/ youth. Ample gyms. As a resident of Alaska, you get to experience the renowned Alaska State Fair, which is one of the best in the country. Soon after the ship’s hull was ruptured, Prince William Sound was filled with oil. Alaska has sunshine for almost 20 hours a day. We have several schools. I’ve decided to make a list of things I miss about Fargo and also pros and cons about living in Ketchikan. COST OF LIVING. For generations, dogsled racing has been one of the most prominent sports in Alaska. The distinctive demographics in this unique area offer a feeling of pride in the residents. Food shopping in Homer is obscene. Sonraki oynatılıyor. Dog sleds remained an essential mode of transportation even after the Gold Rush era. It's not my cup of tea for living, so here's my opinion: Pros: Nice, quiet small town Good controls on development; no big box stores or too many chain stores, etc Beautiful esp. Answer 1 of 2: I am contemplating working for a summer in Ketchikan and am looking for information on living there. Here are some reasons why Alaska is so attractive to so many. Please. Airborne pollutants are monitored and regulated, but infractions are common with financial penalties. It is thought that the Inuit invented dog sleds to transport supplies and food to their people. Because not all companies ship products to Alaska, obtaining the items you ordered can be a problem. This event caused the Valley of 10,000 Smokes at Katmai Park. Hey,I live n Anchorage,AK right now and my parents want to move to Homer.My dad is a commercial fisherman,and he fishes out of Homer alot,so my mom wants to move there so we can see him more often.Im excited,but worried.Im in middle school btw. Even the sidewalks can be dangerous after a snowfall. 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 is a beautiful and unspoiled state but a difficult place to live. I have been blessed to call this place my home. This can be a physically demanding and time-consuming job depending on where you live and how much it snows. COMPARE COST OF LIVING Compare Ketchikan, Alaska to any other place in the USA. Alaska’s economy is strong, and a lot of that has to do with the number of jobs available to residents. There are lots of recreational activites available though out the year including soccer ( both in and outdoor), softball, swimming, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, track, skating/skateboarding, etc. Fishing is second to none, and having a freezer full of halibut is great. Most of them unfortunately dont get help for some of these problems and ultimately are at their mental breaking point. The hiking, camping and sight seeing attractions are phenomenal, There can be all 4 seasons in one day....its rainforest country, The night life is horrible in this community...no place for families to enjoy either. Things you should consider before moving to Alaska and its pros and cons are followed by few facts below: Did you know that Alaska was controlled by Russia from the late 1700s until 1867. 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. Anchorage, Alaska, has the one of the most diverse populations in terms of ethnicity and culture in all the U.S., even beating out Queens, New York; Mountain View, a neighborhood in Anchorage, is the most diverse area whole state. Both have their pros and cons. Dogsled racing is the primary form of mushing and thrives as an unorganized sport that provides a healthy outdoor form of winter exercise for all families. Police cars are equipped with massive bumpers to fend off rude and unwelcome moose around highways or public areas. June 21 has almost 19 hours of daylight in Anchorage, making it the longest day of the year. The views and wildlife are amazing. The fair includes nightly concerts, games and carnival rides, and much food unique to the state. High living Expense: Alaska has a pretty high living cost. Sign up. The last time I did it, one of the long-time fans of the blog, Doris P., said, “I’d like to know more about your island home. Mushing is a sport or mode of transportation powered by dogs. The sun’s view so far north is unbelievable. The stress of living boils over into violence for some Alaskans. 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. Ketchikan is a small town located on an island in Southeast Alaska. Venture to Alaska if you want to see the Aurora Borealis. It’s growing, but it isn’t all rainbows and butterflies, though. Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary: Pros and cons - See 889 traveler reviews, 836 candid photos, and great deals for Ketchikan, AK, at Tripadvisor. If you fly up here, then you could go on more adventures–hiking, camping, fishing, etc. Because Alaska is the least densely populated of the United States, you can unwind and relax in complete silence if you choose. It is important to note that costs are higher in Alaska because of transportation and its isolation. The most vigorous earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred here in 1964. The annual car insurance premium in Alaska is $1,180. Bildir. Real estate options : Living in a remote, scheduled area or even a large town can never be a burden for you because of affordable real estate options throughout Alaska. Alaska is no doubt an interesting state to live in. But there are also repelling factors that keep some away. This is a small island community located within a rain forest which means limited resources and 160+ inches of rain each year. Mountain View in Anchorage is rated one of the most diverse places to live in the United States. If bar hopping is to your liking, you will need to walk around a bit as Anchorage is very spread out. Up Next. There are many off-the-beaten-path natural hot springs and some easily accessible that residents and visitors can enjoy — even in the winter. 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. PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP. Library. As tragic as the spills are, the Alaskans love their oil. The state’s rich history is evident when you look through its national parks, museums, artifacts, and its famed oil industry. Here are the pros and cons of living in Alaska. The fund was established in 1976 to conserve a portion of the state’s revenue from mineral resources, to help future generations of Alaskans, and attract new residents to the state. With its spectacular beauty, many recreational opportunities, and plentiful wildlife, there is an adventure at every turn in America’s last frontier. Visitors can enjoy a tour of Saxman and experience the Native culture. Follow. Reply. The most infamous oil spill in the country occurred in 1989 with the Exxon Valdez tanker’s grounding, where 10.8 million gallons of crude were dumped into the ocean. With the new gold rush, and the many National Geographic television shows that have been filming in and around Alaska, there has been a rush of income for the state’s economy. The state median home value is $265,000, with 71% of the homes in the state priced between $108,000 and $435,000. You may have to worry about cold weather, but you won’t have to worry about the state taking your hard-earned dollars. #travel #alaska #ketchikan Dog sleds have been a means of transportation for centuries, especially in the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas. Since the closing of the mill and the reduction in fishing over the years, the community is reliant upon the short 5 month tourist/cruise season to survive. It is very touristy and historic. With the cost of a gallon of gas in Alaska at $3.36 according to GasBuddy, it is the sixth-highest in the whole country. Each year, residents living in Alaska full-time receive royalties from the fund’s earnings. Juneau is a magnet for thousands of visitors and workers. It’s a state where the government actually PAYS YOU to live. But mushing is still an essential part of life for some Alaskans. Still, the overall demographic is majority white, in large … General healthcare prices within the Anchorage metro area are an astonishing 82% above the national average, based on the Health Care Cost Institute Report of 2016. No doubt, this would attract many! 3. Not many states are as beautiful as Alaska. Because food, other than the local food, needs to travel a great distance to get there, the prices are relatively high. Popularity and image, which are always expressed through money and possessions, lead people to have materialistic values and be concerned about the status quo. This study also included collective feelings of financial security, community pride, and good health. 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. 6 years ago | 28 views. when it's sunny Cons: EXPENSIVE Seems quite snobby Limited trail system and getting above treeline is a haul The Pros of living in Sitka is that it truly is beautiful. Besides its ideal temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees, the state also offers very long, sunshine-filled days. Every day is “casual Friday” in this state. Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, salmonberries can be found on Alaska’s hiking trails. The terrain attracts a hardy, adventure-seeking crowd, who will tell you the state’s unique beauty and abundant wildlife make the cold temperatures worth it. Teenagers get stressed out too. It has 17 out of 20 highest mountain peaks in states. The main island has 32 miles of paved road. In the summer, the town booms with people from all over the world to make the town filled with life and with 18 hours of daylight, there is much to do and much to explore. Maybe 2 convenient stores. As for cons: It is very expensive! 6. Daha fazla videoya gözat. On our five day cruise we had only one port stop in Ketchikan which is a quaint Alaskan town built entirely around cruise tourism. Half of the current population of the state lives in the Anchorage metropolitan area. Outdoorsy and artsy personalities thrive within the rain city Salmon Capital of the world. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. You will also need to consider the cost of the trip before deciding to travel. Ok, so I’ve been living here in Ketchikan for a month now. Browse more videos . Watch fullscreen. During the tourist/cruise season original down town comes to life with the reopening of shops, tour companies, zip line attractions, fishing charters, and whale watching. 1. And I will admit to being homesick a few times and missing people and places from Fargo, ND. It's a real problem and I see it every day. The high cost of living makes life difficult. Takip et. Scenic beauty : Alaska’s snowy mountains, dense forests, terrain, vast tundras are the prior reasons for which you will feel excited to move to Alaska. Despite higher-than-average wages, low poverty level, and a sparse population, violent crimes are surprisingly frequent. Compared to other locations in the country, even the southern locations of Alaska have more snowfall. Ketchikan, Alaska, is the southernmost city in this great state, which is more than twice the size of Texas! Besides regular … The fair is nearly two weeks long and is Alaska’s largest annual event. You will need to adjust to doing a lot of shoveling, blowing, and plowing to keep your walkways and driveway clear. It provides vital nutrients for the body, and it is delicious! You can spend lots of time hiking, fishing, whale watching. The state earns its revenues through a tax burden on businesses, as Alaska does not have an income tax. Through its established Permanent Fund Dividend Program, Alaska will pay you to move there. If you are considering residency in Alaska, you need to weigh both the pros and cons to determine if Alaska is right for you. However, you must be aware of what you are eating, as some might be poisonous. Springwater, without a doubt, is considered the best water to drink. The majority of people in the state are homeowners, however. Many areas of the state are only accessible by boat, plane, train, or floatplane and cannot be reached by car. Typical summer days have highs in high 50’s-low 60’s, typical winter has high in mid-upper 20’s with lows in the upper teens. The poor road connectivity coupled with the low agricultural output makes shipping of various products and goods into Alaska … Even with strict regulations and watchdog groups, cruise ships still pollute the pristine waters they travel through. The vibrant display of colors — pinks, oranges, reds — along with the shadows of the mountain ranges and forests, seem almost to touch the sun. LIVING IN ALASKA PROS AND CONS Cons of Living 1. Maybe more current stuff. Ketchikan, the salmon capitol of the world, is absolutely beautiful but has its pros and cons. The entire state of Alaska has a laid-back feel. You have to be careful, though, since it is wilderness, and while they have a good Search and Rescue, sometimes they never find people who get lost, besides danger of slides, injuries. See what you'll need to earn to keep your current standard of living wherever you choose to work and live. The fortunate residents can regularly see and experience the world’s most beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and natural phenomena. For most rural residents in Alaska, subsistence hunting is critical to their food security, nutrition, and economic stability. You can whale watch in Juneau, watch or participate in dog sledding with huskies, explore ice caves, view the beauty of the Northern Lights. It is the perfect place to learn snow sports. They are required to pay property taxes, but the fact that they can save on state income tax and sales tax is a considerable saving for the residents. Alaska has a total population of 738,432 as of 2015. Residents are not required to pay either income tax or sales tax. An amount below 100 means Ketchikan is cheaper than the US average. 1:01. Based on the 2017 cost of living study by the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, monthly utility costs in the state are high. Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator lets you compare the cost of living and salary differentials State to State or over 300+ US cities. To maximize your chances of seeing them, Prudhoe Bay and Barrow in the extreme north or the remote northern villages of Coldfoot in the Yukon Territory offer the best possibility of viewing the Lights. Rent is only slightly cheaper than in other areas of the country. While this can vary in size from year to year, it ranges from $800 to $1,100. While Alaska has many incredible natural wonders, they are not always easy to get to. Alaska’s nearness to the Arctic Circle means that day hours vary in intensity and length. It is mainly because of Alaska’s transportation difficulties. In Alaska, there are two seasons, road construction and winter. My household utilities exceed $1,000 a month in winter. May 27, 2015 by homesteaddreamer. It is the home to many wild animals including eagles, bears, and tons of marine life! The area became the 49 th state of the United States. The Alaska Airlines Center was built, and famous acts now have a place to perform. One major issue I would have to say is the mental health status of others around my age. Even fuel costs are also higher here. Pros and Cons of Living in Alaska Alaska is a state in the most Northwestern point of the United States west coast. 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. Compare the Cost of Living in Ketchikan, Alaska against another US Cities and States. The Alaskan highways’ overall road quality and their feeder routes are good, except for some summer road construction. Log in. They can be triggered by landslides, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes. Ketchikan is also a very artsy community with extremely active visual artists, local … With Alaska’s 6,640 miles of coastline, tsunamis can happen. While there are things to do, city life is slow compared to larger cities in the country. Alaska receives no attention from authors and artists. So, if you order clothes, electronics, or any other items, it may take forever to get them. Snow sports: Alaska is the best place for winter lovers. Yearly, there are about 5,000 earthquakes in Alaska. There are many options to choose from when looking for a relaxing natural hot spring to unwind in. Alaska’s economy is experiencing quite a boom lately. This is a favorable statistic, as the national average is $1,450. 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. There are so many different types of landscapes and a lot of wildlife. Alaska ranks high as one of the most popular cruising destinations in the world. Boring. 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 cold really becomes an issue if you do move further north in the state. Strong Economy. This is the perfect place for snow sports including hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, backpacking to snowshoeing. But you’ll be experiencing a shorter summer which won’t necessarily make a jarring difference. Pros and Cons of Living in Alaska (Anchorage and Ketchikan) Report. Based on the FBI’s statistics, Alaska is second to Tennessee as the nation’s most violent state. What I love most about Ketchikan is the arts community, it's so welcoming. The capital city of Alaska, Juneau, has a rich and as magnificent history as its landscapes. The bad weather brings bad road conditions, and consequently bad drivers. Driving from Alaska to Seattle in 72 hours is possible if you don’t make too many stops along the 1,000-mile trip. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. The western half of the state completely lacks a network of roadways connecting it to the rest of Alaska. Alaska is one of the more high priced states in the US. The state of Alaska has the lowest taxes in the United States. Tap to unmute. You will not find this type of behavior among the residents of Alaska. Prince William Sound experienced a 9.2 quake in March of that year. Marne February 26, 2013. If you are down-to-earth, then you will love the easy-going flow of Alaska. Quentinfarran. Where in Alaska makes all the difference. Are apartments available and what is a typical monthly rent for … To cope, some turn to overeating, alcohol, drugs, or extended periods of sleep. Cell phone service is absolutely awful in Alaska. And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. 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