Article Overview:Living in Alaska, Moving to Alaska
Thinking about living in Alaska, eh?
Well Ive got news for you.
Loathe darkness, cold weather, rain, and high prices.
Living in Alaska (Shutterstock/Greg Browning)
Moving to Alaska might not be quite your speed.
In this article Ill cover the pros and cons of living in Alaska based on my own personal experience.
Ready to head to Americas Last Frontier?
Living in Alaska
The Natural Splendor
If nature is important to you then consider it a top pro of moving to Alaska.
In the winter, the snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes provide quite a contrast to the dark skies.
Watching these animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.
Living in Alaska (Courtesty NPS)
Alaska Has a Great Sense of Community
In Alaska, the sense of community is strong.
Alaska has a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, including over 3 million acres of state park land.
For someone who receives one of these dividend checks, its always a welcome boost to the old income.
Living in Alaska (Courtesty NPS)
Some folks I know use it toward a vacation every year.
In recent years, there have been efforts to reconsider the lack of a state sales tax in Alaska.
One of the things that makes Alaskas seafood so amazing is its location.
Moving to Alaska (Shutterstock/Rex Lisman)
In other words, its the Arctic Circle of flavor.
Another reason why Alaskas seafood is so fantastic is the variety.
No State Income Tax
Looking to move to Alaska to save on even more taxes?
Living in Alaska (Courtesty NPS)
Living in Alaska could just be for you.
One thing Alaskans are very proud of is our clean air and water quality.
I can confidently say that the air and water here is absolutely pristine.
Living in Alaska (NPS/Kent Miller)
One of the things that makes Alaskas air and water so clean is its location.
Another thing that makes Alaska so incredible is the sense of freedom that you feel here.
One of the most popular places for wildlife viewing in Alaska is Denali National Park.
Living in Alaska (shutterstock/FloridaStock)
Denali is home to many different species of animals, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves.
Another popular destination for wildlife viewing in Alaska is the Katmai National Park and Preserve.
One of the things that makes Alaskan culture so interesting is its focus on the natural environment.
Moving to Alaska (Courtesy NPS)
Cons of Living in Alaska
1.
Hello Darkness My Old Friend… Darkness here can be a real challenge.
Alaska experiences long, dark winters and short, sunny summers.
Living in Alaska (shutterstock/Daniel Case)
This can be a difficult adjustment for newcomers moving to Alaska.
Another negative effect of the darkness in Alaska is the impact it can have on your safety.
This can make it difficult to access basic services and amenities, such as medical care and grocery stores.
Living in Alaska (Courtesty NPS)
The more rural cities can feel like youre on the surface of the moon.
The cost of groceries and health care are also higher in Alaska.
A bust year for oil hits hard.
Living in Alaska (NPS/Jacob Frank)
The high cost of living in Alaska can be particularly challenging for those on fixed incomes or low salaries.
Symptoms of SAD can include feelings of sadness, low energy, and difficulty concentrating.
One common misconception about SAD is that it only affects people who live in cold climates.
However, this is not the case.
One of the most effective treatments for SAD is exposure to bright light.
This can help to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
But why is Alaska so rainy?
One reason is the states location near the ocean.
Lack of Fresh Produce
This one kills me.
If youre thinking about moving to Alaska then lets just say I hope you love pickled goods.
One of the challenges of living in Alaska is the difficulty of obtaining fresh produce.
Despite these challenges, there are efforts underway to improve access to fresh produce in Alaska.
For example, some communities have established local farmers markets or community gardens where residents can purchase locally-grown produce.
There are also initiatives to support the development of greenhouses and other methods of growing produce in the state.
Another issue is the lack of available land for development.
Those Damn Mosquitoes
Damn those mosquitoes.
Some folks say that when you live here long enough they stop bothering you but I dont believe it.
