Living in Alaska is truly a unique and wonderful experience, unlike anything else in the US. This vast and robust state offers its residents an unparalleled connection to nature, with stunning landscapes ranging from towering mountain ranges to untouched coastlines. But living in Alaska isn’t just about admiring its breathtaking beauty. It is also about embracing the challenges and the lifestyle that comes with them. Whether you’re buying a house in Fairbanks or renting an apartment in Anchorage, read on to see if Alaska is the right place to live.
Interested in moving to Alaska? Check out:
Homes for Sale in Alaska | Apartments for Rentals in Alaska | Alaska Homes
Quick facts about Alaska
Population 733,391 Median Home Selling Price Average Rent in Alaska 385,000 $1,399 Alaska Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau largest cities $1,399
Is Alaska a good place to live?
Alaska offers a completely different lifestyle than most in the US. That’s what appeals to many people who live there. If you are drawn to a wide open space, incredible natural beauty, and a quieter pace of life, Alaska may be appropriate. Residents enjoy outdoor access just minutes from their homes, hiking, fishing, skiing and watching wildlife. There is also a strong sense of independence and community in many towns, especially in more remote areas.
That said, living in Alaska has trade-offs. Winters can be long and dark, especially in the northern part of the state, with the cost of goods, particularly food and fuel, due to remote areas. Work can be restricted according to the industry, and travel between low 48 is not always quick or cheap. Still, for those who value space, scenery and loneliness, Alaska has plenty to offer.
I live in Alaska at a glance:
Adventure is a way of life. From weekend hiking to summer fishing trips and winter dog sledges, outdoors aren’t just for recreational purposes. It’s lifestyle. Neighbors look at each other. In small towns and rural areas, community connections are strong, and self-sufficiency is balanced by mutual support. You need to get used to being light (or dark). Midnight Sun in Summer, Short Sun in Winter – Your internal clock needs to be adjusted. You trade convenience for beauty: fewer stores, longer drives, higher prices are a trade-off between amazing scenery and loneliness.
1. Pro: Year-round outdoor recreation
Its reputation as a heaven for outdoor enthusiasts in Alaska is legendary and has become an important professional for anyone who chooses to live here. Whether you’re hiking the sturdy trails of Denali National Park, kayaking among the glaciers of Kenaifjords National Park, or embarking on a thrilling fishing expedition in the abundant waters, Alaska is an adventurer’s paradise.
2. CON: Midnight Sun and Polar Night
During the summer, the midnight sun covers certain areas of sunlight forever, and the sun will not set for a long time. This provides ample outdoor activities and exploration times, but can disrupt your sleep patterns. Conversely, at the depths of winter, Alaska encounters polar nights. The polar regions allow the sun to remain under the horizon for a long time, thrustting the landscape into the darkness. This lack of sunlight leads to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in some individuals, affecting mood and overall well-being.
3. Pro: Beautiful Wildlife
Unique wildlife is another compelling reason to travel to Alaska. Residents share habitat here with a variety of majestic creatures, including grizzlies and black bears, moose, bald eagles and orcas. The annual salmon attracts grizzlies to the river, allowing residents to witness these powerful animals with elements of nature. Meanwhile, the coastal areas of the state are paradise for marine life enthusiasts. They provide the opportunity to infringe humpback whales and marine otters slowly float on their backs.
4. CON: Severe weather
Alaska’s reputation for harsh weather is well-earned and is a critical aspect of state life. The Alaska winters have extremely cold temperatures that can plummet under freezing, particularly merciless. Snowfall is abundant in many regions, leading to challenging driving conditions and requires residents to adapt to winter weather demands. Especially in the northern regions, long, dark winters can be mentally and emotionally challenging as daytime times become significantly shorter. Furthermore, severe storms, strong winds and freezing rain can disrupt everyday life and pose safety risks.
5. Pro: The beauty of nature
The final frontier is home to a landscape of incredible diversity. Each offers breathtaking views, from the towering peaks of the Alaska Mountains to the calving glacier in Glacier Bay National Park. The inhabitants have the privilege of witnessing the kaleidoscope of colours during autumn leaves, the enchanting midnight sun during summer, and the airy beauty of the ice-covered landscapes of winter.
6. CON: Isolated remote area
Many small towns in Alaska embrace a sense of isolation and distantness. This can be both professional and fraudulent, depending on your perspective. The state’s vast wilderness and untouched landscapes are part of its appeal, but it also comes with the challenge of limited accessibility. Many Alaska communities are not connected by roads and rely on air and water travel for transportation. This remoteness can lead to increased transportation costs, longer travel times, and difficulty in accessing goods and services.
7. Pro: No state income tax
One of the clear financial benefits of living in Alaska is the lack of state income tax. This financial relief is particularly important for individuals and families, and can allocate income to save, invest, or pursue personal goals. Without the state’s income tax burden, Alaskans could enjoy greater economic flexibility and achieve a higher standard of living while benefiting from the state’s unique benefits, such as natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
8. CON: High living expenses
High cost of living is a notable drawback of living in Alaska. The state’s natural beauty and unique experience are unparalleled, but with a price tag. The cost of living in Juneau is 27% higher than the national average and along with many other cities like Fairbanks, where living costs are 21% higher. Grocery, utilities and transportation costs are more expensive as the state needs to import many goods and remote areas. Additionally, the cost of heating your home during the harsh winters can be substantial. These combined factors can strain your household budget, so exploring affordable locations in Alaska is a good place to start if you move to the state.
9. Pro: Fresh and local seafood
Living in Alaska offers unparalleled culinary joys in many parts of the world. Easy access to fresh seafood and local seafood. Alaska is a seafood lover’s paradise with its large coastline and untouched waters. Residents can indulge in some of the latest and most sustainably sourced seafood, including juicy king crab legs, sweet Alaskan salmon and delicious halibut.
10. CON: Mosquito Flock
One of the notable challenges of living in Alaska is fighting mosquito herds, especially during the summer months. These relentless insects thrive in the state’s wetlands and forests, and experience annoying experiences with outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and fishing. The mosquito season in Alaska is intense, and in some areas, they experience these bloodthirsty pest clouds. Residents often rely on insect repellents, protective clothing and screen-in spaces to prevent mosquito bites.
