If you’ve never experienced Alaska, you might envision a land of snow and ice, often referred to as the Great White North. However, the reality is that Alaska’s beauty and diversity make it an appealing place to live, even as of 2023. The state continues to offer numerous job opportunities and a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, all while maintaining favorable tax conditions.
But amidst all its positive aspects, living in Alaska does present certain challenges, some of which have evolved over time. The state still grapples with its notoriously long and frigid winters, and the abundance of snowfall can make daily mobility a cumbersome task during the winter months.
Nonetheless, if you’re considering moving to the state, here are 25 pros and cons of living in Alaska.
Pros
Alaska is absolutely stunning with a ton of reasons to move there. Here are 13 pros of living there.
1. The Midnight Sun
Experiencing the midnight sun is a phenomenon that most of us have never encountered until we find ourselves in the far northern reaches. As of 2023, moving from the southern U.S. to the northern parts of the country still unveils the striking contrast in the length of summer days. However, even when the sun sets around nine or ten in the evening, the concept of true midnight twilight, let alone sunlight, might remain elusive.
Alaska’s extreme northern location means that even its southern regions bask in the sun’s glow at midnight during the summer months. In areas such as Fairbanks, located at a high latitude, the concept of nighttime transforms into a prolonged twilight that spans a couple of hours before the sun gracefully ascends once again.
The allure of the midnight sun remains captivating, even though it simply involves the sun maintaining its position in the sky. Engaging in daytime activities well past midnight imparts a unique sense of enjoyment and wonder. As of 2023, the enchantment of the midnight sun continues to be a remarkable experience in Alaska’s summer landscape.
2. Friendly, Laid-Back People
In contrast to many areas in the lower 48 states where people often harbor skepticism towards one another and tend to maintain their personal space, the welcoming nature of Alaskans still holds true in 2023. This openness can be attributed in part to the diverse composition of the population, the unhurried rhythm of life, and the absence of the typical frenzy found in major cities.
For those unaccustomed to strolling through unfamiliar neighborhoods and encountering warm waves and friendly greetings, such experiences are commonplace in Alaska, especially in smaller coastal villages, the interior, and urban centers like Fairbanks.
Furthermore, Alaskans remain refreshingly unbothered if their greetings aren’t reciprocated, and they are unlikely to regard strangers with suspicion for merely exploring their surroundings on foot. This enduring sense of approachability and lack of hostility toward newcomers are still emblematic of the Alaskan spirit.
3. Slow Pace of Life
Don’t expect to come across an abundance of upscale dining establishments where high-flying executives convene to discuss business matters regularly. Extravagant and costly establishments are rare sightings, too. In fact, compared to the major urban hubs in the U.S., the population of high-powered business executives in Anchorage remains relatively sparse, contributing to the prevailing relaxed pace.
While Anchorage and Fairbanks do boast several prominent corporate chains, they do not engender the same frenetic energy characteristic of cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The emphasis in the daily lives of Alaskans leans more towards practicality than aesthetics, ultimately translating into a more easygoing and laid-back way of life.
4. Diversity
Alaska, both as a whole and Anchorage in particular, continues to stand out for its exceptional diversity, a facet that remains a prominent feature. This diversity owes much to the presence of Alaska Natives who have deeply enriched the cultural landscape.
The Alaska Natives are a captivating group with narratives that often differ from the experiences of the broader population, lending an unparalleled dimension to the tapestry of stories. This phenomenon resonates not only in Anchorage but also extends to interior towns across the state.
What’s even more remarkable is how this diversity is vividly displayed through vibrant cultures distinct from the dominant white culture. The cultures of Alaskan Natives remain resilient and intact, creating a fascinating mosaic of traditions and heritage. Engaging with Alaskan Natives proves to be an enjoyable and enlightening experience, as their unique perspectives continue to enrich the Alaskan community in 2023.
5. Small-Town Charm
Anchorage maintains a population of around 300,000 residents. While serving as Alaska’s largest city, this number may not seem substantial when compared to more populous areas. For perspective, Juneau, the capital of Alaska, houses merely 32,000 residents, while Fairbanks boasts a population of 31,000.
What’s striking is that these three cities, despite their titles, have admirably preserved much of their small-town allure. Now, if you can imagine the charm they’ve retained, consider the quaint atmosphere of the actual small towns. The fishing villages that dot the southern coast are not only filled with the expected tourist-oriented stores but also teem with distinctive establishments that are one-of-a-kind.
Certainly, a good number of these establishments might be boutiques, yet they share space with extraordinary hidden treasures like antique shops nestled within neighborhood corners. The towns and cities across Alaska continue to offer a blend of authenticity, uniqueness, and small-town charisma that sets them apart.
6. Entrepreneurship Opportunities
If the entrepreneurial spirit beckons, Alaska remains a remarkably accommodating place to kickstart your business endeavors. Initiating your venture is a streamlined process—you can conveniently submit your articles of incorporation online, and often, within just a few hours, you’ll receive your essential ID number and accompanying paperwork.
Yet, the most alluring aspect harks back to the enduring small-town charisma. While you might encounter competition, it’s not likely to originate from the dominant national chains. This dynamic creates an advantageous environment for your business to take root and flourish, enhancing the odds of its successful establishment and growth. As of 2023, Alaska maintains its reputation as a fertile ground for new business ventures, offering a promising landscape for entrepreneurs to thrive.
7. Jobs
Alaska’s economic landscape continues to be abundant with employment prospects, largely attributed to its thriving oil and natural gas sectors. Even if you prefer to steer clear of roles within the fossil fuel industry, there remains a multitude of opportunities within the flourishing fishing sector. These roles not only provide employment but also offer the chance to reside and work within the charming confines of the picturesque coastal towns.
Moreover, careers spanning construction and healthcare fields are readily accessible, not to mention the potential engagements with the U.S. government and military sectors.
For individuals with a penchant for aviation, Alaska presents a distinctive avenue. Aspiring pilots can undergo training to become bush pilots—exceptionally skilled aviators who navigate the challenging task of flying supplies to remote settlements within Alaska’s interior. These settlements lack road access, airports, or even airfields, making bush pilots among the most proficient fliers globally. The state’s diverse job landscape remains rife with possibilities, catering to an array of interests and skills.
8. Getting Paid to Live There
You might have come across the notion that the Alaskan government offers payments to residents. While not entirely inaccurate, there’s some truth to it. Every individual in your family can begin receiving an annual dividend from the state’s permanent fund, which is sustained by contributions from the fossil fuel industry and overseen by the government. However, it’s essential to note that you need to have resided in Alaska for an entire calendar year before you become eligible to receive this dividend.
9. No State Income Tax
Alaska maintains its status as one of the select states without a state income tax, a unique aspect that sets it apart. Additionally, the absence of a sales tax further simplifies the tax structure, limiting your tax concerns to federal income tax. This particular facet can be incredibly advantageous for many individuals, as residing in a location devoid of income and sales taxes translates to increased disposable income.
However, it’s important to consider that property and excise taxes are still obligatory, as these constitute a significant means through which local municipalities generate revenue. On the whole, though, the overall tax burden for the average American in Alaska hovers slightly above five percent. When contrasted with states where tax rates frequently exceed ten percent or more, Alaska’s tax environment becomes notably more appealing. As of 2023, the state’s favorable tax conditions continue to make it an enticing choice for prospective residents.
10. Gorgeous Scenery
There’s nowhere in Alaska you won’t find gorgeous scenery. The boreal forests are dense and green, the river valleys have magnificent hills and mountains flanking them, and there are all the mountains, including Denali in Denali National Park, the Chugach Mountains in the interior between Anchorage and Fairbanks, and more.
Alaska also has all those glaciers, which are awe-inspiring spectacles in and of themselves. Many have receded badly in recent years, but others have remained largely stable and a few have advanced.
11. The Northern Lights
If you’ve yet to witness the captivating spectacle of the northern lights, virtually all of Alaska’s regions reside at altitudes sufficient to offer regular viewings, provided darkness prevails. The state’s many towns, even the larger ones, often remain secluded, and urban sprawl is minimal. Consequently, it takes little effort to escape the grasp of “city” lights and gaze upon the expansive sky.
Venturing away from the urban bustle not only treats you to the visual marvel of the northern lights but grants you the opportunity to experience them audibly. A subtle crackling sound accompanies this phenomenon, a sensation you’re bound to encounter numerous times while residing in Alaska. Even those who’ve called the state home for an extended period never tire of this awe-inspiring occurrence, which continues to captivate residents and newcomers alike in 2023.
12. Snow Sports
The majority of Alaska’s inhabited regions continue to experience an annual snowfall ranging from six to an astonishing 30 feet throughout the winter season. This abundant snowfall creates a wealth of opportunities to engage in various winter sports and activities. With Alaska’s snowy landscape, there’s ample room for individuals to become well-versed in winter pursuits.
In the mountainous terrains, skiing and snowboarding opportunities abound, allowing enthusiasts to take full advantage of the snowy slopes. Furthermore, learning to navigate through deep snow while hiking, embracing the tranquility of snowshoeing, and embracing the challenge of cross-country skiing are all within reach.
For those who have long aspired to master the art of snowmobiling but haven’t resided in areas conducive to this activity, Alaska offers an ideal environment. With its extensive snow cover, you’ll find numerous chances to indulge in snowmobiling, an experience not as readily available in many lower 48 states. As of 2023, Alaska continues to be a playground for winter enthusiasts seeking to explore and enjoy an array of snow-related activities.
13. Outdoor Activities
Alaska stands as a vast wilderness, a true frontier for outdoor enthusiasts. If you derive joy from activities like hiking, camping, backpacking, and more, the options for engaging in these pursuits are boundless.
While Denali National Park might be the most apparent choice for such activities, looking a bit closer unveils a plethora of campsites across the southern interior and along the coast. The Blueberry State Recreation Site is just one example of the many spots waiting to be explored.
Venturing towards the perimeter of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve also reveals opportunities aplenty. This natural preserve boasts the breathtaking Bagley Icefield, a sprawling expanse of ice from which numerous glaciers originate.
Another stunning and remote icefield, the Harding Icefield near Homer, presents itself as an alternative destination. If you’re interested, certain companies offer organized expeditions to this icefield, allowing you to camp directly on its icy surface and learn about its role in nourishing the Exit Glacier. As of 2023, Alaska’s untamed beauty continues to provide an abundance of captivating destinations for those eager to partake in outdoor adventures.
Cons
All is not roses and unicorns, though. Alaska also has some serious drawbacks you should understand.
1. The Midnight Sun
We explored the fascination of the midnight sun, particularly for those accustomed to life in the lower 48 states. Nonetheless, this phenomenon can significantly disrupt your body’s natural rhythms.
When residing in Alaska, especially during the initial stages, adopting strategies becomes necessary to deceive your body into recognizing nightfall and initiating the winding-down process. Without such measures, you might find yourself unintentionally staying awake for 24 hours or more, oblivious to the time passing due to the persistent presence of the midnight sun.
Furthermore, celebrations involving fireworks, like Independence Day, encounter a unique challenge. Like many places, these events usually commence around nine in the evening. However, in Alaska’s bright summer twilight, the display can be obscured and difficult to fully appreciate, detracting from the experience. As of 2023, while the midnight sun continues to captivate, it also requires an adjustment to maintain a balanced daily routine.
2. Long, Extremely Cold Winters
Alaska’s summers remain splendid, even within the interior, where temperatures can surprisingly climb to warm levels despite the high latitude. However, the summer season is fleeting, as autumn can make its appearance as early as the initial weeks of August. Subsequently, the state plunges into prolonged winters characterized by substantial snowfall, intense cold, and notably brief daylight hours.
Throughout the interior, average temperatures consistently plummet below zero degrees Fahrenheit and remain at these frigid levels. Along the southern coast and the south-central region of the state, temperatures are considerably colder than those experienced in the majority of the lower 48 states. With these harsh conditions, preparing with substantial winter attire is imperative to endure the cold.
Another essential consideration is employing an engine block heater for your vehicle. Parking lots are equipped with outlets to accommodate this necessity. Forgoing this precautionary measure means your car won’t start due to the extreme cold. As of 2023, while Alaska’s summers are a delight, its winters demand rigorous preparation to navigate through the challenging weather conditions.
3. Too Much Snow
Owing to the extended winters and the omnipresent snow, managing and clearing snow becomes an inherent facet of daily life in Alaska. Even if you’re familiar with locales such as North Dakota, Minnesota, or western New York State, the snow removal demands here tend to be of an entirely different scale. It’s a ceaseless endeavor.
As you navigate through the Alaskan winter, you’ll encounter snow plows obstructing your route to work. The towering walls of snow flanking the roadsides create unforeseen challenges like obstructed driveways and intersections that remain concealed during the summer months. The snow management experience in Alaska persists as a continuous and distinctive aspect of life in the state, shaping the daily routines of residents.
4. Nighttime Forever
The counterpart to the enchanting midnight sun is the prolonged nighttime during winter in Alaska. Around the winter solstice, Anchorage witnesses merely five hours of sunlight daily. In Fairbanks, this duration is slightly over three hours. Venturing north of the Arctic Circle intensifies this phenomenon, with areas experiencing as much as two months of continuous darkness.
Individuals who naturally gravitate towards being night owls might find this extended nighttime period appealing. However, if your disposition leans towards daytime activities, adapting to the considerable darkness could present a considerable challenge. For those relocating to regions like Barrow Point or Prudhoe Bay, the adjustment becomes even more pronounced, with two consecutive months of perpetual nighttime followed by an equal duration of continuous daylight. Alaska’s unique light and dark patterns continue to shape the rhythms of life for its residents.
5. High Cost of Living
Even with Alaska’s notably sparse population, a characteristic that might suggest a reduced cost of living, the reality as of 2023 is that the cost of living in Alaska remains higher than that of many other parts of the U.S. The challenges of supplying essential goods to the state due to its remoteness, coupled with substantial heating expenses during the winter months, contribute to this elevated cost of living.
When you factor in the state’s inherent isolation, encompassing its entirety, it creates a scenario where high prices span various market segments. As a result, the elevated cost of living remains an ongoing consideration for residents and newcomers alike in Alaska.
6. High Gas Prices
You’re probably aware of the Alaska pipeline, the ongoing oil extraction at Prudhoe Bay, and other drilling operations in the state. How can gas prices be high?
Alaska itself doesn’t have any major refineries. Due to that and other factors, including high demand and low supply, fuel costs are significantly higher there than they are in the lower 48.
7. Disconnected from the Lower 48
Take a glance at a map, and you’ll quickly grasp the distinctive location of Alaska. Further exploration on a road map will reveal that the task of driving to and from Alaska is far from straightforward. Additionally, flying to the state is often accompanied by a considerable price tag.
The factors that contribute significantly to Alaska’s isolation are twofold: its geographical positioning and its sprawling wilderness. This isolation isn’t just confined to remote regions; it extends to various inhabited areas based on their locations. Regardless of where you reside, the sense of isolation persists.
For those with friends and family residing in the lower 48 states, or even anywhere else in the world, staying connected can prove challenging. The geographical separation and logistical complexities can make maintaining these connections a demanding endeavor.
8. No Big City Life
If the allure of big-city living holds a special place in your heart, Alaska might not align with your preferences. Even Anchorage, the largest city, doesn’t quite epitomize the big-city lifestyle, and the prospects for such a lifestyle are even slimmer in places like Fairbanks, Valdez, and the interior regions.
It’s worth bearing in mind that Alaska’s pace of life is considerably more relaxed, which naturally translates to a diminished degree of hustle and bustle. For those who thrive in the energy of high-paced environments, the more tranquil rhythms of Alaska might not offer the excitement they seek. As of 2023, individuals inclined towards vibrant urban living might discover that Alaska’s distinct charm doesn’t align with their preferences.
9. The Ring of Fire
The Ring of Fire retains its significance where the Pacific tectonic plate converges with other neighboring plates, in a ceaseless state of movement. Encompassing the entirety of the Pacific plate, this zone remains a source of earthquakes and volcanic activity spanning the globe. Evidences of the Ring of Fire’s influence are discernible throughout the Pacific Northwest, with manifestations in areas like the Cascade Mountains and the San Andreas fault.
Given Alaska’s affiliation with the Ring of Fire, the state remains susceptible to substantial seismic events. Earthquakes of significant magnitude can occur, along with volcanic eruptions, particularly within the Aleutian Islands chain. Notably, a sequence of volcanoes extends from this region into the southern interior of the state, tracing a curved trajectory. Most of these volcanoes are either actively or intermittently dormant, underscoring Alaska’s vulnerability to seismic and volcanic events as of 2023.
10. Large Wildfires in the Interior
A “let burn” policy remains a prevailing approach in most parts of Alaska. This approach entails allowing wildfires to run their course without intervention, as long as they don’t pose a threat to towns or settlements. While this strategy results in extensive forest areas being consumed by flames, it’s a vital strategy to maintain the delicate balance of the state’s ecosystem.
While this policy might not hold significant implications for those planning to reside in populated regions, the opposite rings true, particularly in areas like the Tanana River Valley near Fairbanks. Wind patterns can carry smoke from these fires into the valleys of the interior, where it settles and lingers.
It’s crucial for anyone contemplating a move to Alaska to take this into consideration. The smoke can become so dense at times that individuals may need to don masks or cover their faces with scarves and limit their time outdoors. As of 2023, understanding and adapting to the potential impact of wildfire-generated smoke is an important aspect of life in certain Alaskan regions.
11. Wildlife is Sometimes Problematic
Alaska continues to be teeming with diverse wildlife, from the majestic bears to the iconic moose. In urban settings, bears usually pose minimal concern for residents; however, when venturing into more remote areas, encounters with these creatures can be inevitable, and they don’t always exhibit friendly behavior.
Moose, despite their seemingly placid demeanor, are noteworthy due to their substantial size. When provoked, they can become exceedingly hazardous. They have the capacity to cause significant damage to vehicles if encountered on the road, and even the presence of a moose in your driveway can serve as a valid reason for tardiness or work absence.
While hiking or exploring, encountering both moose and bears remains a possibility. Caution is paramount around these animals. Respect for Alaska’s abundant wildlife, along with an understanding of their behaviors, remains essential for anyone navigating the state’s natural landscapes.
12. Self-Employment Is Complicated
As of 2023, while pursuing entrepreneurship in Alaska remains relatively straightforward, the landscape for self-employment is distinctive. Alaska state regulations stipulate that you cannot operate as a self-employed individual. Instead, state law necessitates registering as a formal business entity before you can embark on working for yourself. This involves submitting a business application, your articles of incorporation, and adhering to additional requirements.
This same principle extends to freelancers as well. Freelancing in Alaska isn’t permissible in its traditional sense. Instead, even as a sole individual, you are obligated to establish yourself as a registered business entity.
While the process of incorporation might be uncomplicated, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this framework precludes the option of designating yourself as self-employed, even if that genuinely aligns with your professional status. Navigating Alaska’s regulations requires an understanding of this distinct approach to entrepreneurship and self-employment.
Final Thoughts
If you know what you’re getting into, Alaska is a fantastic place to live. It has so much to offer, including the sheer beauty of glaciers and icefields, snow activities, and outdoor activities.
Most of all, it has lots of job and entrepreneurship opportunities, helping ensure that you won’t move there for nothing. The lack of income and sales taxes are great, too, especially if you’re someone who thinks taxes are too high.
It has some serious drawbacks, too, which is why you should know what you’re facing as you move up there. If you’re thinking about it seriously, weigh your options well.
