Many individuals have fantasies of living peacefully and adventurously in the great outdoors, far from the bustle of the big metropolis. Alaska is a common state that springs to mind when people think about these kinds of lives.
Although there are many things to admire about Alaska, people occasionally lose sight of the practical aspects of living in the Last Frontier because they are too enthralled with the state.
After making such a significant decision, not giving it enough thought can leave one feeling disappointed. There didn’t seem to be any middle ground when it came to people’s opinions on the Alaskan way of life during my years there.
Here are some things you should know before moving to Alaska to help you decide if it’s the perfect place for you.
1. Alaskans Dress for Function, Not Fashion
Travel & Leisure ranked Anchorage as the worst-dressed U.S. city. After all, people wear functional clothing over fashion clothing. In Alaska, trends seem to be a bit slower than in the lower 48.
Instead of a cute jacket and leggings, people opt for “heavy-duty” winter gear, buying brands like North Face, Carhartt, or Columbia. Xtratuf boots are a staple in many Alaskan homes. (They even claim that their boots are “Alaska Proven.”)
2. It’s Expensive
Alaska is recognised as a relatively costly state to reside in.
Even though the pay is usually higher, it is rare for a family of four to subsist on one income. In Alaska, the cost of food, groceries, petrol, utilities, and the internet is slightly higher.
In the event that you’re in the market for a property, the typical price in 2021 is $345,231. It’s not any better for those who aren’t looking to buy.
The average rent in Fairbanks is more than $1,200, whereas the average rent in Anchorage is $1,100. In all honesty, if you want a good rental in a secure neighbourhood, you should budget closer to $1700 per month.
However, living costs are offset by the absence of income tax and sales tax in most states. You can also fish, hunt, and garden to supplement your grocery bill!
3. Alaskans Love Coffee
Coffee is Alaska’s obsession! Local coffee is available in almost every town and city. Two coffee shops and a drive-thru coffee stand can be found in even a small town like Sitka.
If someone wants to try some locally made blends, Heritage Coffee Roasters, SteamDot, and Kaladi Brothers are excellent places to start.
If you enjoy coffee, Alaska might be the ideal location for you. But don’t worry, if coffee isn’t your thing, there are plenty of alternative options.
4. The Dating Scene is Alive and Well
You would think that Alaska, being such a huge state, would be populated. In actuality, though, there are fewer than a million inhabitants!
However, there’s no need to panic if you’re curious about Alaska’s dating scene. There’s never been a more active dating scene!
Like everyone else, Alaskans utilise a multitude of dating apps in order to meet new people. However, engaging in your favourite activities—especially outdoor ones—is the best way to find love in Alaska. On your travels, you will probably meet someone.
5. High Crime Rate
Regretfully, Alaska has a comparatively high crime rate and frequently tops the list of states with the highest number of crimes.
In 2020, Alaska had a violent crime rate of 885 per 100,000 residents. It is the most violent state in terms of population. Even with the numbers, the state is a pretty quiet area to live, and you are unlikely to encounter too much crime in most small towns.
6. The Shopping Scene is Not So Great
You should take your internet purchasing habits into account while relocating to Alaska. Wayfair, IKEA, and other larger companies will not ship to Alaska, despite the fact that Amazon and the majority of clothing stores sell their wares there.
Your favourite online retailers might no longer be available to you if you have a shopping habit, and if you do locate somewhere that ships, be ready to spend astronomical delivery costs.
Furthermore take note of the numerous big-box retailers that are absent from Alaska, like Marshall’s, Nordstrom, T.J. Maxx, and Ross.
7. Many Places Are Not Walkable
It’s nearly impossible to live in Alaska without a car.
Anchorage is an excellent place to live, but even there it can be challenging to travel in winter without a car.
Most likely, you are going to need to learn how to drive and have enough cash to buy a car when planning to move.
FAQ’S:
Q1. Is it true that Alaska experiences extreme daylight variations?
Yes, it's true. Alaska has extreme daylight variations throughout the year. In summer, the sun can be up for almost 24 hours, while in winter, there are very short daylight hours, sometimes as little as a few hours of daylight.
Q2. What should I know about the weather and temperature extremes?
Alaska experiences diverse weather patterns. Winters can be extremely cold, and snowfall is common. Coastal areas might be milder, but be prepared for temperature extremes and rapidly changing weather conditions.
