What Are The Pros of Living in Alaska?

There are many reasons why you might want to move to Alaska. If you’re looking for a new adventure, consider moving to a place where winter doesn’t exist and you can live in comfort all year round. There’s also the nature of the place: driving from one side of the road to the other, you’ll notice an abundance of wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and spectacular sunsets. If you’re an adventurous kind of person who enjoys being on the move, then Alaska is the place for you. Check out the pros of living in Alaska.

Good Economy

One of the first things you’ll notice when moving to Alaska is how much cheaper everything is. You don’t need to worry about buying a home or property insurance, there aren’t any extreme temperatures to contend with, and transportation costs are minimal. It’s not just about the scenery either: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Alaska in March 2018 was 4.7%

In comparison, the national unemployment rate in the U.S. that same month was 4.3%. It is a well-known fact that Alaska has one of the best economies in the world, which is mainly due to its resources, including oil and gas. The state also has a very high per capita income, which is attributed to the high concentration of native Alaskans in the financial services, petroleum, and natural gas industries.

Great Places to Visit

Aside from the scenic beauty of the place, you’ll also enjoy visiting many of Alaska’s most famous landmarks. The Empire State Building, the Burj Khalifa, the Eiffel Tower, and the Golden Gate Bridge are a few examples of world-class architecture that you can find in downtown areas. If you’re a fan of literature, you can also visit areas that were mentioned in books by Jack London or Ernest Hemingway. There are even places where you can get a taste of the Old West, such as Deadhorse.

A Safe Place

Although a lot of people think of Alaska as a place where wild animals roam free and humans aren’t as safe as they are in other parts of the country, this is far from true. In fact, according to an article published by The Guardian in 2017, “as safe as any other major city” is how one Alaskan described Anchorage. This is mainly due to the city’s “sage on the streets” program, which trains homeless people to be informants who report suspicious behavior to the police. It’s also because of measures taken by the city government and residents to ensure safety and security.

Anchorage is not the only city in Alaska where you can feel safe; most places in the state are very safe. Even in remote areas of the state, where there aren’t many people around, it’s often easy to find a safe place to live.

Beautiful Weather All Year

Alaska is located north of the Arctic Circle, which means that it mostly stays at a steady temperature all year round. The only time when the weather gets really cold is when there’s an extreme wind chill, and even then, the temperature isn’t likely to fall below freezing. In the summertime, the temperature can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that the snow, which can accumulate to a depth of several feet, doesn’t melt, turning the state into a winter wonderland.

You might not want to leave the south if you’re a fan of the heat, but if you’re a fan of snow and cold climates, then Alaska is the place for you. You won’t need to bring a coat with you anywhere, and the temperature will feel nice and cold, even in the summertime. Just kidding—we hope you DO bring a coat because the temperature can be pretty harsh.

Fantastic Education

We know what you’re thinking: why should you move to Alaska if you want an excellent education? It’s the best of both worlds: you get a first-class education, but don’t have to worry about paying for it.

In Alaska, the cost of living is so low that even the most expensive schools have reduced fees. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the adjusted cost of attendance for out-of-state students at a public four-year institution in Alaska is $13,880 per year. For in-state students, the cost is $9,560.

Public and private universities in Alaska offer a variety of degrees and programs, including but not limited to physics, chemistry, and earth science. If you’re looking to further your education, but can’t afford to do so with your current job, Alaska is the place to be. Plus, you can get a good degree that will land you a high-paying job, possibly even in the legal department of a large corporation.

What are the pros of living in Alaska? It’s not a place that you’d necessarily want to live in if you have children, as there isn’t a lot of family-friendly housing, and the cost of living is high, especially in the larger cities, but for those who can afford it, the adventure of a lifetime awaits. So, what are you waiting for? Why not move to Alaska today?