With Alaska looking to be a more attractive destination for citizens, there are some things that you need to know if you think that living in Anchorage is right for you. This city comes with a lot of benefits, but there are also some other things that you need to know ahead of time before you get to the city so that you aren’t surprised later on. This is a good expense to eliminate for those managing their personal finance and monthly budgets.
This trade-off goes without saying that Anchorage is very cold and can get to negative degrees in the peak of winter. It is important to know that you need to have lots of food and other items stocked for weeks at a time in order to be prepared.
Little Need For Air Conditioning
According to OneDesk, of all the homes throughout the United States, 87% of them have some air conditioning in the home. When you move to Alaska, that is not a necessity like it is in the lower 48. A good bit of the weather is comfortable or very cold for about ten months out of the year. This doesn’t mean that the Alaskan summers don’t get warm, but you can get by with ceiling fans and room fans during that time since the weather gets cooler at night.
Safety and Car Crashes
With a smaller population, Alaska sees fewer accidents yearly than the other 49 states. According to Alaska DOT, there are around 12,000 crashes reported. Most of these crashes will happen in the larger areas, including Anchorage, but it is still significantly less than in other places that you may have lived. Most residents in Alaska are not doing lots of meaningless travel, spending time on the road to run errands and get back home in most cases.
Lots Of Outdoor Activities
Those who move to Anchorage find a lot of outdoor recreation to enjoy regularly. Hunting, fishing, and hiking are just some of the activities that you can enjoy without areas being crowded with tourists. This is a very different experience than you will have in the lower 48, especially during the summer months when families are vacationing. If you are moving with family, then there is a lot to do for all ages.
Lots Of Seafood Options
One of the great things about coastal towns like Anchorage is the endless supply of seafood that comes into town. The restaurants and markets everywhere sell it at more affordable rates than you would find in other parts of the country. This is another bonus for those looking to improve their personal finance by moving to Alaska
Minimal Social Life
It is safe to say that folks moving to Anchorage are not moving to the area for the social life. Because of the weather and the way that it can keep you secluded in your home for weeks at a time, you need to be prepared for a minimal social life. For some families, this is okay, being away from others and only venturing out when you need something or are headed to work during the tourist season.
Potential Isolation
Unfortunately, moving to Alaska isn’t for everyone. There are lots of couples who have moved to the state only to end up divorced because of the isolation because of the weather and having to spend a lot more time in enclosed spaces with their spouse. These divorces happen at no fault, except for a family moving to an area and not aware of how different the living situation would be. According to the American Bar Association, Alaska is included in the list of states available for a no-fault divorce.
If you’re thinking about making the move to Alaska, be sure to do your own research and ensure that it’s the right place for you. Good luck!
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