Friday, August 22nd, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed 
When you think of Alaska, chances are you think of snow – and lots of it! Images of Alaska usually include persons bundled up in thick jackets and huge, fur-lined boots. Dog sled races, igloos, Eskimos, polar bears, all of these are what people usually think of when they think Alaska.
But this is actually a bit shortsighted. Alaska is a state of contrast and variety, probably unlike any other. It has an incredibly strong economy and developed cities that rival any place in New York or Florida. There are many reasons why someone would consider purchasing real estate, even a private home, in this expansive state.
The climate.
Again, most people assume that all of Alaska is covered in snow, where everyone lives in igloos and polar bears roam freely.
This obviously just isn’t the case, at least not for the entire state. It’s true that the northern part of Alaska is typically arctic all year round, but the state is large enough to offer a variety of climates.
Note what Wikipedia says regarding the weather in Alaska:
“The climate in southeast Alaska is similar to that of Seattle, with a mid-latitude oceanic climate in the southern sections and a sub-arctic oceanic climate in the northern parts. This is both the wettest part of Alaska as well as the warmest; it is the only part of the state in which the average daytime high temperature is above freezing during the winter.
The climate in south-central Alaska, is generally mild by Alaskan standards, due in large part to its proximity to the coast. It is a sub-arctic climate due to its short, cool summers.
The climate of Western Alaska is a sub-arctic oceanic climate in the southwest and a continental sub-arctic climate farther north. Precipitation in this area varies widely: the northern side of the Seward Peninsula receives 10 inches of precipitation annually, while some locations between Dillingham and Bethel receive around 100 inches.
Alaska’s interior has an extreme sub-arctic climate. Summer temperatures may reach into the 80s°F, while winter temperatures can fall below ?60 °F. Interior locations often receive less than 10 inches of precipitation annually.
The climate in the extreme north of Alaska is a polar climate with long, very cold winters and short, cool summers. Even in July, the average low temperature is barely above freezing in Barrow, at 34 °F. Precipitation is light in this part of Alaska, with many places averaging less than 10 inches per year, mostly in the form of snow which stays on the ground almost the entire year.”
So you see that there are many areas of Alaska that are livable for those who aren’t polar bears; the southeast part in particular. The city of Juneau is said to be just a bit cooler than Seattle or Vancouver. For those who want a full range of seasons, Alaska is the place to be.
Economy.
Obviously much of Alaska’s economy relies heavily on oil and petroleum extraction, with more than 80% of the state’s economy generated from this industry. Of course natural exports of fish and game, and tourism also play a big part of the state’s economy.
However, it’s noteworthy that the per capita income in Alaska is above $60,000, making it the third in the nation. This is something very noteworthy, as many people are seeing per capita income averages fall throughout several areas, considering the massive job losses that other states have faced.
Alaska also has the lowest individual tax burden in the US, and is one of only six states with no state sales tax and one of seven states that do not levy an individual income tax.
The cost of living is a bit higher in Alaska than in other areas, typically because of the added cost of fuel in bringing in goods like groceries and retail items. Some online retailers won’t ship to Alaska because of this added cost and difficulty.
The cities.
Alaska’s three major cities of Juneau, Fairbanks, and Anchorage are second to none. They offer all the amenities, entertainment, and services that you would expect from any large city. Although they may be a bit sparse in populace, there is nothing lacking to support the lifestyle of your dreams.
And of course any nature lover or outdoors person would love living in a state that offers virtually everything by way of outdoor sports, whether it’s hiking, biking, skiing, water sports, ATVs, camping, nature watching, day cruises, or whatever else you’re interested in. And most of this is almost literally right outside your front door! Long hours of sunlight in the summer, along with weather that’s almost constantly in the 70’s and 80’s, encourages any sports enthusiast to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors.
Demographics and real estate.
Because of its small residential population, Alaska has a ratio of one person per every square mile of state. There are not a lot of large cities in Alaska; Juneau, Anchorage, and Fairbanks are the three major cities there.
However, despite the wide open spaces in Alaska, the home construction industry has not really followed suit. Large and luxuriant homes are few and far between in Alaska, making them incredibly expensive.
This price tag does come with some amenities. The nature and scenery that you would get in Alaska is second to none. For those who want a cleaner atmosphere in which to raise their family, Alaska has one of the lowest air pollution rates in the country.
Additionally, the types of homes that are available in Alaska are unique to the state. Many cities offer what appear to be large log cabins with amazing panoramic views.
Apartments in the city can be pricey, but again, can be well worth the price tag for those who live there. Imagine waking up every day to see the mountains just a few miles away and breathing in some of the cleanest air you can find in a city in the U.S.!
So Alaska may not be for everyone, but for those who love nature and want a unique place to call home, it may be just the place you’re looking for.
Like this post? Publish It On Your Own Blog
Share and Enjoy:
These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Leave a Reply
