Moving to Alaska?
Alaska is a land of adventure with mystical glaciers, enigmatic northern lights, pristine water bodies, and flora
and fauna that is so distinctly indigenous to the land. The name Alaska originated from the Yupik word “Alyeska” which
means “the mainland” or “the object to which the sea breaks against.
Alaska is commonly known as the Last
Frontier, as it was the 49th state to be admitted into the Union. It is also called “the Land of Midnight Sun,” as certain
regions throughout northern Alaska during summer feature almost 24 continuous hours of sunlight every day.
The
blending of various cultures, that of Europeans and Russians, has allowed Alaska to evolve into a state where it embraces
the future, while still rooted in tradition. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, World Ice Art Championships, Sitka Whale
Fest, and Stikine River Garnet Fest are some of the popular events in Alaska.
If you’re moving to Alaska,
there are a lot of things you’re going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Things
to Know When Moving to Alaska
Alaska Climate
The state capital Juneau and the southeast panhandle experience an Oceanic climate of mid-latitude. It is characterized
by precipitation all-year-round and milder temperatures in winter. A subarctic climate prevails in south central
Alaska, which gets more snow and has cooler summers. The Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska influence the climate
of western Alaska which ranges from a subarctic oceanic climate to a subarctic continental climate. Precipitation
in this region is highly varied with some areas having a desert-like condition while some areas are inundated
with precipitation. A subarctic climate prevails in the interior of the state, where the ranges in temperature
is higher. An arctic climate is prevalent in the northern-most region of the state with cold winters and cool
summers. The state is susceptible for coastal flooding and erosion, as well as a permafrost melt.
Registering your Car
You have 10 days to register and title your car in Alaska from the date of the
beginning of your residency in the state. You have to submit your out-of-state registration, your insurance,
an application for title and registration, and the required fees at any of the local Division of Motor vehicle
offices.
Obtaining an Alaska Driver's License
You can use your valid out-of-state non-commercial license in Alaska
for 90 days, provided you are 16 years of age. You have to obtain an Alaskan driving license in this 90-day
period. You have to submit your out-of-state license along with a letter of verification and are also required
to pass the knowledge test, alcohol and drug awareness test, and a vision test. You don't have to take the road
test if you are in possession of a valid out-of-state license.
Crime Rankings
As of 2011, Alaska was ranked 46th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of less than 50 violent crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
A major chunk of Alaska’s state revenue is from oil and gas, while seafood processing, timber and wood
products, and the mining of coal, gold, and other precious metals contribute significantly as well. The state is second
in oil production with the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline capable of transporting 2.1 million barrels of crude per day. Agriculture
is limited due to the terrain and the climate; however, the Bering Sea and the North Pacific Ocean provide an abundance
of seafood such as crab, salmon, and halibut.
Employment Statistics
As of early 2012, the state of Alaska had an unemployment rate of 7.0 percent, which is lower than the national average
of 8.2 percent.
Average Income
The median household income in the state of Alaska is $66,521, while the average per capita income
for the state is $30,726.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything,
you should check to make sure the company is registered with the United States Department of Transportation or
with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Real Estate
The average listing price for homes in Alaska is $301,883, while the median sales price is just over $210,700. The Alaska Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of Alaska.
Major landmarks and attractions
Misty Fjords National Monument; Governor's Mansion; Sitka State Pioneer's Home; Cape Krusenstern National Monument; Aniakchak
National Monument and Preserve; Pariette Wetlands.
Largest Cities: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Badger, Knik-Fairview
Schools
The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development oversees the functioning of various school districts. It
ensures the availability of quality standards-based education that in turn improves academic achievement of all
students. As part of the higher education program, about 12 colleges and universities are present, but they are
not part of the NCAA Division I program. Notable among them are the University of Alaska Anchorage, the University
of Alaska Fairbanks, and Alaska Pacific University. AVTEC and Alaska's Institute of Technology offer various
training programs in several subjects such as nursing, welding, and information technology.
National Parks
Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Denali National Park and Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Katmai National Park and Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Kobuk Valley National Park
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Noatak National Preserve
Sitka National Historical Park
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Yukon – Charley Rivers National Preserve
State park System
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, manages
and maintains 119 state parks, state recreation areas, state trails, state historic sites, wilderness parks,
and marine parks and preserves. You can indulge in a myriad of outdoor activities like dog sledding, bear watching,
glacier viewing, fishing, rafting, and kayaking.
Major Airports
Juneau International Airport
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
Fairbanks International Airport
Ketchikan International Airport