Moving within or away from the beautiful state of Alaska? Have no fear if you are struggling to find a moving company. 123Movers can put you in touch with licensed movers that service residents of Alaska. Continue reading below for some interesting facts about life in Alaska.
Vast. Beautiful. Remote. Unspoiled. All describe America’s last frontier. The largest state, more than twice the size of Texas, also supports the lowest population density in the U.S.
Most of Alaska’s residents live in Anchorage (largest city), Fairbanks (second largest city) or Juneau (capitol). The cost of living in these three cities ranks well over the national average from 27 percent in Anchorage to 36.4 percent in Fairbanks and 30.9 percent in Juneau. In the rural areas costs increase even more.
The major sources of revenue, oil and natural gas, account for one-fourth of the oil produced in the U.S. and that industry employs almost one-third of the state’s population. Coming in second as an integral part of Alaska’s economy is tourism. Visitors flock to the "Land of the Midnight Sun" by cruise ship, plane and even by car. Fishing and mining fall in at fourth place for employment. Other major employers include Providence Heath & Services, Walmart/Sam’s Club, Carrs/Safeway and Fred Meyer.
Most Alaskans seem to prefer adventure to the "9 to 5" grind. Camping, fishing, hunting, gold panning, orienteering, river boating, rafting, skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are just a few of the opulent recreation opportunities available. In the northern part of the state Denali National Park and North America’s highest peak (20,320-foot), Mount McKinley, invite guests to experience the tundra, high alpine ranges and glacier-capped mountains. There you can also see sled dog demonstrations by a lively group of huskies. Dog mushing is the official state sport.
Long, lazy summer days give Alaska as much as 21 hours a day of sunshine with highs in the 60s and 70s. Expect midnight hikes and late night fishing adventures then. Winter brings lots of snow and cold temperatures. From mid-November through January be prepared for darkness. Depending on your location, you may have total darkness then or as little as four hours of daylight per day. On the bright side, that means some of the best viewing of the aurora borealis in the Fairbanks area. Whether the days are filled with darkness or light, you can always enjoy the bounty from the sea.
The freshest of seafood adorns dinner tables across Alaska from salmon to halibut and Alaskan King Crab. Pair any of those with Alaska’s famed sourdough bread for a delicious meal.
By:
Michael Danzig