Alaska Movers: Welcome to the Last Frontier!
This extremely Northwestern state, not directly attached to the main 48, is the largest state in the country by area. As a new state, only officially added in 1959, there are many Americans older than the state itself! Although young in terms of United States history, it has rich culture and history of indigenous people living here for thousands of years before European settlers came. Due to this history and separation, Alaska has a tendency to feel like its own country. Relocate here to experience this “new country”!
Relocating to Alaska - Being a New Alaska Resident
If you’re relocating to Alaska, it’s likely you’re moving to one of the largest cities, which are: Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, Ketchikan, Sitka, Nome, Seward, Wasilla, Barrow, Homer, Kenai, Kodiak, Tanana, North Pole (yes – the North Pole!), Soldotna, Palmer, Whittier, Valdez, Cordova and Kotzebue. Whichever city you choose, you’ll want to make sure to take care of getting a new license & getting registration with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Top priorities will be in the list below:
- If you have a license issued from another state in the US, you can convert it to an Alaska license. (And that’s without having to redo your written or road tests!) Make sure to visit your local DMV to get your new license within 90 days of establishing residency.
- You’ll need insurance for your car from a company licensed to do business in Alaska. If your current insurance isn’t able to do business here, check out an Alaska insurance agent. They can make sure you get the best quote.
- Make sure to register your vehicle within 10 days of establishing residency.You can do this at the DMV.
- There are no emissions inspections required for vehicles here. However, if you drive an eco-friendly vehicle, you may be able to gain an discount on your automotive insurance. Make sure to talk to your insurance agent about this.
Good to Know for Alaska Moving Quotes
Weather: Chilly. Cold. Snow-filled. That’s what we picture when we think of Alaska. Perhaps surprisingly, there is some warmth during the summers, but mostly in the interior part of the state rather than the North. Summers on average actually range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Much of the south is actually classified as a temperate rainforest climate. This is due to the bordering coastline. In contrast, the western part has a subarctic oceanic climate. For how northern it is, it is a moderate climate. Precipitation throughout the west varies greatly depending on the city.
Here’s where the stereotypes come in…the interior and northern parts are incredibly cold and have arctic climates. Moving to cities in these areas means learning to layer, bundle & build a mean fire! This climate is why this state is known for clothes that are functional rather than fashionable.
Population & Cost of Living: It is quite expensive to live here. With so much having to be imported, groceries are indeed one of the most costly expenses. However, there is something very unique here that helps with that. Once you have lived here a full calendar year, the government begins giving you a PFD, a permanent fund dividend. This means that they give you a certain amount of money to live here each year you stay. As of 2013, it was about $900 per year. And for each child you have? You get another PFD for that child.
Employment & the Economy: The top industries here in Alaska are oil, natural gas, fishing, mining, timber, healthcare, government and tourism. The industries, however, experiencing the most growth are healthcare and technology. Growing high-tech companies are encouraging jobs for software engineers, programmers & computer developers.
If you are relocating without a job set up already, we recommend moving in the summer. During the summer, seasonal jobs in resorts, hotels and other tourism based jobs are easy to find. This may not be your ideal position, but it will get you jump started.
Alaska's Attractions for Moving Companies
- Dog Parks - Dogs are incredibly popular as pets in Alaska, even compared to the rest of America. If you’re someone who wants to make sure your canine is going to have amenities and dog-friendly venues to check out, you are good to go!
- Fly-out Bear Service - As Sarah Palin once made famous, one can take helicopter tours up in the Alaskan sky and cruise the air for bear viewing. Island Air Service in Kodiak is a prime company for doing this!
- The Homer Bookstore - This little bookstore in the spot where everybody knows your name...and favorite type of book! Always friendly, this cozy spot is happy to make recommendations and help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
FUN FACTS FOR ATLANTA RESIDENTS
- Summer campfires are difficult to host here. Why? During summer months it is still bright at 10 pm! (And even when the sun sets, there is still some light in the sky.)
- In Fairbanks, the northern lights can be seen on an average of 243 days each year!
- Fan of climbing mountains? Get ready for a lot to conquer here. Alaska has 17 of the 20 tallest peaks in America!