Moving to Anchorage, Alaska, might sound intimidating. For starters, it’s closer to Canada and Russia than any U.S. state. Location aside, Alaska and its largest city have plenty going for them. Familiarize yourself with Anchorage before you make a move.
6 things to know about living in Anchorage, Alaska
1. Anchorage is not as cold as you think
First things first, let’s talk about the weather. Although you probably think Anchorage has some brutally cold winters, it might surprise you to hear places like Minneapolis and upstate New York have even colder winters. Its location between the Pacific Ocean and the Chugach Mountains protects it reasonably from harsh winter weather.
It does snow here, though, and the city averages about 74 inches of white powder annually. The ample snow makes for some great snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding weather at nearby Alyeska Resort, Anchorage’s premier destination for winter activities.
2. The area boasts unparalleled wilderness
Nature lovers adore Anchorage, as it’s home to hundreds of miles of uninhabited wilderness. Chugach National Forest and Chugach State Park are in Anchorage’s backyard, and locals take advantage of the vast forest by hiking along the trails, biking, fishing, camping, and boating. The views in Portage Valley give way to a handful of glaciers.
If that isn’t enough, Kenai Fjords National Park is a two-hour drive from Anchorage, and its rich, glacial landscape draws crowds from all over the world to explore it. Take a cruise or kayak through the park; you’ll see some incredible scenery either way. Hit up this place in the summer when there’s plenty of daylight.
3. The sunlight is virtually endless
Speaking of summer, what you’ve heard about seemingly endless daylight is true: Anchorage goes weeks during the summer without any true darkness. Combined with the summer weather, which has average temperatures topping off in the 60s, it’s never too warm (or dark) to go out and explore. Most locals keep blackout curtains on hand for the summer months.
4. Anchorage celebrates its native cultures
Before Europeans settled in Anchorage, the Dena’ina Athabascans called the area home. Today, the Alaska Native Heritage Center pays homage to Alaska’s indigenous people. The Alaska Federation of Natives Convention — the largest representative annual gathering in the United States of any native peoples — also takes place in Anchorage. Check out the Anchorage Museum for dynamic permanent and rotating exhibits highlighting native cultures.
5. Anchorage has customer-focused utility providers
Residents spend an average of $253.44 per month on utilities. This cost includes essential heating, cooling, garbage, electricity, and gas costs but does not include the internet. These links to utility providers in the Anchorage area can help you connect all your utilities quickly:
- Enstar: Gas
- Municipal Light & Power: Electricity
- Alaska Waste: Garbage
- Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility: Water and Sewage
- Viasat: Internet
- GCI Communication Corp.: Internet
- MTA: Internet
6. You can fly in and use public transportation here
Flying to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the easiest way to get to Anchorage. It’s located right in the city’s center, so you can get where you need to go from there. You can get on the People Mover, Anchorage’s bus system, and bop around the central part of the city for a day. Unless you want to stay within the city limits, having a car is ideal. Your vehicle allows you to access the nearby hiking trails, mountains, glaciers, and wildlife that make Alaska unique.
As Anchorage is relatively remote, research the best way to move your belongings. Long-distance movers are a standard option for many people moving from other American states. Be prepared to downsize or pay extra to ship large items like beds, dressers, and couches.
Tips for moving to Anchorage, Alaska
These tips can help you make the most of your new life in Anchorage:
- Check out the incredible Northern Lights. The best time to see them is during fall, winter, or spring on cloudless, clear nights.
- Schedule time for a river rafting tour through some of the most aesthetically pleasing scenery Alaska has to offer.
- Witness the world’s most famous dog sled race that starts in downtown Anchorage every year on the first Saturday in March.
- Make plans to attend First Friday. On the first Friday of every month, Anchorage’s art galleries and restaurants stay open a little later for residents to stroll through the town, peruse local art, and mingle.
Frequently asked questions about Anchorage, Alaska
Get details on rent, expenses, and job opportunities as you’re thinking about living in Anchorage, Alaska.
Anchorage has some of the most expensive rents in Alaska, but the city is much more affordable than many in the United States. A recent Zumper rental report ranked Anchorage as the country’s 61st most expensive city for rent. On average, you can expect to pay $1,240 monthly for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,420 monthly for a two-bedroom apartment.
Like other Alaskan cities, Anchorage has a relatively high cost of living. A 2021 CNBC report ranked Alaska as the sixth most expensive state in the country for living. Transportation and miscellaneous expenses in Anchorage are more costly than the state average. However, since Anchorage is such a large, well-connected city, it has more affordable groceries and utility services.
Anchorage’s unemployment rate of 6.6% is slightly higher than the national average. However, some industries are solid. Approximately 22% of locals work in the trade, transportation, and utilities sector. When evaluating job opportunities, you’ll discover that education and health care services are significant industries in Anchorage, employing 19% of the population. You might also find opportunities in the state and federal government, professional services, and tourism.
Are you ready to take on the breathtaking wilderness and vibrant city of Anchorage, Alaska? Find an apartment in Anchorage’s city center near the art galleries and the First Friday activity, or rent a house closer to an entrance to Chugach State Park. The world is your oyster when you’re living in Anchorage, Alaska.
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