{"id":29952,"date":"2014-06-02T12:00:55","date_gmt":"2014-06-02T19:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/?p=29952"},"modified":"2014-06-02T12:00:55","modified_gmt":"2014-06-02T19:00:55","slug":"moving-to-alaska","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/moving-to-alaska\/","title":{"rendered":"30 Things You Need To Know About Moving To Alaska"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. Star Gazing Here Is Better Than Anywhere Else On The Planet<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user Trodel<\/div>\n

How could we talk about Alaska<\/a> without mentioning the Aurora Borealis? Your best bet for viewing this event is beneath the aurora oval in Fairbanks<\/a> during winter. The northern lights are actually solar particles that were blown into the earth\u2019s magnetic field. It\u2019s definitely one of the must-see things for everyone\u2019s bucket list.<\/p>\n

2. Some Of The Towns Are So Remote That You\u2019ll Be A Survivalist In No Time<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user J. Stephen Conn<\/div>\n

The people in Alaska aren\u2019t \u201cbackwoods,\u201d but if you choose to live in one of the smaller bush communities, you might feel like you\u2019re back in pioneer days. You\u2019ll learn to love outhouses, chopping wood for heating and cooking and using oil lamps to get around. Life away from modern convenience can either be a hassle or just what you\u2019re looking for to escape the hustle and bustle of the world.<\/p>\n

3. All Of The Best Adventures Happen In The Bush<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user Western Arctic National Parklands<\/div>\n

When you\u2019re ready for an adventure, pack your bags and head out to the Bush. Most of Alaska\u2019s native population lives out in this rural area, and it\u2019s the place you probably think of when you read \u201cCall of the Wild.\u201d You\u2019ll need to charter a small plane to get to most parts of it, though.<\/p>\n

4. The Wildlife Enjoys The City As Much As You Do<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user Visit Anchorage<\/a> PR<\/div>\n

But you might be sharing the streets with a roaming bear, so watch your step. They have a tendency to wander into the cities, along with the occasional moose. Remember: They\u2019re more afraid of you then you are of them. Just as long as you remember not to leave anything edible lying around where they can smell it you\u2019ll be fine.<\/p>\n

5. And Since The Moose Aren\u2019t Friendly No One Feels Bad About Eating Them<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user Smath.<\/div>\n

Speaking of moose, it\u2019s kind of a delicacy around here. A lot of that can be attributed to the lack of deer and cattle. It tastes like beef, but has a lot more flavor. If you decide to go hunting for one, make sure to take someone who\u2019s been around the block. Moose injure more people in the Americas a year than any other wild mammal.<\/p>\n

6. \u201cDeadliest Catch\u201d Is Entirely Accurate<\/h2>\n

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Source: Deadliest Catch via Facebook<\/div>\n

Most of the reality shows about Alaska make it seem like some backwoods state where everyone battles angry wildlife and is training to be the next Bear Grylls. Not so much. But this little show about crab fishing is a pretty accurate portrayal about the dangers of one aspect of an Alaskan lifestyle.<\/p>\n

7. Alaskan King Crabs At Tracy\u2019s Will Melt In Your Mouth<\/h2>\n

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Source: Tracy\u2019s King Crab Shack via Facebook<\/div>\n

You simply can\u2019t live in Alaska and not try some crab legs! Tracy\u2019s King Crab Shack is home to the best Alaskan King Crab in the state. This stuff will literally melt in your mouth. Or try the crab bisque; it\u2019s a worldwide favorite and completely gluten-free.<\/p>\n

8. And The Fish In Alaska Is The Freshest Around<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user WanderingtheWorld () <\/div>\n

You\u2019ll definitely never run out of fish living in Alaska. It\u2019s the chief export, and a lot of people here learn to fish out of necessity. You\u2019ll find it much more affordable to catch your own food than buy it. Which is fine, because the salmon here is some of the best in the world.<\/p>\n

9. It\u2019s Not Undiscovered Territory\u2013You\u2019re Probably In Someone\u2019s Backyard<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user The U.S. Army<\/div>\n

The largest state has been completely explored at this point, but that doesn\u2019t mean that you won\u2019t find adventure. Just make sure you\u2019re not hiking through someone\u2019s backyard. It might have a low population, but that just means people own larger areas of land.<\/p>\n

10. The Pizza In Anchorage Might Convince You That You\u2019re Actually In Italy<\/h2>\n

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Source: Moose\u2019s Tooth via Facebook<\/div>\n

What could be better than beer and pizza? Nothing, that\u2019s what! Especially when the pizza is this amazing and the beer is brewed in-house at Moose\u2019s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria.
\nThe whole-wheat crust on a wild mushroom pizza (crimini mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, goat cheese AND Denali sauce!) with a side of Wild Country Raspberry Wheat beer will keep you coming back at least once a week. Guaranteed!<\/p>\n

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11. Alaska\u2019s Toughest Athletes Prefer Bones Over Trophies<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user Alaskan Dude<\/div>\n

Alaska is home to one of the most exhilarating, fiercest competitions known to man\u2014the one where all the real athletes are on four legs. If you\u2019d like to meet the heroes of the Iditarod you can stop by for a visit with one of the Iditarod Mushers. Those dogs are pretty darn cute, right?<\/p>\n

12. The Alaska State Fair Tops Your State Fair For Sure<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user knapjack<\/div>\n

Nearly 300,000 people are estimated to attend the Alaska State Fair in Palmer every year. With over 450 vendors and over 8000 exhibit entries it\u2019ll be hard to get bored. Check out the variety of food on a stick, the giant vegetables exhibit or participate in the Diaper Derby.<\/p>\n

13. Alaskans Are So Tough, They Go Kayaking Through Ice<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user bazzat2003<\/div>\n

Or maybe it\u2019s because they\u2019re interested in seeing the number one tourist attraction in Alaska\u2014the glaciers. Over 60 of them are easily accessible in the state, but the best is Portage Glacier. You can book a glacier cruise, fly over and land on them in a plane or even hop on a dog sled and take an ice-climbing trip.<\/p>\n

14. The Vegetables Here Are Giant-Sized<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user Scrap Pile<\/div>\n

Because of the extremely long days in summer, Alaskan vegetables tend to look like something out of Jack and the Giant Beanstalk. Do you think you can eat 75 pounds worth of a cabbage? You\u2019re about to find out.<\/p>\n

15. Tread Lightly Or You Might Fall In The Lava<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user U.S. Geological Survey<\/div>\n

There are over 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields in Alaska, some of which still erupt to this day. Don\u2019t worry, though, they\u2019re not going to wipe out this state anytime soon. You can check out the Alaska Volcano Observatory to find out all of the history on these explosive landmarks.<\/p>\n

16. Roads? Alaskans Don\u2019t Need No Stinkin\u2019 Roads<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user Christopher.Michel<\/div>\n

Traveling from one city to another in Alaska can be quite the task. The roads\u2014and there aren\u2019t as many as you\u2019re probably used to\u2014are long and you can spend an entire day in the car before you get where you\u2019re going. Much of the time you\u2019ll be traveling by ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway or by plane to get anywhere outside of the larger cities. Better get to work on that pilot license!<\/p>\n

17. Life In Paradise Can Get Kind Of Expensive\u2013But It\u2019s So Worth It<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user vofuth<\/div>\n

You would think that the largest state in America would be home to the largest population, but it\u2019s the opposite, really. Partially because Alaska can get a bit pricey\u2014a lot of the food and goods have to be imported.<\/p>\n

18. The Farmers\u2019 Markets In Anchorage Serve Up Some Unique Treats<\/h2>\n

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Source: Spenard Farmer\u2019s Market via Facebook<\/div>\n

Like a pickled pork with cabbage waffle sandwich from Urban Bamboo Gourmet Food Truck.
\nOne of the benefits of a state with so much local hunting and growing? The plethora of farmers\u2019 markets. Spenard Farmer\u2019s Market outside of Anchorage is a great place to purchase local produce and enjoy great crafts and music.<\/p>\n

19. The Reindeer May Not Fly, But They Sure Can Run<\/h2>\n

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Source: Fur Rondy via Facebook<\/div>\n

As if mountains of snow weren\u2019t enough, you also might find yourself running from a herd of reindeer. That\u2019s if you stop by the Fur Rendezvous Winter Festival, or Fur \u201cRondy,\u201d as it\u2019s known. It\u2019s a 10-day celebration with a carnival, parade, Alaskan Native tribal dances and the World Championship Sled Dog Race.
\nMost importantly, though, is the Running of the Reindeer. Careful though, Rudolph is pretty darn fast.<\/p>\n

20. Wait? Is This Alaska Or Seattle?<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user gillfoto<\/div>\n

The pictures might all show glorious snowcapped mountain vistas and crystal clear streams, but it ain\u2019t all sunshine and rainbows in The Last Frontier. In fact, for quite a while throughout the year it\u2019s a lot of rain and fog.
\nGet your light boxes ready to ward of that Seasonal Affective Disorder that affects many of the residents here. It\u2019s all worth it when the sun comes back out, though.<\/p>\n

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21. You\u2019ll Want To Stick Your Hand In The Cookie Jar<\/h2>\n

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Source: The Cookie Jar Restaurant via Facebook<\/div>\n

This cozy little diner serves up some of the best breakfast food in all of Fairbanks. And the servings are pretty huge. You\u2019ll want a doggie bag, and don\u2019t forget to grab some cookies on the way out. My vote goes to the white chocolate chip.<\/p>\n

22. All Of The Sculptures Are Made Of Ice<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user FairbanksMike<\/div>\n

Did you know that ice sculpting could be a competitive sport? In Alaska it is. The World Ice Arts Championship in Fairbanks has three different divisions for prospective ice champions and includes over a 100 different competitors from around the world each year.<\/p>\n

23. Your Lungs Are Going To Love You For It<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user dorofofoto<\/div>\n

You haven\u2019t breathed clean air until you\u2019ve moved to Alaska. The lack of large urban areas means that the skies get to go au naturel here. So sit back and take a nice big gulp of that fresh O2.<\/p>\n

24. Alaskans Love Whales So Much They Gave These Guys Their Own Festival<\/h2>\n

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Source: Sitka WhaleFest via Facebook<\/div>\n

Alaskans take whale watching to a whole new level. Each year, the Sitka<\/a> Sound Science Center hosts the Sitka WhaleFest. It\u2019s a science symposium with lectures and interactive sessions on the marine environment of the North Pacific.
\nFor those who aren\u2019t into science, they also have marine cruises, music, an artisan market and a run\/walk. It\u2019s educational and fun at the same time!<\/p>\n

25. And They Must Love Eagles Just As Much Because They\u2019ve Got A Festival For Them Too<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user Carl Chapman<\/div>\n

Alaska is also one of the best places on Earth to celebrate our nation\u2019s most famous bird\u2013the American Bald Eagle. The Stikine River Birding Festival honors the largest springtime concentration of bald eagles in the world. They also have live bird demonstrations and kayaking workshops. Who doesn\u2019t love to kayak and bird watch at the same time?<\/p>\n

26. Alaskans Are Still In Touch With Their Roots<\/h2>\n

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Source: Alaska Native Heritage Center<\/div>\n

As with every part of this country, Alaska is a state that was home to others before us. If you have a desire to learn about native Alaskan culture you should hit up the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage.<\/p>\n

27. And They Were Meant For Jewel<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user jenniferlstoddart<\/div>\n

She wasn\u2019t born here, but it\u2019s where she grew up and Alaskans are pretty proud of that. It\u2019s good to be able to claim a renowned artist known for her voice.<\/p>\n

28. When It Snows, It Really, Really Snows<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user CraigMoulding<\/div>\n

This one is obvious, but it bears repeating. Because there is A LOT of snow.
\nHave you seen the movie the Frozen? I\u2019m pretty certain that \u201cArendelle\u201d is actually just Alaska during wintertime. This beautiful state only becomes more serene when the snow falls, and averages of over 300 inches a year in some areas blanket the landscape. Buy that snowsuit yet?<\/p>\n

29. You\u2019ll Be Able To Bask In The Light Of A Midnight Sun<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user Paxson Woelber<\/div>\n

The fact that Alaska is enveloped in days of night is not a joke, but they also have days where the sun refuses to set as well. During the summer Alaskans celebrate the midnight sun by staying up late for ball games and parties. In the winter, everyone just kind of sleeps a lot when the sun doesn\u2019t rise for days.<\/p>\n

30. Foreigners Are Going To Absolutely Love You From Here On Out<\/h2>\n

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Source: Flickr user jessleecuizon<\/div>\n

One of the best perks of being an Alaskan is that you can claim to be an American and foreigners won\u2019t look at you like you\u2019ve grown horns out the top of your head. Foreigners love Alaska, and they really love talking to Alaskan people. Get ready to feel special, because you deserve it.
\nWhat do you love about living in Alaska? Tell us in the comments below!<\/b>
\nLike This Post? You\u2019ll Definitely Love These:<\/b><\/p>\n