Top 5 Reasons to Retire in Alaska

When you tell someone you’re retiring in Alaska, you’re bound to get some strange looks. But what they don’t know is that there are many, many reasons to retire in this great state. True, the climate of Alaska can’t exactly compete with that of Arizona, but it makes up for the cold in other ways. Of course, if you love to ski and snowmobile, then you’ll have more time to enjoy those winter activities. So what can Alaska offer you besides a whole lot of snow? How about low taxes, friendly residents prepared to welcome you to the community and an abundance of wild spaces? Start saving now and making your plans to retire in Alaska.

Wilderness and Wildlife

Alaska is a land of vast wilderness, with more unoccupied space than any other part of the country. Most of the interior of this huge state is pure wilderness. There are also several stretches of unblemished coastline. Depending on where in the state you settle, you can expect to have views of glaciers, mountains, rainforest, or the ocean. Alaska has mountains, active volcanoes, pristine islands, over three million lakes, wild rivers, ice fields, and glaciers. Naturally, wild life is also abundant here. Expect to see bald eagles, grizzly bears, whales, and if you venture far enough north, polar bears.

Outdoor Recreation

With all of that wild space, you can safely assume that there is a great deal of opportunity for recreation. Alaska is a paradise for outdoorsmen. If you count yourself among their ranks, get to Alaska for your retirement. The mountains are great for climbing and hiking. The lakes, rivers, and the ocean offer the chance to fish, boat, and kayak. Many enjoy exploring the glaciers and hunting is a major pastime here. You could also become a bird watcher or nature photographer with all the wild life available in Alaska.

Small Town Living

The largest city in the state of Alaska, Anchorage, only has 300,000 people. So, if it’s small towns you’re looking for, Alaska could be your state. Even in cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, the small town feel of the state permeates the air. The people are friendly, warm, and inviting. You can get that small town feel in a place like Anchorage, but still have access to big city amenities like quality medical care, cultural institutions, and fine dining.

Low Taxes

Stretch your retirement savings to their breaking point here in Alaska. The taxes are very senior-friendly and some of the lowest in the country. Alaska is the only state in the union that does not have a sales tax or an income tax. Several municipalities do collect a sales tax between three and five per cent. Only 25 municipalities levy a property tax and they are low compared to property taxes in other states. There is no inheritance or estate tax in Alaska.

Juneau

The capital city of Alaska is one of the best places to retire in the United States, according to U.S. News and World Report. The population is around 30,000, so residents here get to know lots of their neighbors, but also have access to great dining, arts and culture, and high quality medical facilities. Juneau is set in a beautiful location. It is in the middle of a rainforest and overlooks the Gastineau Channel. The Juneau Icefield is nearby and includes the Mendenhall Glacier. The area is great for top notch climbing, hiking, kayaking, rafting, scuba diving, fishing, boating, and whale watching.

Author: Sheila Martin
Publish Date: Mon, 12/05/2011 - 16:11
Categories: Alaska, Living in