Firstly why Anchorage, Alaska?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Anchorage
• State: Alaska
• Population: 291,247 people
• Anchorage’s quick summary would be The largest city in Alaska, known for its stunning mountain views and as a gateway to outdoor adventures.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 20,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 20,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 4,000
• Number of Homeless people: 3,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it boasts urban amenities alongside breathtaking nature attracting those who want city life with outdoor access

Perk #1: Anchorage Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 38%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 64%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Asian
• The median income is (and growing)  $76,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Anchorage is $86,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $10000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Anchorage’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 130 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,902
• Property Tax %: 1.25%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,500
• Rent for an average house: $2,100
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: South Addition
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Anchorage, Eagle-River, University-Area, South-Anchorage, and probably could include Dimond-Center
• Avg. Age of Homes in Anchorage: 39 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Anchorage’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Anchorage are  Government, Healthcare, and Tourism
• Anchorage Job Scene: strong job market with growth in healthcare and logistics
• The General Tech Scene: largest city in Alaska, growing tech community with initiatives for innovation and startup support ,
• Anchorage Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Anchorage: 1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 100 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 14

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Anchorage

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: Glenn Highway facilitates travel between Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: gridlock on Dimond Boulevard and A Street
• Transportation Score: 70 out of 100 described as Excellent Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Anchorage: 180,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 12 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Anchorage: dmv.alaska.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 70 of 100
• Local Airport: Ted Stevens Anchorage International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Anchorage’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Anchorage is best described as has cold winters with snow and temperatures often below freezing and mild summers with long daylight hours
• Winter Weather in Anchorage i’d describe as cold with moderate snowfall
• Spring Weather in Anchorage can be described as cool with potential snow
• Summer’s in Anchorage are mostly mild with occasional rain
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Anchorage is usually chilly with occasional snow
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 30 days in summer
• Days in a row in Anchorage below Freezing: 167
• Average Annual Rainfall: 15 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good to moderate air quality with some ozone concerns
• Anchorage Winter Air mixed air quality that can deteriorate with residential wood burning

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Anchorage Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Anchorage 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Anchorages’s city limits are 5
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Anchorage Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Anchorage Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 12 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Anchorage only Doctors is about 480
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Anchorage only Police Officers is about 936
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Anchorage’s Monthly utility bill average is $180
• Anchorage’s Monthly Gym Membership: $70
• Anchorage’s Water Quality Score: 83

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Anchorage

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: urban atmosphere mixed with easy access to nature and outdoor recreation
• You might enjoy concerts at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Anchorage  boasts a vibrant nightlife with a mix of trendy bars live music venues and late-night restaurants

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Anchorage

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Has a mix of fine dining casual restaurants and food trucks featuring diverse cuisines
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 150 scattered around Anchorage
• The Popular Sports Team is Anchorage Wolverines
• Top Level Political Climate in Anchorage can be described as urban dynamics with progressive policies amid conservative pockets
• Anchorage’s Longer standing religious establishment is Anchorage Lutheran Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Anchorage Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Anchorage has 120 Parks?
• Delaney Park Strip is Anchorage’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Anchorage Market & Festival normally open Saturday & Sunday 10am-6pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Anchorage Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Anchorage can be described as urban pace balanced with outdoor adventures and cultural events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Anchorage sledding down snowy hills ice skating at local rinks outdoor movie nights
• The Cities people commute to from Anchorage are Fairbanks 358 miles away Kodiak 251 miles away Juneau 531 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Anchorage or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: gridlock on Dimond Boulevard and A Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Anchorage’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If South Addition is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Anchorage are Fairbanks 358 miles away Kodiak 251 miles away Juneau 531 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Anchorage has 167 days in a row below freezing and 30 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Anchorage people have an average (positive or negative) $10000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   3,000 homeless people living in Anchorage. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general urban dynamics with progressive policies amid conservative pockets could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Anchorage.

Retiree & Senior Life in Anchorage

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive exemptions or deferrals on property taxes enhancing affordability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Matsu Valley Senior Living
• Southeast Community Center features senior programs educational workshops and community events

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Anchorage, Alaska?

If Anchorage, Alaska ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Anchorage, Alaska, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!