Anchorage AK Moving Companies

Anchorage, Alaska

Imagine four seasons of splendid wildlife and recreational activities in a quiet metropolis. In Anchorage, Alaska, on the southern edge of the state, the average daytime summer temperatures are a cool 55 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Average winter temperatures are 5 to 30 F, with a low from 9 to 22 F. The climate here isn’t as harsh as it is in the inner cities of the Alaskan state, but it does get dark in the winter. In the summer, the sun barely sets. People who have lived through the incessant sunshine have reported an appreciation for the sun and an abundance of energy for the complete summer. Since people also experience the complete opposite, darkness for months, they have learned to appreciate the polar opposites of both seasons. People moving to Anchorage, Alaska are usually adventurers and eccentrics who enjoy the lack of people and as a result the lack of congestion on the road. They must also be fans of the abundance of wildlife—eagles, grizzly bears, and sea life—that thrive in Southern Alaska. In addition to being one with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of major cities elsewhere, Anchorage is the place to go if you want to see the stars and the Northern Lights.

Economy:
Anchorage, Alaska, unlike other Alaskan cities, is pretty dense with people. There are about 279,000 people in Anchorage—making it the largest city in Alaska—the people here make up about 40 percent of the entire state’s population. And there is plenty of help to get more people here with the numerous Anchorage moving companies to help with your intrastate or interstate move through the numerous mountain towns. One advantage of moving to Alaska is its stable economy while the national economy has dipped. In Anchorage, the largest job sectors are in the transportation, military, government, tourism and resource industries. Anchorage acts as an administrative center for the oil production business that accounts for 22 percent of the nation’s oil reserves. This business accounts for approximately eight percent of the local salaries and wages. In addition to this, there is a huge military presence that brings in economic benefits. The U.S. Military has main bases in Anchorage including the Elmendorf Air Force Base, Fort Richardson and the Kulis Air National Guard Base.

Residents here also are at the advantage by getting extra money in their pockets every year with the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend. This fund was set up each year to put aside money for all Alaskan residents to share the money collected from oil taxes. For example in 2005, the checks were for $845. Anchorage residents also enjoy the benefits of no state or sales tax.

History:
Anchorage’s history is all about innovation and discovery. Although Anchorage was established as “Russian America,” the first person credited with discovering Anchorage was an English explorer named Captain James Cook during a voyage in 1778. In 1784, the Russians came to Southern Alaska and made themselves at home. They built and traded from here and remained until 1867, when Russia had to sell this land to the United States. In 1915, Anchorage became a port where railroads were being constructed and a “tent city” sprouted up in the middle of the manufacturing grounds. People craving the success of new business came here to build a city.

Tourism:
Anchorage, Alaska is for the ultimate thrill seeker or nature lover. There are natural glaciers, mountains, wildlife, state and national parks and scenic routes to drive through. Alaska’s number one attraction is its glaciers that span almost 30,000 square miles. Glaciers are some of the world’s most amazing sights. Did you know only 10 percent of the iceberg is showing above water; the remaining 90 percent lies under the water. While in Anchorage, visitors and locals can travel south to the three major glaciers and walk along the lakeshore and view these natural wonders. Also a close drive from the major Alaskan city, in downtown Anchorage, are two active volcanoes called Mount McKinley and Mount Spurr. No matter what your daily agenda is, there will be something splendid to see. There are also opportunities to view bears in their natural habitats, birth watch, whale watch or spy on moose, sheep, grizzlies, orca whales and more.

Colleges/Universities:

• Charter College
• University of Alaska-Anchorage
• University of Washington

Interesting Facts:

• Anchorage, Alaska is known for its friendly people. Don’t be alarmed if residents stop, smile and greet you.
• There’s no sales tax in Anchorage, Alaska.
• There are about 100,000 glaciers in Alaska with 60 of them within 50 miles of the city of Anchorage.

Helpful Links:

• Anchorage Official Website