Moving to Alaska is a bucket list, once-in-a-lifetime dream for so many out there. But once you get here, let’s just say that adjusting to life in the last frontier doesn’t come without its challenges. The growing pains and learning curves will most definitely hit you out of nowhere and often times can send you flying straight into a ditch. The struggle is real, but SO worth it in the end…because, as we all know, life in Alaska is truly as good as it gets. We just have a lot of Alaska stereotypes that may very well exist for a reason, because it really is difficult to adjust to life up here!

1. The thought of farm-raised salmon now makes your stomach churn.
Flickr - Ann Barker
YUCK in all capital letters. Just say no. That's for those that don't know any better!
2. No, staying up late to watch the Northern Lights is not a good excuse for calling off work the next day.
Flickr - Andrew Petersen
But why, mom... WHY!? We think this should be an automatic day off for everyone.
3. When you see a sled dog team on the side of the road, you’ll undoubtedly fan-girl out. And maybe go in the ditch.
Flickr - Arthur T. LaBar
Life in Alaska is SO freaking cool and unique! This definitely isn't something those in the lower 48 get to experience!
4. You will probably be late to work because you forgot to plug in your car. Yes, really.
Flickr - James Brooks
We call this second world problems. The new normal for those of us the Last Frontier.
5. But wait… you actually expect me to drive in that? It’s literally white-out blizzard conditions out there!
Flickr - Ben Murray
This is just nuts in most places, but it's what it's like to live in Alaska.
6. If public transportation is your thing, you better not think about living in any small town.
Flickr - Jeffrey L. Cohen
Yeah, buses and trains are not really a thing in small town Alaska. But if you're in the city, you might have some luck.
7. You will probably think Alaska-style traffic jams are adorable for your first year or two, tops.
Flickr - JLS Photography - Alaska
I mean, look at all the reindeer. How cute are they? Being late to work because you're stuck behind Rudolph's gang is definitely an Alaska stereotype that rings true to many.
8. You and the tourism industry will now officially have a love/hate relationship.
Flickr - John Kinsella
You love em' because, well... you are basically still a tourist. But when they walk up to wildlife, you will get a certain kind of rage inside that is hard to explain.

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9. Wait, where do you sign up for the cushy 2 week on/2 week off job?
Flickr - jweston_40
Oh, I have to know someone who knows someone? Great!
10. There are no freaking lanes, how do people drive like this?
Flickr - Luke Jones
Holy culture shock. You're not in the lower 48 anymore! Just use where you think the lanes would be.
11. At 11pm on a summer night, you will feel guilty about watching TV.
Flickr - Marie LaFauci
That midnight sun has a way of making us feel so stinkin' guilty for bummin' out on the couch. It's tough to get your internal clock adjusted!
12. Your social media pages will be filled with wildlife and landscape photos because, um… HELLO!
Flickr - Matt Zimmerman
You live in freaking ALASKA! Ahhhhh! It's the good life, baby!
13. When your lower 48 friends ask you if you live in an igloo, you’ll have a hard time not de-friending them.
Flickr - MegaBuddy
I mean, c'mon guys. Pull it together. That's one of many Alaska stereotypes we wish didn't exist.
14. Love seeing local (live) sporting events like professional or college football, baseball or basketball? Fuggetaboutit.
Flickr - rocor
Better save up those Alaska Airlines miles and fly down to Seattle or something, because you're not catching much of any sports here.
15. Get used to being offered bear, moose or caribou meat from friends. And always say YES.
Flickr - Travis
You don't even know how lucky you have it... trust us!
16. You will miss out on all the uber-cool promotions because you live in (dun, dun dun) AK or HI.
Flickr - Yoel Ben-Avraham
As if the price of living wasn't already high enough, jeez! Can a transplant catch a break here or what?

Are you considering moving to Alaska and still looking for fun ideas to keep you enjoying the mighty last frontier once you’re up here? Check out these 26 activities to add to your bucket list and get ready to have a super eventful year!

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Moving to Alaska

Lisa Sammons | June 07, 2021

What is living in Alaska like?

Well, there are certainly some negatives (cost of living, and everything else, we're looking at you!). If you want to start with the bad, check out this list. But there are so, so many benefits as well, and we definitely feel like the good outweighs the bad. If you want peace and quiet, moving to Alaska might be just what you need! Fresh air and beautiful scenery? We've got it!

What are some fun things to do in Alaska?

It goes without saying that we have a list of potential outdoor activities that rivals anywhere in the nation. If you want fun in the outdoors, Alaska is the place for it. We know the snow and cold scare some people off, but there's plenty of activities that can keep you busy all year long here, from fishing to hiking. Just make sure you bundle up!

What are some natural wonders in Alaska?

We may be biased, but to be honest, the whole state is pretty much a natural wonder. Denali is of course a big one - it's the highest peak in North America. We've also got, of course, the Northern Lights, which people come from all over the world to experience. Check out  this list of magnificent wonders you won't want to miss.

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