It doesn’t matter if you’ve only lived here for a couple years or for your entire life, the second you move away from Alaska you’re going to regret it, because living in Alaska ruins you for life. There are so many things about our awesome state that will have you bitterly reminiscing about what it’s like to live in Alaska, and wondering why you moved, for the rest of your life.

1. You'll miss your white Christmas, or snow in general.
glasseyes view | Flickr
You'll most likely miss having a white holiday season.
2. You seafood snob, you.
Natasha Wheatland | Flickr
Unless you're living in Seattle or forking out an arm and a leg for your dinner, you're probably going to be pretty bummed out about the seafood that's brought to your table.
3. You'll miss the beer.
Thomas Hawk | Flickr
Alaska actually has a decent brewing scene; if you move, be prepared to drink PBR and drab beers for the rest of your days ;).
4. You're used to big wildlife.
Eric | Flickr
Our wildlife is extremely extreme. Where else can you see a moose and a mama bear running down your neighborhood block in the same day?
5. You're used to big everything... and it's not a big deal.
Aarthi Narayanan | Flickr
In Alaska, everything is bigger, which means everything is better.
6. Nowhere is quite as breathtaking.
Héctor Mota | Flickr
Sure there are some beautiful places on this planet, but in Alaska, beauty is everywhere! You can live in the heart of Anchorage and all you have to do is look out your window for an incredible view!
7. Cold? What is that?
_T604 | Flickr
Get ready to constantly complain about how hot you are.
8. Wait, I don't get paid to live here?
Travis | Flickr
Say goodbye to those sweet, sweet PFDs.

Related Stories

The Story Behind This Simple Cabin In Alaska Is One You Won't Forget

The Story Behind This Simple Cabin In Alaska Is One You Won't Forget

 Spend The Night In The Sweet Sunrise Suite, A Renovated Former Brothel's Madam's Boudoir In Alaska

Spend The Night In The Sweet Sunrise Suite, A Renovated Former Brothel's Madam's Boudoir In Alaska

 Kennicott Copper Mine Is One Of The Strangest Places You Can Go In Alaska

Kennicott Copper Mine Is One Of The Strangest Places You Can Go In Alaska
9. You'll hate the crowds... you just can't get away from it all.
Tom Hilton | Flickr
You're going to hate all the people, traffic, and crowds. Life in Alaska is just so secluded and relaxing.
10. Say goodbye to clean air!
DeWaine Tollefsrud | Flickr
Fresh, crisp, clean air will be harder to come by, and you'll realize how much you miss living in Alaska.
11. Fishing sucks everywhere else.
A. Strakey | Flickr
Every time you go fishing somewhere you'll think, "Man, fishing really sucks here." This Alaska stereotype is 100% true.
12. Outdoor opportunities aren't endless anymore.
GORE-TEX® Products | Flickr
Living in Alaska means you have total freedom to adventure. When you move you'll start seeing a lot more yellow tape.
13. Everyone is so nice in Alaska, why can't the rest of the world be like that?
Ruth L | Flickr
You'll miss the friendly people and tight-knit communities.
14. Foreigners don't hate you.
Madeleine Deaton | Flickr
When you travel out of the country and claim that you're from somewhere like California, people will scowl... just lie and say you're from Alaska.
15. Where are all the hot single guys? What about all those good looking bush pilots?
Philip Morton | Flickr
This is more for the ladies, you'll miss the ratio of girls to guys, trust me!
16. You'll be wishing those summer days were longer.
Dave Hensley | Flickr
No summer day can compare to a midnight sun kinda day.

How else does living in Alaska ruin you for anywhere else? Let me know!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Living In Alaska

Megan McDonald | May 03, 2020

What are Alaskans known for?

Alaska is a land of extremes. We Alaskans are best known for our strength and ability to thrive in tough circumstances. Living and flourishing in some of the harshest environments on the planet is no small feat, and we excel at it. What’s considered extreme sports, weather, and terrain in other states, is just a regular day in the life of the locals in the largest state in America. What many people from the rest of the world might not also realize is that we are also some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, even though we are resilient. 

What is the best place to live in Alaska?

This question is completely dependent on what you’d like to get out of living in Alaska. If you need a job and love all the comforts of the big city, then Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau are all great bets to find a place to live and a good job. If you want an experience where you live closer to the land, then there are a number of small towns and communities that would welcome you with open arms. We are a wonderful state, and every region has something incredible to offer. Whether you are looking for the fast pace of the big city, or the quiet peace of the gorgeous Alaskan wilderness, the wide range of communities here offer a home to just about anyone. 

What are some interesting things about Alaska?

Alaska is the largest state in the United States. At 663,300 square miles, we can fit 19 states inside the boundaries of Alaska. But although we’re the biggest, Alaska is the fourth smallest state when it comes to population. We only have a population of 735,720 people for all of that room. That’s about one person per 1.3 square mile! If you need room, this is the place to live.

Related Articles

Explore Alaska

Featured Addresses
Alaska, USA