Retire in Alaska

Alaska is an adventurous place to purchase a retirement community. This huge state, largest city Anchorage, is cold, dark in the winter, and expensive. But it also has some of the greatest scenery and most spectactular outdoor recreation of any place on earth. For people who see the thrill of nature and don't want to be too close to their neighbors, this is the place. Alaska's population was about 676,000 in 2007, 47th overall of U.S. states. This site will acquaint you with some basic facts about retirement to the best places in Alaska.

Climate
The Alaska climate tends to be cold in winter, particularly in the interior. Spring comes late but the short summers are spectacular. Parts of Alaska (Kotzebue and above) are in the Artic Circle. Places in southeast Alaska like Juneau and near the ocean are slightly more moderate, with a climate similar to Seattle's. Days are short in winter and the sun never really goes down in the northern parts of the state.

Per Capita Income and Home Values

In 2006-8 the inflation-adjusted per capita income was $29,913, just above the U.S.  average. The cost of living in Anchorage is 117,  high because of the cold and the difficulty in shipping goods here.  According to Zillow.com, the late 2011 median value of homes in Alaska was $239,900.

Taxes
Alaska has no income tax or sales tax, thanks to its oil revenues. Its total tax burden is the lowest of any state.The Tax Foundation estimates the average tax burden is 6.3% of income. Alaskan localities collected $1,559 per capita in property taxes in fiscal year 2008.

Certified Retirement Communities
Alaska does not have a certified retirement community program.

Best Retirement Communities
Check out great retirement towns like Homer Alaska  and Seward. There are active adult communities near Anchorage and in some cities.


You will also get inside information on retirement living communities in the neighboring states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. More cities and towns are being added constantly. Each Alaska retirement community profile features ratings on expenses, age restrictions, taxes, recreation, amenities, transportation, etc. so you can compare how other active adults 55+ have rated that city or development. There is a Discussion Forum for each Alaska city or development.

Get started with reviews of the best retirement communities.

Reviews of the best places to retire in the 50 states

Click on the Alaska Retirement Community reviews on the right. Or to find other state guides to retirement or more on types of retirement communities

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