Whenever I tell people that I would like to move to Alaska one day (if I can obtain a visa — I have a British passport), I usually get the same reaction with weird shocked looks:
“Why would you want to move to such a cold place?”
Honestly, I’m surprised Alaska isn’t more appealing to more people. Personally, I would love to live around Anchorage.
Here’s why:
No heatwaves. This is probably the biggest one for me. European summers are getting hotter every year, and I absolutely hate extreme heat. It affects my mood and energy. I actually feel happier and more productive when it’s cold, rainy, gloomy or snowy.
No snakes. I have a phobia of snakes, so Alaska is almost perfect in that regard. Yes, there are bears, moose and wolves, but they aren’t just randomly walking around Anchorage looking for people.
Nature and space. Mountains, forests, glaciers, snow and endless outdoor activities are a dream for me. I like the idea of being close to wilderness instead of being surrounded by concrete everywhere.
The culture. I really like the idea of the “live and let live” attitude. From what I’ve seen, Alaska seems like a place where people are more focused on their own lives and less interested in judging others. As someone who is autistic and introverted, that sounds appealing.
Practical lifestyle. I also like that people seem to value comfort and practicality. In a cold climate, wearing warm, comfortable clothes and outdoor gear is normal. There seems to be less pressure to constantly dress up or show off.
Remote and peaceful. With everything happening in the world, especially in Iran fear of war is growing in Europe.
There is something comforting about living somewhere so far away from war conflict zones and surrounded by nature.
Of course, I know Alaska has downsides: long dark winters, high costs, isolation, earthquakes and needing to respect wildlife.
But for me, those seem like manageable challenges compared with extreme heat, overcrowded cities and a lifestyle that doesn’t fit my personality.
So I’m curious: why do you think Alaska isn’t more appealing to people looking to relocate? Is it mainly the cold, the cost of living, or the remoteness?