Living in Alaska: A Lifestyle guide to living in the last American Frontier
Anchorage, Alaska: A thriving cultural center
Alaska might be known for its rugged wilderness, but Anchorage is as thriving of a metropolitan center as any you will find in the contiguous United States. The Anchorage Museum and the Native Heritage Center are two of the city’s largest museums, offering a variety of programs and exhibits on the history and culture of the area. There are also a number of other fascinating smaller institutions including the Alaska Experience Theatre, the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature, and a law enforcement museum sponsored by the Alaska State Troopers.
Haven for artists and musicians
Anchorage is known for its thriving artist community. Some organizations that help to foster and support arts projects in the city include the Anchorage Concert Association, the Turnagain Community Arts Alliance, and the Anchorage Folk Festival. Through their support, Alaska’s fine artists, musicians, and dancers are able share Alaska’s unique culture and heritage through a variety of mediums.
In addition to supporting contemporary arts, the Alaska Native Heritage Center helps keep indigenous arts and traditions alive with ongoing presentations of traditional dances and crafts.
In addition to supporting contemporary arts, the Alaska Native Heritage Center helps keep indigenous arts and traditions alive with ongoing presentations of traditional dances and crafts.
Wildlife encounters right in your backyard
Living in Alaska, you can see all types of wild animals from moose to bald eagles to beluga whales just going about your daily routine. Even in the city of Anchorage itself, it’s not uncommon to look out your kitchen window and see wolves or even bears. There are not many other American cities where you can see wildlife up close without paying the admission fee to the city zoo.
Because large wild animals are part of daily life in Alaska, you might want to brush up on basic bear safety before you move.
Because large wild animals are part of daily life in Alaska, you might want to brush up on basic bear safety before you move.
Hunting and fishing for subsistence and pleasure
Hunting and fishing are a way of life for Alaskans—literally. Many Alaskans rely on food they have fished or hunted for themselves as part of their diet. You can even go salmon fishing right from the river in downtown Anchorage.
