Long-Distance Moving from New Jersey to Alaska

It’s More Expensive than New Jersey

According to Bestplaces.net, Alaska is seventh on the list of the most expensive states in the United States. The good news, however, is that the average salaries are higher as well. The median individual salary in Alaska is about $59,290, higher than the US national median of $35,977. Since most of Alaska’s food is imported from the mainland U.S., groceries cost, on average, about 42 percent more than outside of the state. Frigid winter temps mean Alaskans pay about 70 percent more per month for heating bills. Home prices average about $282,000 across the state and residents who rent pay an average of about $1,102 for a one-bedroom apartment. A great perk of living in one of the most expensive states in the country? Residents of the Last Frontier State pay no income or sales tax.

The Scenery is Gorgeous

Alaska has more than 39,000 miles of coastline, more than any other state in the country. As the only state that borders two oceans–both the Arctic and the Pacific, there is abundant marine life, fishing and boating. Climbers and hikers love the state because it is home to 17 of 20 of the country’s highest peaks. The state is also home to Tongass National Forest, the largest in United States. Wildlife lovers will appreciate that 98 percent of brown bears in the country are located here, and the state is home to caribou, whales, moose and more than 100 species of birds.

Alaska is Cooler…Way Cooler

While Alaska has the traditional four seasons, the average temperatures in the state are noticeably lower than most parts of the mainland United States. Temperatures range from an average of -7 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to about 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Anchorage, the state’s largest city, averages about 74 inches of snow annually, while Newark, New Jersey’s largest city, averages about 28. Newark residents, however, reach for their umbrellas more often than Alaskans. Newark averages about 46.3 inches of rain a year, while Anchorage averages about 16.6 inches annually.

Alaska is the Land of Opportunity

There are several major industries in Alaska, and all of them are booming. The largest oil field in America, Prudhoe Bay is located right in the heart of the Arctic, in the northernmost section of the state. The oil pipeline brings stability, jobs and upward mobility to residents of the state, and accounts for more than 110,000 jobs. In 1976, the state started earmarking a portion of oil profits into a fund to benefit the state. The Alaska Permanent Fund was worth more than $50 billion as of 2015 and goes toward improving the infrastructure in the state and improving the lives of its residents.
The Land of the Midnight Sun is also quite the destination for those seeking to cross it off their bucket lists. Tourism is the second largest industry in Alaska, and more than two million people visit the state each year. More than half of those visitors arrive by cruise ship, sailing along the coast and keeping coastal towns brimming with opportunity. The state enjoys healthy profits of more than $2.4 billion annually in tourism dollars and employs more than 39,000 people.

Best Places to Live in Alaska

Before hitting the road to head to Alabama to set up residency, you will want to consider a few moving tips. The right moving tips can make all the difference between a nightmare and a dream come true.

Anchorage

Population: approximately 300,000

Home to the Kenai Fjords national park and the Chugach national forest, Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and the center of industry. Alaska’s Ted Stevens International Airport serves most major airlines and transports residents all over the world. The University of Alaska Anchorage is the main university in the city, and is one of the area’s largest employers.

Fairbanks

Population: 31,516

Just 120 miles from the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks is a city of culture. While millions of people flock to the city for the amazing views of the Northern Lights, residents of Fairbanks love the small-town feel, botanical gardens and symphony orchestra. It is also home to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, the oldest university in the state.

Ketchikan

Population: 8,289

A major cruise ship port, Ketchikan is known for its commercial fishing. Dubbed the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan combines stunning beauty with tourism and small-town friendliness. One of the benefits of living in Ketchikan is that, as the state’s southernmost city, the temperatures rarely dip below freezing. Mild winters make it a favorite of people making the move to the state from the warmer lower 48. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan’s residents enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities.

Choosing a Mover

Moving from New Jersey to Alaska will require the assistance of a specialized team of movers who are experienced with long-distance moves. The geography of Alaska means that your movers will not only have to coordinate the move across the lower 48 states but handle the logistics of crossing through Canada to move your goods. Since parts of Alaska are inaccessible by road, you may need additional logistic planning when it comes to making this move. It is important to find a moving company that is experienced and skilled in New Jersey to Alaska moves and can handle your move with the professionalism it deserves.

White Glove Moving has more than 25 years of experience in both in-town and long-distance moves. Our team of 200 managers, estimators, laborers and administrative staff has what it takes to ensure that your belongings arrive on time and in one piece. New Jersey to Alaska moves can be complicated. Between scheduling your belongings to arrive when you do, synchronizing our drivers to your arrival time, and arranging for needed storage, this is not a move you want to undertake without an expert team at your service. At White Glove Moving, we have successfully moved hundreds of singles and families to Alaska. Don’t delay, call us for a free consultation and let us start working on your moving plan today.