Alaska to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Virginia

ConsAlaska

• Extreme cold
• High cost of living
• Isolation
• Limited services
• Short daylight in winter

ProsVirginia

• Milder winters
• More affordable housing
• Access to urban amenities
• Extensive services
• Longer daylight year-round

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Virginia

• Less scenic views
• Urban sprawl
• Fewer snowy sports
• Crowded areas
• Standard daylight hours

Alaska

• Majestic scenery
• Rich wildlife
• Outdoor activities
• Low population density
• Midnight sun in summer

Pros of moving from Alaska to Virginia

• Say goodbye to extreme cold and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Virginia with more affordable housing
• Swap the isolation of Alaska for access to urban amenities in Virginia
• Get ready for extensive services in Virginia

Cons of moving from Alaska to Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the majestic scenery in Alaska to live with less scenic views in Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich wildlife and have to settle with the con of urban sprawl
• Time to bid farewell to outdoor activities and get used to fewer snowy sports in Virginia
• Swap low population density for crowded areas

Alaska vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alaska to Virginia, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Halibut Tacos, Virginia residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork BBQ and Peanuts to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Kelp Pickles they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black Bean Burger of Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's, The Saltry, and Snow City Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Mama J's Kitchen, and Leaping Lizard Cafe.

When comparing lifestyles, Virginia shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alaska. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Virginia, compared to what you are used to in Alaska. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Virginia.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Virginia

• The Log Cabins and Modern architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Virginia.
• Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference natural scenery and privacy, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like historic landmarks and proximity to amenities.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Virginia is more walkable than Alaska.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Virginia is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
• Virginia has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
• Virginia housing costs are 9% more expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
• Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Virginia have increased by 63% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
• Rent in Virginia is 5.07% more expensive than in Alaska.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alaska and Virginia

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Virginia. Virginia gets 37% more sunshine days than Alaska.
• Virginia has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alaska.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and flooding in Virginia.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Virginia is 27 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
• The average winter lows are 29 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Virginia. Virginia receives 21 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 3% less than in Alaska
• The COLI in Virginia will be 27% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
• Bummer... By moving from AK to VA, you'll now have a state income tax of 2% - 5.75%
• The affluence in Virginia is moderate to high compared to moderate in Alaska
• The poverty level is moderate in Virginia compared to low in Alaska
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Alaska and low in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Virginia

• Alaska tends to lean mixed and leans Republican in its political climate
• Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state and recently leaning Democratic
• Virginia's religious environment can be described as Protestant and Catholic with diverse religious communities
• Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant and non-religious with a growing presence

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Virginia