Overall Score
Anchorage – the largest city in Alaska. It is also by far the northernmost big city in the U.S. It is located in the Kinnick River basin, on the Kukka Bay. The climate here is relatively mild because of the northward protecting mountains of the Chugach River and the warm Alaska Current. Anchorage is home to about 40\% of the people of Alaska.
Anchorage, unlike other Alaska villages, has never been a fishing port or mining center. It appeared during the construction of the Alaska Railway in 1920. Initially, the town was the site of the station, and the village was called Key Creek. Anchorage owes its growth to transportation. In addition to the railroad, it is also the main sea and air port in the state.
As Alaskas largest city, Anchorage has a developed tourist infrastructure. The city itself has a variety of museums, parks, and cultural institutions. A special pride is the Botanical Gardens. Beyond the city limits, the main tourist attraction is the Alaska Mountains monumental nature. In the ocean, you can watch the migrations of the whales, in the ocean – hiking trails through the hills and national parks. Anchorage has also developed winter sports that can be enjoyed at the ski centers.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 18 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 300,000 people
- GDP: $57,808 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 115V60Hz
- Internet: 40 Mbps
- Best wireless: T-Mobile
- Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
- Tipping: How much should I tip at a restaurant? A gratuity of 15 to 20 per cent on top of the bill (before sales tax) is standard, with 25 per cent given for topnotch service. Servers in America work hard for the money – they’re generally friendly, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile for customers.
- Apartment listings:
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Uber
- Online electronics shop: Amazon
- Best hospital: Alaska Regional Hospital
- Best short-haul air carrier: Jet Blue
- Best intl air carrier: United Airlines
- Monthly costs for expat: $2400
- Monthly costs for family: $5500
- Monthly costs for local: $1600
- Meal: $12
- Small Cola: $2
- Beer 1 Pint: $6
- Coffee: $4
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