Alaska is often portrayed as a vast wilderness filled with stunning mountains, wildlife, and adventure, but there’s much more to life in the Last Frontier than meets the eye. If you’re thinking of moving to Alaska or just curious about life there, here are some quirky and unusual things that no one might mention until you experience them for yourself.
1. Daylight (Or Lack Thereof) Will Mess With Your Sense of Time
In Alaska, you’ll experience extreme variations in daylight depending on the time of year. During the summer months, especially in the northern parts of the state, the sun doesn’t set for weeks. Known as the “midnight sun,” the days are incredibly long, and you may find yourself losing track of time. Come winter, the opposite happens. Some areas experience weeks of near-total darkness, which can leave you wondering whether it’s morning or night at 2 p.m.
2. Moose Are Basically Everywhere
Moose are not a rare sight in Alaska—they’re practically part of the scenery. You’ll often encounter them walking casually down the street, hanging out in backyards, or wandering near busy roads. Don’t be surprised to see a moose nibbling on your neighbor’s garden or blocking traffic during your commute. Just remember, they’re not as friendly as they look!
3. Driving in Alaska Can Be… Interesting
In winter, driving conditions in Alaska can be downright treacherous. The roads are icy, and snow can pile up in places where you least expect it. You’ll also encounter “frost heaves”—sections of the road where the frozen ground causes the pavement to buckle and create unexpected bumps. The Alaskan way of driving involves a healthy mix of patience, preparedness, and a reliable vehicle.
4. Food Can Be Surprisingly Expensive
Living in Alaska often means a higher cost of living, and food prices are one of the biggest culprits. Since much of the state’s supplies are shipped in, groceries can be considerably more expensive than in the Lower 48. Locally-sourced food like fish and game can be more affordable, but staples like milk, cereal, and produce might make your wallet cry.
5. You’ll Get Used to Seeing the Aurora Borealis… A Lot
If you’re lucky enough to live in Alaska, you’ll get regular views of the mesmerizing northern lights. The aurora borealis is a natural light display caused by solar winds interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. While they’re stunning, you’ll soon realize that you can’t get too attached to perfect views—cloudy skies are often a part of Alaskan life!
6. You’ll Need to Be Prepared for Everything… All the Time
In Alaska, being prepared isn’t just a good idea—it’s a necessity. The weather can change unexpectedly, and you’ll need to be ready for everything from snowstorms in June to sudden temperature drops. Whether you’re heading to the store or going on a hike, packing extra layers, a first aid kit, and other essentials will become second nature.
7. Wildlife Encounters Are Part of Daily Life
Living in Alaska means you’re often sharing your space with a wide variety of wildlife. Bears, foxes, wolves, and eagles roam freely. Whether you’re walking your dog or driving down a country road, an unexpected wildlife encounter is always possible. And yes, sometimes they’ll be more interested in your garbage than in you.
8. Alaska’s Small-Town Vibes Are Real
Alaska is home to a lot of small communities, and it’s not unusual for people to know each other (or be related) in ways you never imagined. If you enjoy that “everyone knows everyone” vibe, you’ll feel right at home. But don’t be surprised when you meet someone who has a cousin living in another town 100 miles away. The sense of community is strong, and it’s easy to feel like a big fish in a small pond—especially if you’re living in a remote area.
Living in Alaska is a one-of-a-kind experience, and while the state offers natural beauty and adventure, it also comes with its own set of surprises. From the stunning auroras to the quirky wildlife, Alaska is a place that will both challenge and charm you in ways you never expected!m you in ways you never expected!
SOURCES
[1] https://thehonestlocal.com/pros-cons-living-alaska-moving/
[2] https://www.redfin.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-living-in-alaska/
[3] https://ymcaalaska.org/understanding-the-unique-challenges-faced-by-alaskan-communities/
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/alaska/comments/14352c8/what_are_the_realities_of_living_in_alaska_that/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE8Ownr3iUE
