Leaving Alaska might mean saying goodbye to majestic landscapes and outdoor adventures, but it’s the little things—the everyday experiences—that can unexpectedly tug at your heart. Whether you’re living in the Lower 48 or overseas, here are 11 things about Alaska you never thought would make you miss it so much.
1. The Midnight Sun
Alaska’s midnight sun—when the sun barely sets in the summer—offers a sense of freedom and wonder that’s hard to replicate. The long, golden days allow for late-night hikes, kayaking, and endless outdoor adventures. Once you leave, you’ll miss the feeling of an almost never-ending summer day.
2. The Northern Lights
The aurora borealis (Northern Lights) is one of nature’s most incredible spectacles, visible throughout the Alaskan winter months. The green, purple, and pink waves of light dancing across the sky are a memory you’ll cherish. Once you leave, you’ll realize how much you miss those otherworldly lights.
3. The Fresh Air
Alaska’s air is crisp and clean, with barely a trace of pollution. Living in the state feels like breathing the purest air in the world, and when you leave, you might find yourself missing that freshness, especially in more industrialized or urban areas.
4. The Sound of Silence
In Alaska’s wilderness, especially in remote areas, the silence is profound—only broken by the sounds of nature. That eerie quietness of the wilderness, where the only sound is the wind or the distant call of a bird, is something you won’t find easily elsewhere. It’s surprisingly peaceful and grounding.
5. Wildlife Everywhere
From moose wandering through neighborhoods to bears fishing by the rivers, wildlife encounters are a part of everyday life in Alaska. You never thought you’d miss seeing a bald eagle flying overhead or a caribou herd crossing the highway, but once you leave, these sights will stick with you.
6. The Midnight Sun
Yes, it’s so iconic it bears repeating. The almost surreal experience of the sun still shining at 11 p.m. is uniquely Alaskan. It affects your sleep patterns, your daily rhythm, and how you experience the seasons. After leaving, you’ll miss the strange beauty of long summer nights.
7. The Water
Whether it’s glacial rivers, pristine lakes, or the wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Alaska is home to some of the cleanest and most stunning bodies of water. Whether you’re kayaking, fishing, or simply looking at the views, you’ll miss the unmatched beauty of Alaskan waters.
8. Alaskan Friendships
Alaskans have a reputation for being welcoming, and the unique lifestyle and isolated environment often lead to close-knit communities. People bond over shared experiences of hard winters and stunning landscapes, making the friendships you form there more meaningful. You’ll miss that feeling of being a part of a small, tight community.
9. Fresh Seafood
Living in Alaska means having access to the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. From king salmon to dungeness crab and the famous Alaskan halibut, the seafood is like nowhere else. After leaving, you’ll realize that no place can quite match the flavor and freshness of Alaskan fish and shellfish.
10. The Mountains
Alaska’s rugged mountains are breathtakingly beautiful, from the towering peaks of Denali to the rolling hills of the Kenai Peninsula. Once you’re gone, you might miss the sight of snow-covered mountains and the feeling of awe they inspire, especially when they’re a backdrop to your everyday life.
11. The Solitude
Alaska is one of the least populated states, and its wide-open spaces offer a sense of solitude that can be difficult to find in more crowded places. Whether you’re hiking through the wilderness or simply taking a quiet drive, the vastness of the state brings a peaceful, serene solitude that you might long for once you leave.
Leaving Alaska means saying goodbye to its untamed beauty, unique experiences, and the lifestyle that comes with living in one of the last frontiers. While the big things—like the mountains, wildlife, and midnight sun—are the obvious things to miss, it’s the little moments and everyday things that will sneak up on you and make you realize just how special it was to call Alaska home.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/alaska/comments/1ffj4hm/those_who_have_moved_away_from_alaska_what_do_you/
[2] https://curiositysavestravel.com/miss-most-about-alaska/
[3] https://matadornetwork.com/life/13-things-youll-miss-leave-alaska/
[4] https://www.businessinsider.com/reasons-i-want-to-move-out-of-alaska-back-to-midwest-2022
[5] https://www.businessinsider.com/recent-college-grad-moved-alaska-job-lost-friends-2024-11
