The raw and rugged last frontier is certainly not for everyone, but we wouldn’t trade it for anywhere else in the world. We love our limitless backyard full of exploring potential, friendly four-legged neighbors, breathtaking scenery and incredible sense of humility felt throughout every single region. Every single day spent in the 49th state is truly a gift. We are sure that you’ll agree after reading these 20 benefits of living in Alaska that should never be taken for granted.

  1. The Alaska life is way more humble and down-to-earth than anything you’ll find in the lower 48.

Flickr - Jason Potter

  1. Materialism and status-quo isn’t something that Alaskans concern themselves with.

Flickr - Ben Murray

  1. Alaska is one of the happiest places to live in America, likely due to unlimited outdoor activities.

Flickr - Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

  1. With some of the best natural resources and wild game in the world, we can pretty much live off the land and still eat like kings.

Flickr - Keith Parker

  1. We have more land and less human life than anywhere else in the nation, which means we can actually unwind and relax in utter silence.

Flickr - Frank Camp

  1. It’s easy to say that we have the best scenery in the world, hands down.

Flickr - Tiffany

  1. Huge mountains, lush rainforest, beautiful beaches, gleaming glaciers and breathtaking vistas are a part of our daily commute.

Flickr - Terry Lawson

  1. Plus we don’t really have “real” traffic, by comparison.

Flickr - Travis

  1. Our air is the freshest in the world, and our spring water is pretty darn delicious as well.

Flickr - Ron Lute

  1. While outsiders are worried about the cold, we beat the chill factor by enjoying a good soak in many of the natural hot springs.

Flickr - PunkToad

  1. Or we flock to the ‘snowiest place in Alaska’ to enjoy the true meaning of winter.

Flickr - Marc Perron

  1. Logical is way more in style than fashionable. And every day is causal Friday.

Flickr - Kim F

  1. The Aurora Borealis provides us with the best natural night-light in the world.

Flickr - Bureau of Land Management

  1. Gym memberships are not necessary when your backyard is a limitless playground.

Flickr - Visions Service Adventures

  1. Additional modes of transportation are totally acceptable, and way more fun.

Flickr - Daniel Weber

  1. Where dog mushing is the state sport, you’re guaranteed to have the friendliest (and cutest) neighbors ever.

Flickr - chotda

  1. There is a high emphasis on family values and celebrating traditions.

Flickr - kaythaney

  1. With celebrated history and fascinating diversity, Alaska is a cultural melting pot – and it shows throughout every distinctive region.

Flickr - Ben Rogers

  1. Wildly delicious food = best on earth.

Flickr - Chris Kim

  1. Last but not least, our sunrises and sunsets are enough to completely knock you off your feet and take your breath away.

Flickr - Harsha Vardhana

If you’re from Alaska or have ever lived here for any period of time, we know that you’ll relate to these 22 things that Alaskans miss terribly when they leave home. Be prepared for a big dose of nostalgia!

Flickr - Jason Potter

Flickr - Ben Murray

Flickr - Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Flickr - Keith Parker

Flickr - Frank Camp

Flickr - Tiffany

Flickr - Terry Lawson

Flickr - Travis

Flickr - Ron Lute

Flickr - PunkToad

Flickr - Marc Perron

Flickr - Kim F

Flickr - Bureau of Land Management

Flickr - Visions Service Adventures

Flickr - Daniel Weber

Flickr - chotda

Flickr - kaythaney

Flickr - Ben Rogers

Flickr - Chris Kim

Flickr - Harsha Vardhana

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