Moving is always exciting. Especially when it involves a new city. You experience new opportunities and explore a different place. It’s also challenging and difficult of course. But still, there’s no need to worry. As every change, it just takes some time. You need to get used to the new surroundings. Also, when you meet new people it definitely gets easier.
The USA is a huge region with so many states. And its residents are always moving, whether for work or private reasons. The good thing is that many areas in the USA are currently expanding and becoming more urbanized. This makes them a great place to live as they are still not too crowded and there are more opportunities for new people.
The city of Anchorage is one of those areas. This city is the largest one in Alaska and is the perfect balance of urban and natural serenity. Many find this balance appealing as usually the majority of bigger cities such as New York or LA are too chaotic and not ideal for families. But Anchorage is a completely different story.
In the next lines, we’ll talk a bit about what this city has to offer and what you need to know before you move.
What makes Anchorage a Great Place to Live
As said, Anchorage is the biggest city in Alaska. That means it’s also a very attractive place to live in. It is also a popular place for tourists. There are several things that make it a great city.
First of all, nature is amazing. You get to enjoy the wildlife and breathe in the fresh air. The landscape is just wonderful and you’ll get to enjoy the outdoors whenever you want. You can take long walks or go skiing if you’re a fan of that. There are many lakes so fishing is an option also.
The culture is very diverse. You’ll meet so many new people from different backgrounds. There are so many different communities so you’ll definitely find your hub. Also, you can explore the numerous museums to get to know the culture better. There are also guided tours in the Anchorage Museum.
The city is also very busy. Some festivals and events are always happening. This is a great opportunity for all residents to come together and get to know each other.
The Basics You Need to Know
There are some things you need to know before moving. It’s always better to be prepared. It makes things less stressful. You’ll find it easier to move if you already have some things prepared.
Healthcare services
Access to healthcare is a big thing when moving to a new city. You need to be aware of the medical institutions available to you. Luckily, Anchorage has a big network of hospitals and medical experts. There are also many specialized clinics for everything you might need. Also, there are a number of private clinics for any other services you might need.
It’s advisable to quickly research the closest hospitals and medical facilities so you know where to head to if there’s ever an emergency. Also, don’t forget to look up a reliable Anchorage dentist that you can turn to when a nasty toothache happens.
Quality Education and Learning
Anchorage has different education institutions. If you have children, you’ll be happy to know there are many elementary schools. The schools offer a variety of programs and many out of school activities. Your child will be able to develop different skills.
The school district is the biggest one in Alaska and there are also many private schools as well. Before you actually move, make sure to check what the process is and what papers you’ll need to enroll your kids.
There are also many opportunities for higher education. The most well-known one is the University of Alaska Anchorage where you can browse different programs and choose what fits best.
Lifestyle and Recreation
There are so many outdoor activities in Anchorage. That’s probably one of the biggest advantages of this city. You can walk in the parks or go skiing and snowboarding if you like.
It’s important to bring warm clothes. Especially for those coming from warm and tropical areas with a lot of sun. Most people are not used to the really cold temperatures in Anchorage. It is sometimes freezing so you need to be prepared. Proper footwear is also necessary. With time, you’ll get used to the temperature.
The Bottom Line
A new city has so many options. You’ll get to explore new things and Anchorage is definitely a great place to live. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll have so many chances to get them a good education in one of the many elementary schools. Also, the many extracurricular activities will make sure your kids get the social skills they need.
You’ll also be safe knowing that there are so many medical experts to assist you. The large network of medical facilities will ensure you have someone to ask for advice when needed. And finally, in your free time you’ll have lots of time to spend outdoors. Just remember to pack properly and bring warm clothes.
Prepare everything you can before you actually move and research your neighborhood for a smooth transition to Anchorage.
