Anchorage, Alaska

A city of newcomers, Anchorage has a dynamism and vibrancy few other cities can match. In fact, with the population being an average age of 32 years, the city has all the trappings of life in a major city down south – excellent bars and clubs and a variety of cultural attractions.

Why are young people attracted to this city? Excellent employment opportunities are one reason. The city has a booming oil-and-gas industry that has long brought young people up north. As well, Anchorage is not the cold and dark city it is so often portrayed to be. With the nearby ocean helping to raise temperatures, the average low temperature in winter is 20F – not much different than the northern areas of the continental United States. And, contrary to popular belief, the city does not ever experience 24 hours of darkness. The least amount of daily sunlight the city gets is 7.5 hours.

Young people also like Anchorage because it's a fun city. On June 21, the Summer Solstice, the city hosts the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon, a celebration of the longest day of the year. During the summer, check out the Anchorage Salmon Derbies, a fishing extravaganza on the city's Ship Creek. In fact, Anchorage is one of the few places in the world where you can catch salmon in the middle of a city. Anchorage also boasts excellent cultural facilities. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is the place to learn about the state's indigenous past. You can also take in a concert at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts or check out the art of the north at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art.

Good jobs and vibrant culture are just a few of the benefits of life in Anchorage. Of course, outdoor recreation is a key attraction. Visit nearby glaciers, ski at local mountain resorts or watch the amazing array of wildlife on nearby parks and trails. Still, the best thing about Alaska is its low taxes. There is no sales tax or state income tax. In fact, residents of over a year get money back from the government in the form of the Alaska Permanent Fund. This investment account, earned on royalties from the oil-and-gas industries, meant that each individual got US$1,500 from the government in 2002. Talk about a good deal!

See our 30 Jobs in Anchorage, Alaska