Alaska

Alaska's wide-open wilderness and harsh terrain can be attractive for those seeking liberty in their lifetime, however, there are some drawbacks to Alaska that should be seriously considered before deciding on Alaska over New Hampshire.

Taxes

Though Alaska does not have a state-level sales tax, counties often require sales taxes. Some of the most populated counties in Alaska charge a sales tax rate of up to 9.5 percent.

Like New Hampshire, Alaska has no general income tax.

Local Fauna

There are many dangerous creatures that are common in Alaska, from polar bears to wolves. The scarcity of emergency medical services can mean that if you are injured, even if you survive the encounter, medical complications can lead to death before help can arrive.

Weather

Alaska is well-known for its bitter cold and incredibly harsh winters. In many parts of Alaska, the sun doesn't set in the summer, and never rises in the winter. Though known for remote isolation, most property for sale in Alaska is located near major population centers. That being the case, you may still be unable to access civilization in an emergency.

The frost-free growing season is incredibly short in Alaska, meaning that if you plan to grow your own food you will be highly limited.

Violent Crime and Poverty

Alaska has the 6th highest murder rate in the country. It is not uncommon for such cases to go unsolved, as it is often months before anyone notices that the victim is even dead.

Demographics

Alaska has the highest Male to Female Ratio in the country, with 109 men for every 100 women.

Driving and Car Insurance

Roads in Alaska are famous for their lack of maintenance. Even telling where the road is can often be difficult in the winter. Cabin fever can set in after long periods of time without human contact.

Fuel prices in Alaska are among the highest in the country; this issue can be exacerbated by the amount of driving that is necessary in Alaska.

Land use

Like most Western states, the majority of land in Alaska is federally owned. This means that although there is a large amount of unused land in Alaska, most of it is either owned by the federal government or unusable by private individuals for other reasons. This means that property in Alaska is much more expensive than you'd expect.

Russia

Alaska borders Russia, and if Russia were ever to invade the North American mainland, it would likely do so through Alaska.

Alternatives

Have you considered Coos County if you want to live out in the wilderness?