Relocation
(Page updated December 12, 2002)

Hundreds of people relocate to Anchorage every year whether to start new jobs, build new lives, or set their children up in better schools. The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce provides many newcomers with the information they need in order to make the right decision about moving.

* Why move to Anchorage?
* Demographics
* Cost of Living
* Employment and Taxes
* Real Estate and Housing
* Utilities
* Transportation Services
* Communications

* Media

* Government Profiles

* Municipality of Anchorage

* Anchorage Assembly
* Voter Registration

* DMV Registration

* Firearms Registration

* Marriage License Information 

* Homesteading in Alaska

* Police, Fire, and Crime
* Health Care and Child Care
* Schools and Universities
* Military
* Religious Organizations
* Senior Services
* Art and Culture
* Quality of Life & Recreation
* Dining & Shopping

There are some very diverse and unusual myths circulating around the United States about Anchorage and Alaska. Many of these myths come from films, television and nature footage, and paint a picture of dangerous, vast and uninhabitable wilderness.

Thousands of people annually chose to make Anchorage their new home. Anchorage offers an ideal place to live and work. The city has a strong and diverse economic base, affordable living, excellent recreational activities, a quality education system, a great healthcare system, low taxes, and cultural and ethnic diversity.

When relocating to Anchorage , plan well in advance to ship your household goods and vehicle–your shipment can take an average of 30 to 45 days to reach Anchorage depending on how much you ship and from where you ship it.

Demographics

Anchorage ’s population has tripled since statehood, from 83,000 in 1959 to more than 263,000 today. Even though in the 1990s Anchorage added fewer residents than any other decade since the 1950s, its average growth rate still exceeded most metropolitan areas in the United States .

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and home to nearly 42 percent of the state’s population. Most people live in the city of Anchorage . However, in 1999, 32 percent of the Municipality’s population lived in Chugiak-Eagle River , just northeast of the city.

According to the Municipal Department of Community Planning, faster growth in the satellite communities of Chugiak-Eagle River and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough is due partly to lower land costs, the appeal of a more “rural” lifestyle, and highway improvements that have made daily commuting faster and safer.

Anchorage has traditionally been a community of newcomers.  The age of population averages around 32 years old. The largest age group in Anchorage is 35 to 44. The smallest group is seniors (65 plus), at only 5.5% of the city’s population (Census 2000 Supplementary Survey).

Anchorage continues to become more ethnically diverse. Racial and ethnic minorities accounted for about 35 percent of the total population in 2000. Alaska Natives are the largest minority group, followed closely by African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Pacific Islanders.

Nearly 10 percent – 20,800 – of the Anchorage population is comprised of members of the military and their dependents. The number of military retiree’s totals more than 44,000, Alaska remains the top 10 list for veterans per capita (Source: ALCOM year 2001).

Cost of Living

According to the American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association (ACCRA) fourth quarter 2001 report, the cost of living in Anchorage averages about 24 percent higher than the national average. With the national average represented by the number 100, Anchorage earned the following ratings in the Cost of Living Index:

• All Items Index: 124.3
• Grocery Items: 130.6
• Housing: 131.9
• Utilities: 86.7
• Transportation: 113.2
• Health Care: 154.4
• Miscellaneous Good and Services: 122.9

Housing in Alaska is one component that drives up overall consumer costs.  Compared to the rest of the country, dental visits and gasoline are other high ticket items.  A dentist visit in Alaska in 2001 averaged $150.14 vs. $75.84 reported as the national average. 

A dozen eggs in Anchorage currently costs about $1.53. A half-gallon of milk costs $4.49 and bread costs $1.13 a loaf. A gallon of gas was about $1.56, a McDonald’s quarter-pounder with cheese costs $2.87, and a pair of Levi’s 501s will cost approximately $40.

A pizza in Anchorage, it will cost you nearly $11. A first movie, in Anchorage will cost about $8 per person.

For the best and most current statistics and economic indicators, review Anchorage Indicators, a publication of the Municipality of Anchorage ’s Community Planning & Development Department. The cost is $15 and can be ordered by calling (907) 343-4309. The Web site for the Community Planning & Development is www.muni.org.

Another excellent source for learning the makeup of Anchorage and Alaska communities is the Alaska Journal of Commerce ’s “Book of Lists”.  It is an excellent source of business statistics and information that can be ordered by calling (907) 561-4772.

Employment and Wages

The average annual pay in Anchorage rose 3.2 percent in 2000 to $36,619. Among the nation’s 318 metropolitan areas, Anchorage’s pay ranked 36th highest overall but its percentage gain in pay was one of the lowest nationwide. The national growth rate for all metropolitan areas was 6.0 percent.

Annual pay in Alaska’s private sector, which comprised 75 percent of the workforce, averaged $33,478 in 2000, $1,827 less than the national average of $35,305. (Private industry employment excludes government workers.) Over the year, Alaska’s pay advanced 3.6 percent, considerably slower than the 6.2 percent increase nationwide.

White-collar workers averaged $21.14 per hour. Among them, engineers, architects and surveyors averaged $34.97 per hour, registered nurses $24.42, secretaries $14.49, and bank tellers $9.17.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Anchorage’s blue-collar workers are still among the highest paid in the country.  As of May 2002, the average unemployment rate in Alaska was 5.8 percent and Anchorage was at 4.1 percent.

Blue-collar workers averaged $17.32 per hour but can range to more than $30 per hour for a foreman or journeyman position; electricians earn on average, $24.84 per hour, truck drivers earn $15.83, and stock handlers and baggers average in at $9.56 per hour in Alaska .  Those working in service occupations earn $12.07 per hour.  Among the service arena, cooks average $11.22 per hour; nursing aids, orderlies and attendants $11.05, and maids and housemen average $9.66.

Taxes and the Permanent Fund

Anchorage residents and businesses enjoy the lowest state and local taxes in the nation. The high level of royalties and taxes Alaska collects from the oil industry contributes significantly to local and state government funding.  Most Alaskan families receive more income from Alaska ’s Permanent Fund investments than they pay in state and local taxes.

Anchorage has no sales tax and no state income tax. There is an 8 percent bed tax, a flat-rate aircraft tax, rental car tax, alcohol tax, fuel tax and tobacco tax.  Property taxes on real and personal property are levied on full assessed value at mill rates that range from 7.91 to 18.15. The average property tax rate in Anchorage in 2002 was 8.95 mills, equivalent to $1,717 for every $100,000 of assessed value.

The Alaska Permanent Fund was created in 1976 by a voter-approved amendment to the state constitution.  It was designed to automatically receive 25 percent of state oil and gas royalties and other natural-resource revenues. The legislature today has control over appropriation of earnings but the principle can be invaded by way of a referendum voted on in a general election.

Like a savings account in the form of a public trust, the permanent fund earnings are the source for dividend payments. Every year, the fund distributes a portion of the earnings to eligible Alaska residents in the form of a dividend check. In order to qualify for the dividend, a person must be an Alaska resident for a minimum of one year and meet other eligibility requirements.

The amount of the dividend check varies from year to year depending on the fund’s earnings and the number of eligible applicants. Since everyone in Alaska is an equal beneficiary, residents take a keen interest in how the fund is managed. At time of publication the permanent fund was worth more than $24 billion and is invested globally in stocks, bonds and real estate. In third quarter 2002 the total market value of the fund earned about $3 million.  The amount each qualified applicant received in 2002 was about $1500. For information about Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend eligibility, call the Department of Revenue at (907) 269-0370.

Real Estate and Housing

Anchorage offers residents an array of housing options and favorable market rates. With the backdrop of the Chugach Mountains , and Cook Inlet in the foreground many Anchorage homes enjoy views that would command premium prices in other markets. 

In the Anchorage bowl area, encompassing area from Girdwood to Eagle River, 2000 census reports 100,368 housing units located in the area, approximately 37,969 of which are occupied by renters.  (These figures exclude the military bases.)

According to AHFC Alaska Market Indicators, (www.ahfc.state.ak.us) the total single-family housing sales activity for Anchorage in 2001 was $1.02 billion with $228.1 million in condominium sales.  The Municipality of Anchorage reported the total dollar value of building permits issued in 2001 at $385 million.

In July 2002, the average sale price for residential structure in Anchorage was $231,719, and the average days-on-market for a home in 2001 was 73 days.  The average sale price for a single family home in spring 2002 was $203,544, and the average condo price was $133,000. 

The average apartment rental rate for a one-bedroom in Anchorage including utilities was listed at $669; a two-bedroom apartment was listed at $810.  Rent for single-family homes ranged from $603 to $828 per month. Furnished units generally run an additional $100 per month.  The AHFC reported apartment vacancy rate at first quarter 2002 as 6.39 percent.  An Anchorage apartment rental community guide is available at (800) 222-3651 or by visiting www.apartmentbluebook.com or through the Anchorage Daily News at www.adn.com.

Several short-term lease apartments and corporate apartments are available for people relocating to Anchorage including Executive Suite Hotel, Puffin Place Hotel and Corporate Comfort.

Utilities

A full complement of utilities is available within the Anchorage area.  Two electric companies provide service, depending on where you live within the Municipality of Anchorage . They are: Municipal Light & Power (ML&P) and Chugach Electric Association. Residential rates and deposits differ slightly.

A municipally owned utility since 1932, ML&P supplies high-quality and reliable electric power to more than 30,000 residential and commercial customers in the Anchorage area.  Since ML&P is not a cooperative, the utility does not charge a membership fee.   A deposit for service is required, based on twice the average monthly charges. The deposit can be waived for customers with good credit histories. ML&P provides residential electric service for approximately 9.16 cents per kilowatt-hour and charges a $6.56 monthly customer charge.

Chugach Electric Association is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative that was formed in 1948. The utility requires membership and connection fees, that normally total $20, but waives its standard deposit for customers with good credit histories. The cost for residential electric service is $6.25 plus per-kilowatt-hour charges of 10.43 cents.

Most homes have natural gas-fueled heat. ENSTAR Natural Gas Company is the sole provider for Anchorage , servicing some 90-percent of the city’s population. A deposit based on twice the average monthly natural gas bill of the dwelling (not to exceed $100 for first-time customers) is required. The monthly customer charge is $4.50 plus a volumetric rate of about 41.20 cents per 100 cubic feet of natural gas. The rate can differ slightly depending on gas cost adjustments and regulatory charges.

While some homes in Anchorage use private wells and septic systems, the Municipality of Anchorage owns and operates the Water and Wastewater Utility serving an approximate population base of 214,000. The utility offers a flat monthly rate for residential single family dwellings of $25.95 for water and $21.33 for sewer services. Metered commercial customers are billed at a metered rate of $2.64 per 1,000 gallons of water plus a customer charge of $6.80 and a meter charge based on the size of the meter.

Anchorage Municipal Solid Waste Services and Anchorage Refuse conduct trash removal in the city depending on location.  Rates are billed quarterly for weekly curbside pick up.  The Municipality charges $15 per month; Anchorage Refuse currently charges $14.82 per month and offers roll-cart curbside service for an additional fee.

The above rate information was collected in Aug. 2002. It is for educational purposes only—to show the cost of living in Anchorage . For complete rate information, contact the companies directly.

Transportation Services

Anchorage People Mover provides local public transportation with 42 peak-hour fixed-route buses, and 17 routes city wide. More than 1,200 bus stops and 45 covered bus shelters annually serve 3.3 million residents and visitors. Most buses operate on 30-minute intervals during peak times and 60-minute intervals during off-peak times. One-way bus fare is $1.50 for adults or $3.00 for a day pass good for unlimited bus rides that calendar day. Monthly adult passes are available at the Downtown Transit Center (6th & G St. ) for $40.  Discounted fares are available for seniors, persons with disabilities and children. The RideLine number for telephone information is 343-6543.

Through a public-private partnership, the Ship Creek Shuttle offers downtown service. People Mover passes are valid on the shuttle and vice versa.

Call the Share-A-Ride hotline at 1-907-562-7665 for carpool, vanpool information and matching.  Call AnchorRIDES at 1-907-343-7433 for transportation services and travel training for people with disabilities.  Visit www.peoplemover.org or call the Ride Line 343-6543 for additional information.

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is equidistant from Asia , Europe and the southern part of North America .  It attracts extremely high levels of international cargo activity because of its prime location.  Its strategic location on the globe draws carriers for tech stops as well as for value-added functions such as sorting and distribution. Anchorage serves as a major sorting and transfer hub for Federal Express and Northwest Airlines.

In August 2000, the airport saw 2,266 international cargo landings and 1,308 domestic cargo landings, a 10 percent increase above 1999.  Anchorage hosts 525 cargo flights weekly and is ranked number one in the nation and fifth in the world in 2000 for all-cargo aircraft landed weights.

Anchorage residents and visitors enjoy high levels of passenger air service averaging more than 160 domestic passenger flights per day. Several factors drive this service. Alaskans fly more frequently than the national average, many communities in the state have with limited road connections, and Alaska continues to remain an attractive, exotic tourist destination. International passenger traffic remains strong with numerous flights from Asia , Europe and Russia bringing visitors to the area.

The airport is currently undergoing major renovations that are scheduled to be completed within the next three years. Upon completion, the result will be a new terminal, expanded baggage claim, more parking and a new front face. The Alaska Railroad is also constructing a rail terminal at the airport.

Merrill Field Municipal Airport was the city’s first airport established in 1930.  With 190,508 flight operations in 2000, Merrill Field was Alaska ' s busiest general aviation airport, as well as the 104th busiest airport in the nation. The airport services the majority of Anchorage ’s small aircraft weighing less than 12,500 pounds. With 436 acres located only one mile east of downtown, it has 1,282 tie-down spaces. 

Lake Hood is the world’s largest and busiest seaplane base. It accommodates more than 800 take-offs and landings on a peak summer day, and offers 315 lake parking spaces.

Alaska has about six times as many pilots per capita and 16 times as many aircraft per capita than the rest of the United States . There are 7,755 licensed private pilots in Alaska , 47 percent of whom reside in Anchorage .

The Alaska Railroad is the only full-service railroad in North America providing both freight and passenger services year-round.  More than 500 mainline miles of track connect the southern ports of Whittier and Seward with Anchorage and north to Denali National Park and Fairbanks . Branch lines extend to Eielson Air Force Base, North Pole approximately 30 miles out of Fairbanks, the International Airports in Anchorage and Fairbanks, Palmer and to the Usibelli Coal Mine near Healy in Interior Alaska.

Established in 1914 and completed in 1923, the Alaska Railroad was the only railroad built, owned and operated by the United States government since its inception. In 1985, it was sold to the State of Alaska and was statutorily mandated to be a self-sustaining entity.

Today, more than 500,000 passengers ride the Alaska Railroad to scenic destinations and some Alaska communities that are only accessible by rail. These areas include Denali National Park and Preserve and Hurricane.

The Alaska Railroad transports more than seven million tons of freight each year including petroleum, gravel, coal, pipe, heavy equipment and other bulk items. The railroad also operates a weekly rail-barge service moving railcars between the Lower 48 states out of the Port of Seattle, Washington to the rail hub at the Port of Whittier, Alaska.  

Alaska ’s regional port, the Port of Anchorage , serves more than 80 percent of the state’s population from Homer to the North Slope by means of rail, road and air cargo connections.  The port contributes an estimated $725 million annually to Alaska ’s economy.  (Northern Economics). In 2002, the Port handled approximately 3 million tons of cargo. More than 90 percent of consumer goods sold within the Municipality of Anchorage and rail belt communities are received across the Port’s docks and maritime terminals. The goods may then be trucked, hauled by train, flown or barged to their final destination.

The port is served by two U.S. container lines on a regularly scheduled basis, CSX L ines and Totem Ocean Trailer Express, which bring four to five vessels a week from the Pacific Northwest .

The Port of Anchorage consistently ranks within the top 25 ports in North America , including San Juan , Puerto Rico , and Honolulu , Hawaii , for the volume of cargo and number of containers moved across its docks.  The Port is also the municipal agency responsible for the administration of Anchorage Foreign Trade Zone No. 160, which is the only active Foreign Trade Zone in Alaska .

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) provides transportation for people, goods and vehicles with regularly scheduled service among 32 Alaska communities in addition to Bellingham , WA and Prince Rupert , British Columbia .

There are currently nine vessels in the AMHS fleet. The system can transport any vehicle that may be legally driven on a highway. It can also carry some vehicles, such as construction equipment, which normally may not be driven on a highway.

There are nearly 15,000 miles of highway throughout Alaska . Anchorage has easy access to three main “arteries.” The Seward Highway designated a National Scenic Byway, winds along the Turnagain Arm southward to Seward and the Kenai Peninsula . The Glenn Highway takes drivers through the community of Eagle River and on to the Matanuska Valley where drivers can then take the George Parks Highway northbound to Fairbanks .

The Alaska Highway from Seattle , through Canada , to Anchorage is a beautiful drive. Nearly the entire road is paved and wide enough for two trucks to pass each other without one having to pull over. Drivers planning to take that route should be aware: gas stations are located approximately 50 miles apart and roadhouses and inns are numerous. This road for the adventurous passes through 1,440 miles of wilderness, and mechanics are few and far between and gas prices are high.

Roads in Anchorage are maintained by both the State of Alaska and the Municipality. Except for rural drives outside city limits, roadways through most commercial and residential areas are paved. The city’s traffic system is similar to large cities across the Lower 48 with typical urban congestion expected during rush hours. Roads are often covered with ice and snow during the winter months so drivers should plan for extended travel times.

While Alaska may seem a remote location, today’s space-age satellite and cable communications systems allow Alaska to be fully “connected” to the rest of the world.

Anchorage is in fact leading the communications charge; the state is equipped with the caliber of telecommunications technologies that will ultimately transform urban life.  Nearly every community in the state has access to telephones, televisions, public radio, teleconferences and the Internet. Two undersea fiber-optic cables link Alaska to the Lower 48 and the world; a third cable has been in place for many years. 

Alaska has twice the amount of Internet access and doubles the number of computers per capita than users in the Lower 48. From Digital Subscriber Line “DSL” Service to coaxial-cable modem and standard-modem service, Alaskans use the latest technology.

The Anchorage area is served primarily by three Internet service providers, two cable-and satellite-television companies, 12 cellular-phone companies and scores of telecommunications technology services including network-system specialists, Web page designers, software creators, and equipment wholesalers and retailers.

Alaska Communication Systems, AT&T Alascom, GCI and TelAlaska offer local Internet service.

Most local communications carriers offer basic telephone service for approximately $20 dollars per month, including taxes and surcharges.  Most carriers also offer additional services such as caller ID, call waiting, call transfer and voice mail in numerous “bundle type” packages.  Alaska Communications Systems is the only facilities-based telecommunications provider in Alaska .

Media

Anchorage is the state’s major media center. It houses 26 radio stations, nine local television stations, pay television services, a major daily newspaper, several business publications, and alternative newspapers.

The Anchorage Daily News, Anchorage ’s only daily newspaper and the largest in the state, is read by more than 85% of adults during the course of the average week. It is the primary source of local news, business, sports and community affairs information in the Municipality. The Anchorage Chronicle is the city’s newest weekly newspaper; it was unveiled in August 2002.

The towns of Eagle River and Girdwood have their own smaller weekly newspapers. Anchorage residents are also served by a number of special interest publications covering Anchorage businesses and news.

Alaska ’s business journal is the Alaska Journal of Commerce . Published weekly, the Journal has a paid circulation of approximately 5,000 statewide.  Alaska Bu siness Monthly , with a circulation of 10,000, is the statewide monthly business analysis, information, and feature magazine.  The Anchorage Press is a local weekly alternative newspaper covering art, entertainment, recreation and metro feature news. It has an estimated readership of 50,000.

Anchorage has six local television affiliates including KTUU-Channel 2 (NBC), KTVA -Channel 11 (CBS); Alaska Public Broadcasting-Channel 7 (KAKM);  UHF-Channel 35, (PAX) UHF Station 33, KIMO -Channel 13 (ABC); KTBY-Channel 4 (Fox); and KYES-Channel 5 (UPN). Four of the six stations offer local news broadcasts.

GCI is a major cable service provider for Anchorage , Eagle River , Chugiak and the military bases.

Government Profiles

The Mayor of Anchorage is George Wuerch. Mayor Wuerch began his first term as Mayor of Anchorage in July 2000. He was chair of the Anchorage Assembly and served as chair of the board of directors for the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce . A decorated, retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, Wuerch was governmental affairs manager for the Northwest Alaskan Gasline, the founder and president of Fluor Daniel Alaska Engineering, and the vice president of corporate affairs for Alyeska Pipeline Service Co.

Governor Frank Murkowski is a long-time Alaskan, elected in November 2002. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980 as Alaska ’s fifth senator since statehood. He was re-elected to a third term in 1992. Originally a banker, Murkowski was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development for the State of Alaska in 1967.

A U.S. Senator since 1968, Senator Ted Stevens is rated sixth in overall seniority and second among Republicans. He is the former chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the ranking committee member. From 1997 to 2001, Stevens was one of Congress’ leading overseers of national defense, serving as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee; he continues to serve as a ranking member of the committee, playing a leading role allocating federal funds.

Stevens also is one of Congress ' leading overseers of national defense, serving as ranking member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.  Stevens serves on the Appropriations Subcommittees on Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary; Interior; L abor, Health, Human Services and Education; and L egislative Branch. He is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and serves as Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on the L ibrary of Congress. 

An Alaskan since the early 1950s, Senator Stevens is a graduate of UC L A and Harvard L aw School . Stevens practiced law in Anchorage and Fairbanks , was the U.S. Attorney in Fairbanks , and served two terms in the Alaska State L egislature. In the Eisenhower administration, Stevens was Assistant to the Secretary of the Interior and Solicitor of the Interior Department.

Congressman Don Young is serving his 15th term as Alaska ’s only congressman in the House of Representatives. In his home of Fort Yukon , a small village located seven miles above the Arctic Circle , Young was a teacher for 10 years, served on the city council, and was mayor in 1964. He served from 1966-1970 in the state House of Representatives and from 1970-1973 in the state Senate. He is the 10^th highest-ranking member of the House of Representatives and the 5^th highest Republican member. He serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and as Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Resources.

Municipality of Anchorage

In 1975, the city of Anchorage and the Greater Anchorage Area Borough unified into the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA). The Anchorage Assembly, an elected 11-member body, performs the legislative functions of the Municipality. Anchorage ’s mayor heads the administrative branch of the Municipal government, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city. The Municipality operates a full range of services including police, zoning, animal control, water, sewer, solid waste and many others.

Anchorage Assembly

The Anchorage Assembly acts as the legislative body of the Municipality. The mayor, under the executive branch of the Municipality, executes the laws and policies established by the Assembly. Although the Mayor has the power to veto policy-making decisions by the Assembly, the Assembly may overrule the Mayor’s veto by a two-thirds majority vote. All meetings of the Assembly are open to the public.  For more information, visit: www.muni.org/assembly2.

If residents choose to make changes to their voter registration, or are registering to vote for the first time, registrations forms or updates must be made 30 days prior to an election. A photo identification card such as a driver’s license, passport, or fishing or hunting license is required. Social Security cards are not acceptable. Residents can register or update their registration at several sites including the Department of Motor Vehicles, Municipality of Anchorage City Clerk ’s Office or any Municipal library. There is no fee. For information, contact Division of Elections, Region II office at (907) 522-8683.

Visitors may use their out-of-state license to drive in Alaska for up to 90 days.  For those staying more than 90 days, state law requires the driver to obtain an Alaska license.  For those utilizing a Commercial Driver’s License, the transfer must take place within 30 days.  For those who planning to work in Alaska , drivers must apply for an Alaska Driver’s License within 10 days of accepting employment.

The State of Alaska requires drivers to obtain Alaska license plates within 60 days of arrival.  Every vehicle in Alaska is required to be registered unless specifically exempted by law.  Alaska has a two-year registration period.  Fees for passenger vehicles are based on the class of vehicles and weight.  Anchorage also has a Motor Vehicle Registration Tax that decreases with the age of the vehicle.  Motor vehicle owners in the Municipality of Anchorage must also have their vehicles inspected for carbon monoxide emission prior to registration.

State law requires a vehicle owner to maintain liability insurance that provides: $50,000 for bodily injury or death of any one person, $100,000 for bodily injury or death for any accident and $25,000 for property damage.  Proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle at all times.

Seatbelts must be worn by all drivers and passengers in all areas of Alaska .  The Alaska State Troopers have recently implemented a “Click-It-Or-Ticket” campaign to enforce the law.  All children under the age of four, regardless of weight, must ride in a federally approved child safety seat.

Residents and visitors may carry non-concealed firearms for protection or hunting in Alaska . Airline passengers must declare their firearms and check them as baggage.  Weapons must be carried in a locked case.  While hunting rifles may be taken into Canada , the country does require registration and a fee for all firearms transported. Canadian law prohibits transporting handguns and automatic weapons. Rules and regulations for mailing or shipping firearms to Alaska are complex. Before taking action in this regard, check carefully with the post office, various shipping companies and reputable firearms dealers to determine what can be shipped and how to do it.

To obtain a marriage license in Alaska couples must apply three-business days in advance.  The license is valid for 90 days and can be used anywhere in the State. There is a $35 application fee and blood tests are not necessary. 

Under Alaska law, anyone can perform a marriage ceremony, including a friend or relative, if he/she first obtains a marriage commissioner appointment from an Alaskan court. The person does not need to be a resident of Alaska or the United States but should be 18 years of age or older in order to perform the ceremony.

For more information contact the state Bureau of Vital Statistics at (907) 465-3392 or visit: http://www.dced.state.ak.us/tourism/relocating/license.htm.

There are no longer federal lands available for homesteading. All federal land programs related to homesteading in the State of Alaska expired in 1986. The State of Alaska has a comprehensive land-disposal program that frequently offers land by auction. For additional information, call the Department of Natural Resources at (907) 269-8400 or e-mail: pic@dnr.state.ak.us.

Of the Municipality ' s 1,955 square miles, approximately 194 are in the Anchorage Police Department (APD) service area. The rest of the area includes miles of state and national forests and mountainous terrain protected by the Alaska State Troopers and local military.

In August 2002, Anchorage had a crime rate of 5,118 per 100,000 people. Property and violent crime has decreased in the municipality by more than 30 percent since 1997.  The Anchorage Police Department supports specialized units, such as the K-9 and emergency-response teams, and it promotes the Crime Stoppers program which has paid out more than $180,000 in rewards to tipsters since its inception. The Neighborhood Crime Watch Program was implemented to assist residential neighborhoods, apartment complexes and businesses with safety and security needs.

Today, as the largest police department in Alaska , APD has several specialized units including: Crisis Intervention and Response Team, Homicide Response Team, Hostage Negotiations Team, Bomb Team, Identification, Data Systems, Records, Traffic, and Crime Prevention.  APD ' s Homicide Response Team has been recognized nationally for their techniques and solvability rate. 

At the beginning of 2002, APD had 321 officers and 153 civilian personnel.

The Anchorage Fire Department has 13 fire stations including the recent addition of the Tudor/Baxter and Klatt/Bayshore stations.  The Anchorage Fire Department service area encompasses the communities of Eagle River and Girdwood. It employs 356 people including 238 fire fighters, 52 fire-fighter paramedics, 18 dispatchers, 12 fire-prevention personnel, six mechanics, eight training staff, and administrative and support personnel.

Each medic unit (there are seven strategically placed throughout the city) carries an Advanced Life Support Paramedic and a fire-fighter EMT (Emergency Medical Technician).

Anchorage is the 1996 National Fire Prevention Association’s Safe Cities Champion, and the Anchorage Fire Department manages the “Learn Not To Bu rn” program within local schools.

Alaska Regional Hospital ’s medical facility and staff have been meeting the medical needs of Anchorage and the state for more than a generation. With more than 1,000 employees and a medical staff of 450 independent practitioners, Alaska Regional offers a broad spectrum of health services.  In addition to complete inpatient and outpatient care, Alaska Regional offers cardiovascular and maternity services, a 24-hour emergency department, a comprehensive health-management center, neonatal and pediatric care, cancer services, diagnostic imaging, and a wide range of surgical services, including neuro, spinal and orthopedic.

Alaska Regional is the only designated Shriners clinic facility in the state and free immunization clinics are held monthly for area children.  Other services include free prostate cancer screenings, health education seminars and support groups for cancer and stroke survivors.  Alaska Regional is the only non-military hospital in the state with its own landing strip, allowing the hospital’s LifeFlight air ambulance to transport critical care patients from the plane directly to the 24-hour Emergency Room.  Alaska Regional also offers free valet parking to patients and visitors.

Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center is a private, non-profit family practice center in operation since 1974. With two clinics, located in Fairview and Mountain View , the center has 120 employees who provide a full range of medical, dental, pharmaceutical and behavioral health services.  ANHC provides services on a sliding fee scale based on income.

North Star Behavioral Health System is a complete continuum of health care offering mental-health and substance-abuse treatments to patients at every level of need. Designed to meet the diverse needs of patients throughout Alaska , the behavioral health system includes: North Star Hospital, North Star Residential Treatment Center and North Star Counseling Centers .

Supervised by a team of professionals, treatment alternatives are flexible and cost effective, providing responsive care in the least-restrictive setting. The integrated delivery system ensures the highest quality clinical care through a variety of treatment options, allowing for careful identification of the treatment option most appropriate for each individual, enabling a successful return to the family environment.

Providence Alaska Medical Center , Alaska ’s largest hospital has 341 beds and more than 500 physicians on staff. It is a full-service facility, featuring the state’s most advanced medical equipment and treatment systems available. Some features include: The Children’s Hospital at Providence, the only one of its kind in Alaska; a Maternity Center, featuring the state’s only L evel III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Heart and Cancer Centers; Alaska’s largest Emergency Department with L ifeGuard air ambulance transport; full diagnostic, rehabilitation and surgical services; and both inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse recovery services for adults and children. Other programs include a Family Practice Center, Sleep Disorders Center , Providence Imaging Center , Providence Home Health Care and telemedicine services for other Alaskan communities.

Providence Alaska Medical Center is part of the Providence Health System in Alaska , which oversees several other Alaska medical centers and long-term care facilities. With more than 3,000 employees, Providence Health System is the second-largest private employer in Alaska .

The new $157 million Elmendorf Air Force Base Medical Center opened in 2000 at Elmendorf Air Force Base last year. The 100-bed facility features state-of-the-art equipment, including digital radiology, and replaces the existing 50-bed hospital, which had structural damage from the earthquake of 1964.

The cost of visiting doctors in Alaska can get expensive. According to a 2001 report by the American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association, medical service costs 60 percent more in Alaska than it does across the rest of the nation. The U.S. average hospital room daily rate is $493. In Anchorage , it is $800.

Anchorage has a wide range of child-care centers, licensed homes and exempt homes. According to the Alaska Department of Labor; U.S. Bu reau of Labor Statistics, child care workers are still among the lowest paid occupations averaging in at $7.43 nationwide and $7.91 in Alaska .  According to Karen Schulman, Children’s Defense Fund, “The High Cost of Child Care puts Quality Care out of Reach of Many Families,” 2000, Anchorage average annual day care costs for a 4-year-old averaged at $6,019 compared to urban costs among other states that averaged between $3,380 and $8,121. 

Anchorage has an excellent public school system that is ranked among the finest in the nation. The Anchorage School District is the 81st largest district in the United States , with nearly 50,000 students attending 88 schools.

The district ' s average SAT and ACT college entrance exam scores are consistently above the national average and Advanced Placement courses are offered at each of the district ' s high schools. The average teacher/student ratio in the district ' s elementary schools is one teacher to approximately every 25 students.

The district offers a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes the basic communication skills of reading, writing and arithmetic. The standard program also includes social studies, health, science, and physical education.  All students receive a quality education enriched with technology, foreign language, visual and performing arts and social sciences.

A variety of programs and alternative learning environments meet the needs of the diverse student population.  Some examples include ABC (back-to-basics curriculum) and Montessori schools, open-optional programs, foreign-language immersion, vocational/technical training and charter schools.  Comprehensive services for bilingual students and students with special needs are also available.

Private schooling offers choice in private education. Grace Christian School, a K-12 grade community Christian school, offers a rigorous college-preparatory program that emphasizes critical thinking, skill building and character development – within a traditional classroom format.  Visit their Web site at www.gcsk12.net for more information.

Higher Education

Ninety percent of Anchorage ’s adults have high-school diplomas, 65 percent have attended one to three years of college, and 17 percent hold advanced degrees, placing Anchorage among the top metropolitan cities in educational attainment.

Anchorage boasts four excellent higher-education facilities that offer affordable, quality higher education.  The University of Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Pacific University are within walking distance of each other, and Charter College and Wayland Baptist University are also located in city limits.

Alaska Pacific University (APU), the only accredited private liberal-arts university in the state, was founded as Alaska Methodist University in 1959, the same year Alaska became a state.

The institution boasts a distinctive active-learning philosophy that develops leadership qualities. APU education encourages students to gather information via projects, individual or collaborative study, internships, Internet research, field study, or study abroad programs.

APU offers undergraduate programs in Business Administration, Environmental Science, K-8 Education, Liberal Studies, Marine Biology, Outdoor Studies and Psychology. Graduate programs include Business Administration, Environmental Science, Counseling Psychology and K-8 Education.  Masters Degrees are available in Telecommunications Management and Global Finance, and a Master of Arts program is an option.

The APU campus is located in a natural setting of 170 wooded acres and offers an extensive network of nearby trails that lead from Cook Inlet to the Chugach Mountains . For information, contact the Office of Admissions at (800) 252-7258, (907) 564-8428, or visit the APU Web site at www.alaskapacific.edu.

Charter College is a technical college offering associate and bachelor’s degrees in Information Technology Management, Information Technology Engineering, Accounting, Computer Aided Drafting, Computer Technology, Medical Administration, Office Administration and Bu siness Management. In 2000, Charter College began offering instruction leading to Microsoft certification, and was designated as an authorized Microsoft Testing and Certification Center .  It is now also an authorized CISCO Systems Networking Academy .  For more information about Charter College or to enroll, call (907) 277-1000 or (800) 279-1008.

University of Alaska Anchorage is the largest institution of higher learning in the state. Fully accredited, it maintains an open enrollment policy that allows a student who has the equivalent of a high school diploma, or is 18 years or older, to take classes at UAA regardless of his or her previous grade-point average. Additional requirements are often needed when applying for “formal admission” to one of the certificate, associate, baccalaureate and master’s programs offered through the university.

Academic units located on the Anchorage campus include the College of Arts and Sciences; Community and Technical College ; College of Health, Education, and Social Welfare; College of Bu siness and Public Policy; and the School of Engineering .

Organized research units at UAA complement the academic curricula and reflect the special character of the university’s mission in Alaska : to inspire learning and enrich Alaska , the nation and the world teaching research, research creativity and service. Research units include the Alaska Center for International Business, the American Russian Center , the Environment and Natural Resources Institute, the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, the Center for Economic Education, the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, the Center for Human Development, the Institute of Social and Economic Research, and the Justice Center .

UAA operates on a semester system, with each commencing in September, January and May. Fifteen semester credits are a normal class load and a minimum of 120 semester credits are required to complete a bachelor’s degree. Learn more about UAA via its Web site at www.uaa.alaska.edu, or call the UAA Enrollment Services Information Line at (907) 786-1480.

Wayland Baptist University (WBU) is a Christian liberal-arts university located in midtown Anchorage with satellites at Elmendorf Air Force Base and at Fort Richardson Army Post. WBU’s Anchorage campus operates a degree-completion program for working adults with degrees available in Business Administration, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Occupational Education and Religion. A Masters in Management is also available. For information about WBU, visit www.wbu.edu/ak or call (907) 333-2277.

Anchorage Municipal Libraries serves the Anchorage community through Z. J. Loussac Public Library, the main facility in midtown, and branch libraries in the Dimond, Muldoon, Mountain View , Girdwood and Eagle River areas. Children’s services and reference assistance are offered at each. Telephone reference is available weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (907) 562-7323 (READ). 

The library’s collections contain more than 1/2 million books, magazines, newspapers, videos, cassettes, compact discs and art prints. The library system is a designated depository for U.S. patents and trademarks and for state and municipal documents. Services and features include an Alaska collection with most commercially published English language materials on Alaska .  Reference librarians offer free classes about the library and its resources, and publish Topic Trails to guide independent research. An online library catalog provides access to the collection, in addition to full text business, health and general interest magazines and articles.  The library’s Web address is http://lexicon.ci.anchorage.ak.us.

The Alaska Resources Library and Information Services (ARLIS) houses an extensive collection of Alaska ’s natural and cultural resources with an emphasis on Alaska and arctic issues. The collection contains more than 150,000 books and 700 journals and government agency reports on a variety of topics including: wildlife, fisheries, ecology, pollution and land use. Users have access to CD-ROM and online databases. Their Web site is:  www.arlis.org.

The Consortium Library provides informational resources and services to the University of Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Pacific University students, staff and faculty. Visitors are welcome, and valid cardholders from the Anchorage Municipal Libraries can check out circulating Consortium Library material.

The Consortium Library collection consists of 726,000 volumes and subscriptions to 3500 journals and periodicals. Materials not held in the library are often available through interlibrary loan.  Special collections are kept on Alaska and the polar region, the health sciences, U. S. Government Documents, and a tremendous collection of archives including unpublished personal records on the development of Alaska is available. The library is currently undergoing a significant remodeling and construction program which will last through 2005 and will double the size of the current facility.

The Consortium Library offers access to electronic resources including full-text databases, indexes and journals. Access to most resources is available via the Web to members of UAA and APU.  Its Web address is: http://www.lib.uaa.alaska.edu.

Military

More than 21,000 active duty military, National Guardsmen, reservists, Coast Guards men, Canadian military, civil servants, and nearly 30,000 family members reside at more than 30 locations across Alaska accounting for roughly 8 percent of the state ' s total population.

Approximately 11,000 military and civil service employees and 12,200 family members are stationed at Fort Richardson Army Post and Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage.  Military expenditures in Alaska exceed more than $575 million annually.

Alaska' s strategic location continues to be vitally important to U.S. defense strategy. Military installations in Alaska are closer to Asia and Europe than most bases in the contiguous United States. Alaska' s location makes it an excellent staging point for a wide array of military operations including an active foreign military-to-military contacts program.

Expansive air, land and sea training areas and supportive communities make Alaska an ideal location for conducting large-scale, multi-service, and multi-national training. Many soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen view Alaska as an excellent assignment, drawn by the same features enjoyed by many other Alaskan residents.

As expressed by many high-ranking military members, “For more than a century the people of Alaska and the military have reaped the benefits of a uniquely supportive sense of community and look forward to continuing this positive and productive partnership into the next century.”

Churches and Religious Organizations

Anchorage has churches and religious organizations of almost every faith and denomination. In 1990, Anchorage churches were 38 percent Evangelical, 21 percent Lutheran/Protestant, 17 percent Baptist, 8 percent Mormon, 5 percent Catholic and 10 percent listed as other. The local yellow pages have a complete listing of local churches and church groups.

Senior Services

Senior services in Anchorage have kept pace with the increasingly growing senior population. In 2000, those ages 65 and older were 5.5% (Census 2000 Supplementary Survey).

The Anchorage Senior Center offers referrals and assistance with federal and state programs, housing, and other services. The center has facilities and activities such as craft and exercise classes, weekly dances, a game room, and a nurse’s station that provides monitoring for certain health conditions.

The Older Persons Action Group (OPAG) is a private, non-profit senior advocacy group, which publishes a weekly newspaper, “The Senior Voice .” Services offered by OPAG include job-search assistance, training opportunities, income-tax assistance, financial planning, and general advocacy for senior and inter-generational issues. The National Association of Retired Persons also has a chapter in Alaska .

Housing options specifically designed for seniors include: Providence Horizon House, Providence Alaska Medical Center ’s assisted living complex and the Mary Conrad Center .

The Anchorage Pioneers’ Home is a 224-bed assisted-living facility, owned and operated by the State of Alaska and a division of the Alaska Pioneers’ and Veterans’ Home, that reserves 20 percent of its beds for veterans who meet qualifications of admission.  Visit www.state.ak.us for more information.

A significant asset contributing to Anchorage ’s quality of life is the variety of cultural activities, attractions and performances available year-round.

2002-2003 marks the 40-year anniversary of the Anchorage Opera, a professional company regarded as one of America ’s best regional companies.  The Anchorage Concert Chorus currently uses the talent of more than 160 voices to share great music throughout the State.  Many other local groups are also devoted to production, design and performance of the arts.

The Anchorage Concert Association brings 15 to 20 world-class performing arts events to the community each winter. The 2002-2003 season schedule includes: Cabaret, Old Blind Dogs, Operatic Highlights, Australian Dance Theatre in ‘Birdbrain,’ and the Nutcracker Ballet.  A complete schedule can be accessed online at www.anchorageconcerts.org.

Located next to Town Square Park in downtown Anchorage , the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts is a three-part complex host to many performing arts events. The facility can accommodate more than 3,000 patrons. In 2000, nearly 245,000 people visited 678 public performances.  It is home to eight resident performing arts companies and has featured mega-musicals such as CATS, Grease, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Big River . The center also hosts the world famous International Ice Carving Competition as part of the Fur Rendezvous festival in February.

The Anchorage Museum of History and Art offers the opportunity to view splendid objects from Alaska ' s past and present. The second floor of the museum hosts the Alaska Gallery, a display of more than 1,000 objects that portray the history and people of the state. The Museum contains more than 93,000 square feet of space and a major expansion is being planned. The collections and exhibits, lectures, films, children ' s programs and special events attract more than 250,000 residents and travelers annually.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center located off the Glenn Highway provides programs in both academic and informal settings including workshops, demonstrations, and guided tours of indoor exhibits and outdoor village sites. Local residents and visitors are introduced to Native traditions and customs of past and present. The Welcome House celebrates contemporary Alaska Native cultures while outdoor facilities and sites allow the exploration of ancient tradition and the presentation of stories from the past. The Center provides a unique opportunity to experience Alaska ' s many diverse Native cultures at one location.

The Imaginarium is a hands-on science discovery center aimed at entertaining and teaching kids of all ages about science, nature and space through constructed displays in a kid-friendly environment.

Other cultural and recreational facilities include the 8,700 seat George M. Sullivan Arena which houses a large ice rink and enough space to accommodate a hockey game or rock concerts; the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center with 45,000 feet of meeting and exhibit space; and the Z.J. Loussac Library with the 232-seat Wilda Marston Theatre and Ann Steve ns Room/Galleria.

Anchorage provides visitors and residents a variety of opportunities to entertain oneself throughout the year.  The Municipality of Anchorage maintains 235 parks totaling 14,942 acres, 74 playgrounds, 48 tennis courts, 107 ball fields, 18 ice-skating areas (indoor and outdoor), 204 kilometers of ski trails and 134 miles of paved bike trails. There are four community recreation centers, six pools, two campgrounds and two municipal golf courses (in addition to military-owned and privately owned golf courses.)

In the summer, hiking, biking, camping, backpacking, tennis, paragliding, horseback riding, golf and field sports such as softball and soccer are popular recreational activities. Popular water sports include boating, swimming, diving, wind surfing, kayaking and rafting. There are three lakes with swim areas. Alaska boasts some of the best fishing in the world and Anchorage residents often fish within just 40 miles of municipal limits.

Anchorage' s extensive trail system attracts residents and visitors year round, and is currently ranked second in the nation. One of the most popular routes is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, an 11-mile asphalt trail that is popular among runners, bikers, skiers and walkers runs from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park . The addition of trail segments to connect major trails is also being planned to ensure that every resident is within 10 minutes of the trail system.

Trout fishing is excellent and of course, the salmon fishing is unparalleled. Anchorage is one of the few cities in the world where fish can be caught safely in the heart of downtown. Ship Creek runs from the Chugach Mountains to Cook Inlet , supporting several species of salmon.

Premier winter attractions in Anchorage include more than 200 kilometers of groomed cross country ski trails, of which 40 kilometers are lighted for night skiing. Downhill skiing, sledding, hiking, snowboarding, dog mushing, skijoring and ice-skating are also popular winter activities.

Four downhill skiing areas in the Anchorage area are top notch. Hilltop Ski Area, Russian Jack Springs, and Alpenglow at Arctic Valley are located within city limits. Mt. Alyeska, home to the state' s largest ski resort, is just a 40-minute drive south of the city.

Residents and visitors have access to world-class biathlon and cross country ski facilities at Kincaid Park in southwest Anchorage . With 60 kilometers of groomed ski trails, Kincaid Park has the only FIS certified course in the nation.

Kincaid Park was the site of the 1992 Olympic biathlon and cross country ski trials and is home to the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games cross country and snowshoeing competitions.

For those who prefer to workout indoors, Anchorage has several athletic clubs including Gold ' s Gym and The Alaska Club that offer indoor tennis, track, racquetball, swimming, weights and aerobics.

Collegiate and Professional Sports

The University of Alaska Seawolves compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I  ice hockey and Division II volleyball, cross country running, ice hockey, basketball, skiing, gymnastics and swimming. 

The professional West Coast Hockey League Anchorage Aces, the state’s only professional sports team, competes at Sullivan Arena in the winter.

In the summer, Anchorage’s Mulcahy Stadium is home to minor-league baseball with the Anchorage Bucs and Anchorage Glacier Pilots playing collegiate ball.

Each November, the Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout draws thousands to the state for a Thanksgiving-weekend college basketball tournament.  Men’s teams that competed in 2002 include: University of Alaska Anchorage, Oklahoma State, College of Charleston, Wyoming, Loyola Marymount, Villanova, Montana and Michigan State.  Women’s teams include University of Alaska Anchorage, Eastern Kentucky, Indiana and Nevada.

Shopping and dining experiences abound in Anchorage.  Several malls feature locally owned specialty stores and national chain stores including: Nordstrom, The Gap, The Body Shop, Sports Authority and REI. Anchorage has two Wal-Marts, Costco Wholesalers and SAM’s Clubs.

Most supermarkets are conveniently open 24-hours-a-day and stock a variety of fresh produce with the same grocery fare that would be found in other markets. Anchorage is home to eight Carrs-Safeway stores, three Fred Meyer stores, and two New Sagaya specialty gourmet markets.

Alaska is of course known around the world for the quality and taste of its fresh seafood products.  Many classically trained chefs feature seafood on their menu and fine dining establishments are plentiful.

Fine dining in the downtown area is available in most hotels and at the following restaurants: Corsair, Simon and Seafort’s Saloon and Grill, and Ristorante Orso. In midtown, Jens’ Restaurant is a popular destination.

For a less formal feel, Applebee’s, Benihana, Harry’s Bar and Grill, Ginza, Outback Steakhouse, La Mex, Downtown Deli, Phyllis’s Café and Salmon Bake, F Street Station, Humpy’s and Dianne’s Restaurant fit the bill, offering freshly prepared food in a variety of styles.

Several supermarkets offer food made to-go including fresh-made sandwiches, salads and in the summer, “Alaska Grown” fruits and vegetables. 

Many national restaurant chains have found a home in Anchorage: McDonalds, Red Robin, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Subway, and Burger King each have several establishments throughout the city.  Exotic fare is available in many local restaurants featuring Cuban, Thai, Vietnamese, Mediterranean , Indian, Japanese, Greek and Italian among others.

Freshly brewed beer is produced locally by the Glacier BrewHouse and Snow Goose Restaurant.