A nchorage, Alaska is affectionately known as the City of Lights and Flowers. As a major seaport and trading center, Anchorage is Alaska's largest city. It has a simply stunning location, resting on both the shores of the Cook Inlet and the base of the Chugach Mountains. Anchorage benefits from being the long held urban epicenter of Alaska, while being surrounded by the massive beauty of one of the last great areas of unspoiled wilderness. The local economy has a strong base in the Prudhoe Bay oil fields and the trans-Alaska pipeline. As an additional bonus, residents in the city of Anchorage pay no sales tax and no state income tax. Citizens here have a rare quality of life, as evidenced by Anchorage being named to the Top Ten Healthy Cities list by Organic Style Magazine.

Encompassing a whopping 1,697 square miles, Anchorage is the largest city in the United States in terms of land area. Nearly 260,000 residents live within these boundaries. Their median age is a mere 32 years old, and they have an annual household income of approximately $60,000 per year. The median home value is $270,000. The vast majority of folks in Anchorage are employed in the retail sector. Professional services, the sciences and technology follow as a distant second. Finance, insurance and information technology round out the top employment sectors in the city.

Anchorage has long been a popular tourist destination. Visitors come to explore Alaska's rich history of aviation, its diverse Native American populations, world class symphony, Center for Performing Arts and Museum of History and Art. Some come to further their educations, choosing from Alaska Pacific University, the University of Alaska and Charter College. But of course, one of the largest draws is the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which begins in Anchorage. This event is a true test of mental and physical endurance, pairing man and beast to traverse the frozen tundra in the shortest possible time. The Iditarod is called The Last Great Race, and is actually a reenactment of a life-saving race from Seward to Nome during the diphtheria epidemic of 1925.

But there is simply no shortage of special events and festivals all year round to delight visitors and locals alike. From art shows and concerts in the park to wacky and wild special events such as the summer long "Wild Salmon on Parade", it seems that locals just have a different way of looking at the world. Visitors are delighted to find the streets of downtown Anchorage lined with whimsical statues of wild salmon during this festival, which pays homage to one of the state's most important resources. Summer also brings a number of outdoor festivals, races and cultural celebrations. Open-air markets abound with fresh organic produce grown by local farmers. Marathons take place along the bike trails, and runners are encouraged to "watch out for the moose!"

Shifting into the fall season, events like the Blueberry and Mountain Arts Festival, numerous craft festivals and hockey tournaments gear up. Winter brings the Anchorage International Film Festival, showcasing some of the best independent films this side of Sundance. The Great Alaska Beer and Barleywine Festival is just the ticket for many to warm up in January. And a number of ski events have folks taking to the slopes in support of a variety of charitable organizations in the city, though not usually in conjunction with the free-flowing beer and intoxicating barleywine!

By the time spring rolls around again, the focus returns to outdoor sports. Hundreds of young Native Americans converge to participate in the Native Youth Olympics to demonstrate their proficiency in traditional Native games. There are seemingly no end to the the fun runs and charitable walks that residents can participate in. And the music and markets return to the clear open air.

Anchorage offers a truly one of a kind lifestyle. It is an urban area nestled in a setting of breathtaking natural beauty. Its residents are colorful and quirky, honest and hardworking. If you are thinking of moving to Anchorage, Alaska, ask for our relocation packet today!