Sitka 85 Exceptional
Sitka Livability #1 ranked city in Alaska#403 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Sitka

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

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What's it like Living in Sitka?

Sitka is a smaller city located in the state of Alaska. The city has a population of 8,569 people. In Sitka, there are 3 people per square mile, which is about average when compared to the national population density average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Sitka will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 11 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Sitka could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Alaska if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Finding the best places to live in Sitka and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, education, employment, housing and other important metrics.

Sitka, AK receives 84 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #1 in Alaska and #485 in the USA. Based on this score, Sitka would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Sitka also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Sitka ranks very well for amenities (A+), crime (B), education (A+), employment (A-) and housing (B). On a less positive note, Sitka does not have favorable scores for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're considering living in Sitka, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Sitka provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Sitka has a violent crime rate of 95 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Sitka apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Sitka real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Sitka. The median home price for Sitka homes is $365,800, which is 42.3% higher than the Alaska average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Sitka, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 28.6% higher than the Alaska average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Sitka

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Sitka?

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Compare Sitka, AK Livability

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      Sitka transportation information

      Statistic Sitka Alaska National
      Average one way commute11min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work64.4%68.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.0%12.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.7%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle3.1%1.0%0.6%
      Workers who walk14.4%7.9%2.8%
      Working from home3.7%4.6%4.6%
      Source: The Sitka, AK data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).