Dynamic
Residents rank “Anchorage's natural beauty” as the #1 reason they live in Anchorage. From the moment you open your door, you're greeted by scenic vistas and stunning peaks that create a picturesque backdrop for residents. Discover a city that harmonizes wild Alaskan landscapes, urban conveniences, outdoor delights, and a thriving arts scene. Anchorage is Anchorage's largest city with almost 300 thousand people.
The city is framed by the Chugach Mountains to the east and the Alaska Range to the north. Anchorage is located on the shores of the Cook Inlet. The tidal flats and inlets are both visually striking and serve as habitats for a diverse range of wildlife.
Commuting
In comparison to larger cities, Anchorage has a lower population density, so commuters can often experience more efficient traffic conditions outside of peak hours and the tourist season.
Living and working in Anchorage, the average commute is 18-26 minutes. However, with development extending over a larger geographic area outside the city boundaries, residents can choose from suburban neighborhoods or rural landscapes. These options enable individuals to personalize their living arrangements according to their preferences for natural surroundings, privacy, and community amenities.
WEather
LOCATION: Anchorage is situated in the south-central part of Alaska. Anchorage has a subarctic climate complemented by strong maritime influences, resulting in a relatively moderate climate.
TEMPERATURE: Winters in Anchorage are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. However, summers are milder - some would even say ideal, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F.
RAIN & SNOW: Snow typically accumulates from November to April, with an average of 75 inches annually, but rainfall is generally lower compared to many other U.S. cities.
LIGHT & DARK: Anchorage experiences dramatic daylight shifts due to its northern latitude. Summers bring extended daylight until after 10:00 PM, while winter sees shorter days, with the sun setting as early as 4:00 PM. During the dark winter months, on a clear night, you will have opportunities to enjoy the incredible beauty of the Northern Lights.
Travel
AIR TRAVEL: Alaska Air, United, and Delta, among other airlines, service the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The airport is also an international cargo hub.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: The People Mover provides public transportation for the city of Anchorage. The People Mover fleet travels 2.1 million miles annually - that's almost 85 trips around the world!
TRAIN TRAVEL: The Alaska Railroad, headquartered in Anchorage, connects to many regions of Alaska, stretching 470 miles from Seward to Fairbanks. The railroad has two main routes in the summer: Seward to Anchorage and Anchorage to Fairbanks via Talkeetna and Denali.
FERRY SYSTEM: The closest ferry port to Anchorage is in Whittier, about a two-hour drive to Anchorage. Traveling on the State Ferry system is a beautiful experience with amazing wildlife and scenery.
SCHOOLS
K-12
The Anchorage School District serves over 45 thousand students in more than 90 schools, including 8 high schools, 10 middle schools, more than 50 elementary schools, and 8 charter schools, along with specialized schools and programs.
Post-Secondary
Anchorage is home to the University of Alaska Anchorage, one of the three main campuses of the University of Alaska System and Alaska Pacific University, a private institution with enrollment around 350 students for the undergraduate program.
Dining & Shopping
Similar to other major metropolitan cities, Anchorage offers a range of shopping options catering to a variety of tastes and preferences, including two malls, the Diamond Center and the Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall.
Dining options also include many reliable chain restaurants and a wide range of other options. Some high-ranking restaurants include: the Biscuit Club, Snow City Cafe, Crow's Nest, Rustic Goat, and Moose's Tooth.
Sports & Adventure
GET OUTSIDE: Anchorage serves as a gateway to expansive wilderness areas ideal for outdoor activities. Anchorage offers a wealth of outdoor sports and other recreational pursuits, including hiking and trail exploration, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, fishing, golfing, camping, skiing and snowboarding, and other winter sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and even dog mushing.
EXPLORE THE CITY: Anchorage offers a vibrant arts scene with galleries, concert venues, and creative performances. Enjoy Alaskan artists and touring acts, including bands in downtown parks, art exhibits, and more. Don't miss the monthly First Friday viewings at galleries and cafes or the opportunity to learn about Alaska's Indigenous cultures through displays, art installations, and traditional performances.
Culture & Events
The world’s most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, has its ceremonial beginning in downtown Anchorage. Anchorage is home to many annual festivals, including the Anchorage International Film Festival, the Running of the Reindeer, the Alaska State Fair, and more! To learn more about Alaska's rich Indigenous history or learn more about the many cultures and tribes from the region, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Economy & Employment
As Alaska’s largest city, containing 40% of the state's population, Anchorage. The largest sectors driving the local economy are transportation, military, municipal, state and federal government, and tourism. Anchorage's economy traditionally has seen steady growth, though not quite as rapid as many places in the lower 48 states.
Anchorage is home to a larger number of state employees compared to Juneau, despite Juneau being the official state capital of Alaska. Around 6,800 state employees are based in Anchorage, whereas Juneau has approximately 3,800 state employees.
| Taxes | Alaska | California | New York |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 0% | 11% | 6.85% |
| State Sales Tax | 0% | 6% | 4% |
| City, County, and/or School District Income Taxes |
0% | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| Local Property Tax | 1% | 1% | 10-17% (NYC) |
| Local Sales Tax | 5% | 2.63% (San Fransico) | 4.5% (NYC) |
| SBS (state of AK Social Security Substitute |
6.13% on earnings up to $132,900 (2018); matched |
Social Security 6.2% Matched |
Social Security 6.2% Matched |
WorkING at APFC
The team we have built here at the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation truly embraces life in Alaska. APFC enjoys a very high profile and positive image in the community and throughout the State.
The satellite office is centrally located in downtown Anchorage and officially opened its doors in the fall of 2023.
Professional Education & Training
We recognize that our employees add incredible value and knowledge to the team and strongly encourage employee participation in continuing educational pursuits, and professional training.
Moving
The State of Alaska Moving Policy enables APFC to offer moving benefits to new employees. General provisions may include a pre-move round trip for house hunting, a one-way move with cost or poundage thresholds for shipping personal goods, and shipment of vehicles. Employees must reimburse the State for all or part of moving expenditures if they leave State service prior to two full years, based on an incremental schedule.
The A-Team
Our team is given the freedom and responsibility to make meticulously vetted decisions that have immediate and long term impact to the Fund. We offer a challenging environment that encourages professional growth and recognizes individual accomplishments. Thoughtful and sometimes creative dialogue with key decision-makers is common in the hallways and everyone here plays a critical role in the success of the organization.
Every door is open, and we truly value input and ideas from everyone on the team. The team we have built here embraces life in the Last Frontier. When we’re not here at the office, you might find us at one of the delicious restaurants downtown, skiing, hiking, trail running, or halibut and salmon fishing, all within minutes of work and home.
The entire APFC team is here and excited to answer any questions that you might have about life in Alaska!