5 Benefits to Retiring in Alaska

Alaska isn't a destination that automatically comes to mind when thinking about retirement, but there are actually a number of good reasons to retire here. You'll never have to worry about evacuating during a hurricane for one. Outside of the big cities, crime is low, and there is no shortage of space. Here are four other benefits of retiring in Alaska.

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1. Refocus Your Relationship - If you're retiring with a spouse, Alaska can be a great place to reconnect. There aren't many malls or a lot of places to go spend a lot of money, so people here focus more on relationships," Randall S. Linde, an Ameriprise private well advisor in Alaska, told MarketWatch.
2. Friendly People - In the same MarketWatch report, Linde described Alaska residents as "warm and gracious," and retirees may have a better shot at making friends here than in busier states.
3. Tax Haven - "If you can get past the cold weather, Alaska is a tax haven for retirees. Alaska has no income tax or sales tax, and the state doesn't tax pension or Social Security income," U.S News & World Report states. The magazine ranked Alaska as one of the top picks for low taxed places to retire.

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4. Get Paid to Live Here Permanently Alaskan permanent residents actually get paid to live in the state, making it even more appealing to anyone on a fixed income. The Alaska Permanent Fund passes a portion of oil and mineral revenues earned in the state each year back to the community. Depending on how the fund is performing, residents can expect annuals checks averaging between $1,000 and $2,000 per person.
5. It's Still Wild - If you have always loved the great outdoors, and don't mind the cold, Alaska will be right up your alley. Often referred to as "America's Last Great Frontier," Alaska takes your breath away with its natural beauty. The state is also home to more than 3 million lakes and 3,000 rivers, making it a fisherman's paradise. If you're into watching wildlife, there are chances to see polar bears and grizzly bears plus moose, lynx, and humpbacked whales among other species.

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