Anchorage, AK Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Anchorage, AK: What You Need to Know

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city with a population of 288,000, representing almost half of the entire state’s population. 

Weather and Climate

If you’re moving to Anchorage, be prepared for the darkness from mid-November to the end of January. There are only 126 sunny days per year in Anchorage versus the U.S. average of 205 sunny days. On the flipside, Anchorage gets more hours of daily sunlight than anywhere in the United States between March and September. Anchorage averages 79 inches of snow annually versus the U.S. average of 28 inches. That’s comparable to Buffalo’s 85 inches of snow and Denver’s 60 inches of snow per year. The main difference is the microclimate in Alaska, which means even just an hour’s drive in any direction can result in a 30-degree temperature change.

Local History

The United States bought Alaska from Russia in 1867, and it became a state in 1959. Anchorage was established in 1915 in conjunction with the construction of the Alaska Railroad. That year, the U.S. Post Office assigned the name Anchorage to the new town. The city was incorporated in 1920. When the railroad was completed in 1923, President Warren G. Harding came to Alaska for a ceremony, the first presidential visit to the state. During World War II, Anchorage became the headquarters for the Alaska Defense Command of the U.S. Army, driving the city’s rapid growth.

Schools and Higher Education

Anchorage has 82 public schools, serving 39,874 students. Bayshore Elementary School and Aquarian Charter School are among the highly ranked schools in the city. In terms of higher education, there are three universities in the city, including the University of Alaska Anchorage (14,644 students), the largest entity within the University of Alaska system. UAA offers more than 100 academic programs. 

Cost of Living

In Anchorage, the cost of living rate and housing costs are 37% and 4.4% higher than the national average, respectively. The good news is, food cost is 10.4% lower than the national average. Even better news – there are no statewide income or sales taxes in Alaska. Residents just have to pay city or county sales taxes.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Residents admit that living in Anchorage (or anywhere in Alaska) is an acquired taste. During the dark months, many locals go on vacation, with Hawaii as their top destination. The city offers great amenities plus plenty of outdoor recreation and gorgeous scenery. Many newcomers are attracted to the downtown area, where 89% of residents are renters, for the excellent public schools and convenience.