Juneau, sometimes called "Little San
Francisco," is nestled in 17 million acres of spectacular national
rainforest along the Canadian border in southeastern Alaska, and while
it is not the typical retirement spot, it is a sophisticated, charming
city in a truly breathtaking location. Bounded by water and
steep mountains that touch the sea, with fjords, forests, lakes,
glaciers and streams all around, this busy metropolis of 30,000 people
is steeped in native culture and attracts the adventurous,
outdoor-oriented retiree.
But it also draws those
with a taste for culture. While outdoor recreation is abundant and
wildlife watching is unmatched,
with bear, moose, eagles and whales nearby, the city also has two opera
companies, a symphony, a professional theater and a delightful, historic
downtown with dozens of art galleries, excellent restaurants and trendy
shops. Born as a gold rush town in 1880, Juneau today is
Alaska's capital and a major cruise ship port, with more than 1 million
passengers offloading each summer. Numerous painters, photographers and
other artists call Juneau home.
The cost of living is high, nearly 26% above the
national average, and the median home price is $259,000, also above the
national average. There is
a public transit system ($1.50 to ride), and broadband Internet service
is available. The primary health care facility is Bartlett Regional, a
55-bed facility with specialties in cardiac care, critical care,
respiratory care and emergency care. The population is fairly
affluent, with 26% age 45 to 64 and 6% age 65 or better.
Senior services are provided by the Juneau Senior Center. Alaska
has no state income tax or state sales tax, but Juneau has a 5% sales
tax (and a property tax). All Alaska residents receive an
annual stipend from the state’s oil revenue which helps offset taxes.
Despite all of its good points, Juneau has some
drawbacks. One is the high cost of living, and for many retirees,
the weather is another, but this quaint city actually has a relatively mild
climate considering that it is in Alaska. In fact, the average summer temperature is a delightful
65 degrees, and the average winter temperature is 20 degrees, not
sub-zero weather. Still, the city does receive a lot of
moisture, in summer and winter, and November to March are quite snowy,
with up to 28 inches of the white stuff per month, but these months are
also the best time for viewing the amazing Northern Lights. While
Juneau does not experience the famous "midnight sun" that much
of the rest of Alaska does, summer days are longer and winter days are
shorter than in much of the Lower 48, and the city has as many cloudy
days as sunny ones.
Juneau is also not growing much. The primary
employer is the government, though, so the jobs base is fairly
steady. It is a very remote place, only accessible by plane or
by boat, and cars have to be transported to the city by ferry or
barge. The crime rate is above the national average.
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While not for everyone (it's
isolated, expensive and snowy),
Juneau has strong cultural amenities, a spectacular
setting, adequate medical facilities, outstanding
outdoor recreation and senior programs The crime
rate is a bit worrisome, though.
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