Anchorage, Alaska

It isn’t always easy to get here, but Anchorage -- and Alaska in general -- offers views, experiences, and a way of life that are well worth the trip. You might see a bald eagle sitting on the roof of your coffee shop, run into your boss fishing for salmon outside of the office during your lunch break, or walk out of a theater and see the northern lights shining over the snow-capped mountains lining the horizon. There’s no income tax here as well, making Alaska an even more appealing place to work (or work remotely) than it already was.

On the other hand. The animals aren’t the only ones that go into hibernation here, as the people (and the sun) disappear into their homes for most of the winter, leaving precious few opportunities to enjoy Alaska’s great outdoors during December and January. The persistent darkness can try the hardiest of souls, but for those who weather the storm, a summer full of sun is their reward.

Life in Anchorage is largely spent enjoying the outdoors. If you aren’t interested in the snow, water, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, hunting and just general being outdoors then stay the hell away from Anchorage.

This ain’t Yellowstone (the show), there’s no Californians turning the city into Park City. Although there are plenty of Californians among others who move here looking for reinvention. You want to start over, get work, and work hard then you’re going to dig it here.

Check out the city's calendar of events if you're curious what people do for fun here:

Anchorage is a blue-collar town. Plenty of opportunities to work hard in the oil industry, transportation/port sector, the military, and hardcore outdoor tourism. The economy is robust but assume you’ll need to make a decent living to afford the high cost of living. Plenty of people come here and find work but the majority come here to be in Alaska and the work follows.