Alaska is far to the north, leaving it dark and cold in the winter, light all night in the summer, and pretty far away from everywhere else. You have to drive most of week through Canada, and cross an international border, to get to Washington, or sail on the ferry for days or weeks. With so much distance between Alaska and the rest of the U.S., life in the north lacks a lot in convenience. But that also keeps life a little simpler. See this list of the things Alaska doesn't have, or doesn't have much of, and you'll love the Great Land even more.
1. No statewide sales tax
Although it is mentioned in the political arena from time to time, Alaska has still escaped having a sales tax. It is the only state that does not collect state sales tax or levy an individual income tax. There are some local sales taxes in individual towns, however.
2. No professional football
There is no Alaskan professional football team, although high schools across the state turn out excellent college level players. The state sport of Alaska is dog mushing, much more conducive to the climate.
3. No billboards
Alaska has a statewide billboard ban since a vote in 1998. More info on the ballot measure here.
4. No amusement parks
Well, we aren't that happy about this one, but aside from the state fairs Alaska doesn't have much in the man-made, high speed thrills department. If you need a rush, try whitewater rafting or ziplining through the forest.
5. No state borders
The full border of the eastern side of Alaska is the Alaskan-Canadian International border. But our neighboring country is absolutely beautiful and it's always wonderful to take the long drive south.
6. No views of Russia from mainland Alaska
There is one specific way you can see Alaska from Russia: From Little Diomede to Big Diomede, two windswept islands in the Bering Sea, is only a 2 mile distance and the international border runs between them. Otherwise, it isn't an easy vista. This means there is a little more distance for international shipping routes.
7. No snakes!
There are no snakes in Alaska! They just can't handle the cold. Unless they are in a pet store or under a heat lamp all the time, you are safe from anything slithering through the grass.
8. No huge crowds
Since there are only 739,795 people in the whole state, and most live very far away from one another, finding an enormous crowd is rare.
9. No temperatures over 100!
The highest temperature ever recorded in Alaska is 100 °F in Fort Yukon on June 27, 1915. There haven't been any days of hundred plus weather ever. Those baking in the desert are always welcome to the cool breezes of Alaska.
10. No counties
Alaska is divided into 19 organized boroughs and one unorganized borough, as opposed to counties in the rest of the U.S. Just another things that makes us special.
11. No freeways
There are plenty of highways and expressways, but no freeways in Alaska. And the streets are paved with cheese. Just kidding.
Love life in Alaska? Check out 21 Things No Self-Respecting Alaskan Would Ever Do. You also might enjoy 23 Things Alaskans Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else.
Anything else that Alaska doesn't have? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
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