Anchorage offers exciting experiences with its metropolitan charm, hospitality and wild adventures. From Cook Inlet to stupendous mountains to rich history to outdoor adventures, Anchorage has plenty of things to see and do all year long. Did you know that six mountain ranges are visible from Anchorage? Did you know there is no sales tax in Anchorage; it is the most tax-friendly city in the United States? Did you know that bears are often seen within Anchorage? Read on to know more such interesting facts about Anchorage.
Image by Frank K. via Wikimedia Commons
Geographic and Demographic Fast Facts of Anchorage
- Anchorage is in South Central Alaska.
- It is located at the base of the Chugach Mountains surrounded by the Cook Inlet.
- It is the most populous city in Alaska with over forty percent of the Alaska’s total population.
- The tallest building of Alaska- Conoco-Phillips building is situated in Anchorage.
- It is one of the largest cities in the United States area-wise, covering 1,961 square miles.
- It is the largest city in Alaska with a population of over 300,000.
- Within 50 miles of the city, there are about sixty glaciers.
- The days in mid-summer are about 20 hours long.
- It is a major port that obtains more than ninety-five percent of all freight entering the state.
- It is within 9.5 hour of flying time to about ninety percent of the industrialized world.
- Six mountain ranges are visible from Anchorage- Alaska, Chugach, Talkeetna, Aleutian, Kenai and Tordrillo.
- The ethnic composition of Anchorage includes: 66.0%-White, 8.1%-two or more races, 8.1%-Asian, 7.9%-Alaska Natives and American Indian, 5.6%-Black or African American, 2.3%-other race, 2.0%-Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, and 7.6%- Latino or Hispanic.
History Fast Facts of Anchorage
- In 1778, Anchorage was explored by Captain James Cook, a British explorer.
- In 1914, Anchorage was formed as a railroad construction port for Alaska Railroad.
- In 1915, the Alaska Railroad construction started.
- On 23 November, 1920, Anchorage was incorporated.
- The Good Friday Earthquake hit the city on March 27, 1964. It measured 9.2 on the Richter scale and was recorded as the strongest hit in North America.
Government and Economy Fast Facts of Anchorage
- Anchorage has a mayor-city manager form of government.
- The major industries of Anchorage are tourism, petroleum, military and government.
- The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the 3rd busiest airport for cargo traffic in the world.
- The cost of living in Anchorage is affordable and offers all conveniences and comforts of large cities.
Important and Interesting Fast Facts of Anchorage
- Anchorage is nicknamed as “The City of Lights and Flowers”.
- It has more espresso stands per capita as compared to any other city in the United States.
- According to Outside Magazine, Anchorage is one of the 10 best United States cities.
- There is no sales tax in Anchorage.
- According to Kiplinger, Anchorage is the most tax-friendly city in the US.
- Anchorage is home to 60 grizzly bears and 250 black bears.
- Moose are regularly seen in Anchorage.
- Anchorage has approx 105 miles of cross-country ski trails.
- The National Civic League has named Anchorage an All-American City four times, in 2002, 1984, 1965 and 1956.
- Alaska Dispatch News is the city’s leading newspaper.
