The largest state in the US, much too varied to be pigeonholed as great or terrible. The south-east panhandle is really an extension of the Pacific Northwest, with a similar pleasant though rainy climate, isolated small towns, beautiful rugged coastline and mountains. Anchorage, with half the state's population, is a dull, unremarkable city. Juneau and Fairbanks, the next largest cities, are much smaller and have terrible climates (endless rain in Juneau, hot summers and freezing cold winters in Fairbanks). The cold, isolated north and west of the state resemble the third-world more than anywhere in the US outside the Mexican border; there is rampant alcoholism, high levels of poverty and extreme isolation from the rest of the country (most of this area of the state is only accessible by plane). Global warming and rising oil prices are making settlement here increasingly difficult, except for oil/mining outposts and survivalist types. Denali and the Kenai penninsula are the main tourist magnets; justifiably, as there are few more beautiful places in the US. The towns of Sitka (in the South-East) and Homer (western Kenai) are lovely, but for the most part the best places in Alaska are rural. A great state to visit but not so great to live in, unless you're looking to retire and love the outdoors, hunting, fishing, etc....
