The Arctic vs The Tropics: Where Should You Live?

Not everybody was made for the average suburban American lifestyle. Some people need adventure and new experiences in places that excite the mind as well as the body. Instead of living your life of habits and routines, why not move to a new place?

Many Northerners spend half the year shoveling snow and salting ice just to get to their cars for the cold morning commute to work. But not everybody was made for ice and snow. Many Southerners spend hours each day sweating profusely on their way to the corner store for ice because the stifling heat has reached critical levels. But not everybody was made for sunny days, eternally warm breezes, and palm trees.

Below we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of moving to the tropics or moving to the arctic. Whichever path you choose, talk to one of the professional Relocation Companies available to find out how to take the first step.

 The Tropics

Advantages

Sun. Beaches. Adventure. Many tropical islands off the coasts of the U.S., including Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and other lands, are known as the jewels of the ocean, and for good reason.

• Health and wellness – Plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities like surfing, running, biking, or even volleyball all year round.
• Employment prospects – Hawaii is known for its low unemployment, and Guam will soon experience a military boom that is sure to bring much financial opportunity to the small island.

Disadvantages

Mother Nature often thwarts the livelihood of many islanders, though years of resiliency and advances in architecture make it much easier to weather storms even for people who just completed a Move to Hawaii.

• Storm season – As with the Gulf Coast or the Northeast, storms can easily ravage these tropical islands.
• Remoteness – Sometimes living on a tropical island can lead to cases of cabin fever; it’s not so easy to drive to a neighboring state for a little vacation.

The Arctic

Advantages

Sure it’s cold, but it’s also very beautiful. Besides, it’s not cold all year; Alaska’s summers are renowned for their wonderfully mild temperatures.

• Independence – Many Northerners love the remote nature of Alaska’s cities and towns because it allows them to remain independent and solitary while still having a tight-knit community of like-minded people nearby.
• Adventure – Just like the tropics, Alaska is home to myriad adventure opportunities, albeit in a chillier climate. From skiing and snowboarding to cross-country skiing and mountaineering, there is no lack of things to do outside.

Disadvantages

Hey, it’s cold. Really cold. And really dark.

• Darkness – Since Alaska and other subarctic areas are so close to the North Pole, there are limited daylight hours for most of the year. Those with aversions to extended darkness may not find comfort here.
• Remoteness – Independence aside, this kind of solitude means that daily comforts are often hard to come by. Prices are higher for many goods and services, for example.

Whether you root for Team Tropics or Team Arctic, the important thing is that you get off the bench and play. You can move to Hawaii or Alaska more easily than you think. Don’t sit this one out.