Say Goodbye: 12 Classic American Things Fading Into the Past for Alaskans
Things change, and not always for the better. Some of the things Alaska residents have taken for granted, like cheap fast food, are slowly slipping away.
Whether it’s due to inflation, technology, or shifting consumer habits, many everyday conveniences and traditions may soon become a thing of the past.
From skyrocketing prices to disappearing cultural staples, here are some things that, in our opinion, Alaskans won’t be able to enjoy much longer.
Independent Pharmacies
Independent pharmacies are struggling to survive as large chains and online retailers take over.
Many small, family-run pharmacies have been forced to close due to rising costs and competition from giants like CVS, Walgreens, and Amazon.
According to the National Community Pharmacists Association, 32% of independent pharmacies reported they were at risk of shutting down in 2024 because of not being able to generate enough income.
Many of these pharmacies provide essential healthcare services in rural areas where big chains don’t operate.
Without them, millions of Americans could face longer travel times for medications and fewer personalized healthcare options.
Movie Theaters
With the rise of streaming services and at-home entertainment, many theaters are closing down.
Compounding the problem is the fact that going to the movies is getting more expensive, creating even fewer incentives for people already prone to binge-watching from their couch to leave their house to watch a movie in a theater.
The average movie theater ticket price has increased steadily, and major chains have introduced surge pricing models that charge more for popular films.
Statista data shows that movie ticket prices have risen from an average of $5.66 in 2001 to $9.57 in 2021—that’s nearly double in a 20-year period.
If current trends continue, the traditional moviegoing experience might soon be reserved for, well… never.
Affordable Housing
If you think rent is high now, brace yourself—it’s only going to get worse. Home prices and rental costs are skyrocketing in cities across the U.S., making it harder for everyday Americans to afford a place to live.
The median home sales price in the U.S. hit $419,200 in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
In contrast, median home prices were only $274,900 in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Rent has followed suit, with some cities like Austin and Miami seeing double-digit year-over-year increases.
A big part of the problem is a lack of available housing.
Construction hasn’t kept up with demand, and zoning laws in many places make it tough to build new homes or apartment buildings.
With mortgage rates also rising, homeownership is slipping further out of reach for younger generations. Unless policies change to boost the housing supply, Americans will continue struggling with soaring housing costs.
Cheap Fast Food
Remember when a burger and fries cost just a few bucks? Those days are fading fast.
The price of fast food has been climbing at an alarming rate, making it less of a budget-friendly option. In June 2013, the average price of a McDonald’s Big Mac was $4.18. In January 2024, it was $5.69.
Fast food chains like Taco Bell, Wendy’s, and Burger King have all hiked their prices as well.
Many fast-food chains are also shifting their focus to premium items, leaving behind the cheap, simple meals that once made them popular.
If trends continue, the days of grabbing a quick and affordable fast-food meal will soon be a thing of the past.
Shopping Malls
Once a staple of American culture, shopping malls are disappearing at an alarming rate.
According to a 2025 report by Coresight Research, following a spike in store closures in 2024, closures are expected to escalate further this year, with approximately 15,000 stores across the U.S. anticipated to close.
Many big-name department stores, like Sears and Macy’s, have closed locations, leaving malls with empty storefronts and fewer visitors.
The pandemic sped up the decline as more people got comfortable shopping online.
Some malls are being converted into apartments or entertainment centers, but the classic mall experience—wandering through shops, hanging out at the food court, and catching a movie—is already becoming a thing of the past.
Gas-Powered Cars
Gasoline-powered cars have been king of the road for over a century, but like it or not, their reign is coming to an end. Many states are setting deadlines to phase out the sale of new gas-powered vehicles.
California, for example, has banned the sale of new gas cars by 2035, with other states like Washington and New York following suit.
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is a leading reason for this shift. Companies like Tesla, Ford, and GM are investing heavily in EV technology, and more models are hitting the market each year.
As battery prices drop and charging networks expand, gas cars will become less common.
While they won’t disappear overnight, in the next few decades, seeing a gas-guzzler on the road might be as rare as spotting a payphone.
Affordable Concert Tickets
Going to a concert used to be an exciting and affordable night out, but now it’s a financial commitment.
According to Pollstar’s Year-End Business Analysis, the average ticket price for the Top 100 Worldwide Tours increased by 10.29%, from $96.17 in 2019 to $106.07 in 2022.
In North America, the Top 200 Tours saw a more significant rise, with average ticket prices increasing by 19%, from $87.19 in 2019 to $103.71 in 2022.
Fees from companies like Ticketmaster make things even worse, sometimes adding high fees to the listed ticket price.
Part of the reason for the price hike is demand—Americans are willing to pay top dollar for live events.
Artists are also finding new ways to maximize revenue, like offering VIP packages and dynamic pricing models.
If these trends continue, casual concertgoers might have to stick to watching live streams instead of experiencing the thrill of a packed arena.
AM Radio
AM radio has been a part of American life for over a century, but it’s basically faded away.
Automakers like Ford even announced plans to stop putting AM radios in new vehicles, citing interference issues with electric engines. However, legislation has since forced them to reverse this decision.
Nevertheless, with fewer people tuning in and ad revenue declining, many AM stations are struggling to survive.
This is a big deal for rural communities and emergency broadcasts. AM radio still plays a crucial role in delivering weather updates, news, and talk shows to areas with poor internet and cell service.
Without it, millions of Americans could lose access to vital information, especially during natural disasters.
While efforts are being made to keep AM radio alive, its future looks uncertain.
Privacy Online
If you feel like your personal data is constantly being tracked, you’re not wrong. Privacy online is disappearing fast, with tech companies collecting massive amounts of information about users.
A study from Pew Research found that 79% of Americans are concerned about how companies use their data.
Social media platforms, advertisers, and even smart devices are gathering details about your habits, preferences, and location.
While some laws, like Europe’s GDPR, are pushing for stronger data protections, the U.S. still needs to work on a comprehensive privacy law.
Unless regulations change, Americans may have to accept that their digital footprint is no longer under their control.
Cash Payments
The days of paying with cash are slowly disappearing. More businesses are going cashless, preferring credit cards, mobile payments, and digital wallets instead.
A report from the Pew Research Center found that 41% of Americans don’t use cash for any of their weekly purchases, up from 24% in 2015.
While digital payments are convenient, they come with risks. Cash transactions don’t leave a digital trail, making them more private.
Going fully cashless could also exclude people who don’t have bank accounts or credit cards.
Some cities, like San Francisco and New York, have passed laws requiring businesses to accept cash, but the trend is clear—paper money is on its way out.
Affordable Air Travel
Flying used to be a relatively affordable way to travel, but ticket prices have been climbing.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, airfare rose by around 17% between quarter one of 2021 and 2022.
With airlines cutting costs and adding extra fees for everything from carry-ons to seat selection, the total price of a trip adds up frustratingly fast for travelers.
Fuel costs, staff shortages, and high demand all contribute to rising fares. Budget airlines used to offer cheaper alternatives, but even they have raised prices.
If these trends continue, flying might become a luxury that fewer Americans can afford.
Free Hotel Perks
Once upon a time, hotels offered free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking as standard amenities. Now, those perks are disappearing.
Many hotels have started charging resort fees, even if they don’t have any actual resort-like features.
A report from the American Hotel & Lodging Association found that hidden fees now make up a significant part of hotel revenue.
Even budget hotels are cutting back on free breakfast or limiting it to a grab-and-go bag.
As hotels continue to find new ways to boost profits, you can bet your bottom dollar that travelers will have to shell out extra for amenities that used to be included in the price of a room.
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