Anchorage is the home of 42 percent of the state's residents and is the commercial heart of south-central and western Alaska. When its brief modern history is considered—the town of Anchorage was founded in 1915 as a railroad construction headquarters—the fact that Anchorage stands as a sophisticated metropolis in the midst of rugged wilderness can be appreciated as a phenomenon. A visit to the city will dispel myths about its long, dark winters: Anchorage's climate is relatively mild with distinct seasons, winters similar to Denver's, and short-daylight periods confined to late December. A high per capita income, low taxes, and a low crime rate are among the positive qualities that have earned Anchorage a place among the country's most livable cities.