Moving to Tok (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla: RV parks, insurance, hotels)

[Tariq33]

I've always wanted to move to Alaska. I'm an outdoorsy person and an amature photographer, so for me, it seems like a great place to live. My wife is neither, but I've convinced her to move up to AK in hopes of some adventure. We're both pretty young (I'm 25 and she's 23) and we were thinking in the spring/summer, we'll make the move. The biggest reason being that maybe if we move then, it'll be a little less of a cultural/weather shock. We're moving from NYC metropolitan area (NJ) and so we're used to the city life but we both prefer the quiet and are looking forward to that aspect of life.

We were looking for some place small but that is on the road and with some modern stuff around. I've read here that some places don't have running water or plumbing and the more off road you go the more expensive the cost of living will get. So I was thinking some place in the middle. Not too big, but not too little. From the map and a few websites, I liked Tok. It seems to be on a road, not too far from Anc. and not too big. Does anyone here know any more info on it? How will it be living there? Do they have a lot of crime? And what about jobs? I'm a college graduate, so is my wife. I've been in the insurance business since college and now have 4 years of experience. Any help would be great. Thanks.

[Arcticthaw]

I suggest you continue your research, Tok is 328 miles from Anchorage, and 206 from Fairbanks, kind of at a cross roads. This may be a very long way from what your wife may believe is a normal life. This part of Alaska is very cold also. Women in general either love it here or hate it! Your idea of comming in the spring is very good, though if you do decide on Tok, be prepared to move closer to civilization for the benefit of your lady. If you have the resources drive up through fairbanks, and down to keni. The you can see all the areas you may like to stop and visit. Plan and take the extra week or two and look around. South of the Alaska range is usually warmer with a more snow.
Good luck.

Check out Alaska Travel Guide and Alaska Trip Planner, The MILEPOST: Alaskan travel guide and Alaskan trip planner for Alaska, Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Alberta and Northwest Territories, pick one up if you can, it will help you with your drive up and give you more information about the towns that may interest you.
I suggest you do a search of posts on Tok on this forum, also the sites below may help.

Tok Alaska ~ Chamber of Commerce
Tok Alaska Chamber of Commerce

[RAMFEB31]

Ah Tariq33,
Arctic' is right. U should look around before setting your sight on one town. Why not travel up there and see some of the places, question the local and certainly go into the Tourist Info building (Tok have a very good one) which most every town seem to have. It took me 6 times up there before I've decided on a place and I am still in flux. A quick way of breaking up a marriage is to locate yourself where the other 1/2 hates the place. Can't travel yet? Then go online for each Alaskan city.

[Tariq33]

Thanks for your replies, guys. I'll definately do more research. I was thinking of visiting first, but not sure when I could get the days off... Probably in the Spring.

[losercore]

Just thought I would chime in.

TOK is not really a city at all. it's just the first real town people get to when the enter from Canada. There is not much there besides a few hotels, some places to eat and get gas and the locals.

I went to the main bar in TOK a few times and most of the locals are native Alaskan and there are very few people that just moved up there.

TOK is small, cold, and no city life what so ever. I would look into Anchorage or other towns before you settle on TOK.

Best of luck

[RAMFEB31]

[quote=losercore;1375424]Just thought I would chime in.

TOK is not really a city at all. it's just the first real town people get to when the enter from Canada. There is not much there besides a few hotels, some places to eat and get gas and the locals.

I went to the main bar in TOK a few times and most of the locals are native Alaskan and there are very few people that just moved up there.

TOK is small, cold, and no city life what so ever. I would look into Anchorage or other towns before you settle on TOK.

Best of luck[/QU

And some very nice RV parks. Those people do very well off people like me and many of the weary travellers

[RAMFEB31]

Apply for both your passports well in advance. There was a huge backlog this year because of the requirement though, I think the US may have extended the deadline a little for US returnees. Bring no weapons unless you want some delay at the border. GL

[becky2836]

I love Tok...I want to live there someday. If you are looking for a simpler life...less noise and city distraction, then Tok is excellent. The economy is not the best unless you're in the tourist industry. But I know a couple that live there, and work for the legislature which requires that they live in Juneau for 6 months. They love this way of life.
Also the people are WONDERFUL!!! I truly want to live there someday. Maybe I'll retire there. And Fairbanks, a good size town, is only 3 hours away.

[Festafarian]

I don't live in Alaska yet, I too am moving in spring.

I lived in big cities most of my life, it was a huge change for me when I moved out to the country in NC.....and that's without the cold of Alaska!

If you "talked your wife into it", it sounds like she may have some reservations. maybe you should start with Anchorage where it won't be such a culture shock. Besides, there will be more jobs there.

[AlaskanIvy]

I live in Alaska, and I've been to Tok many times. First, the chances of you finding a job in Tok are slim to none. The weather is extreme, and Tok isn't a very pretty park of Alaska. You would be better off Moving to Palmer or Wasilla. They are removed from Anchorage, but the housing is a little cheaper and you can still find work (although it will most likely be in Anchorage.) The miles aren't what you need to be counting in drive time either. The 5 feet of blowing snow, or the summer RV's full of tourists driving 25 on the highway (one lane each way) will double the drive time. Many times, the roads are closed due to weather or accidents (avalanch). And if it is not snowing, there is always road construction with 30 minute waits or more. But that is all over Ak, not just one part. Why don't you both visit up here in the dead of winter with our lack of sunlight and freezing temps. It is easy to fall in love with Ak's summer, but the winters are about 9 months of the year up here and depression is a very real part of living here for most. You might also try Seward, but again, you will have trouble finding work. And to live in a dump will cost you at least a grand a month (before utilities) in the bigger cities, and more in the smaller cities. This isn't including the prices for everything else. And I'd be willing to bet your marriage will suffer or fail because of the move, but it's your choice.