Soldotna (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai: home, rent, schools)

[traveling man]

I am consdering moving to Soldotna with my family. We lived in puget sound for years and have been in southern California for the past 5 years. We can't take the culture here anymore.

Can anyone tell me what kind of transition it would be to move to the Soldotna area?

[Rance]

Soldotna is nice. I live in Sterling 10 miles north of there. They've been up-grading that town for a few years now. Has 2 highschools, fire dept, trooper station as well as city police. Fred Meyers, Safeway grocery, plenty of gas stations. The Kenai (keen eye) River runs through town which has the best fishing in the world. Plenty of wildlife in and around town. From Soldotna it's only 11 miles to Kenai for an airport, although Soldotna has a small one of it's own. Winter is not that bad. I think you'd like it. It's about 130 miles drive south of Anchorage. 1/2 hour by air.

[traveling man]

Thanks Rance,

I would appreciate knowing about crime and or drug problems. I have been told because of the lack of sunshine that substance abuse is a problem in Alaska.

Thanks for the information.

[Rance]

There are issues like anyplace with drunk driving, some crime like theft or vandalism. But no where near what Anchorage or Fairbanks has. For the most part it is a very decent place to live and raise kids. Plenty of country living outside of town. Check the local paper at www.peninsulaclarion.com to get a feel of the happenings around the area. I think you'd like it here. Might be rather quiet tho for someone coming out of southern California!

[KJG]

I certaintly do not want to sway you from moving to the Penn. But the drug issue is bad!! Kenai and Soldotna as well as the North Road. If you want it you can get it and if you get it you want it. So with all do respect - stay away from it. It's like any other place drugs will be there and so will the drinking and it all is a problem. Then again It's up to you to decide what it is you want in life!! Kenai- Soldotna-North Road-Homer-Seward are the utmost
beautiful places i have been, all of alaska is. I love the place and i miss the place. If I could move back i would . I say all that i do for i was very much involved in life styles that were killing me per say. I lived in Kenai/Soldotna area for a good 20 years and anchorage as well. If you can keep your self focused and do what you do and get to know the people you need to know, you will have No problem, Its one kicken place to live. Allot of Peace and etc. But will worn you .....if you do anything you ought not too make sure you do it in private because if you don't within 2 days (maybe faster) everyone knows........Might be easier to send it in to the clarion News paper!! *laughs* I must find humor in this...it really is a great place to live just like any other small town but you have the best of the best there!!

You cant help from falling in love with the place that is for sure!!

[kobrian]

My family and I are considering moving to Homer to accept a teaching position. I have spent a lot of time researching the area and it seems amazing! However, I've consistently run across information about the increased use and production of methamphetamines in Homer. Does anyone know what the current status of drug use and production is in the area??? We are coming from GA and have had enough of the 'meth' epidemic. Thanks so much for your input

[Glitch]

The "meth epidemic" is largely media manufactured. The state requires all police forces throughout the state to report any "meth lab" they find to the Department of Environmental Conservation (See Illegal Drug Manufacturing Sites) and in three years since the law went into effect, they have only 26 listed properties. I'm not saying that Alaska doesn't have a meth problem, just not nearly as bad as the media portrays based on the evidence.

[desflurane]

Well I live in Virginia, drugs are an issue here on every corner. Drugs are amongst us folks. Do your best and keep an open dialogue with your kids. Raised a 21 one year old and have been there done that. Just keep talkng to them,doesn't matter where you live drugs are abound!!