ketchikan - and basically all of SE AK (Anchorage, Fairbanks: house, job openings)

[lil_mus]

Originally from Seattle, I've been living in the East (Connecticut) for a few years now. My husband and I are considering moving to Ketchikan - and no, the so-called "isolation" of Ketchikan wouldn't bother us, nor does the rain. We hate cities, large "pseudo-towns" and the like. BUT, our main problem is that the cost of living is so high in Ketchikan. So, I wonder:

1) What kind of jobs other than fishing are available in Ketchikan. Would, say, a piano teacher have any chance whatsoever? Or a tutor/teacher??
2) Is there space for people to have veggie gardens in their homes, or is the set up more like Anchorage (where we've lived and DID NOT like - way too big)
3) Are the drunks like those in Anchorage?

Thanks so much!

[Metlakatla]

3) Are the drunks like those in Anchorage?

not at all; we can afford cabs.

[Xa'at]

Originally Posted by lil_mus

Originally from Seattle, I've been living in the East (Connecticut) for a few years now. My husband and I are considering moving to Ketchikan - and no, the so-called "isolation" of Ketchikan wouldn't bother us, nor does the rain. We hate cities, large "pseudo-towns" and the like. BUT, our main problem is that the cost of living is so high in Ketchikan. So, I wonder:

1) What kind of jobs other than fishing are available in Ketchikan. Would, say, a piano teacher have any chance whatsoever? Or a tutor/teacher??
2) Is there space for people to have veggie gardens in their homes, or is the set up more like Anchorage (where we've lived and DID NOT like - way too big)
3) Are the drunks like those in Anchorage?

Thanks so much!

There are drunks in Anchorage? Hon, you ain't seen nothin' yet.
But seriously... I think you would like Ketchikan. It's an adorable little town, not as far from Seattle as the other cities, etc.
Prices are high, yes. There shouldn't be a problem finding a job as a teacher, but you may have to be patient. Check here: Ketchikan/Gateway Borough School District Job Openings.

[mal_flisk]

Some of us in Anchorage don't even drink!

[Metlakatla]

Xa'at, she was asking about teaching piano.

[Xa'at]

There was a music teacher position...

[Dusty Rhodes]

3. are the drunks like those in Anchorage?

Well, just my humble opinion, but... it seems to me that drunks are drunks, their location does not seem to change their activities nor attitudes a whole lot.

[stiffnecked]

If you are a certified teacher you can find employment with the school district. If your just wanting to make a living teaching piano, good luck. Most of the jobs are in the tourism industry or government work. Fishing jobs are seasonal. But they do hire a lot of cannery workers during the summer. Jobs can be had year round just don't expect it to be your dream job.

You sure can grow a garden in Ketchikan. Be prepared to pay a premium price for good quality top soil. Best find veggies that grow in a cool, wet climate. And be prepared for the housing prices. If you want to buy a house I hope you have recently won the lottery.

And yes, the drunks are just like those in Anchorage and Fairbanks.....

[ComputerUser000]

Originally Posted by lil_mus

Originally from Seattle, I've been living in the East (Connecticut) for a few years now. My husband and I are considering moving to Ketchikan - and no, the so-called "isolation" of Ketchikan wouldn't bother us, nor does the rain. We hate cities, large "pseudo-towns" and the like. BUT, our main problem is that the cost of living is so high in Ketchikan. So, I wonder:

1) What kind of jobs other than fishing are available in Ketchikan. Would, say, a piano teacher have any chance whatsoever? Or a tutor/teacher??
2) Is there space for people to have veggie gardens in their homes, or is the set up more like Anchorage (where we've lived and DID NOT like - way too big)
3) Are the drunks like those in Anchorage?

Thanks so much!

GOod luck on your search and move. I am originally from Connecticut (Colchester/Norwich) and lvied there for 19 years before I spent time in MS, FL, SC, ND and NH for work.

Alaska is one of those places I'd like to be sometime, someday.

[Alaska_mrs_placed]

Oi vey! I live in Anchorage right now, and honey a drunk is a drunk! I lived in Ketchikan for 15 years before moving up to Anchorage for the second time, and I am so home sick its not even funny. My one suggestion is, learn a trade, learn several trades. One sure fire way to make it in a small island town, is to be a jack of all trades. Ketchikan IS expensive, but from what I can tell, so is the rest of the world. Everything costs money, the only difference is how BIG or small you are willing to live.