Another thinking of moving to Fairbanks (Anchorage, North Pole: credit, gated, hotel)

[ksbyndsea]

I can retire from my current job in two years and I am kind of looking around at living somewhere else for a while. I will be 52 years old, female, and single, and my retirement will not be enough to live on (and will support my current house, which I don't want to sell).

Is it likely that a woman in her 50's could get a job paying approximately 40,000 a year? I ask this specifically because I am very concerned about being able to support myself if I do retire from my current job because of age discrimination. I know you all can't make any guarantees or anything. Your unemployment rate in the statistics section of this site is over 6%.

Wouldn't it actually be possible to live in Fairbanks without a vehicle and get around by bus or walking, even in the winter, if you lived fairly close to work? My mother lived there in the 50's and did not drive and so walked or took the bus to work. I mean an inch of snow really throws me for a loop right now, driving wise.

What about your crime rate? It seems rather high on a per capita basis, or are the statistics somehow misleading, since from what i have read here, you say there isn't much crime.

Just trying to do some research into places that interest me. Thanks for your input.

[Arcticthaw]

Expecting a woman in her 50s to have extensive experience in the work force, a $40k a year job would seem appropriate. Can you survive in Fairbanks on 40k and support a second home would be kind of tough, unless you found yourself a hardworking boyfriend that has a suitable place. No I am not applying for the job, just being realistic. Unemployment here is always higher than other states, due to the seasonal nature of most work.

Fairbanks has changed tremendously from the 50s. Then all the stores and businesses were downtown and all within walking distance. Now there are no grocery stores near downtown, though we have some bus service. Most people drive around town and it is just part of a mind set, though using the bus and cabs is very possible. Some people ride their bikes year round, yea they are a little nuts, but they do do it.

Crime is higher and we are unable to discount the statistics so far. Now not having a vehicle and standing at bus stops and such you may be making yourself more vulnerable to such problems. ON the bright side if you could call it that you can carry pepper spray or a gun legally concealed so if you do have a bad situation. You could take the wild west approach.

I do see more and more people riding the bus system, it is a viable option for those that can make it fit their lifestyle.

[150/70]

Why Fairbanks, I wonder? Why not Anchorage? More job opportunities as well as other necessities and conveniences. That will give you a start and from there who knows? If you have the skill that is in high demand in small towns, i.e. medical/nursing, you will do just fine. But you just have to deal with what nature gives (cold and darkness winter weather as well as long daylight hours of the summer) which is uncommon to the majority of the people in the rest of the states.

Give it a shot. Otherwise, you will always regret you didn't try.

[ksbyndsea]

I can't cut and paste - I got a new Apple laptop...anyway.

I would be using my pension from my current job (should I last) to take care of my current house. I would only need the salary that I make in Alaska to support myself while there. But I don't know what salaries are...and I don't know what the job market is. So I don't know if $40,000 would be enough to live there or not. I am not in the health care field. And i don't know if, given my age, I can realistically expect to find a job. I have lived in the same place for 42 years.

Would standing at the bus stop really be such a risk? Wow - makes the drive by shootings and home invasions here not seem so daunting.

I chose Fairbanks as a possibility for a few reasons - I am either wanting to move to a very small town or a very large city. But one where I can afford to live and can get a job. I want to try a new way of life before I am really too old.

Two - I was born there and always had a certain curiosity. I did take my mother on a trip there a few years back in May, (probably 10) because I offered her a trip anywhere she wanted to go. She said she would like to go back to Fairbanks. I guess I still have some curiosity. Moving there may be too dramatic a way to satisfy that???

From reading the boards I got the impression that the crime rate was probably much worse in Anchorage. Was I mistaken? I haven't really investigated Anchorage, as it didn't really fit any of my criteria.

Thanks for the information.

[Rance]

Standing at a bus stop in 45 below is gonna get old quick.

[ksbyndsea]

Cross Country ski?

[Rance]

Sure...just keep in mind it can be 30 to 50 below in mid winter.

[Grammy Linna]

Before you pack up and move, see if you can spend a few weeks in the winter up there. Rent a place or see if you can get a break at a hotel for a few weeks, rent a car and and check out the area. This way you can see what is available careerwise and check out the housing.

Having lived there in my 20s and now 50 plus, Fairbanks is not a place I would want to live alone through my retirement either with or without a car. I did know a wonderful lady that ran the railroad credit union who was in her 70s. She lived by herself for years and loved it. Best of luck to you.

[Arcticthaw]

Originally Posted by ksbyndsea

I can't cut and paste - I got a new Apple laptop...anyway.

I would be using my pension from my current job (should I last) to take care of my current house. I would only need the salary that I make in Alaska to support myself while there. But I don't know what salaries are...and I don't know what the job market is. So I don't know if $40,000 would be enough to live there or not. I am not in the health care field. And i don't know if, given my age, I can realistically expect to find a job. I have lived in the same place for 42 years.

Would standing at the bus stop really be such a risk? Wow - makes the drive by shootings and home invasions here not seem so daunting.

I chose Fairbanks as a possibility for a few reasons - I am either wanting to move to a very small town or a very large city. But one where I can afford to live and can get a job. I want to try a new way of life before I am really too old.

Two - I was born there and always had a certain curiosity. I did take my mother on a trip there a few years back in May, (probably 10) because I offered her a trip anywhere she wanted to go. She said she would like to go back to Fairbanks. I guess I still have some curiosity. Moving there may be too dramatic a way to satisfy that???

From reading the boards I got the impression that the crime rate was probably much worse in Anchorage. Was I mistaken? I haven't really investigated Anchorage, as it didn't really fit any of my criteria.

Thanks for the information.

If your qualified finding a job should not be an issue. Good help can be hard to find.
I was not trying to imply you would be unsafe walking or taking the bus. I was saying your just more exposed.

Fairbanks does offer all most people need and still give a smaller town feel. If you wish for small town feel try a few of the outlying areas, North Pole, Two Rivers, Both are on the bus route but are probably not convienient as you may want.