long time lurker, now a question (Fairbanks, Kenai: rental car, rental, houses)

[Parnassia]

Sorry to disappoint you eager quicker wits, but this is not one of those starry-eyed "always wanted to move to Alaska" threads. I've lived in Gustavus AK for about 20 years working for the NPS. Yeah I know, I'm a federal employee but please don't hold that against me too much. I'm one of the decidedly lesser ones.

The time has come to retire, though I'm not dreaming of any place retirees seem to aim for (in other words hot, humid, noisy, and crowded). In fact, hope to never have to get on a southbound jet any time soon. What I was hoping to get from you far-reaching folks are views about communities that might be nicer to retire to. I've traveled around the state a fair amount, but the only place I've actually owned a home (one of those structures attached to the ground bears can't knock over) is Gustavus. I've lived on the AP, Kobuk, Kotz, POW, and a tiny island in Prince William Sound but in research field camps, dry cabins, wall tents, or boats for a few months at a time. Sure, I could stay right here, but am feeling sort of "been there done that".

Much as I'd enjoy off grid subsistence living my orthopedic realities would make it pretty unrealistic, so won't torture myself about that any longer. Not married, no kids or other dependents, just unusual pets like aviary birds who would appreciate a stable temp home. I like rain and snow...cloudy windy weather is just fine. The dark never bothers me nor does cold; arthritis notwithstanding. I'm easy to entertain...pottering around a parcel of my own, volunteering at some sort of visitor center or somesuch, or "biologizing" the local area works for me. Hate hot summers. My mother said this was probably because I was born on the hottest day on record in Pasadena CA (110 F...can you imagine being in labor in that heat before central AC?).

All this sort of steers me to SE, Kenai, or somewhere along Cook Inlet, but there are lots of places to consider and I'm sort of going in circles. Of course I'll be doing a grand tour by rental car to check places out, but am trying to learn more before picking the stops. If any of you live in these areas and have some pearls of wisdom or caution flagging I'd appreciate it very much.

Nice to finally meet you all in "person".

[1984]

Originally Posted by AllisonHB

Sorry to disappoint you eager quicker wits, but this is not one of those starry-eyed "always wanted to move to Alaska" threads. I've lived in Gustavus AK for about 20 years working for the NPS. Yeah I know, I'm a federal employee but please don't hold that against me too much. I'm one of the decidedly lesser ones.

The time has come to retire, though I'm not dreaming of any place retirees seem to aim for (in other words hot, humid, noisy, and crowded). In fact, hope to never have to get on a southbound jet any time soon. What I was hoping to get from you far-reaching folks are views about communities that might be nicer to retire to. I've traveled around the state a fair amount, but the only place I've actually owned a home (one of those structures attached to the ground bears can't knock over) is Gustavus. I've lived on the AP, Kobuk, Kotz, POW, and a tiny island in Prince William Sound but in research field camps, dry cabins, wall tents, or boats for a few months at a time. Sure, I could stay right here, but am feeling sort of "been there done that".

Much as I'd enjoy off grid subsistence living my orthopedic realities would make it pretty unrealistic, so won't torture myself about that any longer. Not married, no kids or other dependents, just unusual pets like aviary birds who would appreciate a stable temp home. I like rain and snow...cloudy windy weather is just fine. The dark never bothers me nor does cold; arthritis notwithstanding. I'm easy to entertain...pottering around a parcel of my own, volunteering at some sort of visitor center or somesuch, or "biologizing" the local area works for me. Hate hot summers. My mother said this was probably because I was born on the hottest day on record in Pasadena CA (110 F...can you imagine being in labor in that heat before central AC?).

All this sort of steers me to SE, Kenai, or somewhere along Cook Inlet, but there are lots of places to consider and I'm sort of going in circles. Of course I'll be doing a grand tour by rental car to check places out, but am trying to learn more before picking the stops. If any of you live in these areas and have some pearls of wisdom or caution flagging I'd appreciate it very much.

Nice to finally meet you all in "person".

You could live in Hope or Girdwood and volunteer at the USFS vistor center in Portage in the summers or live in Soldotna and volunteer at the USFWS Refuge visitor center which is open year round.

[rwjoyak]

My wife and I grew up in Fairbanks, and lived there most of our first 40 years.
We don't live in AK anymore and won't be moving back for various reasons. But I've thought for some time that if I could retire anywhere in AK, it might be Haines. Not really sure why, other than some of the nicest people we ever met were from Haines.
Don't now whether Haines would be big enough to handle whatever medical situation you have, but it's one place I would recommend you consider.

[akck]

Your nearest move would be to Juneau. You could try it out for a while to see how it fits you. My wife feels the same as you and can't see moving to a hotter climate. Weather is about the same as Gustavus and you'll be one less plane/boat/ferry ride out. There are volunteer opportunities and medical facilities that can handle most illnesses and injuries. The only drawback would be housing as it can be expensive.

[jdhpa]

Originally Posted by akck

medical facilities that can handle most illnesses and injuries.

Can the Juneau facility provide cancer treatments?

(Apologies for hijacking the thread )

[stiffnecked]

Originally Posted by jdhpa

Can the Juneau facility provide cancer treatments?

(Apologies for hijacking the thread )

Depends on what kinda cancer treatment you want or need. The hospital does have a chemo-infusion unit. But I don't think they do proton therapy.

https://www.bartletthospital.org/ser...on-center.aspx

[War Beagle]

You really should visit alaska before you move there. And have money to escape when you inevitably fail.

[riceme]

Originally Posted by War Beagle

You really should visit alaska before you move there. And have money to escape when you inevitably fail.

Can you read?

[War Beagle]

Originally Posted by riceme

Can you read?

[blueherons]

Long time lurker and this doesn't answer your question directly, and I've never been to Alaska, but my cousin is a retired National Forest park ranger and he and his wife 'house sit' lighthouses all over the country from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Each summer they are in a different location.

I'm not sure of the pet restrictions but it might be a nice, free way to check out different areas of Alaska for your retirement without spending extra money.

Good luck!