Curious why people move here (Anchorage, Wasilla: to live in, dangerous, moving)

[Rance]

Congrats Rich. Hope you find Soldotna to your liking.

[alaskaboy]

Wow, so many reasons why I could write a book! Only reason I'm moving away is due to being diagnosed with a progressive neurological disease. It's been my wife and my dream to live on the beach, so we are going to finally do so, as life is short. However, once this place gets into your system, it won't go away. I still plan to keep my many ties with Alaska. There is so much different about this place, it would take forever to write it all down.

[RayinAK]

Lots move here with the military, some because of job industry relocation, as well as students attending the University. I am certain that a lot of people move here because they have reached the end of their rope. To some it's the romance of being in Alaska, much like when one wants to see the other side of the mountain. Lots of people move here in desperation, hoping to make a living, while others move here trying to get away from other people. Others move here trying to get away with crimes they have committed somewhere else.

[JustT&Me]

Great question (esp. for those who would enjoy answering it)! What is there not to love about AK? Yes - it's far from family and in some places fairly expensive to live, but if you enjoy the outdoors and the combination of the mountains and water; the freedom of nature and wildlife all around you; incredible historical stories and figures right before your eyes; independent thinking and independent thinkers; a more laid-back lifestyle; an appreciation for the things that really matter in life as compared to the materialistic pursuit found in many other places; if you are awe-inspired watching whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures live, eat, & play; if you can sit and watch eagles for hours on end and not grow tired of it; if you enjoy fishing - or at least watching others do it (!) and if you love eating the fish they catch (!!); if you don't mind living second-hand when you actually need something that you can't piece together from what you already own; if you love long nights of light and winter days of rain; ... if you like pina coladas and getting caught in that rain... ... if you can't imagine anyplace more beautiful even having traveled so many places already; if your heart just won't let you leave regardless of how long you've been gone or how long you were ever there in the first place, and even for those who've never been... then... maybe one or more of those reasons might just be why... you'd travel from wherever you are, across the country, leaving friends and family behind, at great expense, ... to find out if any or all of those things might just not be found... in the incredible state of Alaska...

Does that suffice? (OR are you still curious?)

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by DannyL

lol, we are so bad.....spring is here, god help anyone new posting...

LOL not new here. Have posted for a while now. I was born and raised in Alaska but I was just curious why we have so many newcomers moving up here that's all.

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by richpeace

Let me preface this by saying I am moving to Soldotna in 45 days.

For us (fiance and myself) it is largely due to the impact of city life and the accesabilty to Alaska through her family. Her father lives there and is offering a temporary place to stay as well as a side gig helping him with his guide service (fishing). We've been in the corporate world in smoggy Dallas TX for ~ 5 years and we need to get away from it and reconnect with not only ourselves but also with the other offerings of the world (non business offerings). Work in high rise dowtown for 5 years and it just wears on ya. Constant cars and buildings and noise and pollution. We are also both in our late twenties so if were ever going to make a big move we think now is the time.

We have looked at Portland, Seattle and San Diego as well and while those are all nice places, we keep going back to Alaska. For us it is kind of "seize the oppurtunity" type thing. I have lived all over the lower 48 and have confidence that I could pick up an move at any time and find a comfortable living in any major city, however wtih Ak. it's feels like if we don't go now we may never have the oppurtunity to experience such a unique place again in our lifetime.

Rich

Yes you should experience it. I was born and raised in Alaska and hate to brag, but it is beautiful. Lower 48 has beautiful places too, but Alaska is somewhat unique. Good luck. Yes seize the opportunity while you can.

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by JustT&Me

Great question (esp. for those who would enjoy answering it)! What is there not to love about AK? Yes - it's far from family and in some places fairly expensive to live, but if you enjoy the outdoors and the combination of the mountains and water; the freedom of nature and wildlife all around you; incredible historical stories and figures right before your eyes; independent thinking and independent thinkers; a more laid-back lifestyle; an appreciation for the things that really matter in life as compared to the materialistic pursuit found in many other places; if you are awe-inspired watching whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures live, eat, & play; if you can sit and watch eagles for hours on end and not grow tired of it; if you enjoy fishing - or at least watching others do it (!) and if you love eating the fish they catch (!!); if you don't mind living second-hand when you actually need something that you can't piece together from what you already own; if you love long nights of light and winter days of rain; ... if you like pina coladas and getting caught in that rain... ... if you can't imagine anyplace more beautiful even having traveled so many places already; if your heart just won't let you leave regardless of how long you've been gone or how long you were ever there in the first place, and even for those who've never been... then... maybe one or more of those reasons might just be why... you'd travel from wherever you are, across the country, leaving friends and family behind, at great expense, ... to find out if any or all of those things might just not be found... in the incredible state of Alaska...

Does that suffice? (OR are you still curious?)

Alaska is all that and then some. I know, was born and raised here.

[haleyd8503]

As for me, it started out as just a trip for vacation..but now its turned into me planning to stay all summer. I just need a change of scenery. Plus, its an opportunity I may never have again... Why not Alaska?

[Barkingowl]

You couldn't ask for more beautiful scenery.

[nitesun]

Always wanted to live in Alaska. Why wouldn't you want to live there is a better question...Way less people. I like my space...