The Pros of Living in Alaska (Anchorage, Fairbanks: housing, condo, lease)

[mal_flisk]

On the average, no Alaskans don't dislike newcomers. About 20% of the population has come from somewhere else in recent years. The main mistake some newcomers make is to immediately note what they perceive as "Alaska's problems", and make uninformed suggestions as to their idea as to a solution. Or worse, complain and just tell people how it's done in a real place (New York or California, say).

This doesn't apply to all, or even most newcomers. But enough fall into the category, that people might take a wait and see attitude.
Alaska (and Alaskans) have gotten along quite well without a lot of static from newcomers who should have stayed home. As a relative newcomer myself, with only five or six years here, I make it a point to find out why things are done. I read the papers (not necessarily correct). I question real "sourdoughs", lifelong Alaskans, and get their opinions (usually better than the papers). I throw out preconceptions. I tell my outsider friends to leave their assumptions at the airport with their lighters.

With a little patience, you too can be mistaken for a "real" Alaskan. I've noticed that people really want to do things their own way without interence and comments from the peanut gallery.

You are entitled to your opinions, and the political spectrum runs from rabid Libertarians to ardent green, from right wing hard liners to near socialist liberals. All of these are acceptable to Alaskans. Obsession is common up here. As broad as that spectrum may be, folks are careful to NOT step on the beliefs of their neighbors. (He believes the earth is flat, but he's a great neighbor, and a pretty good fishing buddy, and besides, he has a boat and a pair of snow machines, etc)

You just learn to get along.

[Fitzyuk]

Hi all,

I visited Alaska about 13 years ago with an adventure training team (Raleigh International) and have considered moving out to AK. What's the job situation like over there? And how easy is it for an "outsider" to get in?

Cheers all,

James Fitz

[Rance]

Start here: http://www.jobs.state.ak.us/

Coming onto spring/summer. Things are gonna start happening.

[Fitzyuk]

Many thanks for that, have had a good look through and there seem to be quite a lot of jobs I can do over there. What would the next step be as I'm not a US citizen? I presume I would need to write to the US embassy in London to find out if I am eligable to work in the US?

Cheers,

James Fitz

[AKMammabear]

You find an employer that is willing to sponsor you, get a good immigration attorney and go from there.

[Rainy]

There's a lot of foreign people who work seasonally here.

[Fitzyuk]

Thanks, I'll get applying and researching. I'm looking for the long-haul rather than just seasonal.. 1 reason is I'm fed up of the UK only having 2 seasons... Mainly cold and wet or warm and wet...

[DannyL]

For me, the pro's of living here is that life is a lot simpler. Sure, things can be a bit "spendy", but with the lack of places to blow your money on "junk", you end up the same or with more in your pocket in the long run. And with much better "stuff" to start with.

[AKMammabear]

Originally Posted by DannyL

...And with much better "stuff" to start with.

And a lot better memories!

[heatherlynnhiggins]

If I take a job in Anchorage making $60,000 a year, is that "good"? I don't really know how to put my thought into words..sorry. I am single, no children, and 24 years old. I have never owned a home. Can a person live well off of $60,000? I am afraid of getting into Anchorage and realizing I can not afford bread. I was born and raised in Alaska, but I moved in 1997. I remember moving to the lower-48 thinking how inexpensive everything was and it dawns on me I will have the opposite thought when I return. Thanks!