Moving to Alaska, which region? (Anchorage, Fairbanks: transplants, rent, houses)

[Ninjamastr1217]

An Indiana born guy who loves Alaska from all the research hes done and plans to move there, the only thing is i dont know WHERE in Alaska. I would love the Interior just for the sheer amount of wilderness and animals but idk how ill handle the cold, Kenai Peninsula seems good so far but it seems that the only places that arent cities are National and State parks, and while there nothing wrong it just feel like going to a zoo to see an animal, its controlled. Maybe Kodiak Island but ive noticed that there arent too many houses in Kodiak so im not sure. SE panhandle seems good too but ive seen a lot of people say panhandlers arent "True Alaskans." Matsu Vally doent seem bad but ive heard theres a lot of crime, so im not sure. In short im just wondering what each region has to offer and what could be the best? I love nature and Wilderness (particularly forests) but enjoy the amenities that cities offer, so maybe someplace in between? Thank you for the help in advance.

[Haolejohn]

What kind of job are you looking for?

[Haolejohn]

I have a little more time now, before you think about what region, you need to ask yourself what job? Our state is in a major budget crisis right now. We might be one of the few states that are seeing an increase in unemployment.

Each region has its pros and its cons. Housing will be tight everywhere you go. Job market will be best in the valley or Anchorage. Possibly Fairbanks. Before you fall in love with a region, you may want to make sure that you can survive there.

[Ninjamastr1217]

Im interested in becoming an ALaska Wildlife trooper, if not then a LIne Repairman.

[riceme]

Originally Posted by Ninjamastr1217

Im interested in becoming an ALaska Wildlife trooper, if not then a LIne Repairman.

Those professions are quite... diverse. What kind of experience do you have experience in those fields?

[Ninjamastr1217]

Once i graduate, im doing an apprenticehip to become a Line Repairman, but im interested in becoming a WIldlife trooper, so im gonna rent an appartment in Anchorage and apply for the Academy.

[stiffnecked]

Originally Posted by Ninjamastr1217

Im interested in becoming an ALaska Wildlife trooper, if not then a LIne Repairman.

Don't wanna burst your bubble but they don't hire Alaska Wildlife Troopers. They hire Alaska State Troopers. Upon completion of the Trooper Academy then they make assignments based on a number of factors. So you may be a regular Trooper or a Wildlife Trooper. The department decides who goes where and what they do.

[Ninjamastr1217]

Originally Posted by stiffnecked

Don't wanna burst your bubble but they don't hire Alaska Wildlife Troopers. They hire Alaska State Troopers. Upon completion of the Trooper Academy then they make assignments based on a number of factors. So you may be a regular Trooper or a Wildlife Trooper. The department decides who goes where and what they do.

From what i read on the site, you can be a Wildlife trooper after you complete one year on being a regular State Trooper

[Haolejohn]

Originally Posted by Ninjamastr1217

From what i read on the site, you can be a Wildlife trooper after you complete one year on being a regular State Trooper

Have you researched how hard it is to become a trooper?
I have a friend that has been on the waiting list for 5 years. Marine combat vetern, pilot, LEO background, yet he is still waiting to go to the academy.

[Metlakatla]

Wherever you can get a job. The budget's busted, and there won't be many openings for halibut cops.

Those living on the panhandle are indeed "true Alaskans." The only people who even talk about "true Alaskans" are fairly recent transplants or those whose Alaska residency is all they've got to feel good about themselves.

Sounds like you'd fit right in in the Valley.