Excited Future Alaskans-Thanks Everyone (Anchorage, Fairbanks: environment, income, jobs)

[SandM]

I don't really have a question really...just a comment. My fiancee' and I are planning on moving to Homer in April and have been reading this forum for awhile now and just recently became a member. I just wanted to thank all you for all the subjects y'all have gone over because it's so informative about issues that aren't always on other websites and let's me know about other interesting cities I don't plan on living in but definitely want to visit now. I believe we're down to 272 days until our move and I get more excited every day.

[lookinnorthwest]

Well SandM I am heading up July 13 to see how much things have changed since I visited 6 years ago....

But when I get back I'm doing a garage sale on my lawn, packing up then heading northwest from Marquette, MI. August 25 at the latest...

I am going crazy waiting to fly out. I have been applying like crazy for jobs in the Anchorage area and am planning to move regardless.

I am thinking I would like to start out either on the Kenai or near Wasilla. It is all up in the air for now..

See you in April though...

[Barkingowl]

Norwest have you seen how much the airlines are charging for checked bags these days?

[lookinnorthwest]

Thanks to 10 year old frequent flyer miles, I pay $ 10 to go & come back.....

[SandM]

Good thing you saved up those frequent flyer miles...One of the reasons we decided not to leave until April is so we have plenty of savings in case anything goes wrong which something always does so it's better to be prepared. We are pretty adamant about Homer...we feel like why move to Anchorage if you are moving to Alaska for the wilderness? Do you think it's kind of risky moving in the middle of July or do you have prospects for a permanent job? That's our biggest fear is the jobs although I am currently a waitress so I don't think I will have a problem and my fiancee' doesn't care if he has to work in a seafood processing plant if that's what it takes to get started. It shouldn't be as big of a change for you though growing up in the UP so you definitely have that going for you weather-wise. I grew up in Houston so Homer is better for me than Fairbanks...don't think I'm ready for -50.

[elgusano]

It's expensive to live here. Especially if you want what you are used to in Houston. (I don't know about Detroit to compare.) But, there are obviously plenty of us who think it's worth it. I know that I could make more money and have more stuff elsewhere, but there is not a more beautiful place on the face of the planet.

As a waitress, you can make a ton of money in the short tourist season, but the rest of the year is iffy. But, there is a lot of competition for those jobs.

What job skills does your fiancee' have? How old are you? What are you looking for?

[Nephler]

Man, it sure seems like a lot of us Michiganians are heading to AK. We're leaving Sept. 1st, or there about, and arriving Sept. 18th.

[elgusano]

We only ask that you leave Michigan behind.

[Nephler]

That's why we're leaving....to leave Michigan behind. Well, I'll still have to root for the Red Wings and Tigers.

[SandM]

That's our intent too is to leave Michigan behind. I like a more laid back place with laid back people. I am 25 and my fiancee' is 24. I have office skills too besides waitressing it's just that serving is the best paying job I have found here. Marcus is a jack of all trades in a sense but environmental cleanup is the one he's done the longest and as a supervisor. He's experienced as a general contractor too. We realize that money will be tight through the winter which is why we want so much in our savings before we leave and we paid off most of our bills when we got this year's income tax return so that has helped a lot. I'd rather live in a beautiful place with great people and lot's of outdoor stuff to do where I can relax than stay in a place where how much money you make is the most important thing.