Anyone familiar with living in Tok? (Fairbanks, Palmer: estate, home, motel)

[Delaneyland]

Howdy all....I'm fed up with liberals and am considering a move to AK or MT, my wifey lived in Palmer for a long time but that is a little too close to the city for my liking. I've looked at Tok, seems awful cold there but I figure as long as I can get fuel oil, I don't really care. I'm a little more concerned about the folks there, if they are "clanny" or if they readily accept newcomers. I've looked at Willow and Big Lake, but guess I'd rather be a little farther out. Any suggestions??

[mal_flisk]

Tok is a little far out for me, but it is located on the only highway into the main portion of the state. It is about 3-1/2 to 6 hours from Fairbanks, depending on season and road conditions.

Aside from native villages in the bush, most of the places I've been are usually welcoming to most newcomers. I have seen some exceptions. Tok is exposed to tourists and tourism every year, and may have changed its collective mind concerning outsiders.

Only way of knowing is to take a trip up there and find out, I guess.

[Delaneyland]

Thanks Mal, I've been through it a dozen times but have never stopped to look.

[mal_flisk]

No problem, most of the folks asking for info on Interior towns and villages haven't even seen them. Movies like "Insomnia" and TV shows like "Men in Trees" give a portrayal that has nothing to do with reality, and I usually have to burst someone's bubble. I love the state and have to laugh at some of the media's portrayal of life up here. It's a better life in many ways than what they show, because people ARE friendlier than they portray, but harder than they show as winter can be impossible to really show. My first trip to the interior was to Coldfoot. 30 below is hard on a lot of things. I had a plastic case of nuts and bolts in various bins. I dropped it about a foot, and the darn thing shattered like glass. There's a film of students tossing a hot cup of coffee into the air at UA Fairbanks, and the coffee comes down as ice.

But I wouldn't give it up for anything.

[RAMFEB31]

Mal is right. I've passed thru there several times and, guess what? AS A TOURIST! Though it may not be true, my impression is the town is built relying on the tourist trade. Look at the some service industry there. There are a number of RV parks and a good many gas stations. It does look like a small town atmosphere though so if you like small unassuming town, this may be the place. But, then, so is the little town of Chicken.

[Delaneyland]

Is exactly what my wife and I want. We just want to hunt, fish, and trap (oh yeah, and be left alone!) If my memory is correct, Tok sprung up with the building of the Alaska Highway, it does seem to be a tourist stop now, but we're not very concerned about that. Thankfully, I was (forced) to retirement at a young age and don't need to worry about finding work so that isn't a concern. I guess I was just a little curious if anyone out there had lived there and could give me an idea of the dynamics of the town. I guess I need to pack and head there for a couple weeks to see for myself!

[Placidstorm]

Delaneyland ,
Tok " The coldest inhabited community in north america " according the chamber of comerce http://www.tokalaskainfo.com/ . And yes Tok was built before the tourist had their randal/Mcnally out lookin for somewhere to go. I'm sure Tok has it's attractions but i would say(in my opinion) it's more of a tourist stop .ie Gas up , Grub up , and head for alaska . Most people are looking for the Alaska they see in the pamplets , on T.V. or on the web. Thank God Tok is abit lacking in these area's . And don't get me wrong , I love people who come , throw money , and LEAVE .
My wife and i moved to Alaska in dec. of 99 and Tok was the place with the gas station and motel we had to go though to get there . <LOL @ self . We moved to Fort Yukon , 8 miles north of the artic circle , and 30 below when we stepped off the plane ( it didn't warm up to 30 below again till sometime in late feb. if i remember correctly) . Everyone said we were crazy. I would say " and whats your point?" after fort yukon it was Mcgrath , from there Angoon then Craig . I have visited with the intent on looking to settle , Nome , Shishmaref , Gambell ,Savoonga , Homer ,Soldatna and talkeetna . Next stop, Tok .... and the reasons they are many . So to get started .
Local wild life ie.food- (yes they have a few bars but thats not what i'm talking about ) Moose , Caribo , Rabbit , Spruce hens , Black bear
Fish- White fish , Burbot , Trout , Grayling
nature grown- Rasberrys , Blueberrys , Cranberries , Morels
Local access - your on the road , you can go anywhere and cheap too.
Stuff grows good - Ya gota build the soil but people there rave about their
gardens
Land opt's- Lots of land in and around Tok to pick from.
But my personal favorite - TOK IS NOT A TOWN and from what the locals say NEVER WILL BE .

http://www.wunderground.com/US/AK/Tok.html
good for weather and pic's

http://www.ruralalaskarealestate.com/
local realtor

http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/landsale/otc/index.cfm
for state land

I have met many people from there and have a few freinds from there and they all luv it . They don't even lie about the grumps they do have .
Sorry but i am typed out .

[becky2836]

I personally adore Tok. The people are wonderful. I love the log cabins, the awesome weather in the summer, the delicious water, and the beautiful landscape. They don't get much snow in the winter, as it is mostly below zero ann very dry. That makes for some of the most beautiful northern lights you'll ever see.
Tok reminded me of what it must have been like pioneering 100 years ago...with a little more modern convenience. They have cell phone coverage, internet providers, and an excellent restaurant. I stayed there for a few days with a dear friend. I want to live there someday myself...Lord willing. Such GREAT people!!!!

[Miraaa]

Hi everybody
I will keep it short and simple and hope someone will soon post an answer

This summer I am coming to Tok to work - part of my Work and Travel program.
Well i am 20 years old and normally i want to go out,have fun and party. somewhere i've read the average age of Tok's sitizens is 35 so my question is what is the possibility of finding young people at my age to hang around? i know i will come to work there but after all i need to find friends there

[User 2]

I wonder if the wingnut who wanted to escape from all the 'liberals' moved to Tok?

I don't live in Tok, but I know a bunch of hippies that moved there some time ago. Maybe they 'welcomed' Delaneyland to town.......

As far as what the younger folks do there, every time I've been through, it looks like any other isolated highway town with not much to do,

....video stores and a diner or two, a burger joint, a very few cars trying to 'cruise' around.

I've been there for a few short stays, and Tok looks very limited as far as what there is to do,

....but I guess it depends on what you mean by 'hang around, go out, have fun, and party'.

I'd think if that's all you're striving for, party on.......

(watch out for retired wingers though, they don't cater to no loose liberals)
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