Moving to Alaska? (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Barrow: home, find a job, college)

[flyingwriter]

Hi! I have some questions about possibly relocationg to the great state of Alaska. I'm currently a college senior, majoring in aviation. I graduate in April. While my first choice is to find a job in my home state of Michigan, I've also heard that there were many aviation jobs in Alaska, which might work for me. Since I was a kid I've had this strange desire to live way up north, and I'm from Michigan, so I'm used to the cold. I'm specifically interested in northern Alaska: Barrow, Wainwright, Kotzebue, Coldfoot, Nome, or some smaller villages around those areas. I hate big cities, so I want to stay away from Fairbanks and Anchorage. Anyone from those areas that can give me some info from a local's perspective?

[Erma]

I believe you'll enjoy Alaska far more than staying in Michigan, but I'll leave the particulars to the fine folks of Alaska.

[skipontherim]

We have been doing the travel nursing gig for about 3 years and can't wait to return to Alaska, We have lived in the Bush and in Anchorage, the bush is the only way to go. Sign up with the Alaska Job Center online it can help you search employment options in all the bush villages etc. Good Luck, and happy exploring in the last frontier.

[blondnursey]

i too am a travel nurse. i just got back from hawaii ( i live in ohio) and my agency is trying hard to get me to go to anchorage. im worried about the cost of food & i drive a dodge stratus, not exactly a 4 wheel drive! any tips you could give me would be great.

[stiffnecked]

Anchorage is a 1st class city full of modern amenities and reasonable food prices. As long as you have good winter tires a front wheel drive car will get around fine.

[akck]

Originally Posted by blondnursey

i too am a travel nurse. i just got back from hawaii ( i live in ohio) and my agency is trying hard to get me to go to anchorage. im worried about the cost of food & i drive a dodge stratus, not exactly a 4 wheel drive! any tips you could give me would be great.

Costs shouldn't be too different from Hawaii, maybe even a little cheaper, except for gas (go figure).

[coldswan]

Originally Posted by blondnursey

i too am a travel nurse. i just got back from hawaii ( i live in ohio) and my agency is trying hard to get me to go to anchorage. im worried about the cost of food & i drive a dodge stratus, not exactly a 4 wheel drive! any tips you could give me would be great.

If you liked Hawaii you won't like Anchorage. It snows here until May and it is cold too!Brrrr
The pay may be good but nothing is worth the misery of dark days and snow six months of the year. Just my opinion. Some people love it. Go figure!

[kittymama]

My guess is that Kazoo is one of those people who will move to Alaska and love it. I know people like that - who love the north, the winter, making a life out of their own two hands. I'm guessing that blondnursery probably not so much. I didn't really research Alaska that much. I think that unless you love winter, it will really get to you.

[warptman]

lol, Kitty, I think everyone gets it...you hate Alaska. There are many flights that leave on a daily basis. Why are you still here?

[Metlakatla]

Warpt, it's not that easy to move; though I'm sure she is planning on it. And her post wasn't hateful in the least. She's right; you do have to love winter.

At least when she talks about wanting to leave; she's being honest. Alaska isn't for everyone.