Moving to Alaska some questions (Anchorage, Kodiak: 2009, to rent, credit)

[Irishguy21]

Hi I currently live in Rhode Island. I am planning/hoping on moving up to Alaska in the summer of 09. I am sick of all the traffic lights ,the people, how crowded it is, and there is nothing to do here in Rhode Island. I love the outdoors camping,hiking,kayaking, fishing, and hunting. I was wondering what you Alaskans think is the best place to live in Alaska? I am thinking about Anchorage, but I hear Jeanu and Seward are realy nice also. I am also looking for a town with a college some what close by. I would like to find a place where I can meet people to do things with and be able to meet girls but I would like that small town feel as well. I am bringing my dog with me but I can only talk to him so much lol. I know Im asking for alot but I'd like to hear what you guys think.

[Arcticthaw]

Well start here for university towns. University of Alaska
Your tired of traffic lights, but wish to move the Alaska's largest city with the most traffic lights? Might want to rethink that.
The outdoors stuff is most anywhere here. What kind of weather do you like? We have most at least part of the year.
Pick a location on the road system for starters, that way you can see most of the state as cheap as possible.
Finding a place to rent that caters to dogs is usually hard so be prepared.
Good luck.

[warptman]

Every city in Alaska is overcrowded and lots of traffic. You aren't leaving that problem behind, unless you move to Rural Alaska and off the Road System, no problems there.

[Metlakatla]

Every city in Alaska is overcrowded and lots of traffic. You aren't leaving that problem behind, unless you move to Rural Alaska and off the Road System, no problems there.

He could do that, but he wants to meet girls, so he's probably going to have to be in a more populated area.

You could go get a job in Denali Park next summer, lots of nice young people and outdoor stuff to do.

[Arcticthaw]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

He could do that, but he wants to meet girls, so he's probably going to have to be in a more populated area.

You could go get a job in Denali Park next summer, lots of nice young people and outdoor stuff to do.

Now that is a great idea, I was there this fall and for someone in their 20s would be lots of fun, just start there early in the season and like hair.

[Moose Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Irishguy21

I was wondering what you Alaskans think is the best place to live in Alaska? I am thinking about Anchorage, but I hear Jeanu and Seward are realy nice also. I am also looking for a town with a college some what close by. I would like to find a place where I can meet people to do things with and be able to meet girls but I would like that small town feel as well.

If you are moving up from an urban/metropolitan area from the -48, you will likely find Anchorage to be a small town, but still with enough city like qualities to keep you interested. To many long time Alaskans however, Anchorage is a big city to be avoided in favor of the remote bush areas, but if you were to try and live there coming from a big city you may well go stir crazy. Best to visit a few times to get a feel for the area.

As for "outdoors camping,hiking,kayaking, fishing, and hunting", just about anywhere in the state has easy access to many or all of those (Anchorage included), so you can pick based upon your other requirements.

[Metlakatla]

Yes, one of my favorite things about living in the area was all the young people who would come up to work at various jobs; they came from all over the world, and were adventurous types to begin with.

[karibear]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

Yes, one of my favorite things about living in the area was all the young people who would come up to work at various jobs; they came from all over the world, and were adventurous types to begin with.

Used to be the same in Kodiak, kids coming from all over the world and working in canneries to buy plane tickets to somewhere else. They'd mostly camp out in the summer, so there wasn't much in the way of housing costs, just food. There was a rather loose group of world trotters, and whenever one went through town, they'd share info about each other - 'So-and-so had a layover in Marrakesh and decided to stay for awhilie, So-and-so went to Tibet for the summer, So-and-so is in Australia.' The one I knew best had spent the previous winter learning to throw pottery at the U in Berkley, she just walked in the door and started doing whatever everyone else was doing. Since she was doing it to learn and not for credit, she just avoided the smaller classes and tests, and no one official ever knew she was there.

[starlite9]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

He could do that, but he wants to meet girls, so he's probably going to have to be in a more populated area.

You could go get a job in Denali Park next summer, lots of nice young people and outdoor stuff to do.

Denali Park is a great place to meet others college aged kids, they have a lot of them that come to Alaska from all over to work the summer months and seem to have a blast!

Good luck

[Umass223]

Hey guys,

I am thinking of moving to Alaska soon in late August 2009.I might get a place around the Anchorage area. I have only been there once, so I have a couple questions.... How are you the school systems there? Do you think moving to Anchorage is the best move to make?

thanks.