Give me your worst. (Anchorage, Wasilla: hotels, camping, wages)

[SaucySophia]

Hey all,

So, I've been telling people about our plans to move and you would not believe the number of people who get down right nasty about it. I've been told that I'm stupid for wanting to live in Alaska. I've actually had someone try to tell me that it's the most socialist gov't due to the PDF. Mind you, she's never been to Alaska but she has enjoyed telling me all about what she's heard from others who have been there. I've already learned that you can not argue with these people or explain the cold and dark and how it's not what they think. Despite the fact that I've done quite a bit of research I'd like to make sure I'm not wearing rose colored glasses and expecting "perfection". So, I need to know the worst absolute worst things about Alaska. Please tell me what you hate, detest, dislike, abhor about Alaska. I can take it. Honesty please.

Saucy

P.S. I already know about the mosquitoes, cold, dark and snow.

[mal_flisk]

My biggest problems are 2-fold. Late winter, March time frame, I am overly impatient for spring and summer and it makes me irritable.

Distance from the rest of the family in Chicago. Even though I like the distance most days, there are things that I miss. Sunday mornings talking to my sister and nieces in her kitchen. A hundred cousins, all with their relationship problems with each other. The variety that comes with a major metropolis like Chicago.

[Crossfire600]

Obviously we just arrived here but I can tell you this. We had people look at us like we had a third eye in the middle of our forehead. Your moving WHERE! was the common statement.

Now, unless you live here. Unless you can see the beauty of this place with your own eyes you will NEVER be able to appreciate what this state has to offer!

If you like the outdoors regardless of the weather. If you like to fish or want to learn. If you like hiking, snow shoeing, site seeing, camping and all that jazz then there is no better place to be..

[Grannysroost]

I agree with Mal on the family part. I miss my kids and grandkids, but when I think about going to visit them, I shudder, still not ready after over a year to do that...I just had a granddaughter up here for the summer and her mom come to get her, was a nice time. My man-guys kids brought her up with them in June, so we had a nice "too fast" week with them...I am at the point that rather than me going, would like to get them here one at a time for some quality time, rather than trying to see everyone at once on a quick visit. The phone and computer help immensely, I talk with the kids somehow usually on a daily basis.

The other thing that I don't like is the cost of the groceries compared to -48, but you make adjustments and is fine. When we started visiting here from MN and fishing, and taking the fish back, our diets started to change to add more fish, so that was easy once this summer came and could put fish in the freezer. Also the other seafood up here is phenomenal compared to what is available in the -48..

[aurorawatcher]

Don't worry about what other people say or think. They aren't the ones moving you are. Wait till you get there and give it time to come to your own conclusion about Alaska.

[warptman]

The worst? Tourists! And the prices of hotels when they're around. Hotels seem to forget that there are Alaskans amongst the tourons and charge people no matter where they're from a high price. Oh, and RV's from the states that plug up the highways going 25mph in a 65 taking up a lane and a half.

[starlite9]

Originally Posted by SaucySophia

Hey all,

So, I've been telling people about our plans to move and you would not believe the number of people who get down right nasty about it. I've been told that I'm stupid for wanting to live in Alaska. I've actually had someone try to tell me that it's the most socialist gov't due to the PDF. Mind you, she's never been to Alaska but she has enjoyed telling me all about what she's heard from others who have been there. I've already learned that you can not argue with these people or explain the cold and dark and how it's not what they think. Despite the fact that I've done quite a bit of research I'd like to make sure I'm not wearing rose colored glasses and expecting "perfection". So, I need to know the worst absolute worst things about Alaska. Please tell me what you hate, detest, dislike, abhor about Alaska. I can take it. Honesty please.

Saucy

P.S. I already know about the mosquitoes, cold, dark and snow.

\

It sounds like they are really jealous of you having a shot at an adventure. Wouldn't lose too much sleep over it.

Yeah, there will be some downsides, but those are different for everyone, the fact that you are looking forward to the trip makes you a foot up on most.

Your attitude is going to be what makes your trip and stay a good one or bad one. Even on this forum, there is some that are sour on anyone moving to Alaska for the reasons that they aren't here, use to be here, are here and the list goes on.

It is your dream, let them be sour on their own life's travels, or lack there of, enjoy yours.

[icarian]

Originally Posted by SaucySophia

P.S. I already know about the mosquitoes, cold, dark and snow.

Hmmm, I was going to say two of those??? The cold and the dark. If you are living south of the Alaska Range, the cold isn't that bad (yeah, I admit that I'm jealous--sue me ) and the darkness is touch and go.

Otherwise, the prices ARE up there compared to most things. I know it is bad when I recently went through SEATAC airport and during my layover had dinner...and thought the airport prices were reasonable.

Outside of the above, Alaska is a beautiful place (the wild part). I am SO going to miss the outdoors up here when Uncle Sam makes me move on.

[Crossfire600]

Granny made me think of the price of sliced ham.. back in Pa around $5.00 a pound. Here in Alaska $12.00 a pound. Now, a lot of the items I thought would be more expensive are not and those that I thought would not be to much more are. All in all the wages even things out.

[Nephler]

Traffic! For me that's the worst part around Wasilla and Anchorage. We knew that we would probably move again after being here for a bit and already the traffic in Wasilla just plan sucks.