Bethel---Here I come (I think!) (Craig: rent, how much, house)

[AgeOfEgos]

Well, I'm one signature away from making the big move. I've searched/researched all I can on Bethel and I'm close to making the big move. The only thing I've really lacked in a search is the social life! I'm a 31 year old single male, athletic (play basketball which I understand is popular in Bethel) and am a bit concerned about making friends. I'm not overly concerned with female friends mind you...but quite simply peers. What's Bethel like in this regard? What do 30 year olds do for fun? Gather at a house for a few drinks/cards...or?

Greetings to everyone on the forum, I appreciate any information and sorry if I missed a similar subject in a previous thread.

[warptman]

Originally Posted by AgeOfEgos

Well, I'm one signature away from making the big move. I've searched/researched all I can on Bethel and I'm close to making the big move. The only thing I've really lacked in a search is the social life! I'm a 31 year old single male, athletic (play basketball which I understand is popular in Bethel) and am a bit concerned about making friends. I'm not overly concerned with female friends mind you...but quite simply peers. What's Bethel like in this regard? What do 30 year olds do for fun? Gather at a house for a few drinks/cards...or?

Greetings to everyone on the forum, I appreciate any information and sorry if I missed a similar subject in a previous thread.

What will you be doing here for work? There is the city league basketball, many teams to choose from. Shouldn't be a problem making friends. There are no bars here. Don't do much social things often myself. Just keep an open mind when you move here. Don't let the cold bother you, plenty of skiing, biking, and so on. Can't think of anything else. Highschool ball is going to start soon, there is socializing there with most of the town going to the games. Dog mushing is big here, too.

[AgeOfEgos]

Originally Posted by warptman

What will you be doing here for work? There is the city league basketball, many teams to choose from. Shouldn't be a problem making friends. There are no bars here. Don't do much social things often myself. Just keep an open mind when you move here. Don't let the cold bother you, plenty of skiing, biking, and so on. Can't think of anything else. Highschool ball is going to start soon, there is socializing there with most of the town going to the games. Dog mushing is big here, too.

I'll be a nurse there. I'm not afraid of the cold/desolation so much, as long as I have net (which I understand Cable is available) and something athletic available. I understand Bethel is a 'damp' town, which means if I bring a bottle of Scotch for cold nights I should be ok! (Right?). I'm quite open to the culture shock of it...as long as there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I was simply worried about the demographics and finding peers (eventually). Thoughts?

[warptman]

Well, in order to bring your scotch or any other alcohol here, it must be labeled "alcoholic beverage" on the outside. If you do check it, they will most likely take it from you. I'm sure you will fit right in with everyone and should be no problem finding peers of any age. Just ask your coworkers and I'm sure they'll help you out. It's rather cold right now.

Bethel, Alaska (Airport)
Updated: 53 min 9 sec ago
Clear
-19 °F / -28 °C
Clear
Windchill: -39 °F / -39 °C
Humidity: 78%
Dew Point: -24 °F / -31 °C
Wind: 9 mph / 15 km/h / 4.1 m/s from the North
Pressure: 29.37 in / 994 hPa (Falling)
Visibility: 10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers
UV: 0 out of 16
Clouds:
Clear -
(Above Ground Level)

[AgeOfEgos]

Yeah, I'm somewhat used to cold temperatures...although cold takes an entirely new meaning when looking at Alaskan weather! I appreciate the info.

[Barkingowl]

I'm sure you could probably buy enough parts to make a still.

[warptman]

Bethel, Alaska (Airport)
Updated: 6:53 AM AKST on November 22, 2008
Scattered Clouds
-20 °F / -29 °C
Scattered Clouds
Windchill: -37 °F / -38 °C
Humidity: 78%
Dew Point: -25 °F / -32 °C
Wind: 7 mph / 11 km/h / 3.1 m/s from the North
Pressure: 29.39 in / 995 hPa (Rising)
Visibility: 10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers
UV: 0 out of 16
Clouds:
Scattered Clouds 17000 ft / 5181 m
(Above Ground Level)

[AgeOfEgos]

Originally Posted by Barkingowl

I'm sure you could probably buy enough parts to make a still.

Heh, well I don't want to visit the local government facilities shortly after arriving . I'm not sure I understand, so to clarify;

I can bring a few bottles of Scotch provided that I mark it 'Alcohol'. If I do not mark it as such, they will confiscate it after checking luggage. Right?

I plan on flying/shipping essentials via USPS or UPS. I need to inquire about temporary housing as well, as I would rather not rent any duplex/housing unit before setting eyes on it. I'm assuming finding adequate housing is a rather quick affair?

Some other questions I didn't find answers to if you guys don't mind;

How much do snowmobiles go for there? I attempted to Google this but fell short.

How is the internet coverage today? I found a few posts relating to a year or so ago, just wondering if anything has changed. (Speed/cost/reliability)

Does the local teen center double as the local gym/community center?


Thanks again!

[Barkingowl]

So what fun things are you up to today warpt?

[Barkingowl]

Originally Posted by AgeOfEgos

Heh, well I don't want to visit the local government facilities shortly after arriving . I'm not sure I understand, so to clarify;

I can bring a few bottles of Scotch provided that I mark it 'Alcohol'. If I do not mark it as such, they will confiscate it after checking luggage. Right?

I think warpt is saying that you have a 50/50 chance of getting alcohol to make the flight with you without getting confiscated. Although you could always post in the gift exchange thread that you need some for purely medicinal purposes.

Originally Posted by AgeOfEgos

Some other questions I didn't find answers to if you guys don't mind;

How much do snowmobiles go for there? I attempted to Google this but fell short.

Up in Alaska they're called snowmachines. I'd take a look at Craig's list.

Let me take a look & see if I can find some resources for you on this question.