Free Land in Anderson, Alaska (mortgage, jobs, housing)

[mal_flisk]

That's pretty much the whole point about living in someplace like Anderson. Yes, it's the interior of Alaska... the coldest place in Alaska, so to speak. It's small. There are no stop lights, no stores, not even a gas station. It's also at the foot of the tallest mountain in North America. It's got the Northern Lights on a lot of nights in winter. It's nature at its finest. Most of these drawbacks have been presented.

But the advantages are enticing even for a city guy like me. For somebody else, it is paradise.

[pathensley]

akvolffemt, if you get a chance, would you give us an update on the turnout? - I got an application expressed out on Friday so it'll be there at the PO later today, but I'm sure there are already more than 26 lucky folks in line already (doors open in about an hr), & hundreds of other folks like me who mailed in applications (I figured a 1/1000 shot was worth $20). At least this got me moving on planning a cold-climate residence. BTW, any idea what the permafrost level is there, or how much folks are having to spend to dig wells & put in septic? Glad to have your insight! Take care.

[Karen Southwood]

Well folks, many people thought this was going to be some fantastic thing for Anderson, maybe not. I have lived in Anderson going on 42 years, my whole life, my family has been here 47 years. I have been involved in the public meetings regarding this land since the beginning. There were specific rules to be followed to get this land, one of them was if you get out of the line, you lose your spot. So a few of us stopped up there last night, cause we heard that people were not standing in line, instead standing around a campfire, so we jumped up to the front of the line and were immediatly confronted by several people. They asked my husband "what are you doing" he said "i'm getting in line" they said "that is my spot" he said "you get out of line you lose your spot", and a huge arguement ensued. We left, we were trying to make a point. Then I got a call from the State Troopers, they were concerned that we were going to cause a problem...The City Council did not have anyone there to enforce the rules that we all agreed to. It's a joke. So never fear forum, only two locals got land, one of them has been here many years, another has been here a month or so. I have much more to say, but no space left here. More later.

[Rance]

It just dawned on me...if the land is free...why the 500 dollar deposit? Does that get returned once you strike a deal? Hmmm...

*up-date: Looking at the Anderson Government Office website...it clearly states it is a 500 dollar refundable deposit...

[Karen Southwood]

RAMFEB31: Smart comments! I live in Anderson, there are NO jobs locally, there are seasonal jobs (3mos/year) in Denali Park, 50 miles away. Gas station 11 miles away you pay 3.00 gallon. No grocery store, it's 86 miles away. Not everyone can adjust to this lifestyle. It was 25 degrees below zero this morning (not a wind chill). It was 60 below for several days this winter. The road to Fairbanks is at best very icy in the winter. Think about it first, many people have left here because they cant take it. Oh BTW we only get three hours of daylight during the shortest days of the year....

[Rance]

Karen if the place is so bad...why are you still there? Some people might like that way of living. You obviously can take it...and I'm sure there are others that can. Perhaps not all the residents are real keen on giving away the local land, or getting an influx of newcomers?

[Karen Southwood]

Rance, I didn't say it was bad! I live here because I love it just the way it is! I am just saying that it is not for everyone, people should know what it's like here. A few newcomers are okay, but it would have been okay with me if they let the locals have the first pick. (our old city lots are only a 1/4 acre, the new ones are and 1.3)

Folks down south may not know what they are getting into, interior Alaska is a harsh place to live. Don't get me wrong, in my opinion this is the best town in Alaska, it's been my home for 42 years!

[pathensley]

I hope this ends up being a positive experience for everyone involved, but now I'm glad I decided to mail in the application (at least I've learned more about the area & the people). I'm fortunate that I can photograph & write anywhere, & that I can pick up & go whenever I need a change (the thought of train-hopping is very appealing). There's a 9 acre lot just up the road that might be worth the price to avoid any bad blood from "free" land - I think it's worth checking out this summer. Take care!

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8NVH2AO0

[Rance]

Ok...but there has to be some good with the bad. Scenery? Fishing? Hunting? Quiet? Warm in the summer? Berry picking? Chipping a hole in the ice for water? Scraping frost off the inside of a window so you can see out? Cutting, splitting and hauling firewood? You know...good stuff like that!

[Karen Southwood]

Thanks Pat! I did hear there were about 40 people in line this morning. I also hope this turns positive. There's one thing for sure, small town politics can be really brutal, but is still a great place to live.