Moving to AK from TX (Anchorage, Fairbanks: live, military, shop)

[Ryehenry]

Hey guys, my wife and I will be moving up to Fairbanks, AK in about 3 months or so. We have lived in Texas nearly all our lives, so we are a bit curious about the move. I have read up about the weather (-65 to 90 degrees) and a few other things...

But I was wondering what we should expect. How are the locals, what are "words of advice" that you may offer etc?

Also I currently have a Toyota that is FWD, would it survive up there? I know I will need block warmers and whatnot. My main concern is more on traction. I have lived in a snowy area for three years but I am sure it has nothing on Alaska.

Anyways, any advice would be greatly appreciated!! THANKS!

[warptman]

Pointers.

1. Come up with a open mind. Fairbanks is nice. I'd move there if I found the right job.

2. There are plenty of fwd cars in Alaska. Just get studded tires for winter on another set of wheels.

3. Take your time when driving everywhere, or you will become a ditch diver.

4. Get a copy of the Milepost if you are planning on driving up.

5. Lose the cowboy hat and get a baseball cap, you'll be fine.

6. How to Drive to Alaska in the Summer - ExploreNorth

7. Have fun!

[Ryehenry]

Originally Posted by warptman

Pointers.

1. Come up with a open mind. Fairbanks is nice. I'd move there if I found the right job.

2. There are plenty of fwd cars in Alaska. Just get studded tires for winter on another set of wheels.

3. Take your time when driving everywhere, or you will become a ditch diver.

4. Get a copy of the Milepost if you are planning on driving up.

5. Lose the cowboy hat and get a baseball cap, you'll be fine.

6. How to Drive to Alaska in the Summer - ExploreNorth

7. Have fun!

LMAO I like #5, but...Just like how everyone up there isnt Eskimo and lives in igloos. Not all of us down here wear cowboys hats and lives on a Ranch! lol

What did you mean by #4?

Also I read up on a thread just now about someone askin about "downsides" , so Just to let you all know, wife and I are being moved up there by the military type thing. Wife is in active duty still and we are going to be stationed up there, so...SHE will have a job.

I personally am a mechanic with 7yrs under my belt. What are the chances of me getting a job in my field? Or should I just hope on getting a part time job at a walmart or so?

Also since I am on the board now, who all here is IN Fairbanks? That way we can meet some people when we get up there in mid June!!

Thanks for the reply...would love to hear more if you dont mind!

[Nephler]

The Milepost
The MILEPOST: Alaska Travel Guide and Trip Planner - Home

I've seen quite a few mechanic jobs posted in Wasilla and Anchorage areas, not sure about Fairbanks, but would think so. Either way, plan on the WallyWorld job to.

[warptman]

Alaska Jobs - HelpWantedAlaska.com: Jobs in Alaska and Careers in Alaska -

[Ryehenry]

I know Fairbanks is pretty small when coming from Austin,TX...but is it large for Alaska? Not sure what I am getting at with this question. I know there is not much of say a "downtown" night life there...but Knowing my wife, what about shopping and stores? anything really...or not so much? I hope I am making sense. I am a bit tired at the moment.

Also what internet companies are up there? is cable offered? I ask cuz I read that there will be ALOT of staying inside time over the winter, which does not bother me...as long as my wife and I get good interwebs....lol

(if any of my thoughts are incorrect, PLZ correct me! )

[warptman]

You have a couple Walmarts there and a couple of Fred Meyers. There is a mini-mall and all your everyday fast food joints. Not sure on the Inet.

[Crossfire600]

Bring a warm coat

[Floyd_Davidson]

Originally Posted by Ryehenry

I know Fairbanks is pretty small when coming from Austin,TX...but is it large for Alaska? Not sure what I am getting at with this question. I know there is not much of say a "downtown" night life there...but Knowing my wife, what about shopping and stores? anything really...or not so much? I hope I am making sense. I am a bit tired at the moment.

Oh, there's a lot of night life in downtown Fairbanks! It just might not be what somebody from Austin would be familiar with! :-)

Oh, in addition to the hat -- the boots, the buckle and the drawl should go. Keep the jeans and the string ties though.

That's for Fairbanks though. If you go to Wasilla you should keep all of that!

Also what internet companies are up there? is cable offered? I ask cuz I read that there will be ALOT of staying inside time over the winter, which does not bother me...as long as my wife and I get good interwebs....lol

Alaska is the most wired state in the Union.

(if any of my thoughts are incorrect, PLZ correct me! )

Coming from Texas probably means most of your thoughts are incorrect. We'll over look that for at least the first 3-1/2 days you are here.

[Ryehenry]

Originally Posted by Floyd_Davidson

Oh, there's a lot of night life in downtown Fairbanks! It just might not be what somebody from Austin would be familiar with! :-)

Oh, in addition to the hat -- the boots, the buckle and the drawl should go. Keep the jeans and the string ties though.

That's for Fairbanks though. If you go to Wasilla you should keep all of that!
Alaska is the most wired state in the Union.Coming from Texas probably means most of your thoughts are incorrect. We'll over look that for at least the first 3-1/2 days you are here.

HAHA thanks for the advice guys. I am sure I will enjoy it. I have to admit, when we first received her orders to go to Alaska, we were shocked and kind of worried about it. But the more we talk to family about it and read up on it. We are starting to look forward to it more and more. Also everything that I have read about the locals so far is nothing BUT good! Which is always great to learn. Really the only worry I really have at this point is how the military does not really make it easy to plan ahead. *Shakes fist*

So anyone on this forum in Fairbanks? Or most in Anchorage?