How do they live?

[DoriKate]

Marty Van Deiss: Yep. Thats right. I admit - its an exteme example, but I do live in Souris - its my reality. We live in a 5 bedroom farmhouse on 22 acres, for utilites and $100 a month. (and maintenance) Don't worry, we arent fooligh - we arent expecting ANYTHING like that in AK, or anywhere else for that matter. Just Souris. 75 right in town, more out in the country.

GrammasCabin - Ok that explains a lot. I am willing to do work 'here and there' and then 'over there' on my days off, that lifestyle works for me. I am sorry to hear about the cruise industries effects on Wrangell.

SNKalaska - We were wondering about that too! We looked at small land lots outside of homer and WOW! Spendy.

Jason28 - We would never make a move without having those things in line. Never. 2 jobs lined up, an apartment, a weekend visit to set up PO and cross and Ts and dot all Is, whatever town it is we end up.
After trying to line those things up - the questions started. Where do these people work? How do they do it? Because we kept hitting the same wall.

Mal-Flisk - OK! That makes sense.

ImAHobbit - Suuure rub it in! Congrats on your surprise bonus - sometimes things are meant to be and thats how you know you are at least on the right path!

We have been thinking about expanding our views, I have my heart set on the Kanei pen. (anywhere really) but we have started some looking at jobs in Anchorage - but wont do it unless we can find a smaller town within safe driving distance. We have just started that search, so not much research done at that side at this point.

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by GrammasCabin

Yeah, it does hurt the economy here now that they've dropped us. The bigger lines told us 3 years ago that they would make Wrangell part of their permanent stops so many of my friends went into debt for bigger, better boats. We broke our backs to make walking trails, picnic areas and organize inexpensive fun trips. Then two years ago they actually did come out and tell us that they didn't make enough money off Wrangell to warrant keeping us on their schedule - that is unless we were willing to let them open shops here. Now all these used-to-be-loggers and used-to-be-fishermen have become used-to-be-tour guides and are in debt for boats they can't fill.

That's what is all comes down to, their offshore jewelry stores. Wrangell is better off without them.

[blueflames50]

Originally Posted by george_t

Don't quite a few people live in cabins in Homer?

I've been to Homer, and it's a spectacularly scenic place. I don't know about the economic situation in Homer specifically, but I assume that home prices have skyrocketed after being "discovered", so to speak. That's happened to a LOT of scenic towns around the country- housing is affordable, then the town becomes the newest hot spot, and prices go crazy. If a place gets too expensive, everyone is priced out except retirees. The kids have to live with their parents forever!

Are you near retirement or retired 'cuz....the statement "everyone is priced out except retirees" is wrong...it is priced out for everyone except the well to do and rich...everyone we know who "retired" is still work'n for the insurance and spending money!!!