Question on Wasilla (Anchorage, College, Hope: credit, student loans, unemployment)

[Mesabi]

Hey everyone, how is the town of Wasilla? (examples) Crime, Small or Large feeling, is it an okay place to raise a family? Also how long of a drive would it be to get from Wasilla to Anchorage Int. Airport. Or how far to the closest airport with scheduled air service? Is it a dangerous drive for any reason from Wasilla to Anchorage Int? Thanks for the answers!

[Marty Van Diest]

A commute from Wasilla to anchorage International Airport would be a good solid hour. It's the closest airport with scheduled air service.

Yes it can be dangerous, expecially on icy days.

[akvarmit]

No offense meant - but there are a LOT of threads about this you can search.
Can't help you much not knowing where you're from or what your used to?

[Crossfire600]

You would get to drive the Parks Slideway... aaahhh I mean highway..

[Jonotastic]

Originally Posted by Mesabi

Hey everyone, how is the town of Wasilla? (examples) Crime, Small or Large feeling, is it an okay place to raise a family? Also how long of a drive would it be to get from Wasilla to Anchorage Int. Airport. Or how far to the closest airport with scheduled air service? Is it a dangerous drive for any reason from Wasilla to Anchorage Int? Thanks for the answers!

Crime: Low
Size: Small and Spreadout
Major airport: ANC
Time: 45 minutes (summer), 60 minutes (winter)
Risk: Minimal if you drive with caution (many people commute daily)

[malagagirl]

I've recently interviewed for a position with Charter college in Wasilla. If hired I would be moving from the lower '48 (Oregon) so I want to do LOTS of research to consider pros and cons. Does anyone who actually lives in Wasilla have any input on the reputation Charter has in the area?

[gobrien]

Have you seen their commercials? They are half infomercial and half telethon style, but I know how bad unemployment is in Oregon so that shouldn't factor in your decision if the job is good. The distance between Wasilla and the airport is comparable to the distance between Salem and PDX, but with only one freeway.

[Marty Van Diest]

Originally Posted by malagagirl

I've recently interviewed for a position with Charter college in Wasilla. If hired I would be moving from the lower '48 (Oregon) so I want to do LOTS of research to consider pros and cons. Does anyone who actually lives in Wasilla have any input on the reputation Charter has in the area?

I know someone who just got a job there. You can send me an email at marty@valleymarket.com if you like and I will forward it to her. Hopefully she will get back to you on it.

[AKStafford]

I'm a little suspicious of Charter College. My sister in law is going there. They signed her up for $70,000 in student loans. She's a single mom with almost 0 income, so I'm not sure how she thinks she's going to pay that much back.
And, though I love her to death, she's not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. Yet, somehow, she's pulling straight A's. Now, maybe she's really applying herself for once, and Charter's instructors are working hard to make sure she's does well... But I'm wondering if maybe good grades are earned or just given.
I also have a friend who is teaching classes there. But, doesn't have any sort of teaching credentials. He's an "expert in his field." From what I've heard, that's how most of the instructors there are qualified.
And any degrees or credits earned there are not transferable to any other academic establishment.
It might not hurt to check with the Better Business Bureau and see if they have recorded any complaints against Charter College.

As far as living in Wasilla goes, I love it. Great place to live.

[Jonotastic]

Charter College is a school that will accept anyone who is willing to pay their tuition. Waste of money in my opinion with no reputation.