making a move (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla: military, jobs, housing)

[mrbigs68us]

I am a blk married man with a beautiful 18 month daughter. my wife and i are looking to change things up and head north. we need to know about employment opertunities. housing, and scools. my wife and i enjoy would lov ea rual setting, but still want some of the convieniece of a larger town. i luv to fish, so a place where i can have acess to lakes, streams,or a river.
my wife and I also have to ask about diversity in alaska, is there a problem with racisism? what are dropout rates? what is the crime rate ? I hope someone can help us with these questions. i look forward to hearing from someone soon on these issues.

[MidniteBreeze]

Hi,

I've never lived in Alaska full time, but did spend a couple summers up there working.

Regarding diversity, the larger cities (Anchorage and Fairbanks) are both pretty diverse (both have universities and military folks, as well as immigrants). I spent a fair amount of time in Anchorage. While I'm not a person of color and can't comment first hand, I didn't witness any overtly racist activity while I was there. I did work and hang out with some non-white people and don't recall them saying anything about feeling uncomfortable or discriminated against or anything. I would guess Anchorage is pretty typical of any other larger city in the U.S. that regard.

The Native Alaskan population (similarly to Native American populations in the rest of the U.S.) sadly continues to struggle with problems like alcholism, unemployment, poverty, high dropout rates, etc. Alaska does have a fair amount of social service programs in place for these folks, but it's been a rocky road for them

I'm not sure about crime in the state as a whole, but I know Anchorage (again, like any other larger U.S. city) does have places better left avoided at night. Not surprisingly, the long, dark winters can be hard on some people and I recall reading somewehre that things like the domestic assault rate are consequently higher there.

As far as fishing goes, the great thing about Alaska is even if you live in or near one of the bigger cities, you're never more than 30 minutes or so from the wilderness. You'll have plenty of fishing and outdoor opportunities pretty much anywhere you move.

I really enjoyed Alaska and seriously considered moving there permanently at one time. It really is "the last frontier." It does have its challenges though and it's certainly not for everyone (especially the winters.) Hopefully someone else will answer your questions more specifically, but that's my .02.

[andeee]

Hi. I've lived in Alaska for over 9 years, 5 1/2 of them in Anchorage. Unless you want to live on an island, stick with that area, called southcentral. The economy is good there, and the city is booming with growth (for AK anyway). Yes, there are areas you want to stay away from, like mountain view and fairview, midtown and south are good for the most part. Eagle River is 15-20 min. drive out of Anch. to be out of the city, but it can be sketchy driving into city in winter. Once you're out of the city, there's towns, some areas like Wasilla booming, but if you're used to living in a city, it'll be rural to you. All of it. Darkness in winter can be a bit tough, but the worst is only for a couple months, then the daylight comes and that's awesome. If you go to Fairbanks, the dark/light is more intense. Fbx gets very very cold in winter, as bad as -60* at times. You can always start in Anch. and figure out where to go from there. I loved living there when I did.
For jobs, there's the Alaska Job Bank online. Any questions, you can reply, and I'll help the best I can. It's a great state to live in, out of the Rat Race, but not for everyone. Thank goodness, or everyone would be up here!!!

[mrbigs68us]

thanks for the information. i live in the city now but I'm just a country boy at heart. i love the great outdoors. and hate to work inside . that may change after my first winter in ak.

[SubNoize]

If you are from a big city, Anchorage will seem pretty small and laid back.