the ups and downs of moving to ak (Anchorage, Metlakatla: sales, 2015)

[truewoodsman]

I'm new here but not to Alaska. Alaska holds a special place in the hearts of many rational, ihard working people. This is what I believe makes Alaska special. You work hard, you make do and carry on. Nothing is handed to you. You either can or you can't. It's cold, it rains, it snows and you deal with it. When the sun shines, you rejoice. The people are splendid characters that will always do what they can for you. Alaska is not for the faint of heart.

The people that come up to start a new life either succeed or they don't. The ones that do have to dig deep and persevere. The ones that don't have learned a life lesson that will not soon be forgotten. From this failure or misjudgement on there part, may come an awakening as to there dificiences. Either way they have succeeded in their quest.

My point is, Alaska is a place to test your mettle. If you have the guts to do it, in the end, win or lose, you have grown immensely.

[AKStafford]

Originally Posted by truewoodsman

Nothing is handed to you.

Except the Dividend. And government services with no state tax...

[Frostnip]

What is up with these drive-by pronouncements?

[alder576]

I am not sure what book or reality show provided your research. I came to the Interior in 2005. During my first few years I had to be careful around who would take advantage of a new arrival and those individuals who were truly helpful. It takes time.
Most importantly, have a good job lined up. Alaska is very expensive.

[Re3iRtH]

Originally Posted by AKStafford

Except the Dividend. And government services with no state tax...

I am not sure what relevance no state tax is. I have lived in NYC and spent the last 5 years in Hawaii, and Alaska has more expensive food, goods, and pump gas -- just by its inherent price regardless if there is no sales tax. As far as no state income tax, plenty of states have this "feature" and still more do if you are living/working outside your home of record.

[Metlakatla]

Pretty sure Stafford's point was that most state services are funded through oil revenues rather than personal income taxes, state sales taxes, or property taxes -- can't say the same for the other six states without personal income taxes. So yeah, in that respect, Alaskans have been getting things handed to them for years. Of course, the oil economy is in the process of crashing and burning, so we'll see what the future brings. One of the major problems going forward is that we don't have the population to make up for the loss of oil revenues via taxes. I don't think most people realize exactly how many things oil was paying for here.

[Re3iRtH]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

Pretty sure Stafford's point was that most state services are funded through oil revenues rather than personal income taxes, state sales taxes, or property taxes -- can't say the same for the other six states without personal income taxes. So yeah, in that respect, Alaskans have been getting things handed to them for years. Of course, the oil economy is in the process of crashing and burning, so we'll see what the future brings. One of the major problems going forward is that we don't have the population to make up for the loss of oil revenues via taxes. I don't think most people realize exactly how many things oil was paying for here.

Do you really believe that (the last part of your post). Gas prices have tanked what, 3 years ago? And are slowly on the rise. Multifamily occupancy rates in Anchorage are 97%. Where are the real world signs that the economy is tanking and there will be a huge problem going forward? I think throughout history its some folks' job to grumble and prophesize, while others do just fine and prosper in any economy.

[Metlakatla]

Do I really believe the last part of my post? The last part merely stated that I doubt that most people realize how many state services the oil revenues have traditionally paid for in this state. So yes, I believe that. And because it seems that Juneau is having a hard time finding funding for certain services, I'd say that's a major problem. As far as "real world signs" that Alaska's economy is suffering, I suppose we can start with the hundreds of jobs in education that are slated to be lost due to budget cuts -- small bush schools all the way up to the University of Alaska are already feeling that one.

‘Day of reckoning’: Gov. Walker vetoes hundreds of millions in spending, caps Permanent Fund dividend at $1,000 - Alaska Dispatch News

Job losses predicted in new study would rival Alaska's worst ever - Alaska Dispatch News

For second year, Alaska's GDP worst in the nation - Alaska Dispatch News

And no, we don't have the population to sustain what the oil has been paying for via personal tax revenues. That's an observation based on simple math; not a "grumble or prophesy." As far as Alaska's economy lasting three whole years since the bottom fell out of oil, that's pretty much because the available funds were still pretty flush, but the money's running out, and it's written into the state constitution that the principal can't be spent. Personally, I think the state may eventually be better off, but there will definitely be growing pains.

So, again, yes, I do believe the last part of my post. Not sure where you're going with the last part of yours, though. Not that it's really any of your business, but I've managed to do just fine throughout many fluctuations in the economy.

You might also find this of interest:

http://www.adn.com/business-economy/...s-dim-economy/

[Metlakatla]

Here's some more reading on Alaska's current economic situation for anyone who is interested:

ALASKA: Economist explains bleak economic realities of oil crash -- Monday, May 9, 2016 -- www.eenews.net

BTW, I posted this as food for thought rather than as a "grumble or a prophecy," and it's directed mostly at those who are considering moving up on spec.

ETA as far as the high occupancy rate of Anchorage multifamily housing -- AKA apartments -- well, Alaska does have the highest ratio of welfare recipients in the country. I'm pretty sure a significant number of them live in apartments in Anchorage.

[Re3iRtH]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

Do I really believe the last part of my post? The last part merely stated that I doubt that most people realize how many state services the oil revenues have traditionally paid for in this state. So yes, I believe that. And because it seems that Juneau is having a hard time finding funding for certain services, I'd say that's a major problem. As far as "real world signs" that Alaska's economy is suffering, I suppose we can start with the hundreds of jobs in education that are slated to be lost due to budget cuts -- small bush schools all the way up to the University of Alaska are already feeling that one.

‘Day of reckoning’: Gov. Walker vetoes hundreds of millions in spending, caps Permanent Fund dividend at $1,000 - Alaska Dispatch News

Job losses predicted in new study would rival Alaska's worst ever - Alaska Dispatch News

For second year, Alaska's GDP worst in the nation - Alaska Dispatch News

And no, we don't have the population to sustain what the oil has been paying for via personal tax revenues. That's an observation based on simple math; not a "grumble or prophesy." As far as Alaska's economy lasting three whole years since the bottom fell out of oil, that's pretty much because the available funds were still pretty flush, but the money's running out, and it's written into the state constitution that the principal can't be spent. Personally, I think the state may eventually be better off, but there will definitely be growing pains.

So, again, yes, I do believe the last part of my post. Not sure where you're going with the last part of yours, though. Not that it's really any of your business, but I've managed to do just fine throughout many fluctuations in the economy.

You might also find this of interest:

Three-year forecast finds the bright side in Anchorage's dim economy - Alaska Dispatch News

The later part of my post was just a general statement, Sir. Was not directed at you or anyone in particular. I am by no means an expert on AK's economy as I have just moved here. But, everyone thought Hawaii had the highest gas prices, turns out AK prices at the pump are higher! I am just wondering how AK is in any worse position than a lot of other US states. People have been forecasting dollar devaulation, RE market crash, turmoil not just in AK, but all across the US over the last 3-4 yrs.

Metlakatla: PM'd you