The Kenai area is somewhat small (maybe not by Alaskan standards, but possibly compared to what you're used to) and it's also fairly isolated (again, maybe not by Alaskan standards because it IS on the road system). But the biggest city (Anchorage approx. 275,000 people) is about a 3 hour drive, depending on summer tourist traffic or icy/snowy days in the winter - could be longer. However is it a BEAUTIFUL drive!
I live in Anchorage and have driven through the Kenai area MANY times. It's the only place I've actually seen a group of moose (9 or 10!!!) just hanging out on the side of the road - weird, what funny animals...
In the summer the Kenai area is bustling with salmon fishing and Anchorage families & tourists camping. The south-central Alaska area (which includes Anchorage and Kenai) has mild weather during the summer - some rainy days/weeks, but it's usually at least partly sunny in the mid-high 60's or even 70's throughout our SHORT summer. Expect things to start feeling darker and colder and snowy by Halloween and it will stay that way until Aprilish. Many people in Alaska suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Similar to people in very grey & rainy area inthe Pacific Northwest, people with SAD experience various levels of depression because of the lack of bright sunshine. Southcentral Alaska never becomes completely dark - at it's darkest the sun is rising at around 9-10am and setting at 3ish pm. It's very important for Alaskans to stay active to "fight-ff" the SAD.
There is enough population in Kenai to sustain many business: Fred Meyer(- grocery, clothing, electronics, garden, etc.) Several fast food places, and even at least 1 or 2 car dealerships.
If you're looking into buying a house check out
www.alaskarealestate.com The Kenai area is cheap compared to Anchorage.
As far as educator job opportunities there's the Kenai School District (
www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us) and also the Challenger Learning Center (
http://www.challenger.org/clc/lc_profile.cfm?lc_id=12)
I would disagree with AkDragonfly's opinion about the Kenai being SUPER beautiful. Indeed, Alaska in general has breath-taking scenary, but the Kenai area in reather flat. There are mountians in the distance, but it's nothing compared to the settings of other small towns like Seward, Valdez, Homer, or even Wasilla or Palmer. I've lived in Alaska for 6 years and I've always been in awe of the beautiful snow-capped mountians - the Kenai/Soldotna area isn't exactly in a mountain setting... but in a short drive you can be in a mountain setting. I'm kinda rambling, but I just wanted to give you another opinion. Maybe it wouln't seem "flat" to you if you're not used to any big mountains anyway.
Many people LOVE Alaska because of it's outdoorsy lifestyle and beauty, while others find it isolated with awfully long winters.
Check out this website:
www.pfd.state.ak.us Alaskan residents get a yearly check based on oil revenue.
You only live once so I think it's important to live without regrets, so if this is what you're dreaming of - just do it. You can always move again and in 10+ years you don't want to be wondering, "If only I would have moved to Kenai, Alaska..."
Good Luck!
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moving to kenai?
Kanai
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