Info on Bethel? (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai: house, rent, travel)

[HM2FLIP]

I was just contact concerning a job in Bethel, and since I really don't know anything about the area, I thought I'd ask the board. What's it like up there?

I just retired from the Navy after 20 years (the last 3 on Guam) and this would be a big move...what I really need to know (outside of the basics) is what are the things that you forgot to prepare for in moving to Bethel? What did you wish you would have given more thought to? I'm used to being in somewhat isolated areas, so that won't be a stretch but what was the big culture shock of moving?

I noticed from some of the picturess that there seem to be plenty of cars, and a NAPA, so what's the deal I was informed that it wouldn't be worth bring a vehicle? Would it be prudent to purchase a vehicle (snowmachine or four wheeler) and have it shipped, or should I purchase up there. So many decissions to make and there just doesn't seem to be a lot of info out there.

Further, I was wondering about college...I would like to teach if the option is available, anyone have any info on the UAF campus there?

Housing...hows that? whould I be better off buying? I usually made it a habit to buy where ever I was stationed in the Navy...just a thought.

Can anyone geve me some good first hand gouge?

Thanks

Rob

[Takoda]

hey JB, are you or anyone you know looking for another roomate?

[justonlyme]

Great that you made the move. Please be politically correct; most of the Native Alaskans in the area are Yup'ik. "Eskimo" is a Caucasian term. Enjoy your stay.

[it's just JB]

Hey again everyone. Man, thanks for all of those positive replies towards me and my decision to move here. I'm really glad that I did. I've been here for about 5 months now and I've learned alot.... about myself, the culture here and life in general. Oh, and I found out that cold does in fact mean cold here. Brutal. But other than that, I love it here. Everything just seems to move at a slower pace which suits my style of living? Haha.

I went to visit my family in Ohio for Christmas. I missed my flight from Anchorage to Houston and was put on standby, where I would remain for the next 5 nights... Eventually I made it to Ohio (6 days later than I had planned) and enjoyed my families company. By the end of my two week stay in Ohio, I was ready to come back to Bethel. I found that the people there are just so uptight and sweat the small stuff, stressing over the smallest of nothings.... and that's one thing I've never done.

I don't know if this place is good for just any random person looking for adventure and change or if it's just what I was looking for.... but I do know that I've never been any place like this before. And if I ever decide to leave it won't be easy going back to what I came from.

Anyway, sorry this post is kind of all over the place. I'm actually at work now (see I've adapted to Bethel already) and had a few minutes so I thought I'd check in. Thanks for reading it. Take care!

[Takoda]

Hey JB where are you working? I am at the DPA and love it.

[it's just JB]

Right next door. UPS Store. Holla.

[Rance]

I just love a happy ending!

[Dariusz]

Thats great that you made the move and like it.

I'm thinking of finding a town in AK to move to, not sure to where though. I only have about 12k to go to AK on, so I definatly cannot buy property. I only have a high school education myself (+ 2 certificates). I hope I can make it out there when I leave in May. I'm sick of Illinois.

[jeeg]

Originally Posted by Dariusz

Thats great that you made the move and like it.

I'm thinking of finding a town in AK to move to, not sure to where though. I only have about 12k to go to AK on, so I definatly cannot buy property. I only have a high school education myself (+ 2 certificates). I hope I can make it out there when I leave in May. I'm sick of Illinois.

12k?? Not enought to buy property?? Where are you looking to buy? I have seen dozens of properties online for less then that! That's raw land tho, not houses. Away from the city, which is where I'm looking anyhow. There's hope, you're just looking at it all wrong

[Rance]

There are one acre lot's here in Sterling, going for 7500 bucks. You should be able to find something. Come spring there will be plenty of work around. Pretty much anywhere.