OK Am I nuts? Anchorage/// (Wasilla, Houston: rent, hotel, houses)

[c.adam]

From what I gleaned by the Sourdoughs at their bonfires was this:

You mind your business and don't tell me what to do or what to think, then I'll do the same with you.

Most folks I knew and met didn't really discuss politics. I mean they may discuss issues and concerns, but only if it directly affected them or their own. A guy with 5 boys might not really be concerned about abortions. But dang it, you mention closing off places to snowmachining, well... you just best get going.

Overall, Alaskans want to enjoy life. They'll work hard, play harder... and not worry about what the idiots in the Lower 48 think (that goes for both parties).

[Rance]

Well said c. adam, well said. And very true to this day. At least in my neck o the woods!

[niceplacetovisit]

I basically grew up in Anchorage and was told that a true Alaskan had something to say about everything. Which may explain why most elections end up being very close.

Anchorage is surprisingly conservative. There seems to be a huge southern Baptist thing going on up there that is just a bit over the top. There are churches everywhere it seems...especially in the more affluent areas of town...such as "the hillside". So affluent churches equals lots of clout and influence.

Alaska is "the end of the earth" metaphoricaly speaking. So keep that in mind when considering the type of people who may live up there. Many are great, many are wierd, and many just don't fit in anywhere else...thus their exodus to Alaska. But lucky for them they are mostly left alone to be who or what they want to be....within the confines of cold and darkness and short summers. So basically...there are tons of liquor stores and bars. The population can be a bit "white trash". Lots of domestic violence, drunken brawls etc.

Someone posted about materialism being less important. I think it is just less obvious. Materialism in Anchorage is a jacked up truck, cabin on a lake and about 2 or 3 four wheelers, oh, and of course plenty of guns. But again...you dont mess with me, I dont mess with you...unless of course it is winter and we are all drunk.

Someone also mentioned education. Surprisingly for those in their late 20s and older, who may have grown up there were lucky to have received a pretty decent education in the public schools. I honestly think that if there is a perception of a poorly educated population, the less educated ones are those who have moved up there from the lower 48. I am not trying to be catty, but really the schools used be quite good...back in the days when the teachers were paid well up there. I had moved to Anchorage when i was very young and the stuff beign taught in school was far beyond what i had been learing before moving up there.

I have read a lot of comments in this thread and a few others talking about how friendly the residents are. I found folks up there to be a bit elitist. I worked retail in Anchorage throughout the 90s and I remember thinking what A$$holes most of the customers were. When I moved to San Diego and worked the same type of retail there, the customers were much nicer and just overall seemed happier. There seems to be this "I am better than you mentality" Folks not from there perhaps think they are different for not being from there, yet the ones from Anchorage perhaps a bit tired of the lower 48 "attitudes" yet I always felt that as Alaskans, we were the not so nice ones Or more specifically, not very upfront friendly...which would explain the poor attitudes I delt with from the customer base. I think, though, once you were able to get to know people, that they were for the most part accepting with a lot less B.S. to deal with. Certainly a lack of sophistication plays a part here. Social graces are just a lot less important.

When I go back to Anchorage these days, I am amazed at how dirty everyone looks. They aren't literally dirty...as in unbathed, but less make-up, casual casual clothing. Certainly more facial hair, and good god too much polar fleece...I dont care how warm it keeps you...that stuff should have gone out with the 90s. The local time seems to be about 3 years ago.

For outdoor activities it is of course wonderful.Summer is of course too short, but the infrastucture of bike trails is amazing. Which of course easily convert to cross country skiing trails for winter. Keep in mind that partaking in winter sports can be costly...initially.

Over time you will realize that Anchorage is not a very safe place. The youth are always looking for something to do..therefore, lots of $hit goes down. And although certain neighborhoods are "better" than others. I never felt any more safe in South Anchorage than say Mt view or Muldoon.


Growing up in Anchorage I always felt like the town was a bit of a wasted opportunity. What could have been a sophistocated vibrant yet quaint town sort of grew up as a weirdo magnet where rednecks controllled the streets, yet the religious right quietly pulled the strings behind the scenes. Please dont take this as a huge dis on Anchorage. I love to visit, but would never even consider calling it home again. Everyone seems to think they are the $hit...and I canot for the life of me figure out why. It is almost funny. I had a lot to learn when I left for the lower 48...and am so glad I did!

[Rance]

Sounds like you spent "all" your time in Anchorage! On the peninsula it's a total different world. As well as north-east-west of Anch. I myself get near claustrophobic when in Anch. I show up or leave from the airport every 2 weeks, and spend only enough time to get in or out of town. I grew up and have lived in a pretty rural community, and Anch just too big and crowded for me. As far as feeling safe...were you out running the streets at night or what? Seems that's when 90% of the trouble takes place. If you hang in the bars or drug areas...yeah your gonna have issues eventually, day or night. You make it sound totally bad...and it's not. In my 39 years of living here...I cannot remember any bad times or bad incidents with people or places, other than being charged by a few bears! Yes Anch and the people have changed alot over the years. And I think that is due to the type of people moving in. The true Alaskan in general, is an honest decent person. It's the "outsiders" that are giving the rest of us a bad name. Mostly the ones living in Anch, not the rural areas. And I think some choose to move to the rural areas to get away from the larger cities and towns, because they've had issues in the lower 48. But that's just my opinion. I'm just a dumb country boy living in the woods. But I've delt with oilfeild communities, biker groups, fishing towns, logging towns, military communities, even mining areas...and in general think the people here are the best. I would not trade living here for anywhere else on the planet! I would not/could not live in Anchorage...but just because it's too big and crowded. Not because I'm afraid of the people. And what's wrong with less makeup or casual clothes? Why not be "yourself"...rather than a copy of someone seen on TV or some clothing ad? I'd just as soon see women in blue jeans than dolled up like some airhead fashion model. I think those casual folks are more down to earth and real. Not some phoney wanna be's! Sorry you had such a bad experience.

[Corals89]

I've always wanted to get to Alaska and live there for at least a year to wxpirence it's pristine beauty. I have been applying for many jobs (i'm a marine biologist and i have a lot of expirence in various security fields). I want to know how much money i would realistically need to make to be able to live in Alaska and still pay off my student loan... i don't need a lot of extras, i jsut want to be able to live and enjoy what Alaska has to offer

The other problem i am facing is that my BF and i are from Canada, however i have dual citizenship which allows me to work there but he does not, he's Canadian. He specializes in construction and golf course work. How hard woudl it be for him to find a sponsor so that he too can work once we get there? What time of year is best for us to make the move? Any suggestion??? I would appreciate any thoughts on this.
THanks <><

[KJG]

Rance,

"The crowed Roars" Thank you, I am a total out cast because i don't dress like nor look like "Barbi" there is nothing wrong with jeans, tee shirts, flannel - leather steal toe work books, at least one thing is known about Alaskan Men and Woman - we are some of the hardest workers in the world. we cope with cold, we shovel our selfs out of our door way at -30, we haul water, chop wood , AND Most of all WE help OUR Neighbors!! WOW what a Concept!! we even invite strangers into our home to feed them when we find them stuck on the sterling HWY- N.Road - K-Beach Road and so on. when we go hunting...we share our food. I of course don't live there for reasons, but I miss it. My daughter was 3 when we left...we cant be there due to health reasons and ..well need to hide from some family which would not be to hard...as long as i stay out of the kenai- N road-soldotna- kasiloft area.....WAIT i did stay hid when they were there....LOL I think i was lost in Gird wood..summer party!! lol any ways......I feel as if when i go in to places here "lower 48" the sign reads on the doors, "no make up, no ho cloths, no 100.00 hair do----no service"
I am very much honored to have none of that.geezz it saves time.....hubbies are happier , don't have no need too wait to go fishing, auto supply store, or go hang out at the nearest fire pit" and YES US WOMAN OF AK.know how to drive the BIG Bad Trucks that not many woman will even get into here because ones nail may break....oohh my....and ATTENTION MEN OF ALL STATES.. do you know how much money you save on nails, hair, make up dresses and what the "hecks" Just think more money for the Boy- Girl toys-(trucks-snow machines-water toys) us woman give all that make up---up for the really fun stuff.....with no chit!! any ways.....I want to come home NOW!!!

Much Peace and many Blessings!!!!
KJG

[Rance]

All in all...there are good people and places...and there are bad people and places, anywhere on earth. But you can't run for ever. There comes a time when you need to make a stand. For yourself and your community. Life is what you make it. In this country you still have the freedom to choose your surroundings and freinds. This country was built by pioneers who had the courage to explore. There were bad times and good times. But had they all ran scared...not many...if any...would be here today.

[niceplacetovisit]

Originally Posted by Rance

On the peninsula it's a total different world.

Is that a good thing?

As well as north-east-west of Anch. I myself get near claustrophobic when in Anch.

When i visit Anchorage, it seems absolutely desolate to me. I wonder where all the people are

As far as feeling safe...were you out running the streets at night or what? Seems that's when 90% of the trouble takes place.

I can understand how you may be skeptical that one would feel less than safe. Check the Places Rated Almanac. Anchorage doesnt rank favorably when crime statistics are taken into account. HPD has always been known for keeping the media out of the loop on various crime incidents. So only the most sensational get reported. Don't read more in my post that necessary. It is certainly not a place where one must constantly look over their shouler. However, one must understand that crime is not condined to specific areas of town....nor is it an any place...but in Anchorage one should be aware in all areas of town moreso.

If you hang in the bars or drug areas...yeah your gonna have issues eventually, day or night.

I guess that explains the rather large FBI presence in Anchorage. Certainly their work covers the state, but 1000 FBI agents in Alaska? hhhhhmmmm, but then again their is a LOT of "exotic" plants being grown in the Matsu Valley and on the peninsula.

You make it sound totally bad...and it's not.

Um, no. Just presented a view that many may not have expressed previously. And no, its not "totally" bad.

In my 39 years of living here...I cannot remember any bad times or bad incidents with people or places, other than being charged by a few bears!

I thought you limited your time in Anchorage?

Yes Anch and the people have changed alot over the years. And I think that is due to the type of people moving in. The true Alaskan in general, is an honest decent person.

And this is diferent from people elsewhere?

It's the "outsiders" that are giving the rest of us a bad name.

They just make you look even stranger and uncivilized.

Why not be "yourself"...

Yeah, and look dirty and unkept like the others. Hhhmmm thats sure being "yourself"

[Takoda]

WOW niceplacetovisit, you are being very mean for no reason. Everyone has the right to express their opinion. Just like you, but you are attacking on a personal nature, just because they dont show the same belief as you.

That kind of behavior leads people to believe that you have a grudge, or a past that you are not proud of. I enjoyed your initial post, and understood where you were coming from. Keep it real! I am a single parent (male) who has a 4 year old daughter. I need all the info I can on Alaska. I havent lived here in 23 years and am moving back in 2 weeks, I am thinking about the fairbanks region then moving up to barrows. Just my Idea to you

[niceplacetovisit]

Originally Posted by Takoda

WOW niceplacetovisit, you are being very mean for no reason. Everyone has the right to express their opinion. Just like you, but you are attacking on a personal nature, just because they dont show the same belief as you.

That kind of behavior leads people to believe that you have a grudge, or a past that you are not proud of. I enjoyed your initial post, and understood where you were coming from. Keep it real! I am a single parent (male) who has a 4 year old daughter. I need all the info I can on Alaska. I havent lived here in 23 years and am moving back in 2 weeks, I am thinking about the fairbanks region then moving up to barrows. Just my Idea to you

I apologize for coming off as "mean". that was not my intention. I was trying to balance my post with that of someone who claimed to NOT live in Anchorage. that is all. I was sincerely was not trying to cause trouble. But also, there were "outsider" generalization made that I wanted point out. I think that fact that I did not speak glowing in my initial post resulted in the response that I responded to. Sorry all!