Quality of life in Anchorage (house, living in, restaurants)

[Bexxer]

My husband and I are looking into a military posting near to Anchorage amongst other places.

We like to walk our dogs, ride our mountain bikes and motorbikes, have a healthy amount to spend on a house and are fairly liberal, open-minded non-judgemental people in our late 30s with no children (the dogs are our kids).

We love scenery, not too bothered by shops etc but a few nice good quality restaurants and bars would be a plus.

My question is will we like living in or around Anchorage?

[Lovetheoutdoors]

I think you will and I recommend trying it out. If it doesn't work out, at least you tried. Alaska is for some people. For others,it's not quite their cup of tea. Just do me a favor - don't be like so many idiots and let your dogs run around without a leash. Wildlife is abundant and I get so angry when I hear about another dog being a meal for wolves just because they let their dogs run around without a leash.

[Bexxer]

I did wonder about the whle dog on leads thing, its a tough one as our dogs are Lurchers and need to run everyday (also they are young and have lots of energy). That would be a huge downside for us. Hmmmmm....

[Barkingowl]

Who was talking about the eagle carrying off the poodle?

[Bexxer]

OMG, great photo opportunity but not so great for the owner! My dogs are only used to rabbits and Deer in the forest here in the UK, I think they would be inquisitive enough to get themselves into trouble! Mind you, one of them saw a Swan for the first time on the river today and ran away as soon as it hissed at him! He is a big girls blouse for such a big dog!

I think we may have to rule Alaska out on the extreme dog walking conditions, but weather and wildlife wise. Maybe we'll just come visit in the summer in an RV. when we retire!!!

Thanks you everyone for posting. Arizona and Colorado still to be ruled in or out now.

[Daniel_T]

The quality of life in AK is great. If it wasn't, I wouldn't be coming back to Anchorage to attend UAA if I didn't like it. I had three dogs when I lived up there and I never had a problem. I had some moose come up into my yard that my dog wanted to nip at but that was about it. Anchorage is JUST LIKE any other american city. it's just misunderstood. People aren't that familiar with it. I'm leaving the heat of Arizona for the beautiful weather of Anchorage in Jan. can't wait!!

[Bexxer]

We have pretty much decided to visit Alaska in the summer for a few months in an RV when we retire in a few years when on our great road trip. That way we'll get to see anyway.
We are favouring Colorado Springs at the mo, we were considering Tucson but I really think I'll be miserable in that heat, there are only so many clothes you can take off! Lol!

I wish you a good time in Anchorage!

[b reel]

libby go home

[AKNana]

Have a great visit, I'm sure you will enjoy the scenery, the activities and the people here. Don't be discouraged about dog walking, there are plenty of safe places to let your dogs get the exercise they need. Wildlife vs pets incidents are very rare, and usually result from people not using common sense.