Black in Anchorage (transplants, rent, crime)

[lllisa]

I am African American currently living in Chicago. I am tired of the superficial materialist fake people here. I just want to go to work and go home with no drama. I like cold weather--How is racism and sexism in Anchorage? Is it difficult for a single Black woman? I am also concerned about the crime rate.

[Dr.VanNostrum]

anchorage is mostly filled with transplants. there is a huge flux of people in and out. basically, you have the government as the biggest employer, then oil industry, tourism and fishing. cost of living is high, we had some ofs the highest gas prices in the country this summer. typical sigle family homes costs around $300k in anchorage. rent a 2 bd 1.5 bath apt for around $950. you probably don't want to commute from the valley if you work in anchorage. there isn't any public transportation you can take.

it's nice in the summer, the winters are cold and long. only and handful of sunny days this summer. mostly in the 60s. very rare to get into the 80s. it's fine if you make a decent salary and enjoy the outdoors including winter sports. other than that, it's not worth moving here. too far from lower 48 and ticket prices are very high to fly back. for most it is a better place to visit, not to live.

haven't noticed racism here. you'd be better of in portland oregon if you want to escape from the midwest.

[lllisa]

Thanks for the info.

[AKirstin]

Portland is the pretty much the least racially diverse place in the country, though. FYI.

Anchorage is very laid back, you can avoid drama without even trying.

About racism: you will hear a lot of people making stupid comments about the Alaskan Natives. There is some growing tension between the Polynesian community and non-Polynesians. As far as sexism goes, it's kind of a weird mix. Alaskan women are tough and can hold their own, but it *is* a red state, after all. People here are very friendly over all, and the general atmosphere is very live-and-let-live.

Crime? I can't quote statistics or anything, but I feel completely comfortable walking around at night, alone at 29, and did at 16, too.

[lllisa]

I want to avoid all beggars, bums, homeless people and crime. I don't want any drama with racist people either. I'm a loner and just want to go to work and live at home in peace with no drama. I feel Alaska would be the perfect place for an educated loner like myself. I was thinking about packing up my jeep buying a dog and settling down in Anchorage. I am a tad concerned about the high cost of living--but I like that the town is not over populated. I'm quiet and shy don't have much to say. If people want to be RED that's fine with me. I just want to be left alone.

[AKirstin]

Well we do have a lot of homeless people. They hang out on the major street corners with cardboard signs. They are easy enough to ignore, but they're there. I have never been bothered by them on the sidewalk though. They are not unfriendly or belligerent like I have encountered in major cities, they're just there, mostly minding their own business.

[Jefetio]

I think you'll be fine. Anchorage actually has a lot of diversity, thanks to the military population and high asian populations. Most of the racism is directed towards alaska natives. Homeless people hang out in spenard and midtown, but have been migrating south lately it seems.

Lots of people from Chicago here... and I've noticed they handle the cold just fine.

[lllisa]

How do I get my jeep wrangler, puppy "peaches" and one bag from Chicago to Anchorage? I will be okay if I live next to Costco--I love to cook and I must have a constant supply of meat to choose from. I will probably need to invest in a deep freezer? How far is Costco from the downtown Anchorage?

[HighlandLady]

Have you narrowed your choices to Anchorage and Cheyenne or Laramie, then? Fly with the dog and ship the Jeep...or pack everything and drive the Jeep here.

[AKirstin]

You could either ship the car or drive it, though I've no idea what the cost might be for that. I would ship it if you aren't coming sometime between late May and late September.


There are two Costco's, neither of them close to downtown.