considering Anchorage (Fairbanks, Eagle: house, school, living in)

[tatiana67]

Hi. I'm a massage therapist and instructor in Little Rock, Ar. I recently applied for a position at Career Academy in Anchorage as a massage therapy instructor. So, I have been checking out websites on Anchorage. I've been fairly encouraged so far, but was just looking for further input. I have a transgendered roommate (male to female), and was wondering what the climate is like up there for her... we both just want a change and I've always been drawn to the Pacific Northwest. Any opinions?
Thanks.

[Rance]

The sun shines, it rains, it snows, we get hail and lightning. We get fall colors. It's a very good climate in southcentral. It not humid summer or winter so the weather is tolerable.

[rotorhead]

Compared to the interior cities like Fairbanks, Anchorage is considered the "banana belt" of Alaska. Its rare to have temps colder than negative 20 degrees F. or so and even then its not for months on end, more like a week or two. Humidity in summer isn't bad at all, and it rarely gets above the mid '80's temp. wise.

For many people a bigger factor than the cold is the darkness during the winter. On a clear day in the middle of winter you'll only see the sun above the horizon for about 5 hrs, 20 minutes or so, and there aren't many clear days. Its drive to work in the dark, maybe a bit of sun for lunch, drive home in the dark, repeat all winter. Some people just can't take it.

[tatiana67]

Thanks so much, y'all. I've been reading the postings for several days and think I can handle the weather and light/no light thing. So does my roommate, Taylor. As llong as I can practice massage and teach the art of it, I think I could live anywhere. Now, it's down to dealing with logistics of it all. IF they make the offer AND I choose to accept, AND I can sell my house here, I'll be on my way. I have a friend living in Eagle River(husband is military), and I've written her to get her input as well. I can't believe I'm even considering this so seriously, but the school seems quite interested. They got back to me in one day, and have contacted me twice since...so, we'll see!
Tonya

[mrkool]

Originally Posted by tatiana67

I have a transgendered roommate (male to female), and was wondering what the climate is like up there for her...
Thanks.

What in heaven's name does the climate have to do with your transgendered roommate?? I don't see the point of you having mentioned this. As they say... Too Much Information.

[tatiana67]

I meant "climate", as in, will she be accepted, etc. I live in the SOUTH, where "different" is not necessarily accepted. At times, it can prove to be difficult. Sorry, didn't mean to offend, I just wondered. I've been reading about how conservative it can be up there, but also, that there is a "live and let live" mentality. Was only trying to get a feel for things...

[mal_flisk]

Most folks up here don't care one way or the other. Alaska folks have a laissez-faire kind of outlook. It's all pretty much live and let live. More neighborly and all that. We (and yes, I'm proud to say "we") tend to take folks as they present themselves. Obsessions, quirks, faults - they're so common up here that people without any are kind of atrange in and, of themselves. As the saying goes, come on in, the water's fine. Just a might dark and chilly.

[tatiana67]

Thanks, that's nice to hear. I really do want this to work out, it seems. Who'd a thunk? But everyone on this forum is so nice and helpful, it makes it exciting to think about. I can handle (and would probably welcome, at least somewhat) the dark and chilly aspects for a change. It's already getting hot down here and it's only June!