when youre unable to see the area before moving? (job, stations, schools)

[Wandering Mind]

most likely i wont

see, where i want to move is about 4000 miles away..well i guess my loc gives that away. ive been to the state once for vacation, but i havent been to the specific area that i wish to move to. is there a way i could get around this? since people say you should visit the area before moving. im still in college, so more likely then not im likely not able to see the area in person.

but this is still a bit far off, i plan to finish my degree first.

[SassyGirl2]

I suggest you become involved with the Alaskan thread under the State forums. There are many there who could certainly answer any questions and/or address any concerns you may have. I believe photos would also be available for a specific area, if you ask, or do a search. Hope this will point you in the right direction.

[Think (Freedom)]

I would agree with Sassy. Go on the Alaska forum and ask around. Most people are very helpful and will answer any questions you may have about a specific area. Also, you can research the area you're looking into, read the local newpapers, listen to the radio stations online, find out whats going on locally, that'll give you a better idea of the place.

[movingtohouston]

We moved to Texas and my husband was the only one to see where we lived before we got there. I had been to Houston twice as a child to visit family but what I remembered the area to look like was a whole lot different (more rural) than now. What we did was utilized Google Earth. While you can't see everything, it does give you an idea of what neighborhoods look like. How close the houses are, how far from schools, stores etc..It was really handy. We looked at it so much, we had a mental map of the area by the time we got here.

[Crew Chief]

Every time Uncle Sam handed me a set of orders, I went somewhere I'd never seen before...and this was before the internet! (Fortunately, there were other resources, such as the Air Force's Sponsorship program that provides someone at the new assignment to send you info and help you get settled in at the new base)

[brokencrayola]

I neither could nor would ever move anywhere without a recent visit. Taking a vacation someplace and living there are two different things. I would want to go and check out housing, school, crime, weather, talk to locals, restaurants activities, medical facilities etc. I'd go at least a week if not 2 or 3. I know that can be easier said than done but I think it is worth it over moving someplace soooo far away and then realizing your made a wrong choice.

[RobRiguez]

Well i guess what is the reason for moving? If its for a job or some such then it really doesnt matter where you live until you get settled. IMO I would make sure the job is everything its cracked up to be before I put down roots. I would try to find temporary housing at an extended stay hotel, or furnished apt with no more than a 6 month lease. Get familiar with the area, ask co-workers for recommendations. THEN try to find a more permanent place. If your married or have kids this makes it much harder (just cause your in college doesnt mean you dont have these issues) but temp housing is a wonderful thing as long as you know and bide by the fact that it is only temporary.

[ComputerUser000]

Originally Posted by Crew Chief

Every time Uncle Sam handed me a set of orders, I went somewhere I'd never seen before...and this was before the internet! (Fortunately, there were other resources, such as the Air Force's Sponsorship program that provides someone at the new assignment to send you info and help you get settled in at the new base)

I've worked on the air in Marks Mississippi.... Cocoa Florida.........Williston North Dakota....Madbury/Dover/Rochester/Portsmouth New Hampshire and Abbeville/Greenwood South Carolina.

i don't have and probably will NEVER have the luxury of visiting an area before I move.. time constraints and job responsibilities don't allow it.

Plus, I usually get to town on a Thursday or Friday, meet the new staff briefly and am on my own for the weekend to explore.. and having never been in town, it's kinda fun to spend the weekend discovering thigns for yourself.

[Wandering Mind]

im trying to plan something so i can see it, but i dunno if itll happen though. its not for a job. its still a few years off as im finishing college first. and im single and most likely staying that way

[Tesaje]

It's a lot easier to move to the unknown when young than after you've settled down and acquired a lot of stuff. If you end up not liking it, then you get another job in another place. A lot people who moved to AK liked it for awhile then wanted to move elsewhere. Others find they love it and want to stay. In your 20s it is easy to try something that seems adventurous and give it up when your ready.

I say go for it. Just consider it an adventure and learning experience.