Alaska vs U.P. (Detroit, Adrian: vacation, employment, houses)

[Snootylooter]

I have lived in Alaska, and in SW Michigan, but not in the U.P. I frequently hear that living in the U.P. is like living in Alaska (minus, of course, the mountains and glaciers). Are there any Yoopers (or Alaskans) out there that have lived in both places and can speak to the similarities, &/or differences, between the two places. I know they have their economic & geographic differences - I'm more looking for an lifestyle/attitude/quality of life comparison. Thanks!!

[Nephler]

Not sure I really qualify for this one but... We live just south of the bridge (Mac) and spend a lot of time in the UP, mainly along the Lake Superior shore. Before deciding to move to Alaska (Kenai area) this coming spring, we looked at moving to Marquette. Marquette is a very nice city/town and I believe it's the only growing city in the UP. The area is wonderful! Yes, there does seem to be lots of similarities between the 2 as far as I can see. The people are much more laid back and friendly in the UP. More willing to help out your fellow man as they say. If you like snow, well, the UP is the place to be! I can't say I have ever met an unfriendly person up there, except for those that are from southern MI and want to fence in their land. That's the other thing, in da UP it's quite common the hear "my land is your land and your land is my land". As long as you don't trash the area, people don't care if you "trespass". Work can be tough to find though. I think the only real thing I'll miss about MI will be the UP.

[pollywannacracker]

My brother has lived in both the UP and Alaska and he says like the pp'er the people are much friendlier in the UP, but both are beautiful and lots of outdoor stuff to do. he also thought the houses and neighborhoods in alaska seemed a little more rundown too.

[DestinationSeattle]

Originally Posted by Nephler

Not sure I really qualify for this one but... We live just south of the bridge (Mac) and spend a lot of time in the UP, mainly along the Lake Superior shore. Before deciding to move to Alaska (Kenai area) this coming spring, we looked at moving to Marquette. Marquette is a very nice city/town and I believe it's the only growing city in the UP. The area is wonderful! Yes, there does seem to be lots of similarities between the 2 as far as I can see. The people are much more laid back and friendly in the UP. More willing to help out your fellow man as they say. If you like snow, well, the UP is the place to be! I can't say I have ever met an unfriendly person up there, except for those that are from southern MI and want to fence in their land. That's the other thing, in da UP it's quite common the hear "my land is your land and your land is my land". As long as you don't trash the area, people don't care if you "trespass". Work can be tough to find though. I think the only real thing I'll miss about MI will be the UP.

I never lived in the U.P. (I grew up in the Mitten), but it was always my favorite vacation spot. My wife's grandpa had some land and a small cabin up there for years, too. Based on all of that, I can wholeheartedly second what Nephler says. The people are amazingly friendly and laid-back, and the whole area is notorious for its harsh winters and heavy snowfall. But the terrain is amazing. You don't get the glaciers and mountains of Alaska, but you do have beautiful Lake Superior, the Porcupine Mountains, gorgeous waterfalls, and lots of rugged, unspoiled nature. The downside, though, is a lack of employment opportunities.

[Great Lakes Pirate]

I live in the UP, but haven't ventured to Alaska. I'm acquainted with Yoopers who've gone (and stayed) in Alaska, though.

I'm assuming by "Alaska" you don't necessarily mean Anchorage, which has about 50% of Alaska's population, and almost the same pop. as the whole U.P.

The UP is definetly rural -- the most rural area east of the MS (take that Maine) so our life here is definetly country-style and un-hustled.

Like most of Alaska, too, we are isolated from 'rest of the world'. (Example: Houghton and Washington DC are just about the same distance from Detroit.)

This isolation retains, and attracts, people who -- like Alaskans -- don't give a hoot about the trappings and attractions of city life.

Lifestyle wise, you will find friendly neighbors, but the Finnish concept of Sisu is alive and well here. Yes, the UP is the community -- but one made of individuals. Weak individuals will not fiind a lot support.

Sisu - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

If you are steadfastedly independant, you'll find yourself happily so in the UP.

[DestinationSeattle]

Originally Posted by Great Lakes Pirate

(Example: Houghton and Washington DC are just about the same distance from Detroit.)

WOW! I never realized that before, but Google Maps just proved it to me. Detroit to DC, 527 miles. Detroit to Houghton, 554 miles!

That really puts the isolation of the U.P. in perspective.

[Doc Jae]

I used to live in Healy, AK, right by the entrance to Denali National Park. Alaska has a lot to offer and so much to see. It's really a beautiful place. However, the isolation from civilization is hard to handle. I used to have to drive more than two hours to get an oil change, see a movie, eat fast food, etc. The U.P. is great because you can choose to be or feel isolated from the outside world without actually being too far away. No mountain peaks in Michigan though.

My vote: U.P.

[jeeg]

I would love to find out and report back to you!!

I belong to several Alaska forums and have read many times that my area of the U.P. (Marquette county) west reminds those who have travelled here of Alaska.

[DestinationSeattle]

Originally Posted by Doc Jae

No mountain peaks in Michigan though.

No, but there are the lovely Porcupine Mountains!

[suydam]

Originally Posted by YoAdrian

WOW! I never realized that before, but Google Maps just proved it to me. Detroit to DC, 527 miles. Detroit to Houghton, 554 miles!

That really puts the isolation of the U.P. in perspective.

I think that's an unfair comparison though.

St. Paul, Minnesota is only 350 miles away....so yeah, Houghton is isolated from Detroit....but it's as close to a huge metropolitan area as The Soo is to Detroit....far, but not totally isolated.