Have or are any of you going to ALASKA??? (Big Lake: rentals, crime)

[Mollym313]

OK...yea yea I know odd question for Missourians but I figure I live here and would like local (Missouri) input. I may have an opportunity to move to Alaska (Anchorage) next summer and I know cost of living is high and it gets cold etc. My opportunities with my degree are much greater there, not to mention not having to live from paycheck to paycheck after spending so much $$$ on school.

I would like to know if any of you have been there or lived there or possibly going in the future. What are your thoughts, suggestions, or comments?

I am not a Missouri traitor (LOL), I have been here for 20 years but I need to reach out and grab a better opportunity if it presents itself.

[misplaced1]

All I know about Alaska is about as much as you. Cost of living can be pretty high and it can get darn cold! I'd also check out the crime in any area you might think of moving too.

My aunt lives in Alaska, I think it's called Big Lake but I'd have to look to be sure. She absolutely loves it there. Even though they don't make a lot of money she wouldn't move for the world. She says the neighbors look out for each other if anyone is in need of help.

Wish I could help you more, I don't get much contact with my family there lately or I'd ask her more questions.

My question for you is do you have anything to lose if you go for it and give it a shot? If you can come back without much problem if you needed to, it might just be worth going for the experience.

[Mollym313]

Originally Posted by misplaced1

All I know about Alaska is about as much as you. Cost of living can be pretty high and it can get darn cold! I'd also check out the crime in any area you might think of moving too.

My aunt lives in Alaska, I think it's called Big Lake but I'd have to look to be sure. She absolutely loves it there. Even though they don't make a lot of money she wouldn't move for the world. She says the neighbors look out for each other if anyone is in need of help.

Wish I could help you more, I don't get much contact with my family there lately or I'd ask her more questions.

My question for you is do you have anything to lose if you go for it and give it a shot? If you can come back without much problem if
you needed to, it might just be worth going for the experience.

I see stuff on craigslist for big Lake all the time. If I recall correctly thats just outside of Anchorage.

And I agree with you completely...I really have nothing to lose and it would be at the very least the adventure of a lifetime. Plus if things don't go well I do have family here that I could come back to.

Keep me posted if you talk with your Aunt...I would love to know more. I was looking at rentals in her neck of the woods.

THANKS! YOU MADE MY DAY

[ShadowCaver]

Agree with the 1 that is misplaced... very good advice, esp. there in the last paragraph - if you have little to no ties, get going, explore, live, enjoy, experience! I'd love to have that opportunity I've not been, but of the friends that have, and from reading/seeing/hearing of those that visit or live there, it would be worthy to at least give it a shot. Good luck, if you do decide to head north - safe travels, and keep all informed, ok?

[Mollym313]

Originally Posted by ShadowCaver

Agree with the 1 that is misplaced... very good advice, esp. there in the last paragraph - if you have little to no ties, get going, explore, live, enjoy, experience! I'd love to have that opportunity I've not been, but of the friends that have, and from reading/seeing/hearing of those that visit or live there, it would be worthy to at least give it a shot. Good luck, if you do decide to head north - safe travels, and keep all informed, ok?

It is a very exciting prospect. It is kinda funny because they say groceries are a lot more (in remote areas they really are) and pay almost $4 for a gallon of milk. Isn't that what we pay here? I wonder if they realize our prices went up too down here in the lower 48. Now the villages are much higher and understandably so.

I am nervous and excited all at the same time. Thanks for being supportive. This is a huge decision for me.

[mongazid]

Big lake is a long ways from anchorage. At least an hour and a half drive with good weather. If you have any questions ask away. I'am a missouri born and raised hillbilly that moved up here last spring.

[Mollym313]

Originally Posted by mongazid

Big lake is a long ways from anchorage. At least an hour and a half drive with good weather. If you have any questions ask away. I'am a missouri born and raised hillbilly that moved up here last spring.

So how are you liking it so far? I'm looking into the Eagle River, Chugiak(?), maybe Palmer, Wasilla areas. I have a BS in Psychology and Fort Richardson was hiring, so maybe on that side of Anchorage. My son will be 14, so 'd prefer a smaller school systen where he does not fall through the cracks. What do you think of Big Lake? Does it have a school?