Which is more accurate, if you love Seattle you’d love Anchorage or you’d love San Francisco?

[jabogitlu]

Originally Posted by Gardyloo

I think most people live in Seattle, as well as Anchorage, because their work or family connections brought them (or bred them) there.

Is that different than .... any other place in the world? lol

[Arcos]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

Is that different than .... any other place in the world? lol

Different in Florida or other retirement cities. I heard that Vancouver was a big retirement city too? But yes, otherwise I think the statement covers every city.

[Natnasci]

Originally Posted by Arcos

Different in Florida or other retirement cities. I heard that Vancouver was a big retirement city too? But yes, otherwise I think the statement covers every city.

Vancouver? Not really. Victoria and other small towns on Vancouver Island, yes.

Although, many who live in Vancouver and are retired, don't feel the need to move to a place to attain a " retirement " kind of existence. Some who can afford, do winter in Mexico, Costa Rica and the US, mostly.

[pnwguy2]

Comparing cities based on one criteria can be misleading. Not to say this is abundent on this thread, but certainly hints at it.

The cities mentioned on this thread all have positives and negatives, and they are different for each. As a consumer you need to study these and decide for yourself what you can live with and what you cannot.

Example: Anchorage is close to abundent nature and is beautiful. It also has somewhat been in a recession for over half a decade. Seattle is also beautiful, but very expensive. San Francisco is even more expensive and has some urban homeless issues, as does Seattle. (I guess the homeless tend to avoid Anchorage for obvious reasons).

The point is there are good and bad in all three cities the OP mentioned. Smart folks will decide what is acceptable and what is not.

[jabogitlu]

When I lived in AK there were plenty of homeless folks in Anchorage. Lots of folks get stuck in Alaska with no way back down to the mainland (or "back outside" as they say there).

I have no idea how they made it through those -20 cold snap weeks. I'd guess that out of all Alaskan (major) cities, Fairbanks has the least amount of unsheltered folks due to the truly cold weather, -40 etc.

[PhxGirl5]

I think in terms of look and feel, I'd go with San Francisco & Seattle like others. Anchorage's feel reminds me of a mixture of Antarctica, (only with a huge population) & a ghetto version of Iceland. When I first got to Seattle, it reminded me of SF a lottt. It was something I first noticed.

[Guineas]

Originally Posted by 87112

There was a previous thread about Vancouver BC and how Seattle could aspire to be Vancouver. In Hong Kong where I am from the wealthy do not aim to live in Seattle unless its for work. If they wish to leave for better quality of life its Vancouver BC. Its a destination city for wealthy people from all over Asia for relocation if they can pull off the high price tag.

The real answer is it's easier to get a visa and permanent residency to live in Canada than the US for those coming from China.

Seattle wealth is homegrown
Vancouver comes from Asian money laundering

You decide on where is actually more attractive. An economic powerhouse that contains some of the richest companies in the world (Seattle) or a North American Dubai (Vancouver). If you're already rich with questionably obtained wealth from China, then Vancouver is a great place for you. If you're professional with marketable skills and talent but not a whole lot of assets, then the obvious answer is Seattle.