Those who want to get out of Alaska - Why? (Anchorage: how much, find a job)

[lazyboy]

I left because of the long dark,cold winters and cost of living! After I retired,winters seemed to get longer and colder and we figured our retirement income would go further in the south!
I found the heat of summer to be harder on me than the cold of winter! As far as cost of living, you just have to adjust! Some expenses in the lower 48 are actually higher,depending on the area you choose!
If things work out,we'll be moving back!

[tigre79]

A lot of people leave here when they graduate high school looking for more opportunities, more social outlets, etc. And a lot leave when they retire or their kids are grown to get away from the weather. Of course, a lot of people who flee Valdez go to other parts of the state.

[HighlandLady]

I also did not wish to leave...but the curve that life sometimes throws occurred and I couldn't say no (caring for my dying father). Events happened in the interim and I chose to take those opportunities. Do I have regrets? No. Do I miss Alaska? Yes. I would not move there again, but I will visit as often as I can. I have lived many, many places and each is what a person makes of it. I am content.

[freezengirl]

Originally Posted by HighlandLady

I also did not wish to leave...but the curve that life sometimes throws occurred and I couldn't say no (caring for my dying father). Events happened in the interim and I chose to take those opportunities. Do I have regrets? No. Do I miss Alaska? Yes. I would not move there again, but I will visit as often as I can. I have lived many, many places and each is what a person makes of it. I am content.

Wise words!

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by HighlandLady

I also did not wish to leave...but the curve that life sometimes throws occurred and I couldn't say no (caring for my dying father). Events happened in the interim and I chose to take those opportunities. Do I have regrets? No. Do I miss Alaska? Yes. I would not move there again, but I will visit as often as I can. I have lived many, many places and each is what a person makes of it. I am content.

Tried to rep ya ......

[HighlandLady]

Thank you. I shouldn't say I wouldn't move back - who knows what tomorrow may bring? I just take it as it comes.

[MissingAll4Seasons]

There seems to be three types of people: 1) folks who love it and would never leave, 2) folks who have left because they had to (money, family, health, etc) even though they didn't necessarily want to, and 3) folks who leave because they hate it here and any excuse is a good one.

I'm firmly in Camp 1. I would do whatever humanly possible to work any family or financial issues such that I could stay here rather than leave. If my parents get sick and need me to care for them, they can suck it up and come up here... if they want to stay there, they need to talk to my sister then. I already left AK for work/money once and regretted it every single day until I could get back... if finances become an issue again, I'd sell myself on a street corner before I even think about leaving. If/when my health goes, I want to die on my land not in some L48 hospice.

The whole cost of living thing is a bit of a misconception in many cases. Food *can* be more expensive if you buy it in the supermarket, but there is much more opportunity to forage/hunt for food up here. Heating oil can be expensive, but most places have more than plenty trees to get cheap firewood. Goods and shipping to get them here can be expensive, but you don't normally need as much crap to live up here once you're already set up. But all those things can be just as expensive in other cities/states, and at least we don't have the huge taxes here like elsewhere. Rent/mortgage is cheaper here than most places, even if utilities can be a little more expensive. So-- I'd say it's a wash on that front unless you lived in a dirt cheap home with dirt cheap utilities and dirt cheap living expenses with dirt cheap taxes (and finding a place with ALL those things is difficult).

[Captain Crunch]

Is that sarcasm? Kinda got me right in the heart!

Since when do ya right-wingers have a heart...?

[losttechnician]

Originally Posted by tigre79

A lot of people leave here when they graduate high school looking for more opportunities, more social outlets, etc. And a lot leave when they retire or their kids are grown to get away from the weather. Of course, a lot of people who flee Valdez go to other parts of the state.

tigre,

I have spent most of my life in small towns, and have seen the flight of the youngsters after graduation. Shoot, I was one of them when I was 18 as well. Got wise quick and found a way BACK to small town and have enjoyed it since.

but why would folks flee Valdez, just to go to another part of the state? To my uneducated, -48 frame of mind, Valdez looks like one heck of a nice town.

[naturesdreams]

Well I for one want to keep trying to make it to Alaska. I want to get rid of all the "stuff" live more simply and as long as I have a roof over my head, food on my table and good friends I'd be content.

People here complain all the time about winter too but they hide indoors and don't do anything in the winter. I want to learn all the new activities that go on in Alaska that doesn't exist here... Stiff.. we can help you get to D.C... lets start a collection for you "D.C. or bust" LOL