about seward... (Anchorage, Kenai, Barrow: for rent, mobile home, construction)

[pooky123]

I have been planning on moving to alaska for a long time, and yes it has been carefully thought out. But I have been debating between a couple of towns. Seward is probably my number one, but living in the "lower 48" I am not sure what to expect. It certainly looks gorgeous! can anyone tell me what i'm to expect? I have got the feeling a lot of tourists go there????? I've also heard a lot about bears....

[ysr_racer]

How can you consider moving anywhere without going there first?

[pooky123]

I would like to narrow down my choices so when I do visit there, I won't have to go all across Alaska to a ton of towns.

[Metlakatla]

What are your reasons for wanting to move to Alaska? That would give us a better idea of what you're looking for.

[pooky123]

Well many a reasons..... To escape the growing metropolis that is america. I can't stand seeing a building everywhere I go. Any time I see a city with construction extending on the outskirts, I just feel depressed. I absolutely love nature, and think it would be great to be right in the thick of it. What I don't want though, is to be alone in a cabin a hundred miles from anyone. A nice little town would be perfect! I love winter as well, but I don't think I could handle an area like Barrow just yet. I'm also sick of impatient and rude people. This usually seems to be the overall attitude of mainland residents. (ok not ALL) There are so many more, but in general, I just feel the need to escape all this. Do my reasons suffice? Would i be moving to the right place? Well thank goodness I have people like you to ask

[BudinAk]

Originally Posted by pooky123

I have been planning on moving to alaska for a long time, and yes it has been carefully thought out. But I have been debating between a couple of towns. Seward is probably my number one, but living in the "lower 48" I am not sure what to expect. It certainly looks gorgeous! can anyone tell me what i'm to expect? I have got the feeling a lot of tourists go there????? I've also heard a lot about bears....

Hi Pooky
I live in Seward. You are right: it is gorgeous...kinda like living in Switzerland. Mountains are everywhere, rivers, creeks, lakes, beautiful ocean, gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park (gorgeous!), great fishing, hunting, snowmachining, kayaking, camping, hiking trails everywhere. There are even trails up a couple of the mountains here (Mt Marathon, and Mt Alice) Best months to visit: June, July, and August. Coldest months: January and February.(can get to zero, or maybe a few degrees colder, for a day or two)
Rainiest months: Sept, Oct
We get from 2 to 5 feet of snow every winter, the city and state do a good job keeping the roads cleared.
There are numerous apts and homes for rent....(expect $600 for a 1BR apt, to $1200+ for a house) Sometimes you can find a cabin, or mobile home, for less.
Seward is a tourist destination in the summer and fall months, with large cruise ships berthing here about once or twice a week.
Summers can be WONDERFUL, with some clear sunny days in the mid-70's, lower 80's. The warmest I have seen it go is 91, at a spot 7 miles to the north. Yes, there are a few bears, but......where in Alaska can you go and NOT find bears? For the most part, they are not a problem.
Jobs are not exactly over-abundant: but finding a job in the tourist industry is not too hard in the summer. Other employers: state of Alaska, city of Seward, AK dept of corrections, Alaska Railroad, Ak school system, construction, private shops and stores. (do Google search for Alaska Job Service, Alaska Job Bank) I'd be glad to answer any questions. Hope this helps.

Bud

[pooky123]

Thank you so much! That was very helpful indeed! Seward sounds even more beautiful than before! It actually sounds perfect to me. Winter probably wouldn't be a problem, because I grew up in Wisconsin. As for the mountains, well from the pictures I've seen they are breath-taking. There is just something about mountains that is so alluring to me. Has there been problems with avalanches though??? This would probably be my biggest fear. Well thanks again for the info!

[BudinAk]

Originally Posted by pooky123

Thank you so much! That was very helpful indeed! Seward sounds even more beautiful than before! It actually sounds perfect to me. Winter probably wouldn't be a problem, because I grew up in Wisconsin. As for the mountains, well from the pictures I've seen they are breath-taking. There is just something about mountains that is so alluring to me. Has there been problems with avalanches though??? This would probably be my biggest fear. Well thanks again for the info!

The biggest problem with avalanches have been with snowmachiners who take risks "high marking" the steep slopes...trying to see how high they can climb the steepest areas. It's a big risk they take, and from time to time they pay the price...some years ago we had 5 of them perish in just one avalanche midway between Seward and Anchorage. The risk is VERY minor to others. (unless you like to ski or snowboard on the steep parts of mountains).

Bud

Winter: Ressurrection Bay
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/KL7EU/Boat2.jpg (broken link)

Ressurrection Bay in May (snow mostly gone by Aug), Seward in Background
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/KL7EU/Seward2.jpg (broken link)

[FLPL75]

Here are a couple of pictures of the Exit glacier I took while in seward a few weeks ago
didn't get the chance to meet up with bud but fear not we will be coming back





the sealife center was also a great place to visit.

karla

[BudinAk]

Hi Karla!

Sorry we missed you! It may have been just as well, because Sunshine was pretty ill at the time (still is, but getting better) I'm just glad Rance was there to help out. (thanks Rance!)
You're coming back? Hooooorrraaayyyyy!!!!

Bud