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Old 09-05-2016, 01:36 AM
 
3 posts, read 3,328 times
Reputation: 10

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I have a potential job offer in Ketchikan.

Currently, I live/work in a small Midwest city (about 12,000 and dwindling) that has nothing going for it. Been here almost 2 years; feels like longer. I feel really disconnected (socially) and isolated here. The people are racist, uneducated, unfriendly to outsiders, and do an eff ton of drugs. My only friend moved away, so I feel even less attached.

Me: Single. Nonreligious. Wants to eventually have a family. Wants social connection and things to do.

Would I be better off taking the job, if I get the offer, or looking for something else in the lower 48?

Also...how does a person get to to Ketchikan? Google maps keeps telling me that I can't get there from here, but that's just insane. ... Right?
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Old 09-05-2016, 07:17 AM
 
Location: annandale, va & slidell, la
9,267 posts, read 5,119,751 times
Reputation: 8471
Quote:
Originally Posted by annabelle_ex View Post
I have a potential job offer in Ketchikan.

Currently, I live/work in a small Midwest city (about 12,000 and dwindling) that has nothing going for it. Been here almost 2 years; feels like longer. I feel really disconnected (socially) and isolated here. The people are racist, uneducated, unfriendly to outsiders, and do an eff ton of drugs. My only friend moved away, so I feel even less attached.

Me: Single. Nonreligious. Wants to eventually have a family. Wants social connection and things to do.

Would I be better off taking the job, if I get the offer, or looking for something else in the lower 48?

Also...how does a person get to to Ketchikan? Google maps keeps telling me that I can't get there from here, but that's just insane. ... Right?
Sounds like you need a little education if you think you can drive to Ketchikan. Drive to Juneau first and see if you fit in.
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Old 09-05-2016, 07:37 AM
 
Location: Dangling from a mooses antlers
7,308 posts, read 14,691,026 times
Reputation: 6238
Drive to Bellingham, Washington or Prince Rupert, British Columbia and take the ferry to Ketchikan. Or fly.
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Old 09-05-2016, 07:43 AM
 
Location: Alaska
5,356 posts, read 18,544,358 times
Reputation: 4071
Ketchikan is on an island. The only ways to get there are by plane or ferry. As to taking the job, Ketchikan might not be too different than your current location. Not racist or nessarily unfriendly, but you may still be socially isolated and unless you like to do outdoor things, may not have much to do. Also, it rains a lot there.
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Old 09-05-2016, 09:31 AM
 
Location: Juneau, AK + Puna, HI
10,560 posts, read 7,758,541 times
Reputation: 16058
Alaska Airlines has several daily non stop flights from Seattle to Ketchikan. Come check it out.

It's population is about the same as the place you're at currently.

Like rain? You'd better, now or eventually. Ketchikan is the rainiest major town in US, with over 150 inches annually.
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Old 09-05-2016, 11:17 AM
 
Location: Alaska
195 posts, read 278,569 times
Reputation: 315
As someone who grew up in a dying Midwestern town and accepted a job in SE AK, it can be a great change. Do your research. When we moved to Juneau, we took the ferry a few times (both from Haines and Bellingham). Check into ferry dates/routes and decide what would work best for you. You'll also need to be prepared financially because rentals are expensive here, especially compared to the Midwest. Is the salary the job offered you comparatively higher? Make sure that you take that into consideration. Also, as posters above stated, the weather can be a downer for some because it rains constantly and most social interactions involve outdoorsy activities (hiking, camping, etc), so you'll want to be ok with both of those things if you consider moving to Ketchikan.
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Old 09-05-2016, 03:21 PM
 
Location: interior Alaska
6,895 posts, read 5,862,705 times
Reputation: 23410
Quote:
Originally Posted by annabelle_ex View Post
I have a potential job offer in Ketchikan.

Currently, I live/work in a small Midwest city (about 12,000 and dwindling) that has nothing going for it. Been here almost 2 years; feels like longer. I feel really disconnected (socially) and isolated here. The people are racist, uneducated, unfriendly to outsiders, and do an eff ton of drugs. My only friend moved away, so I feel even less attached.

Me: Single. Nonreligious. Wants to eventually have a family. Wants social connection and things to do.

Would I be better off taking the job, if I get the offer, or looking for something else in the lower 48?

Also...how does a person get to to Ketchikan? Google maps keeps telling me that I can't get there from here, but that's just insane. ... Right?
I love Ketchikan but if you're trying to get away from being disconnected, isolated, and an outsider, I'm not sure an island off Alaska is the way to go.
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Old 09-05-2016, 06:41 PM
 
3 posts, read 3,328 times
Reputation: 10
I figured out that I had Google set to avoid ferries (why???), so now I have determined it would be possible to get there with my stuff and car. Priorities, ne? Thanks for setting me straight on it being an island. It's not immediately obvious on a map because it's a pretty big island. Almost begs the question, why not a bridge, but I'm not an engineer.

I don't mind the rain, but I'm not outdoorsy. Most of my hobbies these days just involve a high-speed Internet connection and time.

This probably isn't for me.
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Old 09-05-2016, 07:35 PM
 
2,674 posts, read 2,627,718 times
Reputation: 5260
I don't know what type of work you do, but other areas that may interest you:

- Oak Harbor, Washington State (near large population centers, but far enough away to not be outrageously expensive)
- Portland, Maine (Maine has the friendliest people I've ever met)
- Concord, New Hampshire (near large-ish population centers, but not expensive)

Keep looking, I'm sure you'll find a good fit Good luck!
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Old 09-05-2016, 08:28 PM
 
1,931 posts, read 2,170,757 times
Reputation: 1629
Quote:
Originally Posted by annabelle_ex View Post
why not a bridge, but I'm not an engineer.

I don't mind the rain, but I'm not outdoorsy. Most of my hobbies these days just involve a high-speed Internet connection and time.

This probably isn't for me.
That would be one big bridge.

It's not going to be for you, unless you are willing to accept the "high-speed" internet isn't anywhere what you would want.
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