Move for a potential job in Anchorage. (Palmer, Seward: crime, layoffs)

[Cab4you26]

I recently applied for a job with Alaska Railroad in Anchorage as a journeyman mechanic. I’m currently a journeyman with Norfolk Southern right now and live in Virginia. I’m 25 years old and have been with NS for almost 7 years. Does anyone know how the job security is with ARR? I ask because Alaska Railroad is much smaller than NS (52 locomotives as opposed to 4000+).

Alaska has always been a place I thought would be awesome to live. I’m very outdoorsy and enjoy photography and traveling, too. I’ve never visited Alaska but I have been to Iceland where the climate is very similar based off of what I’ve read. I’m also interested in flying in Alaska and am aware of the flight schools around Anchorage. Finishing my degree is also another goal. I have money saved up so I feel comfortable getting out there and getting by till I’m settled in.

Are there any things I should be concerned about? Any advice for someone from 4000 some miles away? I think job security is the biggest one for me. I’ve done some prior reading on this forum and it seems the economy in Alaska isn’t in great shape.

[Northrick]

ARRC has had a tough time lately. For a long time, one of their main money makers was hauling coal from Healy to Seward for export. With the world wide shift from coal to other energy sources they are not exporting coal any more.


That said, ARRC has gone through several rounds of layoffs and I'd say (and this is only my opinion) that they are more stable now. You are 25 and if you get a job offer I'd take it and move on up. Otherwise you will always be wondering "what if..."


We moved up here from Centreville VA almost 25 years ago and I don't regret that move one bit.

[Music_Man]

Don't move until you actually have the job! If the ARRC needs you, it will probably be a long term job.

[AKStafford]

Is it just a summer seasonal job or is it a year round offer?

[Cab4you26]

The job would be full time. I wouldn’t move unless I had the job. Is crime really as bad as people say it is in Anchorage?

[AlaskaErik]

Originally Posted by Cab4you26

The job would be full time. I wouldn’t move unless I had the job. Is crime really as bad as people say it is in Anchorage?

No, it's worse.

[Haolejohn]

Originally Posted by Cab4you26

The job would be full time. I wouldn’t move unless I had the job. Is crime really as bad as people say it is in Anchorage?

It’s bad enough that last night I heard a rumble that sounded like our new to is vehicle. I woke up and checked to make sure it was Not our vehicle being stolen. It wasn’t.

[Cab4you26]

Can you elaborate on the crime any? That’s one reason to dissuade me from going, but I’ve read places like Eagle River, Palmer, and a few other areas are nice. It looks like those commutes are within an hour drive to Anchorage, but who knows with traffic.

[Northrick]

Originally Posted by Cab4you26

Can you elaborate on the crime any? That’s one reason to dissuade me from going, but I’ve read places like Eagle River, Palmer, and a few other areas are nice. It looks like those commutes are within an hour drive to Anchorage, but who knows with traffic.

You didn't say where in Virginia you are at, but I'd take Anchorage over Norfolk any day.

[Cab4you26]

I’m in Roanoke/Blacksburg. We have 4 seasons here. It’s hot and humid in the summer and cold in the winter. Spring and Fall are the best seasons here. I feel very safe in Roanoke, although cars have been broken into at our work and we sometimes have trespassers. Lots of things to do if you’re outdoorsy, lots of breweries, coffee shops, music and events, etc. Honestly Roanoke is a great place to live but the atmosphere at the shop I work has gotten so bad I want to leave. I feel like with me being young I could do with the experience out there. I’ve always wanted to go and experience Alaska which is what made me pursue looking for a job there. I’d also love flying there. Alaska looks like no other place from the pictures I’ve seen.

I just want to make sure I can do everything I’m doing in Roanoke, too, like finish at community college and move up, fly, do everything I can do enjoy where I live.