Looking to move to Anchorage? DON'T. (Fairbanks, Haines: sales, camps, stores)

[drro]

There are these documentaries on Alaska here on tv sometimes about bush pilots and law enforcement in Alaska. Pretty remarkable to see how people in the smallest villages up north in Alaska are on crystal meth and that many people live in what looks like shacks, despite the terrible cold. They also mentioned that half a gallon of milk costs $25 dollar in Alaska because it needs to be flown in. Is that thing about the milk actually true?

[Lindsey1151]

Originally Posted by Motorama

San Francisco is a city. New York is a city. Houston is a city. Anchorage is not a real city.





Freezing cold! Thank you!

Also is Virginia Beach! Virginia Beach is not a real city!

[Tyjen]

Originally Posted by Motorama

Don't come here like I did. It was a horrible decision coming here.

Anchorage is a little dinky town with nothing to do but drink. It's more of a suburb than a real city.

Wrong. Plenty of hikes to go on, ski slopes to traverse, walking paths to stroll down, concerts to attend downtown, and the list could continue for awhile. My wife and I miss it so much, we're moving back.

Originally Posted by Motorama

If you are young/in your 20s, single, or both, you will most likely be bored and alone. Nonexistent dating scene. If you are a female especially, 80% of the guys are drunk seedy creeps. The other 20% are married.

I met my wife in Anchorage and had plenty of dating opportunities before that.

Originally Posted by Motorama

The "outdoor activities" everyone brags about get REAL OLD REAL QUICK! Going snow machining is ok the first couple times. Woohoo. Not a place to move if you want to go to concerts or any cool events. Move to Anchorage if all you are planning on doing to staying inside all the time.

If you don't really enjoy the outdoors, maybe it does get old; but, I really miss taking a walk outside while it's snowing out. I live in Hawaii right now, so I'm really starting to miss snow and seasons (winter being my favorite).

Originally Posted by Motorama

Food is ...horrible.

Taco King is amazing for some awesome and pretty authentic Mexican food. There is not shortage of decent Thai restaurants. Moose's Tooth is one of the best pizza places I've encountered anywhere. Downtown there is Snow Goose Cafe, Glacier Brew House, and Orso's, which are all pretty good. My favorite place is probably Jen's Restaurant, which is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. The food is actually fantastic compared to most places I've lived at and I've lived in plenty of major cities.

Originally Posted by Motorama

I tried to like Anchorage, I really did. But I'm done. Sorry guys, just being honest. I'm planning to move to Cali, Bay area. The "Last Frontier" should be your last resort.

Anchorage probably isn't for everyone, but your points are parochial in your attempt to slander Anchorage for no other reason than to justify your misery.

[Dakster]

I have found what Tyjen has posted to be accurate.

This place isn't for everyone - obviously - but it is for me.

[AKStafford]

Originally Posted by drro

They also mentioned that half a gallon of milk costs $25 dollar in Alaska because it needs to be flown in. Is that thing about the milk actually true?

It does have to be flown in. I think $25 for a half gallon is a bit overblown. AC Value Center is the store in most communities. You can see their sale ads here: http://www.acvaluecenter.com/

[drro]

Originally Posted by AKStafford

It does have to be flown in. I think $25 for a half gallon is a bit overblown. AC Value Center is the store in most communities. You can see their sale ads here: http://www.acvaluecenter.com/

Well, maybe I don't remember correctly and it might have been a gallon of milk for $25. The link is interesting, I didn't find my milk in the flyer but things like 2 bags of chips for $11 or a jar of vegetables for $7 make it seem like Alaska is about twice as expensive as the continental US and about 5 times as expensive where I live. I assume they pay you very high salaries up there? What about your heating bills? I know some Dutch people who paid $1500 per month last winter in continental US so I can't imagine what it would be like in Alaska.

[AKStafford]

Originally Posted by drro

...make it seem like Alaska is about twice as expensive as the continental US and about 5 times as expensive where I live. I assume they pay you very high salaries up there? What about your heating bills? I know some Dutch people who paid $1500 per month last winter in continental US so I can't imagine what it would be like in Alaska.

It all depends on where in Alaska. Prices in Anchorage are comparable to prices in Seattle. As you get more rural in Alaska, prices go up steeply.
And no, wages are not that much higher. Most the people in rural Alaska live below the poverty line.

[Dakster]

If you live in am area where the produce (fruits/veggies) goes from the field or the port directly to the grocery store - then Anchorage is more money. I'll give a grapes comparison. In Miami grapes were $2.29 a pound vs. Wal-Mart in Eagle River - $5.99 a pound. I pay the same for Milk though - around $3.25 - $3.50 a gal. These are not "bush" prices though.

Bags of chips are about the same. $4.50 or so for the medium sized 13 1/4 oz. bags. Gas stations those will top $6/bag.

[drro]

Originally Posted by AKStafford

It all depends on where in Alaska. Prices in Anchorage are comparable to prices in Seattle. As you get more rural in Alaska, prices go up steeply.
And no, wages are not that much higher. Most the people in rural Alaska live below the poverty line.

I'm a big fan of Alaska State Troopers and sadly that is what the series show as well.

Originally Posted by Dakster

If you live in am area where the produce (fruits/veggies) goes from the field or the port directly to the grocery store - then Anchorage is more money. I'll give a grapes comparison. In Miami grapes were $2.29 a pound vs. Wal-Mart in Eagle River - $5.99 a pound. I pay the same for Milk though - around $3.25 - $3.50 a gal. These are not "bush" prices though.

Bags of chips are about the same. $4.50 or so for the medium sized 13 1/4 oz. bags. Gas stations those will top $6/bag.

I'm also a big fan of Flying Wild Alaska and indeed it appears that the last part of the transportation is what makes the prices really high. Interesting to read some things are just as expensive in Anchorage as in continental US despite everything having to be driven through Canada.

[AKStafford]

Originally Posted by drro

despite everything having to be driven through Canada.

Most of it, almost all of it comes via ship into the Port of Anchorage. Very little is shipped over the road.