What is Alaska like? (Anchorage, Barrow: employment, taxes, vacations)

[pgrdr]

Originally Posted by Sabine

I love that post. We're moving to Anchorage within the next few months, and I find it immensely helpful to read such a detailed post that doesn't lack the dose of reality that everyone moving to a different place is going to experience. Thank you!

Sabine

Thank you, Sabine.

[pgrdr]

Originally Posted by Mollym313

Do you think certain experiences/climate that people come from will affect how well they adjust to Alaska. I live in Missouri and the weather is less than desirable but I do like it here. There is a big downfall here though just as I'm sure there is in Alaska too. I am very excited at the prospect of moving to Alaska but I am anything but naive. I love the outdoors but theres not much to look at around here. I love the snow but lately we have been getting inches of freezing rain instead of the pretty white stuff.

Although I have been in MO from 20 years, I spent my childhood years in Oregon. I am just curious to know if there is a common factor for those that only last a couple of years there.

I don't know what part of MO you live in, whether you are near big city, like St. Louis, or a small town. Probably the biggest adjustments will be the darkness in the winter, and the lack of consumer goods you are used to obtaining easily in MO. The weather in MO can be pretty nasty, so you are used to cold, wind, heat, and humidity!

[pgrdr]

Originally Posted by Лютый

Early get to visit Chukotka (Russia) and then Alaska seems to you the resort

Actually, Fairbanks makes Anchorage seem pretty plush too!

[Sava_baby]

Originally Posted by Sabine

I love that post. We're moving to Anchorage within the next few months, and I find it immensely helpful to read such a detailed post that doesn't lack the dose of reality that everyone moving to a different place is going to experience. Thank you!

Sabine

I can't help but ask if you're German, I just saw your name Sabine and it is so common in Germany. ( I am obviously from Germany *lol* )

[Alaskan_Adventurer]

The only real negatives imo of living in Alaska are:

1. Our long winters, 7-8 months of winter generally. This winter has been great though, very mild. You just need to get OUTSIDE as much as possible. Skiing, sledding, snow machining, cross country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, even hiking can be done.

2. Road trips are very difficult compared to the lower 48. You drive for days on our limited roads and can still be in Alaska. You drive for hours in many lower 48 states, and you can be checking out a new area entirely. Otherwise you will have to take a very expensive flight.

As far as negatives, that is about it imo on the overall state. It is beautiful, rugged and never lets you down for an adventure. The fishing, hiking and photo opportunities are endless. Our weather in summer is generally perfect, if you don't mind the occasional dreary rain. If you love the outdoors, then I highly recommend that you at least visit the state. If you are thinking about moving here, visit first. If you decide to move here, rent first. Do not just move up here sight unseen and buy a house. I hope this helps.

[bortstc37]

alaska is very northerly.

[Floyd_Davidson]

Originally Posted by bortstc37

alaska is very northerly.

Huh? 99% of Alaska looks to be southerly to me!

[bortstc37]

omg...are you the second to last house from the end?

[Floyd_Davidson]

Originally Posted by bortstc37

omg...are you the second to last house from the end?

No, really, I did allow for a whole 1% on just 12 miles of road! It's probably more like 0.0001% or less.

That's not the problem though... it's when they start talking with that "ya'll" stuff down thar in Atkasuq, and it gets even thicker in Anaktuvuk Pass.

Ahem, it's all a matter of perspective!

[bortstc37]

we oughta set up some kind of border patrol for all those foreigners south of the alaska range...
(i jokes?)