Interested in Fairbanks-General Inquiry (Anchorage, Tok: sale, crime, how much)

[classical101]

Hi

We are a friendly couple from Northern NJ considering a move to Fairbanks, Alaska. We are looking for a well-balanced lifestyle in a more relaxing setting. It appears to us that Fairbanks has a small town and spread out feel with fresh natural air. Additionally, it appears that Fairbanks does not have the crowding of other busy metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles or Miami. Further, we get the impression that those who reside in Fairbanks are quite content. The homes (especially the log homes) appear gorgeous. Nevertheless, we are aware that there is no perfect area and that Fairbanks has its disadvantages such as high utility and food costs and harsh winters. Finally, it is nice to have a state where there is no sale or income tax. We have the following questions:

A. It is easy to find a support staff job such as receptionist or administrative assistant (prefer to work in a Police Department, Municipal Court, University, or Medical/Dental Office)?

B. Is Fairbanks a competitive city for jobs or is it an employee’s job market (we know Detroit is horrible with jobs-average is about 40 applying for one job)?

C. What is the average annual fee for property taxes in Fairbanks, Alaska (out of control in NJ)?

D. Is it a necessity to own a four wheel drive vehicle (We own a 4 cylinder Toyota Corolla)?

E. Is having a full service generator a necessity (We do not know how often the power goes out in Fairbanks-power went out for 5 days in a row this year in NJ due to hurricane Irene)?

F. Does Fairbanks have a decedent amount of classical music concerts? (We understand it would not have the same amount as a metropolis such as Tokyo)?

G. Is Fairbanks free of natural disasters such as earthquakes or flooding (We are aware Anchorage had a fatal earthquake in 1964)?

H. Does Fairbanks have an abundance of safe middle class areas without extreme wealth or extreme poverty (NY metro area is notorious for extreme wealth or extreme poverty)?

I. Is Fairbanks a safe city where one can walk around without being attacked in any way, shape or form even at midnight?

We thank anybody in advance who can give us guidance on any or all of these questions. Thank you.

[IL2AK4job]

Awesome post classical, great questions! I posted similar questions about 6 months agoand received great answers!

Just to update everyone... I got the job now and am just waiting to see when Iwill start!

To add another question to this thread:

Is it feasible for two people to live "comfortably" on approximately $3000 a month to start out until the fiance finds a job?

[Frostnip]

I like Fairbanks a lot, but I am going to be frank with you:

Originally Posted by classical101

Hi

We are a friendly couple from Northern NJ considering a move to Fairbanks, Alaska. We are looking for a well-balanced lifestyle in a more relaxing setting. It appears to us that Fairbanks has a small town and spread out feel with fresh natural air.

In the winter the air quality in much of the city is pretty poor, actually, due to particulates from home heating.

Additionally, it appears that Fairbanks does not have the crowding of other busy metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles or Miami.

No kidding?

Further, we get the impression that those who reside in Fairbanks are quite content. The homes (especially the log homes) appear gorgeous.

Out of curiosity, what are you basing this on?

Nevertheless, we are aware that there is no perfect area and that Fairbanks has its disadvantages such as high utility and food costs and harsh winters. Finally, it is nice to have a state where there is no sale or income tax. We have the following questions:

A. It is easy to find a support staff job such as receptionist or administrative assistant (prefer to work in a Police Department, Municipal Court, University, or Medical/Dental Office)?

B. Is Fairbanks a competitive city for jobs or is it an employee’s job market (we know Detroit is horrible with jobs-average is about 40 applying for one job)?

Neither. It's better for job seekers than a lot of the lower 48 is right now, but employers aren't hurting for potential employees at all, either.

C. What is the average annual fee for property taxes in Fairbanks, Alaska (out of control in NJ)?

FNSB | Assessing Property Database

D. Is it a necessity to own a four wheel drive vehicle (We own a 4 cylinder Toyota Corolla)?

No. But it can be a lot easier to get around in a 4wd vehicle.

The highways are generally excellent and Fairbanks does a pretty good job of maintaining the roads in town. But beyond that the road system is not very developed so if you are at all adventurous a 4wd vehicle is very nice to have.

E. Is having a full service generator a necessity (We do not know how often the power goes out in Fairbanks-power went out for 5 days in a row this year in NJ due to hurricane Irene)?

I suppose it depends on how much of a technophile you are and how your house is set up. Obviously you want a backup way of keeping warm in case of power outages in the winter. I have a small home and a woodstove so I see no need for a generator.

F. Does Fairbanks have a decedent amount of classical music concerts? (We understand it would not have the same amount as a metropolis such as Tokyo)?

Fairbanks Symphony - Home

G. Is Fairbanks free of natural disasters such as earthquakes or flooding (We are aware Anchorage had a fatal earthquake in 1964)?

There can be localized floods near rivers, obviously. Tectonically there isn't much going on in the area.

H. Does Fairbanks have an abundance of safe middle class areas without extreme wealth or extreme poverty (NY metro area is notorious for extreme wealth or extreme poverty)?

Fairbanks doesn't have an abundance of anything other than spruce trees.

I. Is Fairbanks a safe city where one can walk around without being attacked in any way, shape or form even at midnight?

Yes. Also, the streets are paved with gold and it rains fine wines.

(Of course it isn't. Nowhere is.)

[tigre79]

If you're just looking for a place that's less crowded and has lower taxes than Northern New Jersey, there are a lot of places that will work for you. Fairbanks certainly isn't the first place I'd think of if you're just looking for a "well-balanced lifestyle in a relaxing setting." There isn't anything about Fairbanks, or Alaska generally, that makes me think "well-balanced" at all, really.

[Marty Van Diest]

Originally Posted by tigre79

If you're just looking for a place that's less crowded and has lower taxes than Northern New Jersey, there are a lot of places that will work for you. Fairbanks certainly isn't the first place I'd think of if you're just looking for a "well-balanced lifestyle in a relaxing setting." There isn't anything about Fairbanks, or Alaska generally, that makes me think "well-balanced" at all, really.

True...we are pretty out of balance in general.

[IL2AK4job]

My advice to you classical (being how i learned a fair deal if the "limited " information i have) is to read the online copy of the daily news minor! You can learn about public safety issues.. "problems" facing the city.. and the daily happenings of the people.

However i still would like to know if $3000 a month will allow for decent living while my fiance is still looking for a job?

[1stimestar]

Originally Posted by IL2AK4job

However i still would like to know if $3000 a month will allow for decent living while my fiance is still looking for a job?

Yes, very decent.

[IL2AK4job]

Originally Posted by 1stimestar

Yes, very decent.

Awesome thanks! Thats what i figured seeing as currently we are living on a combined income of around $2800. The way we have budgeted we have over exaggerated the costs and still seeing about $250 in extra cash.. after all bills and $350 in miscellaneous expenditures that may never actualize.

[4theluvofgold]

As to the fresh air, that depends in Summer as well as there are numerous wildfires started by lightning in the summer as well.

[IL2AK4job]

To segway off of classicals question pertaining to crime in the streets.. what could be seen as the best area to live within the city? Or outside city limits?