Single mom, 2 kids considering move from the South (Anchorage, Fairbanks: insurance, crime rates)

[GBM82GRGMKG]

Hello all,

I’m considering making the move to Fairbanks with two children (ages 7 and 10). I’ve looked at the crime rates and that made me a little nervous/concerned. The reason driving this possible move is a great job opportunity.

I’ve lived in the South my entire life, so I now the differences will be huge! I’ve read about the weather and I can honestly say I’ll have to do a lot of research to prepare for that.

Are elementary schools and middle schools safe?

Are drugs or gangs a problem?

I drive a Chevrolet Equinox, should I consider something else?

Am I crazy to consider this transition for two years with children these ages?

Any other single moms that have done this? And if so, please provide advice.

Thanks in advance!

[Nattering Heights]

Bug spray, for the human male type of bug.

[AlaskaErik]

Equinox is fine if it's AWD. Just prep it for winter.

[Frostnip]

Are elementary schools and middle schools safe?
Yeah, they're fine.

Are drugs or gangs a problem?
Gangs, no. Pot use is pretty common among teens. There are other drugs available but avoidable, if that makes sense?

I drive a Chevrolet Equinox, should I consider something else?
It'll be fine if you don't live on an excessively exciting road.

Am I crazy to consider this transition for two years with children these ages?
Nah, they'll probably adapt faster than the adults. There are tons of relocated kids up here due to the military presence, so they won't be the only newbies.

[6.7traveler]

I'm originally from southern and sunny warm places. The difference between almost always warm year round temps and plenty of sunlight to below freezing and lack of real sunlight for months on end is a big adjustment to say the least.

I go to Fairbanks once a month or so, and have never felt unsafe. But I don't try to buy drugs or hangout off south Cushman at night either. Fairbanks is a crime free utopia compared to Anchorage.

If you live in the city itself, you'll be breathing in less than ideal air for parts of the winter. If you or your kids have asthma or other respiratory problems you should take this into consideration. They blame it on the wood stoves, but its everything, the power plants, oil heaters, car exhaust, etc. all get trapped during winter inversions making for potentially horrible air quality conditions.

Your pay increase will quickly disappear from the increased cost of living. Even if it doesn't appear to be so on online cost of living calculators. Don't let money be your main reason for moving here. Only move if you are seriously interested in the lifestyle of living in a cold, dirty, industrial looking city.

Don't underestimate the cold and darkness. No matter what anyone says, it takes a toll. Make sure the other aspects of you wanting to move here can overcome that.

Good luck.

[Haolejohn]

Originally Posted by GBM82GRGMKG

I’ve lived in the South my entire life, so I now the differences will be huge! I’ve read about the weather and I can honestly say I’ll have to do a lot of research to prepare for that.


Thanks in advance!

Research won’t prepare you for reality.
We came from the Deep South and my wife hates the cold. Like in Ga she’d keep her windows up and AC off in summer.

I bought her good winter gear. It’s doable. You have the have the right attitude and mindset.

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by 6.7traveler

I'm originally from southern and sunny warm places. The difference between almost always warm year round temps and plenty of sunlight to below freezing and lack of real sunlight for months on end is a big adjustment to say the least.

I go to Fairbanks once a month or so, and have never felt unsafe. But I don't try to buy drugs or hangout off south Cushman at night either. Fairbanks is a crime free utopia compared to Anchorage. The air is dirtier than Anchorage, however (the air inversions and lack of wind make things worst).

If you live in the city itself, you'll be breathing in less than ideal air for parts of the winter. If you or your kids have asthma or other respiratory problems you should take this into consideration. They blame it on the wood stoves, but its everything, the power plants, oil heaters, car exhaust, etc. all get trapped during winter inversions making for potentially horrible air quality conditions.

Your pay increase will quickly disappear from the increased cost of living. Even if it doesn't appear to be so on online cost of living calculators. Don't let money be your main reason for moving here. Only move if you are seriously interested in the lifestyle of living in a cold, dirty, industrial looking city.

Don't underestimate the cold and darkness. No matter what anyone says, it takes a toll. Make sure the other aspects of you wanting to move here can overcome that.

Good luck.

6.7traveler,
You are correct about that (bold text). But Fairbanks is not any dirtier than Anchorage nor any other town where road gravel is used for traction during the winter months. The DOT has made it worst in recent years because of the salt brine they spray the roads with.

To the OP: The cost of living in Alaska is very high compared to a lot of other places. Medical and dental care are extremely expensive compared to most places in the lower-48. For example, suppose that person has to have all his or her teeth removed, and have implants instead of full dentures. In this case the cost would be around $40,000 ($20,000 per jaw, 4-5 implants per jaw). I can have the same procedure done in NY for about one-third of the cost. Medical care is not the best, and even more expensive.

PDF file of the Fairbanks Quarterly Report (look at the cost of living index (pages 28-32):
http://www.fnsb.us/cp/Community%20Re...ly/Current.pdf

[SanyBelle]

Originally Posted by RayinAK

For example, suppose that person has to have all his or her teeth removed, and have implants instead of full dentures. In this case the cost would be around $40,000 ($20,000 per jaw, 4-5 implants per jaw). I can have the same procedure done in NY for about one-third of the cost.

$40,000 is very cheap for having this done. Where in NY would this cost $12,000? I had 2 single implants done in Florida about 10 years ago and that cost $10,000 at the time.

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by SanyBelle

$40,000 is very cheap for having this done. Where in NY would this cost $12,000? I had 2 single implants done in Florida about 10 years ago and that cost $10,000 at the time.

Having all teeth mounted on implants is more expensive than the following, depending on the number of implants. One of my brothers in NY had to have all his upper teeth removed, and he opted for this sort of implants right after the teeth removal: 4 implants (studs that are set in the jaw bone), and then a sort of temporary denture that was secured with screws to the four implants. He had to wait six months for the jaw bone to heal and grow properly around the studs, and for the gums to settle. The next step was to remove the temporary denture, and to replace it with the permanent one. The total cost was around $12,000, and his insurance paid 80% of it. He has to go through a very rigorous mouth cleaning process of rinsing and flossing every night, and no smoking whatsoever.

Look at the cost for healthcare alone on page 28 of the PDF file I posted above. Alaska has one of the highest health care insurance cost in the US:
https://howmuch.net/articles/health-...rates-by-state

And:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/best-an...r-health-care/

[Haolejohn]

I know out insurance can fly my wife and I and pay for our expenses out of state for a surgery and cover 100% cheaper than an instate 80/20 split.