re: Thoughts on moving to Anchorage, AK

Worked there a couple of months. Cost of living like food products were a lot more. Anchorage was mostly a crap hole, spent 1 night in the worst hotel I've ever stayed at. Surrounding areas were beautiful, enjoyed staying on the Kenai Peninsula.

A lot of people in here seem to be under the impression this dude is single.

Just moved up about 2 years ago.

It's great!

Wouldn't move back to Louisiana. I do miss the food sometimes, but I can cook whenever I really miss it. Access to great seafood, really good beer.

Nightlife is somewhat dull, but outdoors is top notch. Sometimes I just go on really long drives and stop and enjoy the views.

Anchorage houses are quite spendy and most are pretty old. Good neighborhoods though in South Anchorage. At 250K though you will find plenty of options within your range. Maybe venture out to Eagle River if you don't like what you see in Anchorage and can deal with fricktards for the 15 minute commute.

I live in Palmer in the Mat-Su Valley, which is an amazingly small farming community about 45 minutes north of Anchorage.

I'm used to the commute because it used to take me that long to get from Denham Springs to Baton Rouge, except now the drive had way more scenery and way less traffic.

The prices are also much cheaper and more land on the lots. Stay away from Wasilla it's pretty trashy in most areas.

Kenai peninsula is nice. But I wouldn't want to drive on Seward Hwy every day, it's one of the most dangerous roads in America especially during the summer when tourists come running around. Girdwood is really nice if you like the hipster lifestyle.

You acclimate to the weather pretty quickly. Summer is pristine 65-75 and dry. Fall is 60-45 with lots of rain. Winter 20 or below with a decent bit of snow on average.

Daylight is crazy during the summer! Almost 20 hours during solstice. Winter is as little as 4 hours with most of the daylight being like early morning. It didn't give me any depression issues but I know it does some.

You won't receive your first dividend check until 2 years after you've been a resident, ranges between 1-2K/household member. But probably won't be around for long.

Similar economy to Louisiana. Based on oil/gas, tourism, and commercial fisheries.

If you move up here make sure to sign up for Alaska Airlines mileage plan, 49 club, and the Alaska Airlines visa signature credit card to rack up on miles. You won't regret it. Lots of flying to do up and out of here.

Move, you definitely won't regret it!

I'm not real sure I would do it. According to a cost of living calculator there is a 38% difference in Baton Rouge and Anchorage. True enough Alaska is a beautiful place (I've been there more than once) that is an awful lot of difference in cost of living.


COL Calculator

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Wife is currently not 100% on board with a move.

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I have to travel 15-20 days a month mainly to Alaska.

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Wife is fricking some other guy in LA and doesn't want to quit.

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Is it just you or did you being a family with you?

If it were just me, this thread wouldn't exist.

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just me

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They try to hide it but all you have to do is dig a little bit. Alaska is a haven for trash running from the law in the lower 48. They think they can hide up there.

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Less true now than it it used to be. It's gotten too expensive for them.