Hey, what's up? I was wondering if you all could kind of let me know what Alaska is like? (Other than cold; figured that. LOL) My husband and I are moving up there from East Tennessee w/i a month or so, and I don't know what to expect. Any info is greatly appreciated. Chel
Where in Alaska are you moving? Anchorage is very different from Fairbanks or Juneau. Yes it's cold. The interior around Fairbanks is much colder that Anchorage in the winter. The southeast is wet and not so cold. The interior can be hot in the summer while the coastal areas are cooler. It's a great state with vast unspoiled wilderness. The people are great. They tend to be unique and free thinking. Lots of people living out of town with alternative energy and out houses. The villages are unique to themselves. As someone said in your post in the hippies forum they do pay you to live here. Each permanant resident gets a oil revenue dividend each year. How much depends on how well the fund is doing in the market. Last year we all got a check for $1400 and it is expected to be around $2K this year. So what brings you guys to Alaska?
We are moving to Fairbanks. We'll be there towards the beginning of April, I think. I hear that people tend to be a little more open minded in Alaska; in East Tennessee, that's a rarity. LOL. That's really awesome about the oil revenue dividend. I've never even heard of that. Cody (husband) has always wanted to live out there, and we're in a place now we can afford the move, so we're going to try it for a little while and see what we think. I'm a little nervous, but I think it'll be an awesome experience. Thanks for your help!! Chel
I live just outside Faibanks to the north. I love it here, it's my home. The city of Fairbanks isn't anything great, but it a very functional city with plenty of restaurants, coffeeshops, bookstores and places to shop. Land can still be had within commuting distance to town for cheap. Plenty of wilderness for any outdoor activities you may want to do. It's cold. So get down to Big Rays or the Prospector and get you Carhartts or whatever cold weather gear you prefer. Those two places are the best outdoor outfitters I've ever seen. If and when you are looking for a place to live the area around the university is OK, but the hippest people (in my opinion) are in Ester (just west of Fairbanks) and the Goldstream Valley (to the north). You can rent cabins for just a few hundred bucks a month. Granted these cheap cabins usually have no running water. Almost all of the coin laundries have showers for the many, many people who live in dry cabins. Most people are really surprised just how many people live like that. Welcome to the northland, You will either fall in love with it or will turn tail and run after your first winter. Good luck. By the way are you guys military?
Just to add April is probably my least favorite month. Sure I am ready for spring, but spring here, fondly called breakup, is kind of a muddy mess. Once the snow dissappears six months of trash appears along the roads and in yards and six months of frozen dog crap surfaces. Don't worry we get huge turnouts for the roadway clean up day when al of a sudden all the trash is gone replaced by bright yellow trash bags that get picked up over the next few days. So don't be dissapointed if the area looks kind of shoddy when you arrive.. it won't last long. Before you know it it will be lush and green in the land of the midnight sun.
LOL, I was avoiding that question around here. My husband is military. We're a very strange match in that respect. I'm getting really excited about moving; I think it'll be an awesome experience, something that otherwise I'd probably never do. Even though I don't necessarily agree w/ him being in the military, I can be grateful for that. No kidding it's cold. Am I reading that temp right? Good Lord, lol! I am excited about the wilderness and the nature. Everyone keeps telling me it's beautiful, and I really dig being outside and activies outdoors. Anyway, thanks very much for all your help. It's good to know a little more about what I'm getting into. Chel
Hi Seashell/Chel: And a early welcome to Alaska, hope you love it like we do. And welcome home Phil. When you and your hubby get here your first purchase should be "extra tuffs" required Alaskan foot gear for two seasons out of the year. Fairbanks, military.. cool. Air Force or Army ?. Either way they'll help you find housing so you wont have to haul water and drive 20 miles for a hot shower. If you deceide to stay that can come later. As for me, live in Seward. About 125 miles south of Anchorage by road, 85 miles as the crow flies. We are on the coast, so we dont get as cold as the interior. As I write this at 6 PM, its clear and 18*above. More later.......Dennis And freein, dont scare the poor girl with that -58* shit.....D....
Alaskan is right about the Xtratufs. As he said I wear mine for two seasons anyway. Awww man....sorry about that. It only got to -48 here this year. It felt awfully warm this morning at -36F after the last week. Seashell don't worry we like to talk big and cold, but it really isn't that bad. Sure 40 below is pretty harsh, but you know when it's 20 below, clear and no wind it's really pretty freakin nice. The military has some pretty decent on and off base housing so let them take care of you. After you get settled in the area then you could consider getting your allowance for housing and doing something different. Anyway welcome.
Hey. Cody's in the army, just getting started, actually. He's pretty stoked about Alaska. I'm getting there myself; I'll be happier when everything's taken care of and we're settled in. I'm pretty adaptable; it may take a while to get used to this warm weather of...what was that? -36F??? LOL, I'll try anyway. Again, both of your help is greatly appeciated.
Hi again; After you and Cody get settled in and get a little time to play, the army has a recreation camp here in Seward. The rooms are cheap, theres a canteen which is cheap and the army runs charter fishing boats for halibut, salmon and bottom fish. Seward is a beautiful coastal town. If you make it down we'll have you over for a BBQ....Stay in touch....Dennis..
Fairbanks is super cold in winter and super HOT in the summertime, sometimes over 100 F. Fairbanks is more rolling terrain compared to other areas of the state . Make sure you visit Anchorage sometime. Id suggest driving through Paxson towards the Anchorage area. Summers are very green and the salmon fishing, big game hunting, hiking, and camping activities are second to none. Winters are awesome if you like snowmobiling, snowboarding, and other winter activities. The AK permanent Fund you wont get until after your second full year of living here, then every year thereafter. Itll be a nice change from Tennessee. I assume you guys are from Ft. Campbell if Army? I was stationed there with the 160th SOAR(A) and couldnt wait to get back home. If he can get it(haha, like you have a choice), push for Ft. Richardson or Elmendorf if hes Air Force. Alot warmer and alot better terrain and stuff to do.
Hey there! I couldn't help to read your message that you move here to Fairbanks. My husband is in the Army and we live on Fort Wainwright. Is that where you gonna move to? Jeany
Yes, we are on Ft. Wainwright. We live off post, but that's where he's stationed. Do you live on post?
