Living In Anchorage Alaska The Dark Side Of Moving To Alaska

If you know me, you'll know that I have a lot of great things to say about living in Alaska, and Anchorage specifically. But as you're thinking about moving to Alaska, you should know about some of the dark sides of living in Alaska.
Jamin Goecker
Podcast: anchor.fm/jami...
App: jgoecker.kw.co...
Facebook: / gojaminrealestate
Instagram: / realtoralaska
Website: jgoecker.kw.com
Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group

[@alaska_realtor]

What other questions do you have? Did I miss any of the darker parts of living in Anchorage? Post them below!

[@piperjaycie]

Some said on another video about Anchorage that it has a very big problem with homelessness. Given that it’s so cold and dark how do people survive this? Are there shelters etc?😳

[@alaska_realtor]

@@piperjaycie There are shelters and they are working on building more. That's a pretty hot-button topic in Anchorage at the moment.

[@johnganshow5536]

@@alaska_realtor I lived in Alaska for 37 years, very happy to be living in northern AZ now...

[@josesbox9555]

@@piperjaycie Been going this way for a decade or more.

[@Maithymelulu]

We’ve been visiting up in Eagle River for the past 5 summers ever since our son & his wife transferred there with the forest service. If you know where their office is they are dealing with the homeless situation all the time. Crime is very high and lots of drug usage, very sad. At least they get a meal near there. Enjoyed your video and will be watching your others!

[@hjames4578]

Full on Gotham, LOL. I would agree though, Alaska has two kinds of people: ones that will literally give you the shirt off your back or people that will steal yours off of you while you are wearing it.

[@that1guy82]

Is crime high there?

[@BigManAlaska]

In Wasilla they have a saying that people either want to F-you or F-you out of it.

[@RSKLove]

Wow, really, so crime fighting is hiring? I need to practice my cold weather gunplay anyway.

[@devinparks7150]

@@RSKLove what kind of comment is that.

[@Niggocs]

@@that1guy82 highest in the nation actually,, per capita because of the population

[@lollyann8512]

Some clarifications I'd like to make given that I've lived here my entire life and still continue to live here. 1. Barrow, is pronounced like wheel barrow but without the wheel not Bar - row. 2. The winters, you literally only get about a few hours of sunlight. It's dark by 4pm and this goes on until the seasons over which is roughly 5 months of living in darkness. It's tolerable if you love doing winter sports. 3. The summers, the sun never goes down. It's light 24/7 and one of my favorite things about Alaska when summers hit. 4. The cost of living is absolutely ridiculous. Studios, 1-2 bedroom apts start at 1k+ plus utilities. Unless you have roommates or a spouse, you're going to be hella struggling. 5. It's a great place to consider living, IF you're an outdoor person. It's the most common reason why people move up here that I've had encounters with. They love hiking, camping and fishing. 6. The mosquitos, they're really bad when you're around lots of trees or by water. Other than that they're not too bad. I'm 25, born and raised in Alaska.

[@Jeff-eg4yi]

Then you should know that Barrow is no longer Barrow- it's Utqiagvik

[@lollyann8512]

@@Jeff-eg4yi I literally had no idea 😳😂 regardless I just wanted to clarify how it barrow is pronounced but good to know 💁🏻‍♀️

[@wherewhen9849]

I agree been living in the wasteland for 45 years moved to Washington tired of the winter 😂

[@TKKomis]

I'm 22 and in the same boat. I work two jobs and pay rent to my parents, because both myself and them agree it's cheaper, and means I can provide for myself reasonably while maintaining a support network. I really do wish I could live on my own, but for the path I want to take in life, it takes time. So for now, my family and I have this as my plan.

[@lollyann8512]

@@TKKomis I wish I could do the same but I unfortunately don't have that option. So I'm constantly struggling financially just for my entire paycheck to go towards rent & utilities. It's sucks 🥲 glad you're taking advantage of the help you have.

[@JaviHauck]

I moved to Alaska about 4 years ago and there's a lot of things I love about this state, but was never able to get used to the social part, I consider myself very social, but don't have many friends here, people in general don't want to hangout. One of the reasons the whole covid thing didn't affect us as much as other states is because people just naturally isolate themselves Lol. That part its been hard even for my husband who was born here. Another thing that I would consider like a dark side of living in Alaska is the seasonal depression, there's something about the long months of darkness and cold that affects everyone emotionally, everyone seems upset or sad at work. People say is all worth it because the summer time is beautiful and it is, absolutely gorgeous, but sooooo short!!!

[@alaska_realtor]

Those are great points, thank you! I'm actually going to be interviewing a therapist about seasonal depression on a podcast in the near future. It's an important topic that needs to get more attention because it's rough if you don't know about it moving up here.

[@akbj2779]

Some people use full spectrum lights & take extra vitamin D3 in winter. Not sure those things help everyone but can't hurt.

[@alaska_realtor]

@@akbj2779 Good point. I'm interviewing a psychiatrist in the near future on the podcast so hopefully we'll get some good tips from that

[@chrisitinabobinski3798]

Sauna ,hot tub and massages . Vitamin D,C&M,and take a walk. Dogs and cats some hobbies and snow machining if you can get out.

[@josesbox9555]

Been here since the early 80s. Gotta figure out something for winter. Hawaii. Mexico. Etc.

[@colleenferris-bagot6218]

Born 1958, raised and love it here. Winter can be harsh but also what you make of it. Playground or not. The beauty of this place is amazing.

[@k.wright8095]

Born 1950 lifelong Alaskan..Im not a winter person, but I learned to enjoy the quiet and the dark. Light candles, play music, read books..fall in love, do art.

[@joanaparis5927]

As a long time Anchorage resident, I was pleasantly surprise by the content of this video. It is quite an accurate description of the place. Best tip for breaking the long dark winter blues, is to plan an escape out of the state, somewhere sunny preferably. Even if it is just for a few days, it does make a big difference.

[@katherine0921]

Is it expensive to live there?

[@southfortahiti1072]

@@katherine0921 not really, though for alaska its the expensive area

[@agoogleuser9218]

@@katherine0921 The biggest expense is going to be goods and services that need to be shipped in. However, there are other benefits that offset that - no state income tax, no sales tax, and a yearly check from the government (almost like a reverse income tax).

[@kylewhisman]

Why would you live in a place you want to escape from. I want to live in a place where I want to explore my state more then two weeks a year

[@amycuaresma]

I love Anchorage. Lived here all my life. Nowhere else I would rather live.

[@shannoninalaska]

For me, having short days in the winter is slightly more tolerable than always having light in the summer. I escape with blackout curtains though. Every season brings something good.

[@kevinhall6099]

Stayed in Anchorage for a couple weeks last year. Loved it. But there does seem to be a rather high homeless population in the city as well

[@creek3205]

Alaska resident since 2016 and I love it here, the information you've given is the absolute truth and those damn mosquitoes in Valdez can be vicious ✌️

[@BoagJackson]

You may not get the hundreds of thousands of views but your content is always of that quality. I’m sure you’re a busy man but I’m sure glad KZbin is one of your hobbies. I would love to a see a video in December this year on what Christmas and the holidays are like in Alaska

[@alaska_realtor]

That’s a great idea! I’ll have to work it into the schedule. Thank you! 😃

[@Laurakate64]

He will get there one day! ;) It’s why I always watch and like. Gotta boost it

[@TreeBurns]

@@alaska_realtor yesss

[@TKKomis]

@@alaska_realtor The ice sculptures that people enter near the imaginarium in downtown Anchorage. God I love that. A lot of people I remember would also go on these trips throughout the weeks before Christmas and listen to private radio broadcasts from people's homes and see the decoration they put up. I've been out of touch with this part for some years now so I don't know how relevant this is

[@JoeKerrAnomaly]

The winters there never got to me. I enjoyed the dark days and most of the time, the colder weather. I never had seasonal depression in Alaska. Born and raised there. I hope to move back soon.

[@boomkruncher325zzshred5]

I live in Alaska, and at one point moved down to California for about a year. I was amazed how effectively I woke up with the daylight, I was that sensitive. I was NOT used to how pitch-black it got after sunset as well. It was quite the head trip. Regarding Alaska being “small”. The land is HUGE. The population in contrast is sparse and spread out. Get used to driving cars everywhere, because there is no effective way to get around otherwise. No, public transportation or ride share/taxis/Lyft/Uber is NOT enough to make up for that, nor is it sustainable. The community is your lifeline. Make some friends and keep up with them. You will thank me later.

[@Jaxissupergay77]

How I loved the wind thru the lantana. Tried to write some poetry about Cali.... missed the mark which is unusual...

[@flightofthebirds]

Barrow (BARE-oh) Also, that town is no longer named Barrow, hasn’t been for years.

[@redalaska]

Right? Easy to spot a cheechako

[@inedenimadam]

What is it called?

[@redalaska]

@@inedenimadam Utqiagvik

[@denakelley4363]

Yeah but even a lot of people from Barrow still call it Barrow.

[@tedpendagast579]

@@denakelley4363 right? It’s called barrow

[@s4nder86]

I live at about the same latitude in Europe and the darkness is the toughest aspect to endure, especially in late January like now. I haven't seen any sunlight outside of working hours for three months and here it's also much cloudier than Alaska in the winter, we had 12 hours of sunlight in all of December. The cold is easy to handle until it gets to frigid territory like in Fairbanks and infrastructure needs special accommodations to keep working.

[@ana2722]

Thank you for your help and always giving us the truth about Alaska, hopefully soon I'll be a resident of Alaska also, thank you again 😀

[@alaska_realtor]

My pleasure! :)

[@drumset09]

And ober the past couple years, we've become more and more like Gotham. People getting shot and stabbed every week. I moved to Anchorage in 2013. It's sad to see this decline.

[@araasis3239]

My husband and I have given ourselves a 5 year goal of moving to Alaska and your videos have helped a lot. We live in a large city with a pretty high crime rate so that doesn't really scare us but it has made us prefer not to move to Anchorage. I'm really looking at Juneau or Seward.

[@alaska_realtor]

That's great! Both of those cities are great, you just have to decide how small of a world you want. By small world, I mean access to the outside world. In Juneau, it's very limited so I'd recommend going there and getting an airbnb for a week or so and seeing if you like that isolated feeling.

[@shannoninalaska]

@@alaska_realtor good advice.

[@groovin2thagroove159]

Anchorage is NOT dangerous 😂 Where I come from, Seattle, that's dangerous 😂 and there's places worse than Seattle

[@whoishim2998]

@@groovin2thagroove159 lol I’m from Chicago I’m like this can’t be nothing 😂 even tho crime in Chi is exaggerated

[@ryanofalaska]

Anchorage isn’t dangerous.

[@arashkazerani4813]

Hi everyone. We are a family of three who are planning to immigrate to America. We have recently received a Visa, and we have heard from our friends that Alaska is exempt from taxes and its people also receive an allowance from the government. But apparently this grant will not compensate for the high cost of living in Alaska.

[@alaska_realtor]

That is correct. Alaska has less taxes than other states but the allowance (called the Permanent Fund Dividend, PFD) is not enough that I would budget for it. I would make plans as though it didn't exist and be happy when you get it.

[@jimmyhinAK]

For all of you reading these comments I live in Anchorage Alaska and he speaks the truth.

[@bodystomp5302]

The worst part of life in Anchorage for me was the relentless, unending overcast days.

[@vincentblack5078]

wimp

[@bodystomp5302]

@@vincentblack5078 I can’t deny it, Anchorage broke me. Moved to San Diego, thawed out.

[@kayekaye7930]

I am in Oregon on the coast. Lots of overcast days,,,coastal days. Alaska is Huge and has very different weather depending upon where you lived....

[@bodystomp5302]

@@kayekaye7930 My family relocated to Medford, Oregon. To your point, Juneau is very different than Fairbanks.

[@denakelley4363]

That varies by year. We have super sunny winters, or super overcast winters. Hot, sunny, dry summers or overcast rainy summers where we're lucky to break 60 degrees.

[@maryairhart13]

I moved to Alaska in the winter of 93, my youngest turned a year old here. She now has a youngest, Finley, Alaska born. We lived out in Ugak Bay kodiak, wild horse's out there. That's where my mare came from. I fell in Love with Alaska. Yes, a dark side to every where, as well as a Light Love and Light for allllllllllllll

[@maryairhart13]

🎠🎠🎠🎠🎠

[@alaska_realtor]

Great point! There's good and bad everywhere. People who see only the negatives aren't going to be happy anywhere.

[@billlittle4247]

Lived here since 1975. So tired of it all. Retiring somewhere warm. No one does a thing about crime here. Hate the weather. Paid my dues we're done

[@Whatt787]

Come to Florida, we love people from Alaska

[@marksauck8481]

His cost of living definitions cover the average before the really bad economy we’re seeing in 2022. I can imagine because of the economic being much worse now the cost of living must be even more tough in Alaska. The cost just to keep warm through the long winters is going to be ridiculous.

[@jonny777bike]

I do pray that there will be progress on getting a rail from the lower 48 to Alaska. If there was a way to reliably move cargo to Alaska and do it quickly that could really make food prices more affordable I imagine. I know that cargo ships go up there and flight cargo. Cargo ships carrying more but taking longer, Flight cargo going faster but carrying less and more costly.

[@empirekruse9574]

If you move to the Valley, do not complain about people shooting in their back yards. People like to dial in their scope for hunting and do a little target practice. It's a part of the culture out here.

[@melschevelle]

We do that in town🤪🤪

[@zenwolf1046]

I used to live in meadow lakes. My family and I used to play a game called guess the caliber of the gunfire.

[@lisahull6059]

Right? You don't even pay attention to the gun shots.

[@searaneakok9755]

in barrow, alaska example the sun is literally the street lights & the moon long winter months

[@chrism.4544]

I want to know what most people do for a living there when rents are astronomical and the cost of living e.g. food etc. is also astronomical.

[@donaldmanske7126]

I was stationed in Galena in the early fifties and loved it there. Of course it was in the warm months and the weather has changed quite a bit in Alaska. We lived in tents by Campion AFB.I was in my teens then and am 87 now.Don’t know if anymore are around who I served with.

[@erickdavonigan1626]

As an Arizona native, I've had enough sunshine for 3 lifetimes. Looking forward to the gloomy rain and snow.

[@FiercePierce89]

Arizona resident too, and I played college football at the University of Montana and loved it there, Montana has been on my mind for I just may go back up there buy property with and live life away from the hustle and bustle.

[@mauricea.tillman4956]

😏 ...until you live here for about 4 months. Seasonal depression will get you, your first winter, at least...

[@alaska_realtor]

Awesome! I would still plan to give yourself a vacation each winter to get out. The darkness can sound great until you're in it for a few months.

[@mritzs5142]

As a Texas resident California Los Angeles resident back in Texas I hate this never ending sunshine I want cold wet dark and snow

[@michellenash6802]

As a southerner who lives on the coast of NC...no just a mile from the river but half a mile from the swamp...we have mosquitoes 10-11 mos out of the yr!! They’re so big that ppl joke about ‘the birds coming to take you away’! Lol...meaning that they are so big and numerous that they could pick up a grown man! So...I get mosquitoes!! Alaska is just such a beautiful state!! Wish I would have moved there.

[@alaska_realtor]

That's wild! I'll take the mosquitos we have here lol

[@teamcrossballers2735]

Also good to have open carry laws in Alaska so people's are a lil more hesitant to just run up on folks

[@alasterdiel1059]

Alaska is a state that doesn't require a permit to carry open or concealed

[@TKKomis]

People here in Alaska are usually more mindful about how fucked up that person you are messing with will make you. As someone who works retail, not a day goes by where I don't see someone with either a gun, or a "why the fuck is that legal here and why can you lift that?"

[@ArtFam520]

I grew up in Mt. View. I had a dad, but my neighbourhood beat my butt if I did wrong. It takes a village. I'm full grown, very successful, never been arrested, never been to jail. I thank Alaska for that.

[@alaska_realtor]

Thanks for sharing! That has to really give you a different perspective.

[@KB-hd4iz]

Long-time Alaskan resident & I won't even go to Anchorage anymore because it's too easy to die there on an average day: hit & run pedestrian accidents, crossfire from gangs or crimes in progress, random meth-heads or crazies stabbing or shooting people randomly, forced entries of home or hotel room, muggings, robberies, serial killers, rape, abductions...Anchorage is one of the best places on earth to seek death other than Ukraine at the moment. Women have been disappearing without a trace from the Safeway parking lot in Soldatna for over a decade. If you're Native Alaskan it's worse. If you're a woman, be really aware & careful: rape & violence against women is virtually legal & is seldom prosecuted. Anchorage has thousands rape kits ignored by police for decades. It's a highly toxic atmosphere sown with seeds of destruction. If you want even a minimal assurance of peace & security in your life, stay the hell out of Los Cankerage.

[@priscillacruz2947]

I want to visit and stay for A month-- see how it goes. Food, Lodging, trips to other locations, jobs & Locals

[@Sheila-x2u]

i visited alaska in 91 and it was summer and i noticed the smell of pines was so great and the peoplewas so nice

[@J_Mayhem]

Im visiting for a week at the end of may beginning of June. I’d like to meet a friend to show me around. Any good ways to do that before I get there?

[@greenbastard1871]

Born and raised in Oregon. Took a 2 week vacation to Alaska, and ended up staying for 25 years. Love rhe state. Had to leave 1.5 years ago due to medical and Dr availability.

[@DrGreg007]

Psychiatrists call it "S.A.D. seasonal affective disorder. Depression caused by excessive darkness and wintery weather

[@NovChivon]

it can be caused by extreme heat too or sudden big changes in temperature from 36°C down to cool and 28°C and then hot again...there are lots of people constantly getting mentally fcked over by weather changes only

[@donc9275]

I’ve been looking on zillow and I’ve noticed a few multi family units for sale (fixer uppers) that have fire damage. How common are residential fires? Is the cause from heating units?……wood burning?

[@alaska_realtor]

Honestly, I've only heard of a few. Maybe I'm not looking at the right places?

[@meme13100]

Don't trust zillow. Go to the Alaskan government site directly. They usually have parcels of land for sale at a lower price for both residents and non residents as well as when doing projects.

[@zenwolf1046]

February is usually the month with a lot of house fires. Its the coldest month and everyone has space heaters, but they cause many fires.

[@brumleytown1882]

We have "seasonality" in the lower 48, too. I think what you mean is that AK weather absolutely sucks half the year (and the bugs rule the other half). Also, if you move to AK, that's all you get. Can't hop over to Myrtle Beach, hit the desert, NYC, Disneyland or even a decent restaurant. Why move to a place where your face hurts when you go outside?

[@marcopolo8584]

The crime is pretty concentrated in the lower class areas of Anchorage. The rest of Alaska is really nice, but man, if you live near one of those trailer parks, or in the low income housing around midtown, be prepared to hear about a lot of crime going on around you.

[@fireruby1882]

Agreed. I grew up in Anchorage but had the blessing to grow up in nice neighborhoods. We made sure to avoid the trailer parks

[@alaskanight940]

Anchorage is different than the rest of the state. It is a medium size city and is much like large cities everywhere, crime, drugs, high costs, filth ... even democrats. Not many mosquitoes as it is mainly asphalt and cement. Most people end up leaving within a year or two because it is hard here, or they move out of Anchorage and stay because they like trees more than people. Born in Anchorage 60+ years ago, rarely visit other than airport trips. Don't buy until you make it through a year. Its either hot and never dark or cold and no sun most of the year. Most people get depressed with the insults to their internal clock going haywire. No sleep makes you crazy.

[@bigmanTEXAS]

JAMIN, trying to find info on the ferry, price, schedule and transporting personal wood and AA&E

[@alaska_realtor]

The best source is going to be to look up the Alaska Marine Highway. They should have info available there.

[@indicus9075]

If you live in anchorage pls be active outside on trails and stuff, otherwise anchorage is potentially one of the most boring cities in the USA

[@mustbemeech]

@A Giant Rat ahhahaha

[@stringcheese6057]

Yeah it’s pretty boring just smoke

[@zachcantrell773]

Just liked and subscribed, me and my family are doing everything we can to move there right now and we're beyond excited this video made a great impact for us so thank you for the content, hopefully will be there soon still looking into jobs as of now

[@alaska_realtor]

That's exciting! What has been your experience with finding a job up here so far?

[@zachcantrell773]

@@alaska_realtor still hunting for one actually, currently in texas house is packed up ready to go were supposed to put it on the market next month and I've been looking for work in Anchorage

[@Whatt787]

I'm in Florida, a mile from the Beach, and we don't any mosqitoes or bugs

[@nathanv8535]

alaska is the most beautiful state I have lived in. I would never live there again though, it is way to expensive to live in.

[@whoppergoldstein5308]

Anchorage is a craphole just like Seattle & Portland. However, if you can get away and go to Alaska (just a few minutes away from Anchorage) youll find its a wonderful state.

[@Hallowedwanderer]

I live in Miami, currently on my nursing program and I am also about to be done in a couple of months, and I can’t wait to finish and move to Alaska, with my two cats

[@alaska_realtor]

That'll be a fun adventure!

[@ariesmight6978]

Miguel Ramirez, you will love the very cold climate. Until it reeks havoc on your body. In the form if severe arthritis. Not to mention, everything is. More expensive in Alaska, including the nursing home. Or assistance.

[@apimpnamedstreetmeat]

Just make sure you move into a good neighborhood.

[@jennielouwes]

Mosquitoes.... It depends on where you live in Alaska. I remember crossing from Canada into Alaska on the AL/CAN Hwy. and stopping for a picture with the "Welcome to Alaska" sign and being swarmed by the biggest set of mosquitoes I had ever laid eyes on. However, with the size of the mosquitoes being larger than many of the mosquitoes found in the states "down south," they are also far easier to kill before they bite. I have found the biggest nuisance, as it pertains to bugs, living in Juneau is the "no see 'ums!" During my time in South Anchorage it was actually wasps, that set up shop off the road where I lived, that caused the most problems. They were territorial as all get out and would hover in mid-air, right in front of my face, almost as if they were staring me down! Fairly intense for something so small.

[@4000angels]

Great video. Thank you

[@Dylan-oj6pj]

I live in Anchorage. In my opinion its gotten alot worse overall in the recent years. Prices through the roof especially housing and rent and food. Alot of homeless and drug problems. And people in general here have gotten alot more unpleasant and more big city attitude as far as not caring about other people around them, and not helping and ignoring people who may have an issue in public. More standoffish, idk this is just my opinion, im from here and since the 90s and early 2000s its changed tremendously. Also so many old cool local spots are no longer here since covid and inflation. Anchorage is very beautiful though with the mountains and the ocean. Ill always love it good or bad.

[@waltobringer2928]

Thanks for the information! I just now subscribed.

[@alaska_realtor]

Glad it was useful! :)

[@johnvermeer386]

I lived there for 10 years finally left there's just not enough good jobs and opportunities.

[@alaska_realtor]

I'm sorry to hear that but it is a very real part of reality up here that that can happen

[@melschevelle]

There is so many jobs waiting for people up here it’s insane. But people don’t want to do them. My husband works for a construction company and at a equipment rental place there are over 30 heavy transmissions waiting to be done and there is ONE mechanic for them. It seems like people don’t want to do heavy labor anymore. There is PLENTY of opportunities. This is just one. So many people needed in healthcare. So many people needed for labor. Labor is work. There is work here. What qualifies as a good job takes work

[@kiarawalker1282]

I have started my research journey to move to Alaska. I routed the trip from Georgia to Alaska. And I wonder when you say there isn’t a lot of roads- google maps has given me directions but Apple Maps won’t . Is that because they’re are few roads once you make it into Alaska ? I guess I’m asking can I make this a family road trip when we move

[@m2c292]

Us too! Going from Eisenhower to Richardson. I’ve been told not to drive, even in the late winter. Better to ship your car . Good luck with your move!

[@williammecham7038]

isolated , hahaha . try living on Kodiak . been here for almost 40 years . love hate type of thing and yet I'm still here . Spot on with your video

[@afterhoursmobilenotaryllc6721]

Thank you for your excellent information, content and professionalism!

[@totilalauterwald579]

The damned property taxes in anchorage got me.

[@sshokri8]

Thanks for the un-biased point of view. I’d be interested in a cabin for the summer. We’re from Orange County CA. Looking for a summer spot where we can fish and hunt. Right on a river. Any recommendation for a city that we should explore?

[@randylarsen1046]

Homer. Don't know about rental cabins but for fishing, this is the spot to go.

[@3OCALM1]

The 'skeeters must not like you. I did an 18 month tour of duty at Eielson AFB up near North Pole and Fairbanks and the skeeters were far worse than anyplace I'd ever been including Florida. They don't call them the state bird up there for nothing.

[@alaska_realtor]

Maybe that's where I need to go to find them! Either that, or I'm too busy showing houses in the summer to run into them? IDK....

[@bodystomp5302]

Walk 20 yards into any wooded area and the mosquitoes are insane. Much worse in the bush, bring a head net.

[@pameladale3746]

It’s COLD. Very, very cold, snowy and icy. It’s like living in a freezer for at least 5 months straight. Yeah it’s dark but the real problem is it’s freezing!

[@debblouin]

In Fairbanks for sure. Anchorage winter is way milder than some cities like Chicago.

[@pameladale3746]

@@debblouin you must not live here in Anchorage. This winter it went to 10 BELOW zero in November and then when we were lucky it warmed up to 10 degrees above. I am not exaggerating. It stays well below 32 degrees for at least five months straight with no thaw. In the winter we live in a freezer. Chicago May get extremely cold and snowy but then it warms up above 32 degree. We are so much farther North.

[@fireruby1882]

Y’all are wimps😭as a born and raised Alaskan, yeah it gets cold but FAIRBANKS IS WORSE! Anchorage is literally not as bad. Try and see the positive for frick’s sake

[@s4nder86]

@@debblouin Nope, Anchorage is much colder than Chicago in the winter.

[@jerrysmith8074]

I live in Edinburg Texas, but have a desire to move there, am on disability but it the one thing on my bucket list I want to do.

[@alaska_realtor]

That would be an adventure!

[@myfavoritecolorisrage]

I see a lot of Alaskans moving here to Arizona. Let me give the Arizonan Phoenix metro equivalent to your points. 1. Seasonality- there are no seasons here. You do not have trees losing leaves, no snow, nothing shows the passage of time. A picture taken in January of any neighborhood and another in August will show no difference. 2. Crime- Phoenix metro is a pocket community. Where you live makes a huge difference for crime. Glendale might see multiple shootings a night. But Chandler will have nothing exciting in the news. A lot of drugs come up I-10 from Mexico and some smaller highways south of Phoenix, which are favored by cartels and coyotes,, can be questionable at night. 3. Isolation- Phoenix metro is a massive metropolitan area, yet its surrounded by vast, empty deserts on 3 sides and hilly foothills to the north. You can literally go from billboards, hotels, Walmarts, and 4 lane highways to complete empty nothingness in a single minute. Especially when crossing into a reservation. 4. Cost of Living- depends on what you're looking for and where you live. Gas in Phoenix this summer was 80 cents more per gallon than Anchorage. Sales tax can bump past 9+%. Housing and rental costs are very high. I've met people who say its cheaper to eat at McDonalds than shop at grocery stores. Your biggest energy expense is AC as 24/7 cooling is a must. 5. Roads- plenty in the city, few beyond the city. In Texas there are probably 2 interstates, 4 highways and 36 farm roads leading to every town. In Arizona, there is maybe 2 and often 1. If that road is closed, you can't go to that town. 6. Earthquakes- you don't have to deal with that here. 7. Transitory People. I see this less in Arizona than other states like Colorado. You could safely bet no one you met in CO was born there and military familes that come and go were common. But in Arizona, its generational families. 8. Mosquitoes. We don't have many of those (obviously), but we make up for it with bark scorpions and black widows. You never place your fingers around anything on the ground, under a shelf, or behind the BBQ unless you've checked first. You always assume there are black widows in your garage. There is also a fly season that lasts a few weeks in early summer. You will love the 15 that zip into your home every time the door opens. 😂

[@joetreen8247]

Realistically, how bad are mosquitos in Alaska? I’ve heard nothing but horror stories.

[@sonyaballard4922]

I am from Chicago. Not really that concerned about the crime rates.

[@sterlinghayden1434]

Just stay out of Mountain View😂

[@armed_sasquatch]

Well good cause a large population is strapped up here legally

[@Offgridalaskanhomemaker]

Yes definitely stay out of Mountain View!

[@austinlowell8829]

I once heard someone say “Anchorage might be the biggest shit hole of a city there is but luckily its just a few minutes away from Alaska!” and that just about sums it up perfectly.

[@wmoy8507]

Crime has to look at per capita (per 100,000 people) to get a better perspective of crime rate.

[@TradCat1970]

Was born and partially raised in Anchorage. As a half Aleut Indian, I firmly believe Anchorage is the armpit of Alaska. Wasilla or Eagle River, much better

[@alaska_realtor]

That's really sad

[@AnthonyMcqueen1987]

Well Alaska has the highest rate of missing persons cases than any other state and its obvious its a very large state.

[@alaska_realtor]

We're pretty much the highest rate of anything you care to track lol

[@blitznone1142]

I lived in Alaska from 89-91. I was stuck on bad Adak. Plan on moving back to the Anchorage area.

[@alaska_realtor]

It'll be interesting to hear your perspective on how it's changed since you lived here last

[@sarayuchaverah8630]

How about the safety of the place and crime rates? I’ve read that Anchorage is a dangerous place to live and it is way above national average especially on sexual assault crime rates.

[@ibuprofenPill]

3:05, that city is Houston.

[@genericalaskanexplorer4470]

Yeah I live out here in Delta Junction And when you talk about crime rate Majority of legal problems out here There may not be a state trooper For over a 100 miles. We have 3 troopers out here. One On duty at a time And they are Responsible Of about a 100 miles in each direction of Delta Junction . Also I have lived in Juneau And Anchorage And they are nowhere compared to The interior when it comes to mosquitoes.

[@wesward1130]

Well done and refreshingly honest, thank you.

[@stanleyarmstrong9231]

Do you know of any good temporary apartment complexes in Anchorage or companies that handle that?

[@alaska_realtor]

You know, not really. The best thing I can say is to check out the Airbnb market and see what you can find there.

[@michaelpresley5559]

How are the JOBS and the CITY TRANSIT 🚌 IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 🥶 ?? 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@alaska_realtor]

There are plenty of jobs (depending on your industry) and there is a city transit but I don't personally use it so I couldn't say much about it.

[@abcecraftingmama9480]

Is driving Anchorage to Wasilla difficult in the winter months?

[@alaska_realtor]

I don't find it to be difficult. The scenery makes the drive really nice as well.

[@zenwolf1046]

Difficult, no. Scary, yes! There is a steep valley that can be nervewracking on icy roads.

[@ronpearson1912]

The usury, certain contractors and businesses know they have you/state/city over a barrel and the costs reflect that, well beyond just shipping costs, this is reflected in either direct costs to you if you need some property improvement work or in the form of property taxes to support price inflated projects. The crime rate is domestic violence so while thats truely awful when someone thinks of "crime" they are thinking about how safe is it to walk down the road, stranger crime is probably no worse than anywhere else. Also be VERY careful when taking a job up here because many jobs have "in-state travel" which means going to some very undesirable remote locations you can become completely stranded in and if you say no you could be looking for a new job, if you go to these place you could be coming back home with bed bugs, they won't post this in their job descriptions. The state troopers require a one year stint in a middle of nowhere place and these are some nasty places with raw sewage flowing down the road and bed bugs, these communities live in absolute filth. Make sure you ask about rural Alaska travel or north slope travel, even if the job is not "rotational" you can find yourself going back and forth to the slope more often than you would like and if your roll is technically "town based" you wont even get the 2 weeks off. Regarding earthquakes 99% of homeowner insurance policies don't cover earth quake damage, the premium is STEEP if you want it, alot of people learned this in the 2018 quake including us. However, earthquakes of that magnitude are rare. The homeless population is due mostly to the native populations that are required to come to anchorage for some reason (usually because they committed a crime in their community and have ot stand trial) once they are kicked loose they dont have return travel so they wonder around. There is a significant amount of mental illness as well. But seriously if you need a job to keep your household going like most of us be very careful about what position/roll you take and have an exit plan and I personally would make the company sign a contract to pay for my way back home if they try to pull a fast one and try to force you to go someplace you would rather not be.

[@scotniver7180]

Graduated from West.. Then ACC.. Lived there 13 years. Lucky I loved hunting and fishing. Dad and bro have small planes and love to hunt and fish too. Winters for college.. summers non stop Lived off Wisconsin..Northern Lites.. Bellingham Washington next.. 20 years Summers in Bristol Bay..

[@aurtisanminer2827]

Here’s another fun fact about people in Anchorage: they do not pronounce Barrow like that.

[@thomassprinkle1953]

I lived in Philly and St Paul MN. Would you say crime is worse in those places or Anchorage?

[@joemarisamonez2063]

Thank u for the reminders, i will be there soon 🙏🙏🙏

[@Jaxissupergay77]

What's a Spenard Divorce? It's a midwinter 357 magnum for the partner... Lil in Palmer

[@cloudnine9528]

I’ve lived in Anchorage for a year now, and can confirm the mosquitoes are bad near any bodies of water or stream hikes. Haven’t been to Flat Top yet, but we take our dogs to Connor’s Dog Park and there’s a nice pond there and dense forest that mosquitoes seem to be fond of. In regards to the crime, it’s a matter of not being in stupid places at stupid times doing stupid things, and you’ll be fine. It IS a constitutional carry state, which means you’re more than welcome to carry a concealed handgun without a special permit. Anchorage has more of a homeless/petty crime problem than anything else. Having a dog certainly helps during the winter, and a good way to meet new folk- I’d even venture to say a good way to meet long time Alaskans. Beautiful state, don’t regret to move

[@alaska_realtor]

That's very well said!

[@damienbell3155]

Agreed. Petty thefts. Didn’t help with SB91 in 2017 being passé but crime has gone down but then COVID happened a lot of thefts at stores, employees not allowed to interact with shoplifter.

[@ArinSauls]

And tons of DUIs and drug problems. Yet Alaska is home and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

[@caittodd9288]

Thank you for this positive take :)

[@charlesdavis1080]

You've lived in Anchorage for a year and haven't been to Flattop?

[@kodrewmaxwell3580]

I was born in Anchorage in Alaska.

[@chebonjimenez4034]

The dark side is it’s dark as heck all winter and cold till may still cold in Summer to southerners and you will get seasonal mood changes for sure it rains A LOT and it’s cloudy A LOT If your from anywhere sunny it’s going to break you I was raised here since 3 and have been here for 30 years Spent 3 working from the west coast to Colorado it’s just the truth Alaska is a tough place to get along in that’s why there is a lot of dugs and alcohol abuse

[@s4nder86]

Anchorage is a dry city with its 16 inches of precipitation. Ketchikan and surrounding areas get almost ten times that.

[@afterhoursmobilenotaryllc6721]

Do you do land parcels? Not interested in living in any city unless it has full rural or property in Ketchikan.

[@alaska_realtor]

I certainly work with land and it just depends on where it is

[@andrewg1777]

Ill be visiting Palmer at the end of October, hoping to fall in love and make it my new home. Really looking forward to checking it out!

[@alaska_realtor]

Right on man! I have lots of family who lives there. Great little town. Hit me up when you get here :)

[@zenwolf1046]

Just be aware that the wind comes roaring down the glacier, and it's as windy as Wyoming. Also the cops are jerks there, they pull everybody over to write tickets.

[@jackiebridges7138]

I lived in Anchorage Alaska ten years and was so depressed moved back to Missouri and been back to Missouri for 40 years and never been depressed since I've moved back something about Alaska that puts you in a deep depression although i thought it was absolutely beautiful and did some skiing and halibut fishing and salmon and the glaciers was stunning back in the 80s but overall went through a divorce and it was just so depressing place to live not for me what so ever....

[@fireruby1882]

Alaska is not for everyone but Alaska is NOT depressing. I was born and raised there and I hate the lower 48 for everything🤷🏻it was your personal life that made you not like it

[@TheKittyClink]

@@fireruby1882 I'm from hawaii. We did our honeymoon in AK was alot of fun

[@bathelion777]

Yeah.its like being isolated from the rest of the world,but it can work...not a place to go with any emotional distress...summer,different. Lol

[@s4nder86]

The main problem in the lower 48 is the relentless summer heat. You really have to love sweating or you'll be locked indoors for months, not much different from Alaska in that sense.

[@Wealthybaby]

@@s4nder86that’s exactly how I view it!

[@kelselli]

was that city corpus christi? I bet. I mean with the highest crime rate. Houston would be my second guess. I've lived in both cities.

[@WobbleWobble1]

How much higher is the cost of building up there than the lower 48?

[@SoliDeoGloria9800]

Thanks for the information! Wife and I will be out there early next year. Hoping we like it and it's as smooth of a transition as possible!

[@alaska_realtor]

Right on man! What’s bringing y’all up here?

[@SoliDeoGloria9800]

@@alaska_realtor we had played around with the idea for years, but I applied for Alaska Airlines as a mechanic, and got the job!

[@shannoninalaska]

@@SoliDeoGloria9800 same thing for me. I had wanted to move to AK for years and finally felt the time was right, applied for & got a job and moved from Florida last year. I just went back to visit friends & family for the first time a few weeks ago. On the way back I was thinking I might have made a mistake moving here..... until I got back 'home.' I love it here.

[@SoliDeoGloria9800]

@@shannoninalaska thats awesome! Glad you are enjoying it up there! Quite a difference in climate compared to Florida, I'm sure that was tough

[@chrisitinabobinski3798]

Just make sure you prep a bit if there’s a supply chain problem like we had a few years back people were having to feed dogs meat and stuff and I took a full month to get the stores restocked because all the stores were bare 3-6 months dried goods depending on the family.

[@jdmart82]

That city being Houston?

[@0rangecray0n]

I'm from Wisconsin it's dark , snowy and rainy most of the year anyways I don't think the seasonal depression would effect me

[@dickersonr6172]

its still dark in the winters even with the global warming?

[@alaska_realtor]

Yessir

[@Laurakate64]

The day length is caused by the suns position and the tilt of the earth. Global warming will impact temperatures over time but not day length

[@justinbaker5672]

No such thing as global warming. Earth goes threw cycles. Ever heard the ice age ?? Was global warming the cause of that ? Use your heads people

[@Laurakate64]

@@justinbaker5672 So you're not wrong in part of your statement. We do go in cycles relative to how close we are to the sun. But, we are also destroying our ozone layer and making it hotter than it would be. Global warming and the cycles are both real things. And, global warming doesn't just mean extreme heat. It will cause extreme weather of various kinds, including extreme cold. The name 'global warming' wasn't the best fit description.

[@niaford6137]

Any tips for someone from California going to Alaska?

[@alaska_realtor]

Not specifically from CA, but the big thing, as for everyone, is get your job figured out first and then everything else falls into place.

[@KentPetersonmoney]

Seem like Alaska would have alot less crime then states like Florida, new York, California and some others due to lmuch lower population. Alaska is also pretty big so some cities would have really low population.

[@Whatt787]

Alaska has the highest suicide rate

[@brandonking7896]

Can u have custom rims like a suv on 30” rims please let me know

[@donnieyayo789]

Im from California and ive been to anchorage and saint paul alaska and i thought it was beautiful there but i am a bit of an introvert

[@alaska_realtor]

It seems to be a state of introverts lol