THINGS THAT ARE HARD ABOUT LIVING IN ALASKA | What it's like to live in AK and some of the struggles

Today we wanted to share with you a few things that can be hard about living in Alaska. We love living here but know that there are some things that are not easy about living in such a remote, cold, and dark place. Make sure you leave us any questions you have about living in Alaska so we can answer them in a future video. The Hamms
We are the Hamm Family in Eagle River Alaska. We have 4 boys and love living in Alaska. Follow along as we share our life and adventures with you! Thank you so much for being here and enjoy This Alaska Life.
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#livinginalaska #whatitslikelivinginalaska #alaska

[@user-dq4pp3np3t]

Grew up in a house with baseboard heat. It was the greatest heat in the world but have had forced air gas ever since. I miss the baseboard heat!!

[@brilliantbutblue]

Thanks so much for answering these questions in so much detail. There are alot of parallels to life in Australia. People dont realise Australia is very very spread out and takes as much time or more to travel between as you described Alaska to mainland US. Perth for example may as well be in another country its so close to SE Asia and so far from everywhere else. Our indigenous and people living in remote communities have exact same struggles as you talked about and everything is much more expensive. Apart from being cold its not that much different to parts of Australia, and people either love living in some parts or they hate it. Really appreciate you both talking about your life and experience. Thankyou.

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

It is so interesting all the similarities! I need to visit Australia one day and experience a small piece of the fun!

[@murlenecrowley1283]

Excellent information on living in Alaska.

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful!

[@shirleywarner8831]

Love your videos and your family

[@richardfuller6536]

I lived in Juneau for a year years ago and I loved loved it. Mendalhall glacier was just absolutely beautiful and the best fishing I have ever done. I was very sad when we left but my dad got hurt at his job and we went back to California and Wyoming. I really appreciate your videos and really enjoy them

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

I am glad you found our channel. Sorry you had to leave. I visited Juneau once, when my oldest was a baby, and we really enjoyed looking around. Thanks for watching!

[@jennifergraham612]

I so appreciate the time you guys put into this video, ,I have always admired Alaska. .

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

Thank you so much, that means a lot to us. Alaska is amazing and we are having fun sharing a small piece of it!

[@japnikki]

For me it’s a tie between Alaska and British Columbia.

[@dianewitte8512]

I'm catching up on watching your videos. Very enjoyable!!! Lauren you look beautiful in this vlog!!!

[@annaking9213]

Hi I’m binge watching.

[@leanorehall5443]

Great information, thank you....

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

Thanks Leanore, glad you found that helpful!

[@Bex-rg8pj]

It’s the same with living in the Midwest farming area.

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

Thank you for watching and responding!

[@cathykillion6544]

Love your channel

[@IntentionalWellness_Michelle]

Simons and Seaforts!!! I hope they survive the 😷 Pandemic!!!!

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

Yes, that is actually what I meant to say when I say Sullivan’s!

[@haidacable]

I accidentally came across your video blog on youtube and followed through a few of your video blogs and been enjoying it very much, I live in Southern Southeast Alaska on an island called Prince of Wales Island in a small town of about 300, they have a lot of paved roads all over the island. It is just 45 miles west of Ketchikan, and it is an enjoyable place to live on the island. Thank you for the video blog and really enjoyed it very much and keep up the good work.

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

Awesome! Thank you! My husband spent a bit of time on Prince of Wales Island when he was an auditor. He audited the school district and fell in love with it there!

[@darlenelabaty6127]

You are a teacher! Love the information. Very real .you guys rock! What's happening with your schools? We are still in virtual mode in Arizona. My favorite place is jitters and the candle store !! Your stuck with me now .i watch every day!!!

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

We are so happy you are here with us! Schools are virtual in the Anchorage school district but have gone back in the Matsu School districts. We chose to homeschool rather than virtual school so we wouldn’t be tied to the schools zoom schedule. Jitters is such a great local store! Thank you for all of your kind comments it makes this so much more fun to know people are watching and enjoying.

[@ChumStun]

Do y’all have a back up source for heat? Seems critical everyone have a wood stove or generator in that cold. I love yalls sense of independence and personal responsibility, as a Texan I feel like that’s one value we have in common. Your tolerance for the cold is admirable, I’ll take 100° over 0° any day!

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

We have a backup generator that we have used several times with earthquakes and ice storms. Our gas fireplace can also be used without power. Thanks for watching!

[@emmib1388]

The same thing happened here in PA regarding Sonic -- everyone was so excited when they moved in. We had a few locations, they lasted a few years, and now, most are closed. Locally , the food was not a favorite -- the only thing people really enjoyed were the drinks. I personally never made it to them before they closed.

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

It is funny how crazy it gets. We have only been 2 time when we were already going that direction. I loved going as a kid in Texas. Doesn’t have the same appeal to me now.

[@richardfuller6536]

Oh and I forgot the rain. It poured rain the day we first drove into Alaska from Canada and poured for 3 days waiting on the ferry to take us to Juneau. But even with the rain we had a good time and made some great memories

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

Lot's of rain! Thankfully with the right clothing you can still have fun in the rain.

[@sarahekstrom8510]

In south Anchorage I see that oil companies bring a lot of families to Anchorage, often for a few years. And did you mention downhill skiing/ boarding? Or winter hiking. Those are popular in this part of town. You hit the key points. Winter is long so you got to play outside. Also, coming from Seattle and Boston, Anchorage has better housing prices for sure.

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

Yes, hiking is really big in Eagle River as well as South Anchorage. People are amazing and, with the right gear, get out all year long! It is good to mention oil companies because they do bring a lot of people, especially from the south.

[@ChiefsGirlSince1989]

Umm sometimes there isn't enough clothes i put on . I freeze at 70. Its in the 30s today and it snowed yesterday.

[@japnikki]

Here in Texas when it get 50f people start putting on jackets, our winters are mild. We can tolerate heat from Late April until September. In summer we can have 100 plus temp consecutive for 30 days plus. Lol

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

Hello! I actually grew up in TX and moving to Alaska was a big shock to the system. I am not sure I could go back to the heat but I love visiting warm places! My kids CANNOT handle heat but do great in the cold. So funny! Thanks for watching.

[@debbydewitt2408]

i would love to see some pictures of the tundra in bloom

[@gundiadejare2514]

Thank you very much for this video that was very helpful You said fast-food is not going that good but I'm sure you like coffee I think Tim Horten would be good for you Greetings from Germany

[@JoelandKylesMom]

I would love to see the gear you use for the different seasons and any recommendations.

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

That is a good idea, I’ll put it on the list to film. The key to it all is layers! And the good thing is a lot of it, like fleece, can be used round.

[@Gigi-fv9ky]

I know this is a really old video, but I hope you will see my questions and maybe answer on a future video. What I would like to know more about are specifics about dealing with winter such as how do you keep your car from slipping, I imagine you have snow tires or chains? How do you clear your driveway, especially for someone who is disabled? Are there people you can hire to do that and how much on average would ir cost? Do you have to do other things to prepare your house or car for winter? How do you walk on ice without falling all the time - are snow boots really that good or are there other tips? Thanks!

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

These are all great questions. I will try and address them in a future video. Thank you so much for the ideas!

[@lynneanthony168]

Interesting vlog but I was distracted by your Anna Lee elf on the chandelier!! I have a collection of them too.

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

That naughty little elf! Glad it caught your eye. It is going to be elf season soon!

[@lynneanthony168]

@@ThisAlaskaLife Ssshhhhhh

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

@@lynneanthony168 😂

[@stanpersful4723]

I hear the grocery cost offten but then I watch videos on people shopping at Fred Meyers, Costco, etc. and compared to NE Utah, it's the same or cheaper there. Utah is out of control and I'm moving there in 2 weeks to Anchorage area. Pay is much higher there (18K a year more for my job) and other than fresh fruit, everything including houses are cheaper there. Cost of large items like vehicles tend to be more there but other than that, seems good. I will know more in about 3 weeks. hehe

[@jessicatounkara8753]

You look so pretty!

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

Oh thank you! That is very kind of you!

[@richardfuller6536]

I am using my boyfriend account..Lol. But I really miss it. I understand how someone people feel like they are in a different world living there tho. But we went hiking alot and spent most of the time fishing and just really taking in the beautiful scenery. When I first seen the northern lights I cried because I had heard how beautiful they was but seeing them was just magical to me

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

The northern lights are super magical. I am in awe every single time I see them. Alaska really is a special place and leaves an imprint on you!

[@annfevans6923]

Do you have a garden. I have seen produce and flowers grown in Alaska and they are huge. My sister had a friend that was transferred in service and stayed, they loved it and have been there almost 30 years.

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

Yes, we have a great garden and huge raspberry patch. The produce can get really big with all the daylight. I am not the best gardener but I sure enjoy it! I meant to document it better last summer but got so busy and never showed all the fun things we harvested. Maybe next summer.

[@janeedwards2266]

Do you see bears in the summer time and what would you do if you see them

[@danahenderson3742]

What denominations of churches are located in Alaska?

[@mischa9963]

Hi guys, I am wondering if homes that are heated with radiant floor tiles are common?, And number two, how many homes that have the radiant floor tiles have pipes that run under the driveway? I read that they have this in some places and it helps the snow melt a little bit faster off the driveway. Thank you 😊

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

Those things are possible but we don’t have either of them. We have baseboard heat in our house

[@barb8335]

You two make a cute couple 💑

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

Aw, thanks!

[@janeedwards2266]

I could never live in the cold and snow

[@mattg8787]

#thisalaskaalife what's the cost of a pellet stove and pellets

[@RLynnSchmollinger]

Bears?

[@jojo-tz2ym]

Is it true that men outnumber women there

[@ThisAlaskaLife]

It is true!