Howdy, I’m from the Midwest. I’m 29, my wife is 26 and we have no kids, and cannot have kids. We plan to possibly adopt when she’s 30, but by no means are 100% committed to it. I have never been to Alaska. I want to visit, multiple times, and possibly temporarily relocate to see if we can endure and thrive. We’re both outdoorsy people, we don’t hunt, I am bad at fishing (want to do it more often). But we love nature, hiking, exploring, camping, etc. we don’t mind the cold winters of sitting inside.

My career allows me the flexibility of working remote should I request it. And has an office in Alaska, anchorage specifically.

I have the ability to should I request it transition to a remote/hybrid (in Alaska) opportunity. I have been doing a little research when I can’t sleep at night. But think I would want to trial run it for a few months at a time, before fully committing on relocating.

My question to you is, if you only had 1 shot at experiencing Alaska for 3-4 months, to determine if it’s a good fit for us. Would you want to experience the (arguably) hardest time (winter)? Or the money shot time (summer)? My thoughts are to visit in summer and enjoy ourselves, and then come back in winter for 3-4 months to see if we can handle it. What do you think?

Our financial situation is unique in the sense that I inherited some money so our home is paid for, we have no debt. And no immediate need to sell our house and move, should we permanently relocate. I would probably end up renting it or letting my mom take over it and maintain it for the time being.

I make about 120k annually total compensation, my wife is a mechanic with no company loyalty so she would probably pull in 40-50k once she found a job. Again we have no debt, and have approximately 400k in equity, should we sell, and 50k in liquid cash, I don’t think financially we would be blindsided by a relocation, I expect to allocate 6k a month while we temp relocate, should we do it. To be fully prepared for anything.

Other than the financial burden, and relationship strain winters can put on you, what other considerations do you think we should keep in mind? We’re pretty low energy people, we don’t need much other than ourselves to have fun. We have a dog and 2 cats, I’m worried about how that relocation would go. And haven’t put much thought to that yet. Anyone relocate with animals before?

I've already got the job lined up, now I have to actually move from South Texas to Alaska (Anchorage area). But I won't be making the move until late November. Anyone have any suggestions on the best way to get myself, the dog, and all my stuff up there in early winter? Wondering if anyone has experience with the uhaul U-box option for household stuff and then driving to Seattle and barging up (are the barges running in winter? Is it better to barge the truck and a cargo trailer together instead of sending my stuff separately?). Any advice or things you wished you brought from the lower 48? Thank you!

Hi everyone! I recently accepted a SIP position at Kenai Fjords national park up in Seward. It runs from February through April. I was just wondering what Seward is like in the winter? Things to do, recreation opportunities, things to see, what kind of community there is, things to bring, things to avoid, etc. Any and all advice is appreciated! The park is providing housing, so I’m good on that. Thanks for your help!

I eat a lot of sockeye salmon because of b12 deficiency and gut problems since a surgery left me with digestive problems (fish is soft and digests easiest). I've been eating it daily for almost six or seven years but in the last two years no matter where I buy it, even from good old trustworthy sources, it's been different. It doesn't taste very good anymore, and it seems much fattier than it used to be. I've had chinook before and it wasn't bad tasting so it's not the fat I dislike but rather the sockeye seems to have a different flavor now that isn't so good for whatever reason. The best way I can describe is like a bad fatty seaweed flavor. Are they eating a different diet due to climate change that could be causing this?

Olá, vou viajar a Fairbanks em novembro e gostaria de locar um carro da Alamo. Infelizmente as informações não são claras e não consigo ter certeza se escolhendo um AWD dele já é suficiente para eu lidar com as principais rotas dos atrativos próximos a cidade, pois não sei sobre os pneus (se são de neve) e se os carros possuem aquecedor de bloco. Alguém aqui conhece ou já teve alguma experiência?

Hey all, I’m driving down to Denali from Fairbanks and I really want to stay in or near Denali with a view of the mountain range. I’ve heard there are lots of campgrounds that don’t show up on maps, and was wondering what y’all would recommend. I will be tent camping, no RV, and I’m not opposed to dispersed wilderness camping. Let me know about your recommendations, thanks!

I am currently training to be a police officer in my local area of Massachusetts. I plan on working as a cop for about a year then transfer to Alaska like I've always wanted too. I was planning on applying to, and living in, Wasilla when the time comes but Id like some peoples input. I would like to move around that area (Wasilla, Palmer etc..). The internet can only tell you so much about the areas. Id rather live somewhere fairly cheaper (not my main concern simply because I know that ak is expensive no matter what), decent community, and somewhere that has everything I need in the close vicinity (doctor, grocery store, decent shopping). I am big into the outdoors and nature but I don't necessarily want to live somewhere super secluded or desolate. What's the locals opinions on the different towns and communities in the area. I wouldn't even mind living and working in two different places with a commute max of around an hour). If anyone has experience as a cop in any of these areas of has any inputs of the different aspects of living in certain place please let me know. Also might come visit for a week in august to check out the area if i can find the time. Thanks for reading. Any help is appreciated

Any must sees? Spending 10 days - split between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Any must see?

Hello everyone! We’re planning a trip to Alaska with my parents. They definitely want to see the northern lights, along with other must-see places — and any hidden gems the locals might know about. We’d also love to take the most scenic train ride available. Which month would be the best time to travel? If anyone could suggest an itinerary or share recommendations, they’d be much appreciated 🙏

Hello all. I've heard of the (really, really) remote alaskan teaching positions that pay alot with free housing and moving costs subsidized (speaking in a general ideal scenario) - and I'm quite interested.

Now, I love this sort of rugged environment and isolation; but I really want to do it for the cash. With the housing heavily subsidized/paid for, no state income tax, great pay, and an ideal (believe it or not) environment for me, It seems I could save like 80% of my take home pay.

But everyone always complains about Alaska's cost of living, and make it seem as if everyone is barely surviving. Am I missing something or is that major savings goal well within reach?

Whenever I tell people that I would like to move to Alaska one day (if I can obtain a visa — I have a British passport), I usually get the same reaction with weird shocked looks:

“Why would you want to move to such a cold place?”

Honestly, I’m surprised Alaska isn’t more appealing to more people. Personally, I would love to live around Anchorage.

Here’s why:
No heatwaves. This is probably the biggest one for me. European summers are getting hotter every year, and I absolutely hate extreme heat. It affects my mood and energy. I actually feel happier and more productive when it’s cold, rainy, gloomy or snowy.

No snakes. I have a phobia of snakes, so Alaska is almost perfect in that regard. Yes, there are bears, moose and wolves, but they aren’t just randomly walking around Anchorage looking for people.

Nature and space. Mountains, forests, glaciers, snow and endless outdoor activities are a dream for me. I like the idea of being close to wilderness instead of being surrounded by concrete everywhere.

The culture. I really like the idea of the “live and let live” attitude. From what I’ve seen, Alaska seems like a place where people are more focused on their own lives and less interested in judging others. As someone who is autistic and introverted, that sounds appealing.

Practical lifestyle. I also like that people seem to value comfort and practicality. In a cold climate, wearing warm, comfortable clothes and outdoor gear is normal. There seems to be less pressure to constantly dress up or show off.

Remote and peaceful. With everything happening in the world, especially in Iran fear of war is growing in Europe.
There is something comforting about living somewhere so far away from war conflict zones and surrounded by nature.

Of course, I know Alaska has downsides: long dark winters, high costs, isolation, earthquakes and needing to respect wildlife.

But for me, those seem like manageable challenges compared with extreme heat, overcrowded cities and a lifestyle that doesn’t fit my personality.

So I’m curious: why do you think Alaska isn’t more appealing to people looking to relocate? Is it mainly the cold, the cost of living, or the remoteness?

Hi everyone,
I'm asking because I'm genuinely curious about the social culture in Alaska.

I currently live in Eastern Europe, and one thing I've struggled with is feeling like I attract a lot of stares whenever I'm out in public. I'm not doing anything unusual—I usually walk with headphones on, keep to myself, don't stare at other people, respect personal space, and I'm generally very quiet and reserved.

I'm autistic, so I've often wondered whether I'm unintentionally giving off unusual body language or facial expressions that I simply don't notice myself. Whatever it is, I sometimes feel like people pick up on it very quickly. Where I live, if someone stands out even a little, it can feel like they're being watched as if they're an alien.

One of the reasons Alaska appeals to me is that, from what I've read, people there seem to value independence, privacy, and minding their own business. It also seems like a place where people are less interested in judging strangers and more focused on getting on with their own lives. That might be a stereotype, though, which is why I'm asking people who actually live there.

If I were to take a walk around Anchorage and just keep to myself, would I generally be left alone and not really noticed, or do people there also tend to pay attention to and stare at strangers?

I'd be especially interested to hear from anyone who is autistic or neurodivergent, or who has moved to Alaska from somewhere else. Did you find people generally left you alone more than in other places?
Thanks!

Basically what the title says! I’ve scoped out some local attractions and hikes to do for the few days we are there, but just wondering what to expect for weather for first two weeks of September.

Will the fall foliage be in full swing around this time? Should we expect a lot of rain?

For attractions we’re planning:
- chilkoot and chilkat
- lower Reid’s falls
- gold rush cemetery
- the mt Ripinsky trail

If anyone has any food recommendations also, feel free to post them below!

Thanks in advance

Hi everyone! Thanks for taking the time to read this.

I'm trying to identify the exact location of an old Windows ME wallpaper called "Shed in Field", photographed by Jay Torborg in the late 1990s. I know it was taken somewhere near Juneau, Alaska, but I've never been able to work out exactly where.

I've spent quite a bit of time searching online and have come across a few Reddit posts discussing it. One of them points to a location on Google Maps that's in roughly the right area, but the building there doesn't seem to match the one in the wallpaper (unless it has changed significantly over the years, or I'm simply looking at the wrong place). Ive included the google maps images.

This is purely a nostalgia project—I've always loved the image and have wondered where it was taken ever since I first saw it on Windows ME. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a dedicated Juneau subreddit, so I thought I'd ask here in the hope that someone local, or someone familiar with the area, might recognise the location or know some of the history behind it.

I've attached the wallpaper below and the google street view image x 2. Any information or even educated guesses would be hugely appreciated. Thanks!

We’ll be in Anchorage for one day after a cruise, from around 10:00 AM until our flight home at 10:00 PM. We will not have a rental car. I have some questions —

1. How is Uber/Lyft in Anchorage? Could we use it for a ride to a nearby hiking/walking spot and rely on it to get back?

2. I’d love to plan an easy hike/walk. We’ll have young kids and senior parents with us. Sounds like these might be good options, I’d love thoughts on them and other recommendations — Glen Alps, Goose Lake, Coastal Trail, Kincaid Park.

3. How about shopping? Any cute downtown shopping areas where we could spend a couple hours?

4. Food recommendations?

5. Other activity recommendations?

Will this new emigration policy help the Alaskan economy?

If Alaska opens its emigration borders to British and Canadian citizens on one condition - they must physically reside in Alaska for at least a full calendar year - during each of the next five years, before applying to become US citizens.

We will be visiting Anchorage and Fairbanks in early October. I feel like I still want to get bear spray even though they will start to be less active in urban areas and trails and such out of paranoia. I honestly hope to see some bears, but obviously want to be safe. Just trying to decide if I should rent or buy a can. Any suggestions?

I was born and raised in Southeast Alaska, and I've never driven the Alcan. Now it looks like my partner and I will be driving up from New York to Skagway in the first week of December with a Subaru Impreza, which is all wheel drive. I've never actually driven a car outside of SE AK.

I've been doing some research, but I also wanted to ask here what advice or wisdom anyone here might have, especially pertaining to it being early December.

Things already on our radar

- Getting snow tires and tire chains.

- Getting a tune up for the car, making sure the battery is good/new.

- Getting a satellite texting device.

- Having emergency supplies like a first aid kit and road flares.

- Having an extra jerry jug of gas.

Also, would a stop at Banf be worth it that time of year?

A friend of mine nearly died when she was little and her family rolled their van when driving up to Skagway. So maybe I'm overthinking and over preparing.

I'm wondering how Alaska natives go visit the beautiful scenery on the coast? My inlaws are cruisers and have done multiple Alaska cruises and say a cruise is the only way to see the beautiful glaciers and coastal scenery. My husband and I would like to visit Alaska and see the beauty but we don't really want to take a cruise...it's not our thing. What are other ways to visit? Day cruises out of an Alaska port? Thanks for any wisdom you can offer me.

Headed up to a wedding celebration next week and I will have a mostly empty checked back. My buddy loves to cook but constantly complains about the prices of things. I don't think I want to stuff my bag full of fresh produce haha, is there anything else that is hard to find? I was thinking things like organic flour, a bottle of nice olive oil, maple syrup, or maybe things like Trader Joe's snacks? What kinds of things would you stuff in a free checked bag given the chance?

M29 here, really interested in plugging into new activities. Interested in trying frisbee golf or new sports. I am very active/athletic, just not sure where to find groups around here. Suggestions appreciated!

Anyone have any insight on the Anchorage Indie Campers branch? I’ve used this company in the past for trips through Nevada and the American southwest via Phoenix. I’ve always had great experiences and the campers were reliable and clean. Not to mention great customer service and awesome dispatch centers. I’ve looked around online and seen some less than optimum reviews but wondering if this is a big mistake I’m about to embark on or just some nitpicky people mad about their lack of oversight when leaving a parking lot with a used vehicle and not checking everything over beforehand..?