I've lived in Alaksa for over 40 years, and I have to say that I love it here. I've traveled a lot, but few places have the small town feel and overall friendliness that Alaska has. Living here as Long as I have, I have seen how a lot of communities have changed over the decades. Some places like Valdez, and communities along the roadway have not changed much in my lifetime, other places like Fairbanks & Anchorage have changed a ton, and yet with these changes, they maintain their small town vibe. The Anchorage metro area has roughly 500k people, and Fairbanks has about 100k people, yet when you visit these 2 cities, you would be hard pressed to believe it. You can get almost anywhere in Anchorage in about 20-30min, and often times less than that, and in Fairbanks, unless your heading to North Pole or one of the 2 military bases, you can be anywhere in town in under 10-15 min. For anyone wanting to move here, just be aware, Fairbanks is the hunting & outdoor area with few city amenities, while Anchorage is the Fishing area with more city amenities. Also, before moving here, plan on visiting for 2 weeks in the summer & 2 weeks in the dead of winter as it is better to know what you are getting into before hand. Anchorage is a bit more temperate (in comparison) to Fairbanks where it doesn't have the extreme cold or hear. Fairbanks is known for having extreme temperature (100F to -68F) I have seen many days at -40F to -60F for extended periods of time, and with the daily high being -45F on some days. Anchorage summers are beautiful with the temps in the high 70's most days, while Fairbanks says in the high 70's to mid 80's. I hope some of you who have never been here found this quick write up helpful.
The same here,I quit a good factory job back east in the late 70s and brought all my belongings up in a Datsun pickup. I’ve never lived in Anchorage. The valley sure has grown for 17,000 to about 110,000 people.
I live in Alaska. I love it here. I love being able to breathe, the wildlife, and the ability to just be. I love living in a snow globe during the winter, and not having to worry about dying of heat stroke in the summer. I don't live in Anchorage, but I am not a huge distance away, at least by Alaska standards. Alaska should be on every single person's bucket list to at least see, because it is stunning. You are 100% right, Alaska absolutely has some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. They don't look real sometimes! I lived in the lower 48 most of my life. I moved here over a year ago, and I will never leave, I love it that much. ♥️
@@tlewisAK I'm on the Kenai Peninsula. I totally agree. I love the fact that I can choose when I see other humans. 😊 I love how tight knit the community I live in is. I may not know all my neighbors out here, but I do know if I needed help, they would be there in a heartbeat. ❤ Alaska
Well if you’re female and heterosexual the odds are in your favour. My friend who lived there told me about her dating life saying,”The odds are good but the goods are odd.”
When you were talking, I was like, oh you're definitely in one of the nicer towns around Anchorage, NOT actually Anchorage. Yeah I bet it's nice when you're rich
I have been in Anchorage for four years now and Alaska is a gorgeous state, definitely worth visiting. But Anchorage is not where you want to go if you are looking for less people. There are smaller towns to investigate for that purpose. Also, these videos don't mention the lack of sunlight in the winter/seasonal depression, or the growing homeless population, the one and only road you can use to get somewhere, the sometimes huge forest fires, the earthquakes, the volume of people fishing in one area, how far you have to travel to get to other parts of the state. Definitely do your research and visit in the summer and the winter. Just to get a good idea of what you would be getting yourself into.
I lived in Anchorage for 2 1/2 years in the early 80’s, and what this failed to mention is the suicide rate. Higher than normal, due to the almost constant darkness 6 months out of the year.
I worked up in Alaska for a summer tourist season when I was younger. Anchorage is alright in my opinion. Small and walkable downtown. The scenic Chugach Range in view. Alaska is a great state. So vast and beautiful. I hope to visit again.
Reverend Boaz. Not very, I have several of both in my family; nobody is safe from them. Oh, I guess there are lots of Moose, Bear, blizzards and wildfires too; if you're concerned about that kind of thing.
@Reverend Boaz not at all. Grizzlies roam the street from time to time. Moose in a lot of back yards, links run around banks of Ship Creek. About 8-10 bears killed annually in Anchorage boul.Boulder. in November oof 2018 we had the second largest earthquake at 7.2 it took out a lot of houses and businesses. Eagle River got hit hard too.
I lived in Alaska for 10 years (May 2012 to April 2022). It is a spectacular place. You will see and experience things that most people only dream about. Honestly, Anchorage is a mess...but that's not reason enough NOT to move to Alaska. However, the length of the winter and the winter darkness is a real issue. If you have any hint that you may struggle with depression, especially seasonal effective disorder, this is probably not the place for you. If you value a support system of family and friends, and don't have that in place in Alaska, this is probably not the place for you. Go for it, live your dreams, but be wise about it.
I love the night, and I love spending long stretches of time alone. Even for me, this would be a big change and I could see myself being unhappy there. In the summer, there is very little night time. And while I do love being alone, being thousands of miles away from family means that if I stop wanting to be alone... I don't really have the option to easily see my friends and family. You can always make friends in the city, but that can be hard for some people. Point is, you'll only really know if you like it after having spent a full year there.
Born and raised in Anchorage and yes the title of this video is some what baffling but yes we do need more folks here. We just had a single day snow fall we haven't seen since Royal Fork was still in town. Expecting another 12 inch+ of snow later on today at 9am. I drive tours in the summer and I can confirm the scenery. Hope you guys consider Alaska
Is it easy for foreigners to set up in anchorage you reckon? I'm irish and will be merely visiting this summer but anchorage is a city I have an obsession with even if I've not yet visited.. I do just wonder what sort of job opportunities are out there and how sustainable it is to work there at all
I moved to Anchorage literally a few months before COVID hit but I also have some extended visits. It was mentioned in an earlier video that people found cabin fever to be a drag but I honestly truly enjoy staring out the window with an extra cup of tea and watch the dramatic scenery during the winters
@@MysteriousRival Aviation tech is a huge deal in Alaska. All forms of energy tech are also a thing. There's plenty of opportunity for entrepreneurship but I wouldn't call it a tech haven. Whenever tech is brought up in discussions with friends around here, it always seems to come down to "Alaska is either the pioneer to technology that eventually spreads to the lower 48 and beyond or is the last to adopt something after everybody else has been using it for years". Not to talk one out of it, but a lot of what Briggs says about Alaska is very true even in Anchorage: it is expensive here and things do take longer to ship here and it costs more since it is an enclave. Even here in Anchorage you go to get something shipped and they act like it is an obscure country by Antarctica and refuse to even ship here. No place is perfect, it is up to everyone to decide what issues they're willing to put up with to enjoy the benefits of what good it has to offer, including wherever you are now.
@@birdofpassage9875 thanks, I guess I'll look further into it. I get what you mean about it not being a tech haven but I'll sure love to work a remote job there then. My only concern outside of tech jobs would quality of education being I have a baby now. I'll do my due diligence. Since you're saying it's expensive there, how much money per year will it take a family of three to live there comfortably?
Amen! Yes, cabin fever is a thing, but the cure is going out and exploring this beautiful place. I love Alaska, and I hope the awe I experience no matter what season never goes away! The challenges of living in Alaska are definitely overshadowed by the immense beauty and great people who call Alaska home.
I wouldn't go to that place Anchorage or anywhere in Alaska even if they paid me to go. It's full of drug addicts, abductions, serial killers, people vanishing without a trace, etc. And Alaska is the most dangerous state in the US. Thanks but no thanks!
I've never been to Alaska but have considered moving there. Back in the late 1980's, my husband I decided to get a subscription to the Anchorage Newspaper. For 6 months we charted everything, weather, food and housing costs, fuel costs and a few minor items. We lived at the time in Eastern Utah and our winters there, at time, could be brutal. But what we realized, is because Anchorage was near a gulf stream of sorts, the weather there was by far warmer in the winter than we were currently living. We also noted the taxes were practically non-existent. I don't remember why we did not move to Alaska, but I'm still living in the lower 48. Oh well.
The taxes are extream. It mainly comes in the form of property tax. The abuse of the funds is rampant as well. The costs of everything are much more and the goods and services are far less than most of the USA and other parts of the world. Oppertunity for kids looking to build a future is not good either. Alaska is a great place to dream about and maybe visit, not live!
the temperatures in anchorage arent what make winters punishing, most people in the lower 48 check the weather and go "oh thats not so bad". what you dont realize is its dark and it drags on and on, winter is october through april
I grew up in anchorage. I was born and raised in Alaska and lived here every year of my life besides 4. I have traveled out of the state and Country many times. The people here are most definitely the most friendly welcoming people. I would definitely disagree with the comment on how good our schools are here. Growing up there was something the schools were saying l it went “No kid left behind” well Alaskan would sadly joke about every kid is left behind here. There is not very much opportunities going on for the young people growing up here. That’s why everyone leaves and comes back when they finish their College education and if they don’t I absolutely hate it for the long winters and dark nights that last the majority of the year, some come back and try and find good enough jobs to live a very chill and a lot of times boring life in a place they love. This place IS NOT for everyone. The thing this guy said about the never ending day light. That definitely happens but only for about 2 months the rest of the year is dark and cold. I moved out of anchorage after my schooling was finished and when I go back there I can hardly recognize the humble city I grew up in. All the people moving up from the lower 48 has changed the city so much and now it’s like any other US medium size city. There is a lot of homeless people that make tent city all over town. The city has become a hub in Alaska for druggies and homeless people. Yes there are nice parts of town but you will still find in any neighborhood a drug dealer or/and homeless squatters,squatting in the any woods they can find. I also think the whole move here for the pad is ridiculous because the cost to live here is so high to get everywhere from $300-3,000 once a year hardly off set the cost of living. I love my state but there are way more things to take in to consideration then what this video is putting out so do some real research before deciding to move here. It’s not the easiest place to start up a new life, that’s for sure.
@@joeyindahl2593 man the reasoning's behind that is insane. The former mayor sold off a lot of equipment that we can't afford to get back in the current mayor Can't Get Enough.. permission what the f*** is that about to hire and replace the staff as needed.. the assembly at war with the mayor is keeping Anchorage sick as hell. Leftism versus conservatism always results in nothing getting done.. I don't like the right but I like them a lot more than the left right now. At least the right got business done and stayed out of social issues
I worked this past summer season in Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula and it was beautiful. What he said about the sunsets are true. I watched a sunset in Hope one night, and it felt like I was in a movie--breathtaking. The mosquitoes are plague-worthy, especially at night. Cooper Landing was probably my favorite town out of all the ones I visited. Great hiking trails(did have a scary bear encounter early September though), awesome fishing, secluded lake beaches to fly kites and vibe out. I don't think I would want to live in the state year-round though. Locals told me stories about a lot of sketchy and violent crime. It's a great place to introspect and find yourself, but I found myself longing for more social events. Summer Solstice is a big deal! Everyone comes out of the woodwork. Lots of the folks there are super down-to-earth. They'll lend you their canoes, take you out fishing, show you the sights, invite you to a barbecue, and they'll lend a helping hand if you're ever in the mud--something rare depending on what part of the country you're in.
I have a friend that lives in Windsor and would never leave. She and her husband watch your channel! Yep, Briggs you are respected all over this great country✌️
My son moved there from Hilo Hawaii and my cousin moved there from Florida. I fear that there is an errant and defective gene in the family pool. Another good video, thanks!
I love Anchorage. I honestly have everything I need to live a happy life, plus some. Culture, subsistence, modern city features, nature. These things are important to me, and Anchorage provides them all.
I worked at the Kodiak Harbor Master before, lived out on the Kenai and have family in Anchorage that I visit. Alaska beyond the city is less populated because to survive it out here is tough. It’s a landscape you won’t see anywhere else. It’s also a dreamer’s destination. It’s exciting up here if your looking for a spiritual getaway the majestic snow capped mountains and volcanos are a spectacle to behold. One must be careful though because Anchorage traffic in the winter is probably one of the more dangerous cities to drive in the world. Especially for the tourists who aren’t accustomed to the road conditions, and the layout of the city. There are nice towns like Kasilof which is close to the beach and river access. Many scenic outlooks to stop and view if you go down towards Homer. Make sure you like it first before buying a home.
I live in Anchorage and I wish people would stop pimping out Alaska based on PFD, because it will be going away in a few years (or less) because Alaska is in economic shambles...they’re also proposing adding an income tax to help with state revenue.....and “affordable real estate”? Wow, Anchorage is wayyyyy overpriced in real estate...the funniest one to me is ”sunshine” wait, what?!?!?!?! Anchorage is cloudy and rains CONSTANTLY in summer.....lastly, the Anchorage school system is HORRIBLE......as someone who lives here, this video is frustrating because it’s so inaccurate......
Fairbanks has the sunshine (Mostly). Whenever I pop down to Anchortown for work, Its usually cloudy and rainy. Every time I drive down for the Mayors Marathon of Anchorage Run Fest Marathon & Ultra, its been overcast, cool and rainy.
Have lived here 37 years. More ppl are leaving Alaska than are moving here. Violent crime rate is right up there with Detroit. Oil companies have exited the state, leaving very little revenue for infrastructure. That being said, the beauty is breathtaking, the winters provide constant challenges (which I enjoy). Darkness drives most ppl away which keeps the population down. If you love challenges and thrive in the outdoors, this is your place.
Oh yeah, surfing a 10 to 15 foot boar tide traveling at 25 mph sounds like it would be fun! But you only get two of those big waves every 24 hours. You must be my Wyoming buddy! There are only a dozen of us on all of TH-cam
I lived in Anchorage 40 years, people used to be friendly and helpful, the more people come here the ruder people are becoming, people need to let Alaska change them, not come and change Alaska
I have noticed that talking with locals when I moved here how lowly people rated it. The only thing I can think of is that people didn't really do their homework before moving here. It's not an easy place to be if you don't like being outside in the cold snow and rain. If you like being outside in all conditions - Alaska can be your paradise. I think the people that rate it so low have their expectations and the reality widely apart. We are far away from everything, there is not the same infrastructure as their is in the lower 48, and you can get some cabin fever. But there are many days and months where you just wake up every day in Alaska thankful you get to exist in this beautiful place. Anchorage has a lot more going for it than most people give it credit for.
I liked your video, but must say one of your clips talking about fishing & hunting had a few redwood trees in it. Only California has these beautiful trees.
I moved to Alaska! To the interior this summer! I love it here! It is beautiful! It is an absolutely gorgeous place! I have been to Anchorage 4 times because I love Anchorage!
They bitch about labor shortages but expect people to take busses that aren't running as often and the sidewalks and roadways aren't maintained by city. Very hard to live and function in this town. Alcohol and weed shops every corner you go. Drug dealers everywhere.
I have the most wonderful situation here, living on 5 acres on the outskirts of Anchorage, but only 15 minutes away from downtown and can go to a broadway show at the performing arts center or skiing out my back door. Cost of living is expensive and the winters are a bit long and dark, but the low density is wonderful. Also, I can't handle the summer heat in the Lower 48, it's mostly in the high 60's here in the summer, with occasional high 70's and ever so rarely hits 80. Just right for me.
Wrong. The permanent fund dividend money was first appropriated in 1982. It's two years of 5:245:27 residency to be eligible for it. The permanent fund is not reason enough to move to Alaska where the cost of living is nearly that of the State of Hawaii. I lived in Anchorage for 12 years. The population has fluctuated over the years determined by the price of oil. Much crime in Anchorage.
Back in the 80’s I purchased a one way ticket to Anchorage. I had it in my mind to live and die there…then I met my ex spouse, who was military. Promising me to one day return, for a wedding present he bought me 5 acres of land. I hope one day my grandchildren will be able to return to AK, take in its beauty and enjoy the land. I really miss everything about Alaska, even when I made a stupid turn and got my car stuck.
I moved here and I prefer it here in Anchorage but I would recommend Palmer or Wasilla for most people but better make sure you know how to drive during winters
I used to live in alaska when I was little. I have never thought about moving back (not because of anything specific or negative), even as an outdoors enthusiast. To visit, sure, but this video has definitely peaked my interest lol.
Anyone that lives in Alaska will understand. You do not wanna live in Anchorage. You wanna live in eagle river. Smaller town homie vide and easy drive to Wasilla. Palmer, Anchorage, and butte
Alaskans are genuine, gentle friendly and they don't care what degree you have - they take you at your word. It's a quirky place full of quirky people, different from any other area of the country. There is some serious alcholism there because what else to do when the weather is crappy. And if you have family out of state, you're going to get used to long EXPENSIVE flights,
Ah,my home city and state! I was born in Anchorage,ak and lived there for 17 years before moving to Seattle. lived near the Sullivan arena near C st and A st. Spend my time on Spenard and the Dimond center mall. shame that the Northway mall is gone. The Iditarod and fur rondy was fun.
A Lonely Planet guidebook I got in preparation for my trip to Alaska last year said that Anchorage indeed has one of the largest ethnic Polynesian communities in the US (including Native Hawaiians, heh).
I lived in Anchorage in the 1970's. I attended Bartlett High School in Anchorage at the time. I loved seeing huge stuffed Kodiak bears in every mall. They all stand at least 8 feet high. It's amazing how huge they are. At my Dad's house we had huge moose strolling through the backyard. And we lived close to downtown. There was a road named "Stuck Again Heights" or something like that. I remember almost crashing my car on that road. Those were the days....
Graduated from Bartlett in '82. Stuckagain Heights is now "Campbell" something. They took that deadly hairpin curve out years ago, which is where I think we ALL crashed. lol! Now I live in the valley. Anchorage has become ... not my kind of place anymore. Too big of a city w/too many idgets trying to run it and ruining it instead.
@@mandygershon8603 I would have graduated at Bartlett in 1981 if I hadn't moved back to live with my mom's in CA. I suppose you were a 10th grader when I was a Junior at that school then? Do you remember a guy named Jack Stanley? I used to hang out with him. I believe he still lives in Anchorage...
Visited Alaska last summer, including Anchorage. It's not the prettiest city in the state (that would be Juneau, at least from what I saw), but it still has some nice-looking neighborhoods. Honestly, it reminded me a bit of my hometown of Seattle. TLDR, I could see myself living in Anchorage (not so much, say, Fairbanks; and Juneau doesn't have any road connections which lends it a bit of a claustrophobic atmosphere, plus the steep cliffs probably lead to a significant avalanche risk).
Anchorage is a very ugly city! Scenery is beautiful, but the buildings are all horriblle looking and nobody landscapes in the summer, but u just have to drive a mile or 2 out of the city and you are in the wilderness!
Seems like they have had big issues with supply chain a while back and today it’s gotten a whole lot worst. I wouldn’t live anywhere the warm weather lasts two months and the snow is constant as well as darkness in the winter.
If people move here just for the free money they won’t make it. The cost of living is about 130% the national average. The sun is only up about 5 hours a day now and it was -23 at our house this am.
I just left Anchorage after 23 years. It’s beautiful in summer, cold and icy in the winter with nothing to do. People don’t have anything to do and so how do they amuse themselves? Alcohol or drugs. Also if you didn’t know it has more murders per capita than any other city in the US. Housing is expensive if you expect to live decently, food prices are high all the time (not just because of the recession), public transportation is not great and only exists in Anchorage. If you’re looking for a high paying job, you better have a degree because the job market is TIGHT. Depression is a huge problem, suicide is high , the homeless population has exploded, gang violence is rampant (gun shots every night), and it’s a huge hub for drug and human trafficking. Just sayin…
coming from someone who’s born&raised here in Alaska please stop moving here, stick to visiting. and if you’re intrigued by our permanent fund dividends, that money is barely scratching the surface for how much income you really need to live here with all of our raised prices.
Alaska is a beautiful state a lot of things to do but not theme parks like you say it's all nature stuff and it's wonderful it's good for the young people I'm a little bit older now it's a little tougher for me to get around but I still love to go back one more time to see it all anyway great video have a great day
With all due respect, they aren't, Due to our dumpster fire of an economy, we are hemorrhaging people fast. Probably the most obvious example of this is that we are getting ready to close a number of schools (8-10 iirc) because we've lost about 20% of the city's student's in the decade since the state's recession began, and this is despite a reduction in capacity due to loosing two schools to a major earthquake four years ago. Then there is the aggravating factors of Anchorage's cost of living being higher than even Seattle's, the lack of housing, affordable or otherwise, and the obscene city property tax rates if you are lucky enough to find a place to buy. If not, then odds are you are going to be dealing with the single company that owns the vast majority of rental properties in Anchorage with all the issues that entails. Alaska's an awesome state and Anchorage is a decent city, but you need to have a very clear, unromanticized idea of how things work up here before you consider relocating.
One thing you got wrong is the peak daylight, you make it sound like we only have daylight from May through July. It’s mostly 24 hrs of daylight Mid-May through August and in September it gets dark at 8, like most states, and by October it’s dark by 5-6 which is the same as Austin Tx and by November is when Anchorage gets dark around 3-4 pm until January when it begins to get longer days. By February it’s light by 7 AM and dark by 5:30 PM which is a normal day downstates. Alaska’s beautiful and I don’t plan on leaving to leave. I may snowbird between Nov-Mar, but it’ll always be my home. There’s no place like it.
I am not sure where you got your info for it taking 2 hours to get from Anchorage to Denali NP but that is wrong it is over 200 miles north of Anchorage. I am from Alaska and grew up just a little ways north of Denali NP. I went to through Anchorage every summer to get to fish camp. Growing up I lived in two different parts of Alaska until my mid teenage years then lived southern SE my young adult life I lived out by Nome. I have been all over the state and some of the things you say about Alaska are a little bit off. I have seen the iditarod finish and it is one of the coolest experiences. Knowing people in the iditarod race made it mean even more seeing them finish. I am born and raised there and raised to live off the land. No state in my opinion compares to it. Some states come close but no state is close as being able to go out in the wild and not see a soul for hours. I love Alaska it is the best state for many reasons.
The dividend used to be 1 year of living there no matter when you moved there. Now it has to be one full calendar year. From January to January. So if you move there in February you got to wait almost 2 years.
@@monaezytwo6513there’s a reason it’s in place, your friend didn’t get screwed out of anything. If you’re coming here strictly for the money, you are in for a rude awakening.
@@christopherpoplarchik2802 You don't know the detail. My neighbor bought a brand new house and was supposed to take possession on Dec 28 but the final inspector refused to enter the home because it was not completely empty of any people. This was last year during the height of covid. The inspector delayed the inspection a week, thus pushing the move in date to Jan 4. So yeah, they got screwed.
I love it. After tons of other places in US, including San Diego Dallas Seattle etc. Have no plans to leave my Alaskan home in SE Anchorage on the hillside.
Anchorage is in a bowl. They're starting to pile in apartment buildings instead of single-family homes. It's difficult to find room between the ocean and the mountains. Muldoon traffic is horrific now because they built so many in that area. Property taxes are outrageous, imho. 40 miles out, it's much more reasonable and you get a whole lot more for your $.
You mentioned that everyone seems the same, but you’ll notice the differences once you’re here long enough. Like there’s a huge difference between Anchorage, Palmer, and Wasilla. Anchorage is a city, and just like with every city everything just feels more stressed. There’s more of a rush to leave for work early so that you have time to stop by the nearest coffee shack and still make it despite witnessing the fourth wreck that morning cause “oh no, it snowed a little”. Palmer has some of the nicest people in the state. It’s full of old people who love to help out and show people kindness. It would be perfect if only it weren’t for the winds that can literally crash a semi. Then there’s Wasilla. Wasilla is where all the middle kids of families go and thrive. I grew up in Wasilla, and I must admit I have a lot of fond memories. Even if those fond memories include things most people wouldn’t consider normal, like having a friend who got banned from every McDonalds by shouting he has a bomb. Or, better yet, the phrase “they were so bad, they were kicked out of Houston of all places and sent to Burchell… $20 says they won’t graduate like the rest of us!!!” Bonus is the more rural areas. I love and miss the more rural areas. It can only be described as absolute peace, especially compared to the screaming homeless men of Anchorage. When you’re out on private property in your cabin, and the nearest sign of human life is a village you can access via a bush plane, there’s just something special about that feeling. Knowing that it’s just you, the sounds of the forest, and your cabin is peace unlike any other. Don’t enjoy the peace too long though, you’ll go insane in one way or another and join “that” statistic that we’re known for or be charged with attempted murder. On that note, no one here is sane. Not a single one. The sane ones always get scared and leave. If you are sane and want to stay sane, DO NOT COME HERE. Oh finally is Eagle River and Chugiak. They’re not even worth mentioning, pick a side and just merge with Wasilla or Anchorage already.
I lived in North Pole, Alaska in the early 90's and loved it. I'm going to be moving back in late 2024 but will be looking into the Palmer/Wasilla area instead.
I live in Wasilla. With all the amount of people we have moving here our small city has not been able to keep up. The roads are over crowded and there is not enough housing to accommodate the influx of people. We have tax in Wasilla.
Alaska: pros: Low property costs, good economic potential for the area, outdoors/scenery cons: high costs of living like food, no women, weather (for most people).
We went there and other parts of the state such as Denali, and Fairbanks by rail, and later by cruise ship to various stops such as Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan Very interesting to see but I remember the 1964 Earthquake, I think around Easter. I live in Northern New England, so I know winter, but not up there. I thought a while ago you rated Alaska or Anchorage among the least friendly places?
@@tlewisAK OK, thanks. Spent 2 days there, but not much in Fairbanks, being busy with touring, such as panning for gold, the Pipeline, Paddle River boast, and an Athabascan village.
@@raymondmartin6737, you've had a good introduction to Alaksa and have seen a lot, and that is how I would recommend a 1st trip up. I hope you enjoyed your time here, and you've seen 1st hand how big the state is so you know what to expect when traveling. If you plan on coming upon again, think about the areas that you enjoyed, and plan on spending a little more time in that area. I love the Valley (Anchorage / Wasilla / Palmer area) as the scenery is breathtaking. Often on tours you only see a small part of that. The Drive along the Glenn Hwy is one of my favorites as you drive past the massive Mat-Su Glacier, and once you get past the 1/2 way point, Mt Wrangell-St Elias (2nd tallest mtn in North America, and 2nd tallest in Alaska) come into view and is front and center for most of the drive. Up North in Fairbanks, you can drive the Dalton Hwy past the arctic Circle to Deadhorse (Prudhoe Bay) and see a whole different part of the state. I often see herds of Caribou and lots of moose, & fox on that drive. The trip to Prudhoe bay and back takes 4 days to do properly as the drive is 13+ hours one way. I know this is a ton of information, but I hope you found it helpful and / or interesting.
@@tlewisAK Thanks 😊 for your kind reply and information about Alaska. Yes, there is so much to see if we ever go again I have spoken on my Amateur Radio to AK sometimes, which interesting too. Today an Alaskan station was on the air on the 10 Meter, that is the 28 Megahertz band, in this weekend's amateur radio contest. We have also watched many shows about Alaska too. There was an Earthquake near Denali after we were there in July, 2002, around November if my memory is correct. Ray
Haven't been there in years but, it used to be there was an Exodus every year in the fall because of all the seasonal workers taking flights south for the winter. And if you were taking a flight in the opposite direction you might be the only passenger on the plane, it was basically operating as a shuttle back and forth between Seattle and Anchorage to get more people out for the winter. Also, it seemed like every year the snow would start falling around the middle of September. And then the streets of Anchorage would be a desolate and lonely place in the middle of December with all of the side walks under the drifting snow. With not a lot of chics there though, if you're a single woman looking for a boy friend might not have much trouble finding one.
Born and raised here in Anchorage. Read a few of the comments and most seem to describe it well. I just have to say, those long summer days mean long dark winter nights. If you want to move here and have depression issues, make sure you find yourself a provider. Winter can be brutal since we get little day light.
one thing to note also is, most people who move to alaska leave in less than two years. it seems cool until the reality of life here sets it, and people find out its not really for everyone. if you fit alaska its the best place on earth, if not you will be wanting to leave and its super expensive moving in and out of here
This post appears to be very inaccurate. According to the US Census bureau the rate of DECLINE is up, between 4/1/20 to 7/1/21 the city lost 1.1% of its population.
I moved here with my best friend when we were 22 for a job. Was fun for awhile, then the seclusion begins to kick in and didn’t want to be there anymore and left once our jobs went away. You basically lose your family and friends by moving there. The flight is 6 plus hours home to Mpls. The closest city to drive to is Edmonton via two day drive. Fun place to visit, but I’ll never move back.
This is a phenomenally good point. Compounded I’d say by living in Fairbanks, where I’m at ATM. It is tough as f*** sometimes. Alaska has BIG problems too that get glossed over because people are distracted by the natural beauty of the state.
A friend of my parents hit a moose in Maine. He had limited ability to turn his neck after the accident, and wasn't the same physically after. He passed away recently. Almost any insurance company would consider a car a total loss in a car accident with a moose. I guess it depends on how hard you hit it.
As an Alaska resident, Anchorage is not somewhere I would want to live. Sure, it has more conveniences and amenities than other places, but it’s just so trashy. The only real appeal it has is that it’s the biggest city in the state. I just don’t really see the point of moving to Alaska and then living in Anchorage. It’s the least Alaskan-feeling city, and, in my opinion, it does not compare very well with other “big cities” in the U.S.
Nobody is moving to Anchorage, but everybody is moving to Sunny Warm Florida--Anchorage is the coldest, cloudiest, and darkest city in the US, and even if you go for a walk in the warmer months, better bring your rifle for bear attacks, and Florida never has earthquakes
everybody brags about Alaska. But the reality is that Alaska is the most expensive state. almost half of the year darkness and coldness. A lot of people who move here next year move out
I was for many years wanting to move to Wasilla, north of Anchorage. My main reasons were: 1. Close to nature. 2. Not overly crowded. (Anchorage is too crowded for me). 3. Taxes.
Living in rural areas of Alaska is decent. I don't like sitting being idle for too long so I go walk couple miles out of the village, make a fire, bag some willowgrows or rabbits, and roast them over the fire. But, the thing I really want to do is go over to some of the kuskoquim tributaries and get some artic grayling, some of them fish get as big as king salmon, the only time I hooked artic grayling was in spring time, but they were only between 5-6 inches long, I guess thats as big as they get in some of yukon tributaries. And if you want to site see around rural Alaska I'll give couple villages you might want to check out. St. Marrys, Emonuq, Aluginuk? (Not sure I spelled it right), Hooper Bay, and if you can put up with meichif kid and do some gold paning, could try here in Marshall. Just ask them guys in ohog tribal council, but I don't know if they still run it anymore.
Seriously tho as a local Alaskan resident this video needs to be taken down it is so false....change some things and re-post with the title of “Why nobody is moving to Anchorage Alaska”....
I love Anchorage! I think it's the best city in the world! Best restaurants in every type of food, a couple thousand miles of trails, easy to get around (which is about the only thing he gets right in the video), great healthcare, & a bit of culture. I moved to Kenai in 2020, & I love it here too.
I live in Alaska. It can be challenging sometimes. I came from Idaho in 95 for vacation. The next year we moved here. It's changed alot. It used to be less crowded in the 90's I can say this video is pretty accurate. There are fishing spots however, that are wall to wall people. You will know it when you see them. You have go to the backcountry spots for less people. I recommend fly in fishing to rural lakes that you can't drive to.
I lived in Alaska from '82 to 2013. Only four years in Anchorage. It was a great small big city. Great restaurants and music. Lot's of walk ability. Winters are hard because they are longgg. And it's isolated. You can fly but again, long flights. It was probably the best experience of my life.
For the road kill list, how it works is the moose is on the road, dead. The police officer or trooper calls the next number on the road kill list. If you pick up the phone, you scramble to get the moose. If you take too long to get there, they go to the next number on the list. The state/muni don't physically take possession of the moose. And if you hit a moose with your car, your car's totaled, and you might be in the hospital. It's not "probably illegal" to hunt in Anchorage, it is illegal (unless you're doing falconry in the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge)
I've lived in Alaksa for over 40 years, and I have to say that I love it here. I've traveled a lot, but few places have the small town feel and overall friendliness that Alaska has. Living here as Long as I have, I have seen how a lot of communities have changed over the decades. Some places like Valdez, and communities along the roadway have not changed much in my lifetime, other places like Fairbanks & Anchorage have changed a ton, and yet with these changes, they maintain their small town vibe. The Anchorage metro area has roughly 500k people, and Fairbanks has about 100k people, yet when you visit these 2 cities, you would be hard pressed to believe it. You can get almost anywhere in Anchorage in about 20-30min, and often times less than that, and in Fairbanks, unless your heading to North Pole or one of the 2 military bases, you can be anywhere in town in under 10-15 min. For anyone wanting to move here, just be aware, Fairbanks is the hunting & outdoor area with few city amenities, while Anchorage is the Fishing area with more city amenities. Also, before moving here, plan on visiting for 2 weeks in the summer & 2 weeks in the dead of winter as it is better to know what you are getting into before hand. Anchorage is a bit more temperate (in comparison) to Fairbanks where it doesn't have the extreme cold or hear. Fairbanks is known for having extreme temperature (100F to -68F) I have seen many days at -40F to -60F for extended periods of time, and with the daily high being -45F on some days. Anchorage summers are beautiful with the temps in the high 70's most days, while Fairbanks says in the high 70's to mid 80's. I hope some of you who have never been here found this quick write up helpful.
Well said.
The same here,I quit a good factory job back east in the late 70s and brought all my belongings up in a Datsun pickup. I’ve never lived in Anchorage. The valley sure has grown for 17,000 to about 110,000 people.
Been trying to move up there but haven’t landed a job yet.
@@notdave2993 what type of work? There are lots of jobs up here.
@@tlewisAK federal police. Such as VA, Air Force, NOAA and Army.
I live in Alaska. I love it here. I love being able to breathe, the wildlife, and the ability to just be. I love living in a snow globe during the winter, and not having to worry about dying of heat stroke in the summer. I don't live in Anchorage, but I am not a huge distance away, at least by Alaska standards. Alaska should be on every single person's bucket list to at least see, because it is stunning. You are 100% right, Alaska absolutely has some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. They don't look real sometimes! I lived in the lower 48 most of my life. I moved here over a year ago, and I will never leave, I love it that much. ♥️
I'm in Fairbanks. Alaksa is such a small town lifestyle.
@@tlewisAK I'm on the Kenai Peninsula. I totally agree. I love the fact that I can choose when I see other humans. 😊 I love how tight knit the community I live in is. I may not know all my neighbors out here, but I do know if I needed help, they would be there in a heartbeat. ❤ Alaska
Well if you’re female and heterosexual the odds are in your favour. My friend who lived there told me about her dating life saying,”The odds are good but the goods are odd.”
When you were talking, I was like, oh you're definitely in one of the nicer towns around Anchorage, NOT actually Anchorage. Yeah I bet it's nice when you're rich
@@tlewisAK me too.
I have been in Anchorage for four years now and Alaska is a gorgeous state, definitely worth visiting. But Anchorage is not where you want to go if you are looking for less people. There are smaller towns to investigate for that purpose. Also, these videos don't mention the lack of sunlight in the winter/seasonal depression, or the growing homeless population, the one and only road you can use to get somewhere, the sometimes huge forest fires, the earthquakes, the volume of people fishing in one area, how far you have to travel to get to other parts of the state. Definitely do your research and visit in the summer and the winter. Just to get a good idea of what you would be getting yourself into.
I'd recomend Palmer
Artyom Sevchenko shhh, delete your comment, or recommend a different place please
I lived in Anchorage for 2 1/2 years in the early 80’s, and what this failed to mention is the suicide rate. Higher than normal, due to the almost constant darkness 6 months out of the year.
And the crime is getting bad here
Wasilla & Palmer are busy af for being smaller towns too.
I worked up in Alaska for a summer tourist season when I was younger. Anchorage is alright in my opinion. Small and walkable downtown. The scenic Chugach Range in view. Alaska is a great state. So vast and beautiful. I hope to visit again.
It has returned to being a tent city.
Reverend Boaz. Not very, I have several of both in my family; nobody is safe from them.
Oh, I guess there are lots of Moose, Bear, blizzards and wildfires too; if you're concerned about that kind of thing.
Visit is the key word here!
@Reverend Boaz not at all. Grizzlies roam the street from time to time. Moose in a lot of back yards, links run around banks of Ship Creek. About 8-10 bears killed annually in Anchorage boul.Boulder. in November oof 2018 we had the second largest earthquake at 7.2 it took out a lot of houses and businesses. Eagle River got hit hard too.
I lived in Alaska for 10 years (May 2012 to April 2022). It is a spectacular place. You will see and experience things that most people only dream about. Honestly, Anchorage is a mess...but that's not reason enough NOT to move to Alaska. However, the length of the winter and the winter darkness is a real issue. If you have any hint that you may struggle with depression, especially seasonal effective disorder, this is probably not the place for you. If you value a support system of family and friends, and don't have that in place in Alaska, this is probably not the place for you. Go for it, live your dreams, but be wise about it.
Probably the most sage and sound advice Ive heard yet about moving to AK
I love the night, and I love spending long stretches of time alone.
Even for me, this would be a big change and I could see myself being unhappy there. In the summer, there is very little night time.
And while I do love being alone, being thousands of miles away from family means that if I stop wanting to be alone... I don't really have the option to easily see my friends and family. You can always make friends in the city, but that can be hard for some people.
Point is, you'll only really know if you like it after having spent a full year there.
#7- All that extra sunshine that Alaskans borrow in the summer, they have to give back in winter...
In the winter you’ll drive to work in the dark and come home in the dark.
Born and raised in Anchorage and yes the title of this video is some what baffling but yes we do need more folks here. We just had a single day snow fall we haven't seen since Royal Fork was still in town. Expecting another 12 inch+ of snow later on today at 9am. I drive tours in the summer and I can confirm the scenery. Hope you guys consider Alaska
Is it easy for foreigners to set up in anchorage you reckon? I'm irish and will be merely visiting this summer but anchorage is a city I have an obsession with even if I've not yet visited.. I do just wonder what sort of job opportunities are out there and how sustainable it is to work there at all
Lol! Royal Fork! That took me down a memory lane 😂
Yeah, I’ve got friends at school from India, England, Russia, Ukraine, etc. We’re a very diverse city
AHAHAHAH!!! ROYAL FORK!! That's like the last time the Northway Mall was really a "mall"!
@@FPVsean good luck finding a job. Most that live here can't. Look at tourist or a park ranger possibly.
I moved to Anchorage literally a few months before COVID hit but I also have some extended visits. It was mentioned in an earlier video that people found cabin fever to be a drag but I honestly truly enjoy staring out the window with an extra cup of tea and watch the dramatic scenery during the winters
I want to move there in the coming year or this year. Any information on tech jobs out there?
@@MysteriousRival Aviation tech is a huge deal in Alaska. All forms of energy tech are also a thing. There's plenty of opportunity for entrepreneurship but I wouldn't call it a tech haven. Whenever tech is brought up in discussions with friends around here, it always seems to come down to "Alaska is either the pioneer to technology that eventually spreads to the lower 48 and beyond or is the last to adopt something after everybody else has been using it for years". Not to talk one out of it, but a lot of what Briggs says about Alaska is very true even in Anchorage: it is expensive here and things do take longer to ship here and it costs more since it is an enclave. Even here in Anchorage you go to get something shipped and they act like it is an obscure country by Antarctica and refuse to even ship here. No place is perfect, it is up to everyone to decide what issues they're willing to put up with to enjoy the benefits of what good it has to offer, including wherever you are now.
@@birdofpassage9875 thanks, I guess I'll look further into it. I get what you mean about it not being a tech haven but I'll sure love to work a remote job there then.
My only concern outside of tech jobs would quality of education being I have a baby now. I'll do my due diligence. Since you're saying it's expensive there, how much money per year will it take a family of three to live there comfortably?
Amen! Yes, cabin fever is a thing, but the cure is going out and exploring this beautiful place. I love Alaska, and I hope the awe I experience no matter what season never goes away! The challenges of living in Alaska are definitely overshadowed by the immense beauty and great people who call Alaska home.
I wouldn't go to that place Anchorage or anywhere in Alaska even if they paid me to go. It's full of drug addicts, abductions, serial killers, people vanishing without a trace, etc. And Alaska is the most dangerous state in the US. Thanks but no thanks!
I've never been to Alaska but have considered moving there. Back in the late 1980's, my husband I decided to get a subscription to the Anchorage Newspaper. For 6 months we charted everything, weather, food and housing costs, fuel costs and a few minor items. We lived at the time in Eastern Utah and our winters there, at time, could be brutal. But what we realized, is because Anchorage was near a gulf stream of sorts, the weather there was by far warmer in the winter than we were currently living. We also noted the taxes were practically non-existent. I don't remember why we did not move to Alaska, but I'm still living in the lower 48. Oh well.
Probably a very smart move on your part. Once up here you can't afford to move out.
The taxes are extream. It mainly comes in the form of property tax. The abuse of the funds is rampant as well. The costs of everything are much more and the goods and services are far less than most of the USA and other parts of the world. Oppertunity for kids looking to build a future is not good either. Alaska is a great place to dream about and maybe visit, not live!
You have to come visit! I promise you, once you do, you will find a way to come back. Alaska gets under your skin and calls to you until you answer 😁
the temperatures in anchorage arent what make winters punishing, most people in the lower 48 check the weather and go "oh thats not so bad". what you dont realize is its dark and it drags on and on, winter is october through april
I grew up in anchorage. I was born and raised in Alaska and lived here every year of my life besides 4. I have traveled out of the state and Country many times. The people here are most definitely the most friendly welcoming people. I would definitely disagree with the comment on how good our schools are here. Growing up there was something the schools were saying l it went “No kid left behind” well Alaskan would sadly joke about every kid is left behind here. There is not very much opportunities going on for the young people growing up here. That’s why everyone leaves and comes back when they finish their College education and if they don’t I absolutely hate it for the long winters and dark nights that last the majority of the year, some come back and try and find good enough jobs to live a very chill and a lot of times boring life in a place they love. This place IS NOT for everyone. The thing this guy said about the never ending day light. That definitely happens but only for about 2 months the rest of the year is dark and cold. I moved out of anchorage after my schooling was finished and when I go back there I can hardly recognize the humble city I grew up in. All the people moving up from the lower 48 has changed the city so much and now it’s like any other US medium size city. There is a lot of homeless people that make tent city all over town. The city has become a hub in Alaska for druggies and homeless people. Yes there are nice parts of town but you will still find in any neighborhood a drug dealer or/and homeless squatters,squatting in the any woods they can find. I also think the whole move here for the pad is ridiculous because the cost to live here is so high to get everywhere from $300-3,000 once a year hardly off set the cost of living. I love my state but there are way more things to take in to consideration then what this video is putting out so do some real research before deciding to move here. It’s not the easiest place to start up a new life, that’s for sure.
What about how bad the snow plowing has been?
Very good information. Telling the truth helps peoplesee this video is good but full of bull.
@@joeyindahl2593 man the reasoning's behind that is insane. The former mayor sold off a lot of equipment that we can't afford to get back in the current mayor Can't Get Enough.. permission what the f*** is that about to hire and replace the staff as needed.. the assembly at war with the mayor is keeping Anchorage sick as hell. Leftism versus conservatism always results in nothing getting done.. I don't like the right but I like them a lot more than the left right now. At least the right got business done and stayed out of social issues
@@cheeseburgerinparadise7124 yea, local stuff really needs to stay apolitical, but it never does
@joey indahl...what snow plowing?
I worked this past summer season in Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula and it was beautiful. What he said about the sunsets are true. I watched a sunset in Hope one night, and it felt like I was in a movie--breathtaking. The mosquitoes are plague-worthy, especially at night. Cooper Landing was probably my favorite town out of all the ones I visited. Great hiking trails(did have a scary bear encounter early September though), awesome fishing, secluded lake beaches to fly kites and vibe out. I don't think I would want to live in the state year-round though. Locals told me stories about a lot of sketchy and violent crime. It's a great place to introspect and find yourself, but I found myself longing for more social events. Summer Solstice is a big deal! Everyone comes out of the woodwork. Lots of the folks there are super down-to-earth. They'll lend you their canoes, take you out fishing, show you the sights, invite you to a barbecue, and they'll lend a helping hand if you're ever in the mud--something rare depending on what part of the country you're in.
I have a friend that lives in Windsor and would never leave. She and her husband watch your channel! Yep, Briggs you are respected all over this great country✌️
This sounds like an introvert's paradise! 😍
Celebrating 10 years as a resident this coming June. Thank you for this video! It's good to see why I choose to live here.
The coldest it gets here overnight in the winter time can range from -10 to -25 depending on where you’re located in town
In Fairbanks it can get to -60
My son moved there from Hilo Hawaii and my cousin moved there from Florida. I fear that there is an errant and defective gene in the family pool. Another good video, thanks!
Lol
🤣
I love Anchorage. I honestly have everything I need to live a happy life, plus some. Culture, subsistence, modern city features, nature. These things are important to me, and Anchorage provides them all.
I worked at the Kodiak Harbor Master before, lived out on the Kenai and have family in Anchorage that I visit. Alaska beyond the city is less populated because to survive it out here is tough. It’s a landscape you won’t see anywhere else. It’s also a dreamer’s destination. It’s exciting up here if your looking for a spiritual getaway the majestic snow capped mountains and volcanos are a spectacle to behold. One must be careful though because Anchorage traffic in the winter is probably one of the more dangerous cities to drive in the world. Especially for the tourists who aren’t accustomed to the road conditions, and the layout of the city. There are nice towns like Kasilof which is close to the beach and river access. Many scenic outlooks to stop and view if you go down towards Homer. Make sure you like it first before buying a home.
I live in Anchorage and I wish people would stop pimping out Alaska based on PFD, because it will be going away in a few years (or less) because Alaska is in economic shambles...they’re also proposing adding an income tax to help with state revenue.....and “affordable real estate”? Wow, Anchorage is wayyyyy overpriced in real estate...the funniest one to me is ”sunshine” wait, what?!?!?!?! Anchorage is cloudy and rains CONSTANTLY in summer.....lastly, the Anchorage school system is HORRIBLE......as someone who lives here, this video is frustrating because it’s so inaccurate......
In turagain… facts
Totally agree
I lived there for 10 years and moved last year to try a different state. Winters are depressing
Fairbanks has the sunshine (Mostly). Whenever I pop down to Anchortown for work, Its usually cloudy and rainy. Every time I drive down for the Mayors Marathon of Anchorage Run Fest Marathon & Ultra, its been overcast, cool and rainy.
@@tlewisAK Man Fairbanks has had *the most* overcast winter this year. At least the temps have been surprisingly above 0 for the most part.
Have lived here 37 years. More ppl are leaving Alaska than are moving here. Violent crime rate is right up there with Detroit. Oil companies have exited the state, leaving very little revenue for infrastructure. That being said, the beauty is breathtaking, the winters provide constant challenges (which I enjoy). Darkness drives most ppl away which keeps the population down.
If you love challenges and thrive in the outdoors, this is your place.
Loved there for 2 years. Moose just aren’t just outside of Anchorage, they wander all through the city. Crazy!
Addition to No4.
Surfing!
Yes. There’s surfing here.
Typically on the Turnagain Arm.
Oh yeah, surfing a 10 to 15 foot boar tide traveling at 25 mph sounds like it would be fun! But you only get two of those big waves every 24 hours.
You must be my Wyoming buddy! There are only a dozen of us on all of TH-cam
@@enigmawyoming5201
If I wasn’t your Wyoming buddy before, I am now! Haha
I lived in Anchorage 40 years, people used to be friendly and helpful, the more people come here the ruder people are becoming, people need to let Alaska change them, not come and change Alaska
I moved to Anchorage in 1974, then to Girdwood in '84. Every time I go outside of Alaska I can't wait to get back.
I've been in Alaska for over 12 years now and I have to say the place is wonderful, besides the long winters but that's what alaska is known for
I have noticed that talking with locals when I moved here how lowly people rated it. The only thing I can think of is that people didn't really do their homework before moving here. It's not an easy place to be if you don't like being outside in the cold snow and rain. If you like being outside in all conditions - Alaska can be your paradise. I think the people that rate it so low have their expectations and the reality widely apart. We are far away from everything, there is not the same infrastructure as their is in the lower 48, and you can get some cabin fever. But there are many days and months where you just wake up every day in Alaska thankful you get to exist in this beautiful place. Anchorage has a lot more going for it than most people give it credit for.
I've lived on kodiak island since 1993, I've always loved how much daylight we get, its amazing, many amazing things about Alaska
I liked your video, but must say one of your clips talking about fishing & hunting had a few redwood trees in it. Only California has these beautiful trees.
I moved to Alaska! To the interior this summer! I love it here! It is beautiful! It is an absolutely gorgeous place! I have been to Anchorage 4 times because I love Anchorage!
The mayor and city council need to put their differences aside and work together to resolve the crime and homelessness problems.
We have literal crazy and insane legislators its not Bronsons fault its the dumbasses thinking they have power.
Unfortunately, those are issues most states are dealing with.
anchorage sucks!!! I'm glad I don't live there!
They bitch about labor shortages but expect people to take busses that aren't running as often and the sidewalks and roadways aren't maintained by city. Very hard to live and function in this town. Alcohol and weed shops every corner you go. Drug dealers everywhere.
@@rosewestcoast1442 We share the feeling regarding you! ☺
I just moved to Anchorage from SoCal last month. Love it so far
I have the most wonderful situation here, living on 5 acres on the outskirts of Anchorage, but only 15 minutes away from downtown and can go to a broadway show at the performing arts center or skiing out my back door. Cost of living is expensive and the winters are a bit long and dark, but the low density is wonderful. Also, I can't handle the summer heat in the Lower 48, it's mostly in the high 60's here in the summer, with occasional high 70's and ever so rarely hits 80. Just right for me.
Wrong. The permanent fund dividend money was first appropriated in 1982. It's two years of 5:24 5:27 residency to be eligible for it. The permanent fund is not reason enough to move to Alaska where the cost of living is nearly that of the State of Hawaii. I lived in Anchorage for 12 years. The population has fluctuated over the years determined by the price of oil. Much crime in Anchorage.
Back in the 80’s I purchased a one way ticket to Anchorage. I had it in my mind to live and die there…then I met my ex spouse, who was military. Promising me to one day return, for a wedding present he bought me 5 acres of land. I hope one day my grandchildren will be able to return to AK, take in its beauty and enjoy the land. I really miss everything about Alaska, even when I made a stupid turn and got my car stuck.
I moved here and I prefer it here in Anchorage but I would recommend Palmer or Wasilla for most people but better make sure you know how to drive during winters
I used to live in alaska when I was little. I have never thought about moving back (not because of anything specific or negative), even as an outdoors enthusiast. To visit, sure, but this video has definitely peaked my interest lol.
Same here. Lived there for the first 25 years of my life. I absolutely hated living there but I could easily visit.
Anchorage is NOT Alaska. Anchorage is just another city. If you want to experience Alaska you have to get out of Anchorage.
Anyone that lives in Alaska will understand. You do not wanna live in Anchorage. You wanna live in eagle river. Smaller town homie vide and easy drive to Wasilla. Palmer, Anchorage, and butte
I was station in Anchorage ( Ft. Richerson ) in the early 70s for 3 years. when back on a cruise ship in 2018 still the best place in the world.
The picture at 9:21 is Watson Lake, Yukon, not Anchorage. I’ve been to the Sign Post Forest.
Alaskans are genuine, gentle friendly and they don't care what degree you have - they take you at your word. It's a quirky place full of quirky people, different from any other area of the country. There is some serious alcholism there because what else to do when the weather is crappy. And if you have family out of state, you're going to get used to long EXPENSIVE flights,
Ah,my home city and state! I was born in Anchorage,ak and lived there for 17 years before moving to Seattle. lived near the Sullivan arena near C st and A st. Spend my time on Spenard and the Dimond center mall. shame that the Northway mall is gone. The Iditarod and fur rondy was fun.
Hey Briggs I hope your having a great day great video GOT IT GET IT GOOD I love it
A Lonely Planet guidebook I got in preparation for my trip to Alaska last year said that Anchorage indeed has one of the largest ethnic Polynesian communities in the US (including Native Hawaiians, heh).
I lived in Anchorage in the 1970's. I attended Bartlett High School in Anchorage at the time. I loved seeing huge stuffed Kodiak bears in every mall. They all stand at least 8 feet high. It's amazing how huge they are. At my Dad's house we had huge moose strolling through the backyard. And we lived close to downtown. There was a road named "Stuck Again Heights" or something like that. I remember almost crashing my car on that road. Those were the days....
New to Alaska and my son attends the golden bear, Bartlett great place to live
Lol I almost crashed there too
Graduated from Bartlett in '82. Stuckagain Heights is now "Campbell" something. They took that deadly hairpin curve out years ago, which is where I think we ALL crashed. lol! Now I live in the valley. Anchorage has become ... not my kind of place anymore. Too big of a city w/too many idgets trying to run it and ruining it instead.
@@mandygershon8603 I would have graduated at Bartlett in 1981 if I hadn't moved back to live with my mom's in CA. I suppose you were a 10th grader when I was a Junior at that school then? Do you remember a guy named Jack Stanley? I used to hang out with him. I believe he still lives in Anchorage...
I meant to say I moved back to my mom's house, not that I had more than one of them when I moved back...
Visited Alaska last summer, including Anchorage. It's not the prettiest city in the state (that would be Juneau, at least from what I saw), but it still has some nice-looking neighborhoods. Honestly, it reminded me a bit of my hometown of Seattle. TLDR, I could see myself living in Anchorage (not so much, say, Fairbanks; and Juneau doesn't have any road connections which lends it a bit of a claustrophobic atmosphere, plus the steep cliffs probably lead to a significant avalanche risk).
Juneau is not the prettiest city in Alaska....no way
@@Landonmoto39 What would you say is the prettiest?
@@andyjay729 halibut Cove.
Anchorage is a very ugly city! Scenery is beautiful, but the buildings are all horriblle looking and nobody landscapes in the summer, but u just have to drive a mile or 2 out of the city and you are in the wilderness!
@@cartertran270 thas not a city
Seems like they have had big issues with supply chain a while back and today it’s gotten a whole lot worst. I wouldn’t live anywhere the warm weather lasts two months and the snow is constant as well as darkness in the winter.
If people move here just for the free money they won’t make it. The cost of living is about 130% the national average.
The sun is only up about 5 hours a day now and it was -23 at our house this am.
I just left Anchorage after 23 years. It’s beautiful in summer, cold and icy in the winter with nothing to do. People don’t have anything to do and so how do they amuse themselves? Alcohol or drugs. Also if you didn’t know it has more murders per capita than any other city in the US. Housing is expensive if you expect to live decently, food prices are high all the time (not just because of the recession), public transportation is not great and only exists in Anchorage. If you’re looking for a high paying job, you better have a degree because the job market is TIGHT. Depression is a huge problem, suicide is high , the homeless population has exploded, gang violence is rampant (gun shots every night), and it’s a huge hub for drug and human trafficking. Just sayin…
Good job with the California map all by itself with # 10
coming from someone who’s born&raised here in Alaska please stop moving here, stick to visiting. and if you’re intrigued by our permanent fund dividends, that money is barely scratching the surface for how much income you really need to live here with all of our raised prices.
it’s getting way too crowded😭😭😭😭
Alaska is a beautiful state a lot of things to do but not theme parks like you say it's all nature stuff and it's wonderful it's good for the young people I'm a little bit older now it's a little tougher for me to get around but I still love to go back one more time to see it all anyway great video have a great day
With all due respect, they aren't, Due to our dumpster fire of an economy, we are hemorrhaging people fast. Probably the most obvious example of this is that we are getting ready to close a number of schools (8-10 iirc) because we've lost about 20% of the city's student's in the decade since the state's recession began, and this is despite a reduction in capacity due to loosing two schools to a major earthquake four years ago. Then there is the aggravating factors of Anchorage's cost of living being higher than even Seattle's, the lack of housing, affordable or otherwise, and the obscene city property tax rates if you are lucky enough to find a place to buy. If not, then odds are you are going to be dealing with the single company that owns the vast majority of rental properties in Anchorage with all the issues that entails.
Alaska's an awesome state and Anchorage is a decent city, but you need to have a very clear, unromanticized idea of how things work up here before you consider relocating.
One thing you got wrong is the peak daylight, you make it sound like we only have daylight from May through July. It’s mostly 24 hrs of daylight Mid-May through August and in September it gets dark at 8, like most states, and by October it’s dark by 5-6 which is the same as Austin Tx and by November is when Anchorage gets dark around 3-4 pm until January when it begins to get longer days. By February it’s light by 7 AM and dark by 5:30 PM which is a normal day downstates. Alaska’s beautiful and I don’t plan on leaving to leave. I may snowbird between Nov-Mar, but it’ll always be my home. There’s no place like it.
I am not sure where you got your info for it taking 2 hours to get from Anchorage to Denali NP but that is wrong it is over 200 miles north of Anchorage. I am from Alaska and grew up just a little ways north of Denali NP. I went to through Anchorage every summer to get to fish camp. Growing up I lived in two different parts of Alaska until my mid teenage years then lived southern SE my young adult life I lived out by Nome. I have been all over the state and some of the things you say about Alaska are a little bit off. I have seen the iditarod finish and it is one of the coolest experiences. Knowing people in the iditarod race made it mean even more seeing them finish. I am born and raised there and raised to live off the land. No state in my opinion compares to it. Some states come close but no state is close as being able to go out in the wild and not see a soul for hours. I love Alaska it is the best state for many reasons.
he prolly calculated the distance in a straight line, if you make it anchorage to denali in two hours you are driving like 130mph the whole way
Anchorage in the summer is amazing!!!
The dividend used to be 1 year of living there no matter when you moved there. Now it has to be one full calendar year. From January to January. So if you move there in February you got to wait almost 2 years.
This is correct. I have a neighbor who moved here on January 4th. Got screwed out of almost a full year of PFD due to 4 days.
Good.
@@monaezytwo6513there’s a reason it’s in place, your friend didn’t get screwed out of anything. If you’re coming here strictly for the money, you are in for a rude awakening.
@@christopherpoplarchik2802 You don't know the detail. My neighbor bought a brand new house and was supposed to take possession on Dec 28 but the final inspector refused to enter the home because it was not completely empty of any people. This was last year during the height of covid. The inspector delayed the inspection a week, thus pushing the move in date to Jan 4. So yeah, they got screwed.
@@monaezytwo6513 just one of the many screwings they will get here in The Great Land.
I love it. After tons of other places in US, including San Diego Dallas Seattle etc. Have no plans to leave my Alaskan home in SE Anchorage on the hillside.
Anchorage is in a bowl. They're starting to pile in apartment buildings instead of single-family homes. It's difficult to find room between the ocean and the mountains. Muldoon traffic is horrific now because they built so many in that area. Property taxes are outrageous, imho. 40 miles out, it's much more reasonable and you get a whole lot more for your $.
I'd like to visit during the summer, but those long, dark winters don't sound appealing at all.
You mentioned that everyone seems the same, but you’ll notice the differences once you’re here long enough. Like there’s a huge difference between Anchorage, Palmer, and Wasilla. Anchorage is a city, and just like with every city everything just feels more stressed. There’s more of a rush to leave for work early so that you have time to stop by the nearest coffee shack and still make it despite witnessing the fourth wreck that morning cause “oh no, it snowed a little”.
Palmer has some of the nicest people in the state. It’s full of old people who love to help out and show people kindness. It would be perfect if only it weren’t for the winds that can literally crash a semi.
Then there’s Wasilla. Wasilla is where all the middle kids of families go and thrive. I grew up in Wasilla, and I must admit I have a lot of fond memories. Even if those fond memories include things most people wouldn’t consider normal, like having a friend who got banned from every McDonalds by shouting he has a bomb. Or, better yet, the phrase “they were so bad, they were kicked out of Houston of all places and sent to Burchell… $20 says they won’t graduate like the rest of us!!!”
Bonus is the more rural areas. I love and miss the more rural areas. It can only be described as absolute peace, especially compared to the screaming homeless men of Anchorage. When you’re out on private property in your cabin, and the nearest sign of human life is a village you can access via a bush plane, there’s just something special about that feeling. Knowing that it’s just you, the sounds of the forest, and your cabin is peace unlike any other. Don’t enjoy the peace too long though, you’ll go insane in one way or another and join “that” statistic that we’re known for or be charged with attempted murder. On that note, no one here is sane. Not a single one. The sane ones always get scared and leave. If you are sane and want to stay sane, DO NOT COME HERE.
Oh finally is Eagle River and Chugiak. They’re not even worth mentioning, pick a side and just merge with Wasilla or Anchorage already.
Well said.
I live here and can attest, you nailed it.!
Why is no one sane there?
ER tried for years to get outta the Skankerage bowl shit..
I lived in North Pole, Alaska in the early 90's and loved it. I'm going to be moving back in late 2024 but will be looking into the Palmer/Wasilla area instead.
Alaska would definitely love to visit. But I'm content staying where I'm at now.
Have been to Alaska a few times. Awesome scenery. Anchorage wasn't that bad. Loved Cook Sound.
I live in Wasilla. With all the amount of people we have moving here our small city has not been able to keep up. The roads are over crowded and there is not enough housing to accommodate the influx of people.
We have tax in Wasilla.
Good afternoon Briggs!!! Army Navy game going into overtime for the first time in history of the game. GO ARMY BEAT NAVY!!! Have a nice day.
Alaska:
pros: Low property costs, good economic potential for the area, outdoors/scenery
cons: high costs of living like food, no women, weather (for most people).
No women?😂
Can anyone or anybody advise me how to get to Alaska? I am a Filipino citizen of the Philippines. Thanks
We went there and other parts of the state
such as Denali, and Fairbanks by rail, and
later by cruise ship to various stops such
as Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan
Very interesting to see but I remember the
1964 Earthquake, I think around Easter.
I live in Northern New England, so I know
winter, but not up there.
I thought a while ago you rated Alaska or
Anchorage among the least friendly places?
Anchorage might be, but Fairbanks is super friendly.
@@tlewisAK OK, thanks. Spent 2 days
there, but not much in Fairbanks, being
busy with touring, such as panning for
gold, the Pipeline, Paddle River boast, and
an Athabascan village.
@@raymondmartin6737, you've had a good introduction to Alaksa and have seen a lot, and that is how I would recommend a 1st trip up. I hope you enjoyed your time here, and you've seen 1st hand how big the state is so you know what to expect when traveling. If you plan on coming upon again, think about the areas that you enjoyed, and plan on spending a little more time in that area. I love the Valley (Anchorage / Wasilla / Palmer area) as the scenery is breathtaking. Often on tours you only see a small part of that. The Drive along the Glenn Hwy is one of my favorites as you drive past the massive Mat-Su Glacier, and once you get past the 1/2 way point, Mt Wrangell-St Elias (2nd tallest mtn in North America, and 2nd tallest in Alaska) come into view and is front and center for most of the drive. Up North in Fairbanks, you can drive the Dalton Hwy past the arctic Circle to Deadhorse (Prudhoe Bay) and see a whole different part of the state. I often see herds of Caribou and lots of moose, & fox on that drive. The trip to Prudhoe bay and back takes 4 days to do properly as the drive is 13+ hours one way. I know this is a ton of information, but I hope you found it helpful and / or interesting.
@@tlewisAK Thanks 😊 for your kind reply and information about Alaska. Yes, there is
so much to see if we ever go again
I have spoken on my Amateur Radio to AK
sometimes, which interesting too. Today
an Alaskan station was on the air on the
10 Meter, that is the 28 Megahertz band,
in this weekend's amateur radio contest.
We have also watched many shows about
Alaska too.
There was an Earthquake near Denali after we were there in July, 2002, around November if my memory is correct. Ray
@@tlewisAK sounds like fuel is a commodity you need 😉
WOW!!!Almost made me want to pack up and go... Almost, *grins* Joints can't stand the cold. Great vid though!
Only if you qualify for the pfd after a full year (January to December) not everyone who lives in Alaska qualifies for the pfd!
If you have a TV show about being Alaskan Bush People you don’t have to live there full time. Oh wait, they got caught and went to jail for a while.
But the sun is a lot closer to alaska than arizona due to the latitude of the state. So 60 degrees is hotter in alaska than 60 degrees in arizona
Never heard of anyone moving there
More people leave Alaska every year than move there. Where did u get information people are moving to Anchorage?
3:28 of course you don’t get to keep the moose you hit with your car, because you’ll most likely die when you hit it
Another great video. I appreciate what you do.
Haven't been there in years but, it used to be there was an Exodus every year in the fall because of all the seasonal workers taking flights south for the winter. And if you were taking a flight in the opposite direction you might be the only passenger on the plane, it was basically operating as a shuttle back and forth between Seattle and Anchorage to get more people out for the winter. Also, it seemed like every year the snow would start falling around the middle of September. And then the streets of Anchorage would be a desolate and lonely place in the middle of December with all of the side walks under the drifting snow. With not a lot of chics there though, if you're a single woman looking for a boy friend might not have much trouble finding one.
Born and raised here in Anchorage. Read a few of the comments and most seem to describe it well. I just have to say, those long summer days mean long dark winter nights. If you want to move here and have depression issues, make sure you find yourself a provider. Winter can be brutal since we get little day light.
one thing to note also is, most people who move to alaska leave in less than two years. it seems cool until the reality of life here sets it, and people find out its not really for everyone. if you fit alaska its the best place on earth, if not you will be wanting to leave and its super expensive moving in and out of here
This post appears to be very inaccurate. According to the US Census bureau the rate of DECLINE is up, between 4/1/20 to 7/1/21 the city lost 1.1% of its population.
I moved here with my best friend when we were 22 for a job. Was fun for awhile, then the seclusion begins to kick in and didn’t want to be there anymore and left once our jobs went away. You basically lose your family and friends by moving there. The flight is 6 plus hours home to Mpls. The closest city to drive to is Edmonton via two day drive. Fun place to visit, but I’ll never move back.
I have no family left and want to be left alone with my critters..think Im living here
@@danholm4952 You can find that in Idaho or Wyoming or any northern state.
This is a phenomenally good point. Compounded I’d say by living in Fairbanks, where I’m at ATM. It is tough as f*** sometimes. Alaska has BIG problems too that get glossed over because people are distracted by the natural beauty of the state.
Cool place to visit in the summer. I use to live there in 1997 -1998
Hitting a Moose with a car is also VERY hard on the car. My aunt has that experience...More than once.
go slow
A friend of my parents hit a moose in Maine. He had limited ability to turn his neck after the accident, and wasn't the same physically after. He passed away recently. Almost any insurance company would consider a car a total loss in a car accident with a moose. I guess it depends on how hard you hit it.
@@rushrush1209 then you realize the moose in alaska are considerably larger , and do even worse damage to a vehicle
As an Alaska resident, Anchorage is not somewhere I would want to live. Sure, it has more conveniences and amenities than other places, but it’s just so trashy. The only real appeal it has is that it’s the biggest city in the state. I just don’t really see the point of moving to Alaska and then living in Anchorage. It’s the least Alaskan-feeling city, and, in my opinion, it does not compare very well with other “big cities” in the U.S.
Except for the wilderness and nature . It's still Weird
Nobody is moving to Anchorage, but everybody is moving to Sunny Warm Florida--Anchorage is the coldest, cloudiest, and darkest city in the US, and even if you go for a walk in the warmer months, better bring your rifle for bear attacks, and Florida never has earthquakes
I like this series.
everybody brags about Alaska. But the reality is that Alaska is the most expensive state. almost half of the year darkness and coldness. A lot of people who move here next year move out
I was for many years wanting to move to Wasilla, north of Anchorage.
My main reasons were:
1. Close to nature.
2. Not overly crowded. (Anchorage is too crowded for me).
3. Taxes.
Living in rural areas of Alaska is decent. I don't like sitting being idle for too long so I go walk couple miles out of the village, make a fire, bag some willowgrows or rabbits, and roast them over the fire. But, the thing I really want to do is go over to some of the kuskoquim tributaries and get some artic grayling, some of them fish get as big as king salmon, the only time I hooked artic grayling was in spring time, but they were only between 5-6 inches long, I guess thats as big as they get in some of yukon tributaries. And if you want to site see around rural Alaska I'll give couple villages you might want to check out. St. Marrys, Emonuq, Aluginuk? (Not sure I spelled it right), Hooper Bay, and if you can put up with meichif kid and do some gold paning, could try here in Marshall. Just ask them guys in ohog tribal council, but I don't know if they still run it anymore.
Seriously tho as a local Alaskan resident this video needs to be taken down it is so false....change some things and re-post with the title of “Why nobody is moving to Anchorage Alaska”....
Yeah Anchorage is full, don’t move here. Especially if you like to vote for DemonRats.
I love Anchorage! I think it's the best city in the world! Best restaurants in every type of food, a couple thousand miles of trails, easy to get around (which is about the only thing he gets right in the video), great healthcare, & a bit of culture. I moved to Kenai in 2020, & I love it here too.
Anchorage is an arm pit. I love Alaska but wish I could afford to leave Anchorage. Anchorage is worse than Seattle.
Hi Briggs. Thanks and have a great weekend.
I've been there, it's very attractive at least in the growing days.
I live in Alaska. It can be challenging sometimes. I came from Idaho in 95 for vacation. The next year we moved here. It's changed alot. It used to be less crowded in the 90's I can say this video is pretty accurate. There are fishing spots however, that are wall to wall people. You will know it when you see them. You have go to the backcountry spots for less people. I recommend fly in fishing to rural lakes that you can't drive to.
Good evening Briggs? What's up?
I lived in Alaska from '82 to 2013. Only four years in Anchorage. It was a great small big city. Great restaurants and music. Lot's of walk ability. Winters are hard because they are longgg. And it's isolated. You can fly but again, long flights. It was probably the best experience of my life.
For the road kill list, how it works is the moose is on the road, dead. The police officer or trooper calls the next number on the road kill list. If you pick up the phone, you scramble to get the moose. If you take too long to get there, they go to the next number on the list. The state/muni don't physically take possession of the moose. And if you hit a moose with your car, your car's totaled, and you might be in the hospital.
It's not "probably illegal" to hunt in Anchorage, it is illegal (unless you're doing falconry in the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge)
they are talking about having a moose hunt for disabled people in kincaid