/r/AskAlaska

Photograph via snooOG

Created for advice on visiting or moving to Alaska. But feel free to ask anything!

/r/AskAlaska

6,309 Subscribers

2

Volunteer Recommendations

Hi there, future, some-what-temporary alaskan here! My husband and I are moving to Anchorage for my husband's next Air Force Assignment. Currently on the road as I post this!

For this next chapter in our lives, I would really love to get involved with the community in meanginful ways. So, it would be great to hear any of your volunteer opportunity recommendations. If there is an organization/cause you already work with, are proud of, or are particularly fond of - that's what I'm looking for! I don't have any specific interests at this time, just curious what's out there and would like to hear directly from some locals.

Thanks!

1 Comment
2024/12/01
15:41 UTC

2

Last minute Aurora viewing

Anyone can accommodate us tonight? We had a tour yesterday. But didn’t see anything. It’s up tonight. Don’t want to miss it. Please

2 Comments
2024/12/01
09:45 UTC

1

Last minute Aurora viewing

Anyone has spot right now for Aurora viewing? We had a tour yesterday and they were not up. But today it’s great. Is someone touring?

0 Comments
2024/12/01
09:43 UTC

3

Scenic drives that are not as tough as dalton/dempster?

Getting a new car soon and do not want to get it too messed up - I know flats, windshield cracks, scratches, etc are common on the dalton/dempster highways. I really want to christen the car with a very long road trip to Alaska and am wondering what are great sights to see? Seward is on my list right now. Anything else I should drive out to?

10 Comments
2024/12/01
01:23 UTC

5

What are some lesser-known, underrated and perhaps overlooked spots in the state worth exploring?

Basically, the title. Literally anything that comes to mind, feel free to comment.

16 Comments
2024/11/30
16:42 UTC

1

Another post about growth

Greetings, I was curious to learn a bit more about population growth in your state (potential decline, particularly in the interior) and how the cities are coping with it. I hold a license, work in the trades (pipe trade), and have been looking at moving to Alaska for a while. (Just my dog, myself, and that’s about it. I have lived in a Rocky Mountain state for about 10 years.)

In my state there is a lot of resentment directed towards people moving in and buying the now high priced starter homes/land/etc and seemingly changing the way things were. Is it strong by you too? I don’t have a ton of money, just live and let live, leave me alone to work and walk my dog/help my neighbor kind of person. I love gardening and my bees. How would that be received? I just want a bit more quiet and still feel connected to nature.

Fairbanks was high on the list but maybe something smaller? I’d like to try and avoid anchorage, any other suggestions? I want to be able to be useful for the community. I plan on traveling soon.

Thanks

7 Comments
2024/11/30
16:07 UTC

3

Best way to get around Anchorage during the summer (short term visit)?

I’m planning a 3 night stay in Anchorage before a cruise in May 2025. I’m unsure if I should rent a car, use public transportation, or maybe rideshare apps like uber and lyft. Is an uber easy to come by around there? We are also planning to rent bikes to explore some of the trails, but are Anchorage roads biker friendly if I wanted to use that as a mode of transportation? Just seeking advice on an easy and cost effective way to get around and explore Anchorage for a couple days. Thank you in advance!

10 Comments
2024/11/30
00:40 UTC

4

Driving limit?

I know this is different for everyone but anyone who's made the journey to drive to alaska what is your driving limit for a day. I know it's different per person but what's a general good rule of thumb for the daily drive when planning my journey to alaska?

28 Comments
2024/11/29
14:36 UTC

4

Southerners, would you trade living in Alaska to go back to the South?

I’m talking Southerners that live in the places that don’t snow.

23 Comments
2024/11/28
15:42 UTC

10

Do you feel lonely in Alaska?

I know a person from the South and said he felt too lonely in Anchorage so he moved ASAP, despite better pay. Transplants, do you feel that way?

32 Comments
2024/11/28
15:41 UTC

1

Seward Stays: Orca Island Cabins vs. Shearwater Cove

Hey y'all - planning a family trip to Alaska and wondering if anyone has any input on Shearwater Cove vs. Orca Island Cabins. Both are going to be a big splurge for my parent's 60th birthdays, and I want to make the right choice!

0 Comments
2024/11/28
13:07 UTC

2

Headed to Dillingham soon

I’ll be working in Dillingham for the first time and I don’t really know what to expect. Does Verizon work in the town? What’s the easiest way to get around? Any recommendations on where to stay?

How does Dillingham compare to Bethel?

I was thinking of bringing my cross country skis as something to do. Is it worth it? Is there snow yet? Thanks all!

4 Comments
2024/11/28
04:58 UTC

5

What's the best seasonal job you can get in Alaska coming from New York without any special qualifications?

Just wondering.... I'm always intrigued at the ides of working in Alaska and escaping out where I'm from for a little but I don't have any major skills to sell myself as. I also keep an eye on the website coolworks.

Thanks

30 Comments
2024/11/27
21:44 UTC

3

Fairbanks eating and activities ?

I am going to Fairbanks and need some suggestions on where to eat and what to do?

15 Comments
2024/11/27
17:22 UTC

8

Would you rather work at Juneau or Skagway for a seasonal job?

I just had an interview with Alaska X. It seemed very promising and he asked which location I would prefer to work in, but sadly I am not knowledgeable about either. Anything is appreciated!

20 Comments
2024/11/27
05:52 UTC

3

Valdez whittier ferry

What are the usual summer days the ferry sails between valdez and whittier?

8 Comments
2024/11/26
13:00 UTC

68

Is it physically possible to do this drive in 3 days in winter?

Really stupid question, my bad. I've done the drive itself before in winter and the furthest i went in one day is 890 miles, just went a scenic route and it took 5 days. Was wondering if anyone had experience driving this far in such a short amount of time

198 Comments
2024/11/26
08:10 UTC

2

Fairbanks or Anchorage??

I'm visiting for the first time in January. I am a photographer, and would like to obviously photograph the northern lights. I also would like to shoot landscapes and wildlife. Is Fairbanks or Anchorage better? Any ideas of good places to go? Thank you!

2 Comments
2024/11/26
03:27 UTC

2

Move in Feb

Hi! I am considering moving to Alaska on February

I’ll be driving. I hear all sorts of opinions about driving from Wyoming. I’ll be alone but I’m from snow. :)

My question is … this is possible right? With winterized car, safety of course and just rest when it gets dark?

Also I’ve done my research, but I love skiing, I work remote and I love mountains/nature, I’m originally from new York but have lived all Over the 48.

Is Alaska as awesome as people claim? I’ll stay maybe in Eagle river, Palmer or wasilla. Just would love thoughts! 💭

83 Comments
2024/11/25
22:51 UTC

8

Thinking About Moving to Anchorage from NJ

Hey, first reddit post so bear with me.

I've been thinking about moving to Alaska since I was a teenager and I guess just recently I've been wondering if I should make it a reality especially since I love cold weather and outdoor activities.

I don't really have anything keeping me in NJ. I'm not too close with family and my friends are people I've met overseas and don't live in NJ/NY. I also have a guaranteed paycheck coming in that'll bring me up to 45k annually but of course I would want to work to have a higher income.

I'm also visiting Anchorage January for 5 days to check it out as well since I've always wanted to visit. I'm trying my best not to romanticize the idea and would like to think about the move realistically.

My question is as a single person, what should I think about when it comes to moving? And If I do decide to move how can I make sure things go smoothly? Thank you in advance.

Edit:

i didn't know why my text was in code block form so I fixed it.

P.S. Thanks for your guy's response.

Edit 2: The 45k is passive income. I plan on working to increase my overall income.

60 Comments
2024/11/25
16:28 UTC

4

First trip to Alaska next summer

Interested in learning more about the best options for a first time visit to Alaska next summer. Don't know really how to go about it. Thanks for your help!

9 Comments
2024/11/25
00:01 UTC

0

Want to try Moose in Alaska

My friends and I are visiting Anchorage and Fairbanks next week. Were interested in trying moose meat but I couldn’t find any restaurants selling. Does anyone know how and where we can get moose without go hunting?

29 Comments
2024/11/24
15:53 UTC

0

Shipping a vehicle?

Hello 👋🏻

My spouse and I are moving to the Fairbanks area early in January and we’re considering shipping one of our two vehicles. Has anyone had experience shipping a vehicle from the lower 48? Any recommendations or things to be wary of?

3 Comments
2024/11/24
04:57 UTC

0

Moving to Anchorage! Black Friday Advice Needed 🛍️

Hey fellow Alaskans!

I’m moving to Anchorage early next year and was wondering if there’s anything specific I should snag during Black Friday 2024 sales before the big move. I want to make sure I’m prepared for the Alaskan lifestyle, especially the winters and the outdoorsy opportunities.

Any suggestions on must-have gear, clothing, or household items that are harder to find (or more expensive) in Alaska? Thanks in advance!

13 Comments
2024/11/24
02:15 UTC

3

First time in Fairbanks - need winter clothes advice !!

Hi beautiful people hope you are having a wonderful day. I'll be visiting Fairbanks in late December 25-31st. Does anyone know where to get rental winter jackets or would you recommend buying online. If so do you have any suggestions for a very nice thick winter jacket.

I'm not very good with the cold as I have very little body fat. And also I've lived in Boston for college before and in the cold winter months it was not easy.

I'll be coming from Los Angeles. Thank you <3

4 Comments
2024/11/23
20:01 UTC

0

Food recommendations in Fairbanks

Hi all

We’ll be in Fairbanks for 5 days during Thanksgiving.

We have an itinerary. But would love to have recommendations for vegetarian/vegan food places.

Also interested in any fun activities happening in Fairbanks during that weekend.

14 Comments
2024/11/23
18:56 UTC

7

Anchorage visit and potential move

Hello, I am visiting Anchorage in the winter for a job interview with a start date in the summer.

I work in medicine and the career opportunity is enticing from a personal and professional growth perspective. I am very invested as exploring this as my top choice.

My visit will be pretty focused to evaluating the area as a potential home. I am considering finding a realtor to help show me around the Anchorage. If there any other suggestions on this please reply!

Summers seem very exciting with the scale of outdoor activities right outside the door. Winters I am semi concerned about, however I think with enough preparation and correct gear I would thrive in a cold environment. Heat overstimulates me to no end and I would much rather be a bundle of fabric forever. I figure with enough sun lamps and maintaining physical activity in the winter it is certainly survivable. Though not ignorant to my naive perspective, really hoping my visit can give me a better understanding.

My questions:

  • What type of culture is there around newcomers?
  • Ways to get a tour of Anchorage?
  • What are some lesser thought of things to consider about Anchorage when visiting?
  • Are the winters truly that bad?
  • Any recommendations/thoughts welcome!
30 Comments
2024/11/23
15:54 UTC

2

Cruise recommendations

Planning a trip next year, could anyone recommend luxury cruises please?

7 Comments
2024/11/22
21:06 UTC

1

I’m looking at driving from California to Ketchikan AK, if the ferry is back up, in the end of February to beginning of march, how are weather conditions usually and is this a bad idea?

5 Comments
2024/11/22
18:08 UTC

0

3.5week trip

3.5 week visit

Hello,

Planning a 3.5 week visit in alaska in july 2025 We are wondering if its gonna be enough/too much for a visit? We are mostly into hiking and ofcourse wildlife spotting but we are also wondering if there are other things we can do without breaking bank? If anyone has any tips on cool lesser known hikes we are curious about them! One last question are there overnight treks in alaska where you can sleep in huts ?

10 Comments
2024/11/22
08:15 UTC

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