What's Anchorage, Alaska like to live in?

Question

What's the standard of living like there on the whole? I'm told that living costs are significantly higher than the majority of the US due to the fact most things have to be driven through Canada to reach Alaska. Are the wages in Alaska any higher than average to counter the higher prices? Also, how is it to live in Anchorage itself? Is there much to do? Obviously, if your the sort of person who's into the "big outdoors", then I guess it would be great, but is there much to do if you're not that outdoorsy?

Also, how does Anchorage feel to live in? It has a population of 350,000, which I guess is fairly big. Does it feel like a big anonymous city where you just blend in, or is it the sort of place where people know eachother, and you're likely to bump into someone you do know?

Thanks for any insight.

Answer 1

Outdoorsy-ness is definitely the biggest appeal, but there are other things just like any sizeable city. The cost of living in Anchorage isn't that much higher than the lower 48 and there are plenty of jobs that definitely do pay a significantly higher amount. I lived there for about 6 months and found it to be a great community with a lot of really community-concious people who took pride in being Alaskan and being from Anchorage. Overall I would love to live there again if situations allow it in the future.

Answer 2

I live in Anchorage.  Here's the answers to your questions:

Standard of living: well, I live in a basement level studio apt for $600 a month incl utilities.  this is the cheapest place in anchorage except the state housing places.  my fiance lives in a one bedroom that cost 750, plus electricity.

Living costs:  right now the national average cost of fuel is like 3.70.  Our lowest price up here in anchorage is 4.33.

Wages are a little higher, but it depends where you work.

It's okay to live here, it gets a little dreary in winter though...

There are movie theaters, pubs, bowling lanes, billiard places, lots of clubs, a couple malls (one better than the others) and things like that.  the state fair in august is nearby, and it is pretty much like any other city.

You're pretty anonymous here, I mean, you see the same people with the same personalized license plates everyday when you go to work, and i see people i have been in classes with in the store and all that, but it is a pretty big city, and it is best to find closer friends in order not to go stir crazy in winter.

Best thing about Anch:  you're in freaking Alaska man!  and you don't have to deal with the super SUPER inflated prices of some of the places outside of anchorage.  moose sightings weekly in summer, bi-weekly or monthly in winter.  oh, also, the PFD which is huge this year!

Worst thing about Anch: gas costs. and driving in winter.  sooo many accidents... also, a lot of the little amusement areas, like mini golf, are really run down, and there are also a lot of homeless lining the streets waiting for handouts, and then you see them in front of the liquor stores later.  sigh.

hope that helped.

Answer 3

Anchorage, Alaska, one of America's most livable cities, is located in one of the world's most spectacular settings.  Clean, healthy and vibrant, Anchorage prides itself on being an all-season gateway to adventure and natural beauty.

The National Civic League named Anchorage one of nine All-America Cities for 2002.  Anchorage has won this honor three other times over the past 50 years.

Cost of Living

Food for a week/family of 4 - $104.61 (3/2003)

Avg. Monthly Utility Costs:

Heating - $79.89

Gas/Unleaded - $94.97

Electric - $103.04

CPI-U - 159.0 (2nd half 2002)

Inflation - 1.9% (Annual rate from 2nd half 2001)

Answer 4

My exes son was an airplane Mechanic in Alaska For about 3 years so the answers im going to give are him to his mom  to me so keep that in mind. Have you ever been to a remot area in the American west say a small town with no touristy things Thats how Anchorage is And Sitka Jeuneau etc. basically people want to be left alone. The alcoholism rate is through the roof. If you are not a native american or Russian you may be considered an outsider.