ALASKA- what is the best spot to live in?

Answer 1

I lived in Alaska for 4 years; I would probably recommend Anchorage. You have a lot more choices just in terms of shopping, eating out, things to do, and so on than living out in the bush. Until you've been there, you REALLY can't conceive of how isolated Alaska is from everything else that you take for granted living in "The Lower 48", as they say. Be prepared for most major purchases (appliances, TV, furniture) taking an additional two weeks to be shipped up from Seattle when you're trying to furnish your home. Also, make sure that your vehicle (if you're shipping it up) is prepared for the cold winter -- get an engine block heater installed in your car at the very least, and invest in some high-quality all-weather tires (or plan on buying a set of studded tires that you can swap out in the winter -- there'll be black ice on the roads for six months out of the year).

Half the state's population lives there, so there's far more opportunities in terms of employment as well. Also, the lower latitude and proximity to the ocean means that the winters are much milder than, say, Fairbanks or Palmer. Feel free to e-mail me if you need more specific tips about living in the Last Frontier...

Answer 2

Unless you like to be cold most of the time, there is no best spot.