Barrow, Alaska anyone?

Question

I'm looking to move to Barrow, Alaska one day. Does anyone live there already? I know about it being 350 some-odd miles inside the Arctic Circle and all that...the colder the better. For me, anyway. What I'm wanting to know is...what are the people like there? (Things lke that or anything else that you wouldn't know unless you lived there in the first place.) Give me some facts people! :)


Don't answer if all you have to say is something negative....some people's answers to similar questions resemble the following...(I do not agree with the following....it's simply copy-and-pasted)....Some of them are hicks and are too scared to leave. You could ask that about other crappy towns around the United States. No matter how bad things get in some areas people just wont leave even if they can afford it. They are afraid to leave their comfort zone.


Anyway, tell me what it's like living there. Like I previously said, don't bother to reply if your answer is negative. :)

Answer 1

I've stayed a short while in Barrow, a shorter time in Nome, worked several times in Dutch Harbor and visited Prudhoe Bay. Most of my living and working in Alaska is in much more accessible locations, but I've always tried to talk to the long-time residents and learn from them. What I heard from them about Barrow matched what I observed:

Wicked cold, long dark winter, long, cool summer days. You knew that.

Socially, Barrow is awkwardly split between natives and whites. The natives have been there for generations and are much more culturally intact than the average native you meet in a big city. The extended family lives all around them, they know the climate and biology intimately, and ***they know they are staying there*** for the most part.

Whereas most whites in Barrow are doing short stints for the Borough or the native hospital or some commercial concerns. They see it as a hardship posting or, at the best, an adventurous two years.

The two groups differ in some respects, for instance: wet, damp or dry? Whites there for a few years tend to think, "If I want a beer with my pizza, I should have it." Whereas Natives tend to see more of the damage alcohol does to their community. Hence the town's wet/dry/damp status changes with most elections.

Another problem with the short- versus long-timers is that the long-timers are often reluctant to really open up and accept the new arrivals. Because almost all of them are gone again in a few months or years.

I certainly had no problem talking with anyone there, native or white and found everyone there friendly in an Alaskan and small-town way. The problem comes in taking the next step. At what point will the long-timers start to think you as one of them?

I very much appreciated the intact native culture. From language to the traditional whaling, it seemed to help families and the community avoid some of the ravages of 48-state natives on the reservation or in the city.

For me and my wife, personally, we opted not for a posting there because it was so remote that no Outisde friend would come to visit us. And while some people revel in the reactional opportunities, we tend towards non-consumptive, non-motorized sports. X-C skiing, hiking, kayaking, etc. All of that is tough to do in Barrow. But for caribou hunting, snowmachining ("snowmobiling" in the US) and travel to the south (many, many positions have generous leave and travel allowances), Barrow offers a lot. Many jobs cover moving expenses. Some we looked at included loan repayment, room and board, continuing education and many weeks of paid vacation.

Hope that helps.

-David

Answer 2

Lived a few months on Kodiak Island and moved to Anchorage
You'll freeze you butt off, but it's a dry cold that you don't notice
much (that's why it's dangerous)I loved living in Alaska, but
pt Barrow is much further north than I was. My daughteer lived in
Fairbanks for about 3 years which, temperature wise is quite
similar to Barrow -- during the colder winter season (40
below was common) the cars were kept running or plugged
into headbolt heaters -- she said that she too loved Alaska.
Mid-night sun and temperature aren't all that hard to acclimatize
to, and it's definitely the last frontier.Regardless, of how long
you decide to stay (even permanently), I would say "GO
NORTH YOUNG MAN, GO NORTH" --Don't miss the chance
for a great adventure.

Answer 3

Why Barrow? There are so many more rewarding places in Alaska to live. If you are white you will have a difficult time being accepted by the community in Barrow. It is very expensive to live and there is little reward living on the tundra.

About 10 years ago I sold or gave away nearly everything I owned and moved to Alaska. The last frontier really appealed to me so I understand your wanderlust. "Barrow is nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there."

If you are searching for a remote area, consider a town in SE Alaska. Most aren't connected by a road system and the beauty is unmatched. And cantelopes don't cost $10.00 each. Check out places like Petersburg, Haines, Meyer's Chuck, etc. Avoid places like Ketchikan.

Answer 4

I don't know too much about Barrow, but I've always thought it would be a cool place to go. You should check it out. How exciting to be able to live your dream! I would think there could be 2 scenarios as to what the townsfolk will be like. Either they will be super friendly, welcoming the newbie OR they will be clique-ish and shun the outsider untl they are sure you're staying. This has been my experience in small towns. In some places, you're always the outsider and they never really accept you and in others, they welcome you with open arms and do everything possible to make your transition easier. My guess would be that they would be welcoming as it seems that in that kind of climate and isolation everyone sticks together. Good Luck, have fun!!!

Answer 5

Sorry I am unable to answer your question,but I hope you have a great time in Barrow,I think it's cool to 'live the dream'

;)

Answer 6

why is everyone asking questions bout Alaska 2day?

Answer 7

Hey,
im really, reallyyyy sorry for putting this on here, but i have a question about the answer you just posted on my question

you gave the best answer so far.

When you crack your knuckles and all of that stuff that you said happens, is it bad for you? you answered all of my other questions for that though =)

so is it bad and cause any problems?

thanks!

again, reallyyyyy sorry for posting this on here.

thnx <3