Author Topic: relocating to SE Alaska (Read 1772 times)

missouri dave · « **on:** February 14, 2004, 08:43:20 AM »

My wife and I are looking to relocate to SE Alaska at some point. What info or advice can any of you give us? We really appreciate it. Thanks.

Daveinthebush · « **Reply #1 on:** February 14, 2004, 09:45:11 AM »

I know it can be done because I did it as well as many Alaskans.

1. Buy the best rain gear that you can afford. This is the wettest part of Alaska that there is.http://www.arh.noaa.gov/wmofcst.php?wmo=FPAK51PAFC&type=public

2. Do you have a job? Employment in AK is not what it used to. You really need to have a job waiting. If your going to a small native community many jobs only open when a person dies. Then it is left to a family menber. Check the Alaska Department of Labor. They have many suggestions for people who are considering moving. If you are a teacher try here. http://www.alaska.edu/atp/teachers/vacancies.htm

3. What community? http://www.dced.state.ak.us/cbd/commdb/CF_CIS.htm
Is a state community listing of all villages and cities. It has a ton of information.

I think this will get you started. If you have any more questions, were here.

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2004, 02:00:22 PM »

Daveinthe bush,

Valdez is considered SE??? Well, maybe. At least you're on the ocean... :>)

Raingear is a must. Rubber boots are a must. Go for the XtraTuffs. The sole is a lot less slippery than any other, including Vibram. Southeastern is big territory in a way, but very little is private. Where are you planning on going?

Before cutting your ties back where you are now, I suggest you take a month or so to travel around up here and look it over. It's a beautiful place but like Dave said, work can be hard to find. The timber industry was the major employer here and that has been pretty effectively shut down. The days of high wages for fishing folks are gone also. But despite these doom and gloom things, I do hope you will try it up here.

-WH-

Daveinthebush · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2004, 02:34:04 PM »

Yea Valdez is south east of Anchorage

I never said we were in the SE did I??? Just trying to get him started in the right direction. Every Alaskan knows how much it rains down there. I started building an ark my second fall in Valdez. 10+ inches in October!!

I can't imagine what it is like down there.

Prince of Wales · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2004, 07:39:43 AM »

Missouri Dave as Winter Hawk says if you see it here you will love it (provided you are not addicted to sunshine).
The Southeast Alaska panhandle is a unique geographic area comprised mostly of a large group of islands known as the Alexander Archepelligo (spelling). For the most part we are off the coast of Northern British Couumbia. Winter Hawk and myself live on Prince of Wales Island not far from Ketchikan by air. Actually we are closer to Seattle than to Abchorage.
The climate here is extremely mild due to the North Pacific influences and actually a lot like that of Seattle or the San Juan Islands.
The hunting here is much more limited than that of the rest of Ak in general. There are no caribou. Few moose. Blacktail deer and black bear are our common species. Bag limits and open seasons age generous. Fishing is big here as you might immagine.
I always say that if more people knew about this area it would be crowded but it is not. Jobs are scarce now with logging down. Period!
The big cities (by Alaska standards) of Ketchikan,Sitka, Wrangell, Perersburg, and Juneau offer a greater chance of employment than the smaller outlying communities. Keep checking it out. Best of luck. POW

missouri dave · « **Reply #5 on:** August 02, 2005, 03:37:54 PM »

WOW! Actually Prince of Wales, Prince of Wales island is where I want to go. Gonna be a couple years yet but can't wait. Tell me everything you can.