Moove to Alaska

So you’re thinking of chucking the rat race and moving to Alaska? Clean mountain and marine air, wildlife at your doorstep, salmon the size of NFL linemen – not to mention those mind-blowing Northern Lights. What’s not to love, right?

Michelle Baxter, a busy wife, mother and running coach, was in your shoes prior to moving to Anchorage 10 years ago.

“Most people move to Alaska for work, a fantasy to fulfill, a fresh start, or in search of adventure,” she says. “Alaska is very much a frontier state and there is so much to do and explore. There are places in Alaska that give you the sense that you may be the only human who has ever seen them.”

Moving to Anchorage? Check out our moving guide here.

Juneau-based writer Geoff Kirsch agrees, with one caveat: “Alaska’s an awesome place to live, but it’s not for everyone. May as well figure that out before you commit yourself. A cousin of mine once moved all her stuff from New York to Anchorage, got to the place she was supposed to live, turned around and drove right back to New York.”

Are you likely to thrive north of parallel 55? Before you make the move, ask yourself:

Do you Really, Really, Really Love Winter?

Because there’s five to six solid months of it up there, with temperatures in interior spots such as Fairbanks plunging to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You will likely plug your car in nightly, as block heaters are de rigueur. You’ll also get snowed in and have your plans changed by storms. A lot. Winter power outages come with the territory.

Can You Live Without Darkness in the Summer?

In mid-summer, when temps average in the low 70s at best, the Alaskan sun sets briefly around midnight, but skies never truly darken.

“It’s great for exploring and fitting in as many activities as possible,” admits Baxter, “but it can almost feel manic because it can be hard to wind down and fall asleep at the end of the day with the sun is still up.”

Kirsch’s advice?

“Invest in the best blackout curtains you can find and be prepared to wear wool and fleece year-round.”