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Thank you for taking the time to watch my video on the beautiful state of Alaska, if you have ideas for future videos please let me know here in the comments section.
Proud to be one of the group of 'nobodies' that lives in Alaska... and I wouldn't change much. Although there isn't a single place that could be considered perfect to everyone, I would imagine.
I came to Alaska in 1972. I was 20 years old. I had no interest in Alaska, but back then there was some easy money to make and I figured I'd make it and go back to the states. I fell in love with it the first day I was there and have been here ever since. Too many adventures and a life history that makes people's jaws drop. And I'm just an everyday Alaskan. It's the best place. Ever.
I was born in Alaska while it was a US territory. I still live here and I'm glad its population is small compared to its size. It changed a lot during the oil boom in the late 60s/early 70s. It takes a special breed of individual to enjoy living here.
I've been in Anchorage for a little less than a year now. The dark is incredibly depressing in that it sucks all the energy out of your body. To not be able to see the sun until 11:00 a.m. is much harder than you think. That said, I actually really enjoy the snow and cold, as someone who grew up in the desert. It is simply the most beautiful place in the world. It is unbelievably gorgeous to drive around and catch glimpses of the ocean or to see the mountains covered in snow. The random moose sightings in town. The aurora. There is an individualistic culture, but you would get the sense that we're all in this together. We're all outside shoveling snow, wearing our Xtra tuffs, carrying bear spray in the summer. There's no artifice, everybody is weird and nobody pretends to not be. It's truly unique. 💙
LMFAO, I have lived here for 20 years, you are only the second person I have ever heard of carrying bear spray instead of a hand cannon...I do not expect you to be here much longer, just sayin....
"There's no artifice, everybody is weird and nobody pretends to not be. It's truly unique." That's a pretty reasonable encapsulation of things up here. It isn't for everyone, but it works great for some. Thus, we keep our population growth low, as people who end up living here work to figure out how, how long, and/or if they can stay.
I actually love the dark, so it wouldn't be a problem, for me. The problem would be when the sun doesn't go down, but I hear they have like special curtains, for this. During the winter's here in Chicago it's dark by 4pm and the light doesn't come out until 7am, but it's usually grey, and extremely cloudy, so it's like a dark cloudy day even with sunlight unless there's no clouds then it's all blue obviously. I lived in the Chihuahua desert down in El Paso, TX and I honestly hated the dry desert heat in the summer's. Winter's are pretty sweet as it rarely gets below 35, but summers are hot and extremely dreadful with 99 to 100 degrees on a daily. Overall tho I honestly enjoy snow, and rain very much, so I think I would love AK.
I moved to Alaska from Hawaii, found amazing jobs, met my wife, house, kids, dog. We continue to live here for the exact reasons mentions, freedom, outdoors, recreation. Were not leaving anytime soon. Our small coastal town is gaining in popularity from outsiders moving here and there is almost zero homes available.
Came to Alaska in "78. $200 dollars and lonely. 45 years later, 3 sons, 6 grand children, 10 great children. The property that I bought for $28,000 ($100,000 in improvements) is now assessed.
If you’re looking for the salmon runs, go to Kenai/Soldotna. If you want to fish halibut, go to Homer. If you want to see whales, seals, glaciers, and puffins, go to Seward. If you want to have a good time up here, Kenai peninsula is the playground of Alaska.
It’s not an easy place to live…The weather first and foremost is very hard on people. But one of the biggest issues outside of the weather in Alaska is there’s simply no highways to get people around to populate a lot of the regions of the state. There’s one major highway that goes from Anchorage to Fairbanks, but outside of that the only way to get to most places within the state is either by airplane or by boat if you’re along the coast line. The cost of goods in the inner areas of Alaska can be quite expensive as well. You add all that up and you’re gonna have a small population…but the population that is there are very hearty very resilient people. I spent a year in Alaska and it’s something that I will never forget and it’s something that I truly loved.
Calling the Parks a major highway would definitely give people who have never been here the wrong idea lol but I know exactly what you mean. The vast majority of the state is inaccessible. But that's why I love it. It's an endless wilderness.
Living in Alaska is not easy due to the challenging weather conditions and limited transportation infrastructure. Apart from the main highway connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the only options to reach most places within the state are by plane or boat along the coastline. This lack of highways also contributes to the high cost of goods in the interior areas of Alaska. Despite these difficulties, the population of Alaska is made up of resilient and hearty individuals. The speaker personally spent a year in Alaska and cherishes the experience.
as a person who has lived in alaska her entire life, i just wanna say the cold sucks but as long as you stay active and go do fun things its worth is bc the summer is magical.
@@lunistylz8260eh, summer starts late may and ends early September. It's usually pretty hot from mid June to Mid August. First snow doesn't usually happen til mid October, first snows that stick aren't til late October though this year in the interior it came in early October and is here to stay. To me, the summer is just as good as winter here. But I love winter and getting out and playing in the snow. Alaska isn't for everyone, but if it is for you you end up getting sucked in like you'd never imagine.
@@Orbitinbloom19018 no it's usually somewhere between 18 degrees and 27 degrees celsius in the summers. At least that's how it is in Anchorage/Palmer/Wasilla.
Alaska is cold and not very livable, but it doesn't mean it's worthless. In fact it's extremely valuable in terms of resource acquisition such as oil, gas, timber, seafood, minerals, and such. It's also located in a very strategic part of the world, in the northern Pacific, with islands that stretch nearly to Japan, so it acts as a northern shield of defense for North America. Also if a northern sea route becomes ice free for shipping purposes, the Bering strait would be a very strategic place.
I have lived in Alaska for 42 yrs it is livable very livable. It is a beautiful place with more to see then anywhere else. It's cold and dark most of the yr. But in the summer it's light all day and night and warm. I don't like the cold but I would rather put up with that to the wokeness in the lower 48 and we're free with lots of space to roam because most people don't have what it takes to survive here.
@@gaydenegarner6844Just move to the states without the wokeness or don’t engage with it. One would have to be low iq to not understand you don’t have to engage with “wokeness”
@belltowndaisy Ok, that's great feedback. I'm mostly speaking from a Playa Del Carmem-Cozumel perspective, as that's where I have been the most in the Yucatan and loved it. Again, thanks for the feedback. I respect your opinion/point of view. Cheers!
I just liked and subscribed with the express purpose of seeing more of a regional breakdown of Alaska where you spend *MORE* time talking about *livability* and *opportunity* in the states *principal cities* like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and *Juneau* . Please do exactly that. This was excellently made and contained a wealth of information. More please.
Thank you for your feedback! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the content and that you are interested in a regional breakdown of Alaska, with a focus on livability and opportunity in cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. I will certainly take note of your request and try to incorporate more details about these cities in future articles or videos. If you have any specific topics or aspects you would like to know more about, feel free to let me know. Thank you for your support!
That would be a dream finding someone content living there. I heard a radio interview from a bartender in one of the coldest and farthest towns. So very interesting hearing how they wait for supplies and then listening to the many stories of mishaps. But, joy, too!! Thank you...more!!
It's going to be one of my next three videos, I am doing a lot of research on this one. Thank you for the positive comment Joseph I really appreciate it.
Alaska is so wild, so many weird things go on there. Having some of the most disappearance in the Alaska triangle. True wilderness beauty. I'm from Florida never been but going into Army infantry to be stationed there for 3 years. Gonna explore a bunch of towns and cities of Alaska and branch out and explore alot of northern Canada. Make sure yall travel or explore no matter what, gives some of the best memories. Keep on rocking
Ugh, I just love your channel and the format and vibe of your videos. I love being in the early following and watching channels blow up to millions of subscribers; as I’m sure this one will. Yes, please do a regional geography video on Alaska.
I really appreciate that Tfny, RU-vid can be tough with the "occational" mean comments and the hours of hard work in editing, but comments like yours make it all worth while so thank you.
@@elqueobserva7663 you are correct. I should’ve typed it differently. I meant it in a “Gosh, I just absolutely love these videos and the effort it takes to produce and edit them. Sorry for the confusion.
Thank you Parker, I am really excited to see the community wanting more content on Alaska. I can't wait to really breakdown the cities and regional livability there in a future video.
Born and raised in Juneau. The high cost of goods is no joke. Just Google cost of gas or food items. As for the winters, I remember waking up, it's dark, go to work, light, get off work and dark again.
Alaska was by far my favorite place that I have ever been to. I don't think I would live their year round due to the dark winters. But I would definitely live their during the summer!
I started dreaming about Alaska when the shows came on TV. but I am 55 and maybe in my next life... The last place a person can live as Free as possible. That is what draws me, the freedom and the fact that you can live by your own means if you so choose. A beautiful state in deed.
It sounds like Alaska has truly captured your imagination! The allure of living freely and independently is definitely one of the state's appealing aspects. Its stunning natural beauty adds to the charm as well. While it may not be feasible for you to move there at this stage in your life, perhaps you can still find ways to experience and appreciate the wonders and freedom of Alaska through various means, such as travel or exploring it through literature and media. Never stop dreaming and being inspired!
As long as your away from the two main City's, out in the wild, and just keep to your self, you will always be free from the rat race and law. Of course, not as much as you would be if it were not for the shows that came on cable and all the people that rushed out to Alaska to grab that freedom.@@francisdl5467
I was born and raised in Alaska and moved away for schooling and I hope it stays small The freedom and like said in the video of individualism and nature are spot on on why I love and miss it. It takes someone special to live there and if you are scared to get your hands dirty it’s not a place for you. ❤
I've been binging on RU-vid informational videos, and this video made me the most happiest. I've been living in Alaska for 3 years. Honestly, the most beautiful place I've ever lived. Surrounded by the mountains, i can't ask for a better view on the drive home from work after a 12-hour shift. Thanks for shedding light on Alaska. I call Alaska home of all kinds of blooming flowers 💐 😍 in the summer. In the winter, it's a frozen wonderland 😂. Just today, we were visited by Moore in our backyard. Alaska is unique, and if you plan to live here, be ready for the long winters and sunny nights in the summer.
I live in Alaska. I think there are a lot of people who don't know there's a highway to Alaska. I used to sell books on line and people would tell me they'd love to see Alaska but they don't like flying. Sometimes I"d tell them about the Alcan other times, not at all.
Do you need a passport to drive from the lower 48 to Alaska? Are there freedom of movement restrictions where one has to prove a certain level of financial fitness to pass GO such as at the Canadian border?
@@chrisdonish I thought you needed a passport. I read also that US citizens also have to they have some dosh to splash out too. Canada of course is very expensive and yep, it's very much like the lower 48 with the high rents, inflation, and homelessness. I used to think it'd be a place to go in the event things aren't good for us in the lower 48 thinking lots of cheap land and natural resources to be had such as a fish lake.
Just spent a week in Alaska-my first time there. My partner and I both want to move there. While much of that may very well be knee-jerk, its natural beauty and sparse population are both highly desirable traits, and the city of Anchorage might be the cleanest city I’ve ever visited. It was very windy and it somehow didn’t cause trash to be blowing around everywhere, plus I noticed the change in air quality the moment I set foot back home. Great place, and we barely even scratched the surface during the week we were there.
That sounds like a fantastic experience! Alaska is indeed known for its stunning natural landscapes and low population density, which can be incredibly appealing. Anchorage, being the largest city in the state, offers a unique combination of urban amenities and proximity to wilderness areas. It's great to hear that you found it to be clean and noticed a positive change in air quality. Keep in mind that moving to a new place can have its challenges, such as finding employment opportunities, adjusting to the climate, and adapting to a different way of life. It's important to thoroughly research and consider factors like cost of living, job prospects, healthcare, and community before making such a big decision. If you're truly passionate about Alaska and desire a slower pace of life surrounded by natural beauty, it might be worth exploring further. Consider visiting again, spending more time in different regions, and talking to locals to get a better sense of what it's like to live there year-round. Ultimately, make a decision that aligns with your long-term goals and ensures your happiness and well-being. Good luck with your potential Alaska adventure!
Yes I’m alive and it. Work for the military up here They wanted my two associates degrees and my bachelors + my 27 it certs. My wife has the thing as she just in accounting and she has same type of job pay wise in her field. If you don’t have a degree you won’t have a job like mine here. Still I see a ton of jobs at the docks in Juneau and in Hoonah paying 60-70k with no degree needed. They also liked that I’m nearly done with my masters. Everyone in Alaska has bare minimum a bachelors degree. Thus the good jobs ask for this because they know Alaskians have them. Also this video is inaccurate I live in Juneau. It doesn’t get that cold here however it rains all the time. It’s also very expensive to live and ship things here. This is why if your not a skilled worker with degrees DONT COME HERE. As you won’t ever be able to keep up. Also you have to live here for two years before you can apply for the dividend fund. It also fluctuates and doesn’t remain the same. It’s all dependent on how many resources are sold throughout the year. Lastly good luck finding adaquete housing here. Especially in Juneau and Anchorage. It practically doesn’t exist due to how hard it is to build here. Especially in Juneau. I lucked out and found a really good place from a co worker. 2,000/month with heat, water, trash included. I pay electric and internet. The housing crisis is so bad in Alaska, especially here in Juneau that working people sleep in the airport or their cars in park and ride areas. Housing in Anchorage is bad because the housing is just dilapidated trash that is priced at this same range many times. Why I said if you are not a degrees person don’t come here, as you will not be able to ever find a job that allows you to keep up and grow as well. Or you will work three to five jobs at once and burn yourself out just to make ends meet(I have co workers who do this). Hope this helps you and one way in and out of this place. Alaska Airlines and they charge about(for good spacious seats and nice flight times) 1,000 bucks one way and the only airport they go to is Seattle.
@@meep2253 What kind of dumb ads question is this? Of course I am alive. Just because I live in Alaska doesn’t mean I got mauled by a bear, or died by some ridiculous cold that isn’t even where on at nor ever is. It’s called working and making nearly 200k/year. So don’t have all day to sit on RU-vid and ask people stupid ass questions like are you still alive? Or to dream about going a place. 😂
@@damienluedtke9276 I'm too curious to ask since you have a bit of knowledge of Alaska. What would you say is the point where it's worth to go up there? Have the chance to get a job that'll pay me around 100k a year or would you say it's still not enough. Sorry for the question just too curious to ask, but have a nice day and thank you!
I'd really love another video on the livability of Alaska. To be honest, I've been thinking about eventually moving there, so all the information I can get on it would be greatly appreciated.
i have family in anchorage and i’ve been going to alaska to visit for years. i love the impact and voice the indigenous people are given over the political decisions that are made there. i wish more of the united states included their indigenous populations in the same way. it’s way too damn dark and cold for me to be there in the winter, though. the harsh environment is definitely not for everyone.
As a lifelong Alaskan, unfortunately Alaskan Native tribes don't tend to hold a lot of political sway beyond their native corporations, and in rural communities police often refuse to file reports or investigate crimes that occur to our indigenous people.
Well in my state they absolutely destroy our fish runs during spawn. Nets covering miles and miles and miles and miles of river. They catch 60percrn estimated of all spawn fish and seals get the other 25 but ppl like me have had to not fish because spawn was so low it was banned just because you’re native doesn’t mean you make good choices they butcher our water ways
Had hundreds of acres get donated to the local tribes and they immediately pour concrete over it and one a casino nobody goes to in sick of this idea I care more then most of them just based by actions alone
Alaska seems to be a great state and outside of the Continental US which means more relaxing lifestyle. I lived Puerto Rico which is an US territory and lifestyle in general is different overall and also more relax environment. I moved out from the island because of lower salary wages and harder to get professional growth. However, always do what is best for yourself and family. God Bless everyone.
@@trulythedudewhy are you pressed man, he’s just adding his own story because it relates to the video. You gotta chill out man. Life isn’t worth getting mad over. 🤷♂️
Alaska actually has a huge population if you compare it with the Canadian provinces it surrounds. For example, "Yukon" province has 40,000 residents, and is the largest of the Northern Canadian provinces.
@@PG-3462 Regardless. The fact that it is just a territory, further proves my point that Alaska is much, much larger population wise then the Canadian land bordering it
@@fshoaps British Columbia is also a neighbour of Alaska, and it has over 5 million inhabitants Canadian territories have a low population because there has never been plans to develop them. The biggest "cities" are just small towns mostly inhabited by people from the First Nations or Inuits
@@PG-3462 Yeah, but as both you and I know, the cities, meaning the amount of population located in B.C are much, much closer both geographically, and culturally to Cascadia region of the USA (Washington, Oregon, even N. California) They are quite far from Alaska. Nice little trick you tried to pull, though.
Alaska’s extremely varied, overall. Take Ketchikan and Barrow. The southernmost city and northernmost. Ketchikan is relentlessly rainy most of the year and very lush. Barrow is at the top, totally tundra and one big mosquito-infested swamp in the summer and a winter desert wasteland in the winter and a very unforgivable climate and landscape.
Alaska's extreme variations in climate and landscape can be observed through the examples of Ketchikan and Barrow. Ketchikan, located in the southernmost part of the state, experiences heavy rainfall throughout most of the year, giving it a lush and green environment. On the other hand, Barrow, situated in the northernmost region, is characterized by a tundra landscape. In the summer, it becomes a mosquito-infested swamp, while in the winter, it transforms into a desolate and harsh desert wasteland with an unforgiving climate. These two cities exemplify the diverse and contrasting conditions found across different areas of Alaska.
Your channel is a gem man. Please keep on making more videos. I was wondering: will you only cover videos about the USA or will you expand to other countries someday?
Thank you so much Dale, I really appreciate your kindness here. I will likely expand to some international topics eventually. The channel will always focus on "How America is Changing", but I think I can add value in covering several other nations around the world from time to time (those would likely be much longer films that happen much less often though).
Love living outside of Anchorage, Alaska. Met my husband here and his family. I have so many good friends who are like family and even better. I enjoy not being judged for what I wear or how my car looks. I LOVE the culture surrounding dogs. Even with a smaller population here, I feel like I'm not alone in this world. My husband and I tried Texas with my extended family for 4 years and felt more alone than ever even though we were in San Antonio, a city with over a million people. Constantly depressed and feeling like I was never well dressed or good enough for anybody. Alaska rules!
How interesting; we’ve been in Eagle River for 15 years now and lived in San Antonio for 11 years before. I grew up in Austin. I don’t know how I survived Texas summers so long. But yes, Texas is much more status-seeking and judgmental in the cities. You have pockets of those types in south Anchorage and Eagle River, but not as bad.
@@doggodoggo3000 you clearly have never lived in Alaska. Dogs are treated like family. Allowed in homes, on couches and beds. People walk them outside in the winter and summer all of the time. Plethora of dog daycares in the city, as well as locally owned pet stores all over.
@@priscillanieto3322 If these people care about dogs so much why is dog sled racing allowed and so prominent? I worked in dog sled racing at the winning level. I know all about how sled dogs are treated. dog mushing is alaskas state "sport". The iditarod and onac are two of the most extreme and competitive races in north america.
Alaska (Anchorage) weather is 6 sometimes 7 months of winter, May is usually spring time, summers are between June and August. But my favorite time of year is fall (September and maybe the first/ second week of October).
Alaska is wild and beautiful, and honestly it should stay that way. Luckily it seems cold enough to keep it that way for at least another handful of decades
For someone who lives in Florida and hate its weather, Alaska is like a beautiful dream. I hope one day when I'm older save enough money and make my way up there !!
It takes about 35 to 40 hours to drive from one coast of America to the other. Just going from Seattle, Washington to Deadhorse takes 50. Some of that's due to the Dalton highway being gravel, but the point stands that Alaska is vast and I don't think everyone quiet gets just how dang big it is.
@@DannieKamete Deadhorse has to be the most disturbing name for a city I know of. Where its located gets down to the -70s fairly often with wind chill.
I've drove the Dalton highway several times, the first in 2002. There was no gravel. I remember my grandpa talking about the old days and there being large stretches of gravel.
Love our small town of Alaska! If our little Seward gets a stop light I think we will move to a smaller town. Very well put together and informative video. Well done!
So I’ve lived in Kenya, Montana and Georgia but I’ve always wanted to visit and hopefully live in Alaska as well. Somewhere near a lake or bay. I’ve heard that the locals are friendly. Like this if you’re one of them.
Highly superb video, rich with candid info, each & every sentence uttered is absolutely meaningful, love all your videos that I could see so far. Your hard-work is imminent, I salute to you & to your work. Your this video has like ignited my emotions to travel to Alaska by road from Toronto. By birth from Pakistan, but feel very fortunate that around 1999 to 2005, While studying in the US, Louisiana, during my 6 years stay, I travelled mainland US, for more than 50,000 miles by road, just to see the US, & had been my dream to visit Alaska one day, & your this video has ignited the spark in me, & hopefully soon we will be heading Alaska. Being a Radio host in one of the multicultural radio channel in Toronto, I keep giving my listeners a kind of a virtual tour across North America & urge my listeners for get some away vacations, & to some extent, I have succeeded in that. Kindly, keep up a great work. May you enjoy immense success & countless blessings in your life….Ameen. Thank You so much
The main thing people fail to realize is that more than 96% of Alaska is owned by the federal government and you can’t live on federal land, nor is it for sale to own. So close to 800k people live in less than 4% of the land people can live on
I lived in North Pole, Alaska in the early 90's while stationed at Eielson AFB. I'll be moving back to Alaska in the summer of 2024 and I cannot wait. The state is absolutely beautiful and there is a ton of thing to do if you're the outdoors type.
I live in Wasilla, Alaska and love the winters here! I moved here from Texas in 2020. Winter and the midnight sun on summer solstice and the deep dark winters during winter solstice make it feel like another planet up here. I find it extremely unique compared to boring Texas! by the way you made a mistake because were the 49th state, Hawaii joined a few months after us in 1959, so they're the 50th state not us. I love how isolating it is up here. Its like my frozen, isolating, nook in the world that I can escape society far more than I ever could in Texas!
How's texas boring compared to alaska? I mean yeah I'm sure alaska has plenty of outdoor activities but so does texas. The only difference is alaskans get to ski, hike, and enjoy the snowy mountains in the winter.. idk what else but texas is not boring thats for sure
@@adrianaguayo1540 Texas sucks. Worst state in the country. Its just a hot desert with no scenery being taken over by californians. Get out WHILE YOU CAN!
I'm a Texan, born and raised, and I want to live in Alaska eventually. It's so beautiful, and so far from the rest of the world (which seems to have gone crazy). I think I would fit in well.
I'm born and raised here, it's getting worse, we have homeless, drugs, violence, and theft just like everywhere else. Here where I live we had a pre covid population of about 9,000 in S.E. Alaska, summer time w all the seasonal workers/ jewlers/ tour guides it goes up to about 12-13,000 but now post covid we've got about 15, 000 "residents" w a bad housing problem, almost impossible to get a storage unit, price of groceries cost even more up here because everything is shipped in by barge so that makes the cost of living go up even more on top of inflation... I still love my home town... I just wish it wasn't so expensive to live here
I’m a born and raised Alaskan from Southeast and I love our state and how few people live here. I think most transplants struggle and some eventually leave because they can’t manage well with the various weather patterns in the state (lots of rain in my region, long winters up north) and the wide swings in daylight. It’s fine though - those of us here are happy to enjoy the culture and nature of our home without the overcrowding common to other places. 😬
That sounds wonderful! Alaska is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique culture. Living in a place with fewer people can definitely be appealing, as it allows for a closer connection to nature and a more peaceful lifestyle. The weather patterns and long winters might not be for everyone, but those who embrace it are rewarded with incredible experiences. It's great to hear that you appreciate and enjoy your home state!
They can be bad some days during summer, but not bad enough to avoid visiting altogether if you can't handle the cold. Some days in summer you'll see none, some days you'll see clouds of mosquitoes, most days it's somewhere in between.
I’d love to hear more about the livability there. I’ve been dreaming of living in alaska for several years and as a young person just starting out I would like to know about opportunities there.
There are always jobs and people are super friendly. I lived in Anchorage for 8 years. Great state and great town. Invest in some good boots, warm feet makes all the difference.
Would love to see more about the interior part of Alaska...Fairbanks & North Poll area.. how to drive from the lower 48 to Alaska... cost of living, grocery & fuel prices, housing etc....living off grid vs on....land for sale, ways to buy land, realtors vs by owner.....the weather in the interior etc...^^^^
just type it into google maps and go. theres basically only one road, its called the alaska highway and its pretty freaking cool to drive in the winter though pretty dangerous.
