And this kid would’ve NEVER made it on YT, without the help of his mom and dad who have a lot of subscribers. Plus his friends who help build his cabin and gave him a place to stay in the winter and people who feel sorry for him and donate to him via PayPal. Anyone else, best of luck!
I and many others had a very romanticized view of 'cool industrial' Pittsburgh only to learn that it truly is a decrepit as portrayed in Silence of the Lambs. Also full of housing projects filled with warring black gangs. I appreciate the observations made here. Never buy into 'buzz. about some new cool or edgy place to live.
The average home price in the United States was $495,100 in the second quarter of 2023, according to the Census Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development.
@@WhiteBreadThunder-op6inHave you looked at the prices in the Meadow Lakes / Big lake area lately? Willow and points north are less expensive. In our neighborhood the values have gone up over 25% and the last 4 years. $250k is a very small ranch with no garage.
I’m painfully aware. Especially, when I pay my Borough taxes. Compared to other parts of the state, especially SE and ANC, it could be a lot worse. Look at Western Wa or Oregon.
It's so hard in so many ways, but there is just a majesty and awe I experience here, a feeling like I'm in this undiscovered wilderness on the edge of the world and I'm the only one that knows how beautiful it is. The feeling you get when it's the middle of the night and it's bright enough you can see the mountains and everything is quiet except the robins calling to one another. The feeling of a warm fire on a cold night. The feeling of finally catching the northern lights or that mountain that's been covered by clouds for weeks. Sometimes cruel, but always magic. Always bigger than you.
Ok, I’ve been on the fence about moving to Alaska. I live deep in the mountains in CO so I can handle harsh winters, but your description might just tip me over the edge to move.Beautiful summary of the wilderness of Alaska.
That was a very honest viewpoint. You are young and clearly embracing all that your homeland has to offer. Thank you for sharing your journey with us . I look forward to your videos .
Hey Mick very informative video, but we are so glad that you enjoy living there, otherwise there would be no Channel of you and your wonderful homestead, take care.X🏴💕
Ditto to all you said Mick. I have lived on the Kenai for the last 20 years. Moved up from Kansas City. I had my own computer business in Kenai and there is no way I could have done that in KC. Too much competition. We homeschooled our kids and raised them here as well. Great community of people that have been very good to us and my kids had a growing up experience that didn't involve mindless video games inside. It was fishing and hunting in season and getting out testing your metal and learning to use your mind and abilities. Today they are hard working responsible adults and well grounded. Winters do get long if you don't like Winter. But Alaskans love to party and socialize during the Winter so that really helps pass the time. Alaska is not everyone's cup of tea, It had to grow on me for sure but I can say in spite of the fact that for the first 5 years here I was ready to go back to KC, Alaska has been very good to my family and I have grown to love it here. Oh and yes, "Adventure is her but to get to it is expensive. You have to have the right toys. I have never seen so many big trucks, pulling trailers with two or more sleds or wheelers in season and also pulling huge mega expensive RVs to boot. People spend big bucks up here for that stuff and if you really want to do some serious hunting or fishing, be prepared to shell out mega bucks for fly ins and guide services. All that being said, I work in the oil and gas industry now and plan to retire in the next three years and we plan to head back to the lower 48 for all the reasons you mentioned, especially to make the dollar stretch farther. We are looking at Idaho because after 20 years here, we couldn't do the Kansas City Metro area. So, in the mean time we plan to do some Alaska vacationing and get to some of the stuff we couldn't afford to do early on before we move on. We may just see ya when we drive back down from Valdez. If we see ya out and about we will be sure to say hi. You are doing great son, you got what it takes to make a go of it here and you will be all the better for it where ever you end up. YOU will always have Alaska in your heart. Even if you move back to Michigan one day, hang on to your place up there. you just never know. God Bless. John V. =
This was a much appreciated video Mick, thank-you! You mentioned things that can be overlooked. Much love to you & to all who are enjoying your journey. ❤️🇨🇦
All I do is dream of moving there. I live in south east Texas and it’s like hell on earth. Hot as hell , mosquitoes every where, hurricanes, high humidity , chem plants , tons of people and bad roads and a deteriorating infrastructure. I think Alaska would be fantastic. I’d rather try and warm rest of my life than try and stay in a air conditioner. As soon as u walk outside here u start sweating.
I love these videos and am impressed at your mature articulation and thought process. Watching your journey gives me enough of that wilderness hit to appreciate an adventurous spirit! At your last comment in this video “stay warm out there”, I had to chuckle because I’m watching from Las Vegas, NV where our temps for the next week will soar between 113-119*F. If I can figure it out, I’ll sent some heat up your way! 😂.
I live in WVa in the mountains and it's a 30 mile round trip for me also to shop for food or gas. And our prices aren't quite as high as there but nothing is cheap! My unsolicited advice would be NOT to buy a lot of that junk food stuff in the stores. It's overpriced, stale and filled with unhealthy ingredients, preservatives and chemicals that will weaken your overall health and immunity. Not to mention empty out your money jar!!!!! 😅 Learn to make healthy alternatives at home....even on your one burner or stovetop. Try to do at least 3 errands each trip out so you are not wasting gas. Write a list so you don't forget. Also, combining three trips into one could save you 2/3rds of your gas cost! And not lower your quality of life in any way. I do often and save myself time, money and aggravation and free myself up for more fun experiences! 🎉
This was a great entertaining video. Do more of these… about anything. Your articulation, your photos, your editing are on point and they are a joy to watch!
I agree with all your points. For me, Alaska is a place for a vacation. I know I couldn't survive living there, but at least I can come enjoy the beauty and then tootle off back to the Burbs where I belong.
Food is definitely expensive up there, but those same homes would cost $750,000 where I currently live. I grew up in Alaska; like you, I consider it my homeland. I still hope to move back there in a couple years.
Bless you for bringing the realities of life in Alaska to your fans. Most of us barely make it here with the costs of living here in the lower 48, and your grocery store footage would give someone a great incentive to grow their own food IF you had a longer growing season. You’ve shared some of your hardships, but this video really drives it home that anyone considering relocating to Alaska needs to take an honest look at the pros and cons. I subscribe to another channel by a young couple who live off grid in Alaska. (Simple Living Alaska) They don’t sugar coat anything about their daily lives, and they share their mistakes, too. Right now they’re trying to get a garden established, and just trying to moose proof the fence was a major undertaking. Yes, you make most of it look fun, but in a lot of ways, you were raised for this. Both of your parents have RU-vid channels dedicated to off grid simple living. I’m sure you’ve learned a LOT from them-for example, the design of your outhouse looks familiar to fans of both channels. You also have the advantage of youth and good health, and trust me that those are BIG advantages compared to the toll that just living can take on a person who is older. Like many of your viewers, I’m not as limber as I was thirty years ago. There’s a popular saying that if I’d have known that I would live this long, I might have taken better care of myself!
Finally got caught up with all the episodes. I love the way you tell a story. Very talented. Insanely handsome, and that voice…. I appreciate the honesty, watching you experience your achievements and seeing you recognize places you want to improve. I really get the feeling that I’m joining you on this adventure. What sets your channel apart from a lot of others, is that it’s a reflection of real life we all experience with life’s high points and life’s disappointments. That is another brilliant talent. The way you can tell a story that a real person can relate to, instead of some lofty dream life that is entertaining, but not realistic. Can’t wait to see the next episode
I live in California and if you think Alaska is expensive come to California. Everything is absolutely insanely expensive here. I grew up in the mountains of Colorado and I loved the solitude there. Sometimes I think we take things for granted in life. All that matters is that you're happy, nothing else.
Exceedingly articulate !!! What a fabulous format and formula for your channel. Honestly, Mick, one of your greatest gifts is your ability to speak fluidly and with passion about subjects close to your heart. Keep it up!! We are ALL the better for it. -V
@@earthangel8730first of all, the population in america is decreasing but second, the issue is that people aren’t happy to live in small towns and move to big cities and then want to move away
That’s what I was thinking. His gas price might be a little cheaper but we have longer winter days even if it is -20 with 3 feet of snow in the yard. And Home Depot is only about 135miles round trip for me.
So interesting to watch! Thank you for sharing! I am getting ready to move from denver colorado to a more secluded place in colorado and you touched on a few things I have been thinking about, increased winter season and location to town bring to big concerns after 7 years in the populous of the city. Honestly feels really reassuring to hear you talk about it all!
Mick I watch a lot of RU-vid and this is hands down one of the best videos I've seen on RU-vid in months! And absolutely the best Whipple video I've seen in a couple years. You've raised the Whipple bar to new heights!!🎉. Keep up the good work; I'll be back!
Very fair Mick. I've been to Alaska a couple of times. Whenever I think of going there, I think the of Alaskan adage, "we have two seasons. Winter and construction." Then I think of all the highway dust I sucked in while riding a motorcycle. But it was a great trip. To visit there one experiences the "wildness" whether it is along the coast or in Fairbanks.
I kind of had those same thoughts in the back of my head Mick. Years & years ago my husband & I were offered a job with Exxon , in the Yukon. Even though the salary was terrific, so were expenses trying to live there, so we opted out. Plus, I hate the cold weather, I would never do well there. I understand all your opinions here! Thank you for being so open about it!
great segment. sincere and honest. I would have love to have gone, had i been younger. Now, i aspire to possibly visit. but at 71.....i think i'll just watch videos and dream. thanks for your perspective.
My Uncle has lived in Alaska for 45 yrs. Things would be easier if a real job is had. My Uncle worked so hard and is now enjoying retirement. You can't depend on RU-vid for a job unless you have another job where you can afford where you're living. If you only depend on RU-vid, you won't get far. You also need a real job to help you out. Money doesn't fall into anyone's lap. I've worked hard for 39 yrs to get where I am today. I started working at 17. I'll be 57 in Aug. 40 yrs and counting. Working for my husband's business he worked hard for. We started out with nothing.
Been following you since the start! You're a tough dude and very honest. That's hard to find these days. Keep up the good work buddy, All good things take time.
Very well thought out and presented. I would love to visit to experience the wild beauty but I know better than to think I could live there for all of the reasons you mentioned. Great presentation.😊
I think people in Alaska have a big misconception about the cost of living in other parts of the country. None of the prices surprised me, and real estate is still cheaper than in the last few states I've lived in, including California, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Additionally, I've experienced similar, if not longer, drives to big cities in some of those states!
I live in Alaska (Kodiak Island) and I visit California quite often. I was planning on retiring down there but the costs there are as high or higher than here. So I decided to stay up here.
So glad you did a video on this. I follow a different channel that pushes their thing, which is what you expect with a channel, but years and years after going strong, they FINALLY told the truth: the bad news included. I'm very glad you did this so soon, Mick. Good job keeping that conscience clean.
Mick....some very helpful insights into trying out Alaska. This state is no joke. Hope you are enjoying your summer so far. Have you considered a garden? I think you could really do a small one and enjoy it. Thanks from Central Oklahoma
So well done. Explaining a shocking statement style used in perfection. I really appreciate when people show reality especially since we often are living vicariously your adventure. :)
Sounds reasonable. Have you ever watched Simple Living Alaska? It's about a young married couple who are building their homestead. They don't give their exact location, but they're about an hour out of Fairbanks. They have a garden, chickens, a large work shed. They build everything themselves (except the cabin that they live in). They hunt, fish and garden and live off of that. You'd probably enjoy watching their videos.
Hey, I’ve heard that they don’t actually live there full-time. And I too enjoy their content, but I also appreciate the fact that this is just a RU-vid channel and likely not an accurate representation of every day life. With that being said, I feel like it’s important to consume Contant like that of these homesteaders responsibly and realize that that lifestyle they’re portraying is not necessarily realistic or attainable. I find it dangerous that so many people are taking their content at face value, and some of them might even be moving to Alaska under the impression that this lifestyle is easy or practical to living some abstract concept of living the romanticized life in the Alaskan bush.
@@donthavanames4236 So where did you hear they don't live there full time? Anyone who is contemplating living in Alaska should do their own research before they make that decision, not by what they see on RU-vid. I know I would. I wouldn't go by videos I'm seeing on RU-vid.
@@donthavanames4236 they definitely live on their homestead full time. There is a lot of upkeep to keep that place running. They work very HARD & are dedicated to the lifestyle. I do agree that it is unrealistic for most people & they should do their own research before they move to Alaska based off a RU-vid video.
What's past 40? Age is in your head. If you think you're old at 40, you'll act like an old person. Some people are super healthy - they've exercised and had a healthy diet. Others are ready to kick off because they have sat on their rear and eaten processed food.
Everything stated in this video is true if your a certain type of individual. If your scared of your shadow; not, If you can't do things yourself; not, can't think for your self, can't get your self out of difficult situation, can't live in a tent at 40-50+ below, can't go out in the winter, don't know how to hunt, don't know how to fish, . I think everyone get's the message; I lived in Alaska for 12 years; traveled likely 3/4's of Alaska by small aircraft, wilderness river, Hiking many many miles overland and was almost, several times met my MAKER. (no exaggeration at all ) I loved my wonderful 12 years there and did just about everything that was dangerous to normal folks. Why am I telling you this, well, you have to BE in the wilderness of Alaska during the winter, summer spring and fall to feel and love life. ALASKA is not forgiving at all, out of the cities; your on your own with nobody to save your ASS. But this is life, this is why some of us are here, to experience life, the good, bad and ugly. It is entirely worth it. Learn to live off the land. Hunt, fish, learn to build etc. If you can't do these things then stay in your cocoon of never stepping out of your safety zone. For Alaska is where you meet life when off the road and it was a blast of a Journey. I'm 81yo and I enjoyed every moment of the 12 years and have stories of surviving which I keep to myself because the normies have no experiences to believe or accept. But I have a well grounded understanding of life. Be Brave, it's worth it.... Accept the challenge, enjoy the experience and learn what life is all about; above all, BE YOUR INDEPENDENT SELF and live life..
I lived in Anchorage for 4 years (quite a few years ago), and absolutely loved it. Alaska is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen/lived, and I’ve been around the world. Having moose and black bear in our yard was fantastic. The long winters didn’t bother me too much. I know it was very hard on others, and I wouldn’t enjoy it nearly so much at my more advanced age now. 😂 Enjoy it! Great videos. Keep up the awesome adventures.
Good to see you Mik. I might like to visit, but I couldn't live there. You have a nice cabin to live in. Nice weather to play in. Take care and always be safe.
Thanks so much for that Mick. I know I could not stand the freezing temperatures - and I doubt you could stand our summers of in the 40sC every day for months! But I love to see how you all live up there, so different from my world. I think we each treasure our homes and way if life. I love seeing things through your eyes. 😊🙃❤👩🦽
hey, if you dont mind my asking, what does it take to become a fully fledged bush pilot, and what kind of person would enjoy it? asking as an 18 year old who utterly wants to move to alaska but doesnt know what to do to earn money. i worry of a job taking my freedom away, especially freedom of time, i couldnt stand a 9-5, 5 days a week. any advice you have, if you'd share it, i'll absorb like sponge.
I agree. There are some nice places in the Ozark's. I’ll put up with a few more Alaska winters. I’m not a big fan of the ticks, chiggers, heat, humidity, snakes and tornadoes of Missouri.
I live in Alaska 10 months a year, I keep my farm in Missouri just in case. Its really not as bad as this video makes you think. I've never had my I own quote, except this. Alaska doesn't suffer fools or the unlucky. I love living here. Most of the year.
The cost of that house was not that bad all things considered. I can see someone from the bay area moving to fairbanks for a quiet life and cheaper housing.
Great video I appreciate your honesty definitely Alaska is not for everyone! It is still on my bucket list. I absolutely love cold weather cannot handle heat or humidity love all the outdoor camping hiking Etc thanks again for another awesome video
Interesting video. I've been to Alaska twice...while on cruises. In addition, my husband has been there twice to go fish with the guys. We love Alaska, but you would never see us living there! I'm a born and raised Californian. I would never adjust to Alaska winters. And I'm 70 years old. So I will continue to watch your adventures. You are very wise Mick. And I love your parents!
Thanks for sharing that that was wisdom. I’ve heard people say Alaska is a great place to visit, but they would not want to live there. That pretty much sums up what you were saying.
Great video and th one thing you have so many looking at moving to Alaska is you have friends there! For someone with no friends in Alaska moving there then I would imagine the winters are even worse becasue of lack of contact with friends. Keep it up!
Mick, I've followed you from the beginning, and honestly I Thought ( past tense ) when I saw the title of this post that it was click bait. I'm glad to say I was wrong. Very well spoken, and valid points across the board. Another place this summer where 'staying warm' is Not an issue is the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. wishing all the best for you in year 2 and beyond.
The wife and I took our honeymoon there in 2016 in June. We stayed in Fairbanks for a week and drove to Denali. I absolutely LOVED the lack of population density and the 24 hours of daylight but it sure was nice to head back home after a week. I could live up there, except for the cold.
What a great video to hear Alaska from your point of view. I think the biggest draw back for me would be the distance from family in the lower 48. I had a friend who moved to Alaska after she married. Her dad wrote her a FB post, “Where have you been all my life.” He missed her as she grew older and raised her family. I can relate as a military family member. So make sure you take the time to go back to see family often. But anyway, I enjoyed your realistic viewpoint. I have been in Alaska only once when I went to the North Slope. We flew over Denali. It is a beautiful state.
Yeah, Alaska is beautiful, rugged, and unforgiving if you're not prepared. I in really easy Florida. Sunshine almost every day. Even when it rains, it is not all day. I love the sunshine, my pool, and the easy way of life. I am not in one of the more populated touristy areas, which suits me fine. But, that easy way of life makes me more appreciative of all that you do, Mick! And gives me more time to watch videos like yours! I can't wait to watch the next one!
I’m happy for you Mick and would love visiting but as I get older the long cold winter just doesn’t sound appealing to me! Enjoy your time for however long you decide to live in Alaska! Peace and blessings 🤗
Hi, I’ve been watching your channel from the beginning, great content! Make more videos about outdoor activities that you’re mentioning on the end of your video, people really like to watch it, I would love to watch it!
"If your living like that, why come to Alaska?" Listen man, I know you took a risk with how you chose to move to Alaska, but there are plenty of people that want to work a stable job whilst living somewhere beautiful. It is not mutually exclusive. You are extremely privileged to be in the position you are in, and if somebody else wants to move there by their means, so be it .
Randomly found your video. My first laugh was the title "Why you Shouldn't Move to Alaska" paired with the following scene of you talking in front of a beautiful field of wildflowers with stunning scenery in the background. Haha. Realistically, me living there would be nearly impossible unless I had a very strong sense of community and purpose. I live in the mid south, and already struggle with SAD when the days are shorter. Furthermore, I'm also not a fan of long periods of cold weather. I grew up in PA, and already had a tough time dealing with the winters there. Where I'm at now (East, TN near the Appalachian's) we still have winters, but they are much milder on average. I REALLY miss the rugged woods of the north though, so part of my heart is still there. Anyhow, nice video. You seem to have a cool channel and I'll definitely check out some of your other videos. :)
As a generational Alaskan, whose family goes back centuries upon centuries, I can tell you the number one reason why some folks ought not to move to Alaska. But I don't want to be censored by yt or banned from your channel ( *not that I think you or your family should not be here* ). Man, how I wish we were allowed to express ourselves.
Hello Mick 🤗 this was a very helpful & informative video on moving to Alaska 😉 sure your parents are very proud of all you've accomplished ❤ Take Care 🙏
Exactly... Not one video to date about subsistence, the Natives from many different Tribes, this kid throws Anchorage, Fairbanks under the bus. Many of us might live and work in Town. We have the road system, boats of every make and model, Air access... Before some hauls off and says those things are too expensive, many of us count on and are in service to each other. What a dick video. We tell people not to move here because we don't want disrespectful people in our communities.
@@AlaskaBackyardTimeLapse I just wanted to say if freedom loving folks want to move here because their state has become a pile of **** ----then figure out how to keep our Alaska from becoming another pile of **** by leaving behind all the Socialistic mindset when making the move. I *don't* want Alaska to be another poop filled Los Angelos, San Franscisco, Seattle, Portland, NYC, etc., where only ill eagles, BruhLivesMadder or Antipants ^^^^holes thrive.
my son relocated to AK over 25 yrs ago when he was close in age to you Mick.... and one way he beats the winter blues is snow skiing, or surfing Mexico or Hawaii. I had considered moving there myself, but the properties were way above what a retiree could afford.
Thanks Mick sometimes I imagine living up there. I have family in Kenny Lake and I just spent last month there I love it up there during the late spring and summer but I've never visited in the cold months and I'm not sure how I'd handle that. Everything you said I've found to be true
🤣 it sounds and looks a lot like Norway 😁 but gas is even more expensive 🙈 But when you have 17 sled dogs and kind of don’t like a lot of neighbors, it’s perfect 👌 I pray I never have to live in a city again. So keep following your heart ❤
I'm a long-time Alaskan, and your words are true to me. Right now, I am out of Alaska assisting my mother. I've learned to explore the area I am in and find great pleasure in that. One day, I'll be back in Alaska because I completely understand what it takes to live there. It takes a special breed to stay in Alaska long term. I hope you succeed at doing just that.
I would absolutely love it 😊. Love love snow,love solitude, love the autumn & winter. Love the water, only 1 issue is I have a dodgy back so I would need someone like yourself to build me a cabin 😁 perfect 👌.
Currently live in anchorage but want to move out to the valley sometime soon! I work in Prudhoe Bay so I get it about the winters XD I love skiing and winter sports so the cold keeping the Californians out is a plus for me!
I’m about to graduate Welding school in Georgia, I have some work experience as well. Do I have to have Artic experience to get hired in the Prudhoebay Area? I would be totally down to move to Alaska and work up there.
Thanks for this truly informative post. Id love to visit Alaska but not live permanently. Beautiful country. That’s fir sure. Anyhow we absolutely love watching your Alaska adventures!!
Thank you Mick for sharing this. I just learn a little bit more about Alaska. I knew about the cold, darkness, the wild. The cost is outrages. The houses are just as expensive here in Ny. You are better off on making a garden. You can dry some of your food. make your own pickles. lol
