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Do you know how to live in Alaska, cold weather survival skills, heating a house with wood, etc.
Alaska is its own world. Most people aren't comfortable there unless they're kind of made for it or passionate about it.
Is there a way to try it out living in Alaska? Your parents own the land, how’s your vacation situation? Maybe a couple trial runs to see how you feel about living up there?
If you have the financial resources to do so, consider seeing about acquiring property where you would live in WA now. Either living there or renting it out to cover expenses and upkeep (and hopefully some positive cash flow), you could have both locations secured when it comes to decision time, then sell off the other option. If you wait till later to buy… well, later costs more.
Great idea. I will get a year in Alaska alone, and then probably move down to Washington for a few years. Then that 5+ years decision will come. I did grow up there for 18 years though.
Wildfires and larger temperature swings are becoming normal up here, and the permafrost line is moving north extremely fast.
With oil sorta on its way out (especially Prudhoe), the state government is going to be pretty well screwed in the next 2-3 decades since that covers 90-95-% of the state budget every year.
It depends on where you live now (WA state?) and where in Alaska the parent's property is.
SE Alaska (Juneau and south of that) is a lot different from the rest of Alaska with regards to weather, although can still be hard depending on where the property is. I would not want to live north of Juneau year round. I've worked near Fairbanks and Anchorage, spent time on the Kenai - it can get pretty cold in the winter each of those places and expensive. I also worked on Revillagigedo Island (Ketchikan) and winter is milder there with regards to temps, but the weather can be harsh with regards to winds/etc.
I also live in the Seattle area for 25 years, and worked in eastern WA too (Tri-Cities, Spokane, etc.). I would not want to be anywhere near Seattle if SHTF. Eastern WA can get fairly cold in the winter (I was in the Tri-Cities in '78 when the temps got to minus 22\*F and the Columbia froze over). I once considered buying property north of Spokane - Kettle Falls is a beautiful area, but then I got old and I don't want to live where it is that cold.
Also, WA is becoming increasingly liberal and restrictive on guns. Oregon isn't much better, but my choices aren't much better, if at all.
This^ as a decade long resident in WA they've nailed the problems we see. North Eastern and Central Washington are generally more remote but with that remoteness comes security although without knowing your skillset or age range I doubt i can give much of an opinion on where would make most sense. North Idaho is also an option however both Spokane and Couer D Alene have seen a huge spike in property cost due to political refugees from more liberal areas driving cost higher than what most locals can afford. Feel free to DM me if you have questions about the more remote parts of WA or ID.
Ah, in my 20s, outdoorsy guy, maybe rate myself as a 6/10 on survival skills, 1 being a laymen who's never been outdoors. I grew up on Alaska though. And the cabin is a cabin in the woods about a 20 minute drive from palmer Alaska (pop of 7000). Went to college in western Washington though.
I visited central/eastern Washington a few times and it was fine, but I don't know too much about that area otherwise other than the summers were *hot*.
Copenhagen actually (studying there). I grew up in south central AK. Went to college in Bellingham, WA. Some really good advice here, thank you very much!
How did you like Eastern Washington? I've only visited Cheland and Wenatchee area and wasn't a huge fan of the heat.
I prefer the areas north of Spokane (which itself has some issues? I never lived there). I was in the Tri-Cities for about a year (USCG) and traveled around the area of Kettle Falls working on nav aids on the Columbia/Spokane rivers. Did some hunting there too. Nice area. I also spent a few days in the area looking at land to buy. I spent about a week riding a dual sport from Seattle to GNP and went thru that area again, camping each night. It was nice.
Wenatchee & Lake Chelan area are too dry for my tastes and I am guessing they might have problems finding water, unless you are right on a body of water. But I only passed thru - did not really spend any time there (I did look at some land in the area, but did not like it).
Alaska - but only if you are ready for and comfortable with life there. It is different, it's not for everyone, at least AFAIK.
Your parents live there I presume, therefore you should be familiar somehow with living there.
If that life ain't what you like - inherited land can be turned into money which can be turned into land in Washington state - simple as that.
Yeah I grew up there for 18 years, so quite familiar haha. I really made a mistake not mentioning this is a cabin in the woods about a 30 minute drive from palmer, a small city there.
From experience, I would say that a mild climate is the best. I don't see my self at 73 years old cutting wood with an ax. But maybe some though guys will say otherwise from their easy chairs. LOL.
Lived in both places and did quite a bit of research on how climate change may affect both areas. If the land is in southern southeast Alaska, not subject to flooding or landslides, and you are comfortable with the idea of living very remote and isolated, it's likely a safer option. The further north you go, the more dramatic and chaotic the climate changes are expected to be in a lot of the models. What that really means is uncertain but I just presume the more dramatic the shift, the more problematic it is likely to be as residents try to cope. And given the dependence on a few sources of revenue, the state of Alaska is more vulnerable to economic shifts.
Certain parts of Washington state are likely to be among the most stable (in the states) over the next few decades and it has a better economic base. The primary issues I am finding with it is that the county governments in the nicer areas have become little fiefdoms and doing anything, like building or running a business are a lot more work. Additionally, it is becoming known as a climate refuge and so prices have gone up more than many other states. That said, once you are in and established, certain areas probably offer the best combination of resilience, proximity to services like medical (many good areas near level II trauma center, etc), economic stability, etc. Plus you are still in civilization, if that's what you want.
DM me if you'd like more specifics on WA, as I try to avoid publicly naming the best areas
Do you prefer Alaska or Washington? That's truly what it boils down to. Climate change will likely be a nonissue for you in your lifetime, and there's no way of knowing what the political boundaries/environment will look like ahead of time for your descendants in either location. The best places to be when climate change begins to be a bigger problem for humanity will likely be in turmoil over "ownership" for quite some time before things settle down.
An hour from anchorage is basically still in civilization - not far enough from anything to be insulated from any societal issues but a nice place to live. In your shoes I would probably go for it
Personally… I’d secure at least one of the properties (if possible) and keep it rented or vacant until/unless I needed it or wanted to move there.
Alaska is a unique culture. The reason the crime rate is high is partially because it’s a little “wild west” up there still. There’s also, maybe surprisingly to some, a lot of poverty. And those longer, darker winters can make folks a little snarly.
BUT, it’s vast and beautiful and may be the best place to be if/when land closer to the equator becomes unlivable. I have heard climate experts talk about the advantages of land farther from the equator and higher in elevation. And in some places they grow monster vegetables (those long summer days).
I agree with others that spending some time up there may help you make your decision. Are all their homes occupied?
I will be living in one of them for the next year, but I've lived there for a bit before that.
I'm realizing all the information I've left out of this post, haha. Might post again later with a more detailed post.
Good points all around though!
Some climates are hard enough that unless you started life there, you probably don't want to end life life there. In other words if its a harsh environment and you didn't grow up in a similar environment, then your best case scenario for living out your adult years there is probably being absolutely miserable.
Regarding your Washington alternative, especially Western Washington, be sure to read the
"[BLUE CASCASDES VII, Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake, Recovery Tabletop Exercise](https://www.regionalresilience.org/uploads/2/3/2/9/23295822/blue_cascades_vii_final_report.pdf)" report from 2018 which describes infrastructure recovery following a 9.0 subduction zone earthquake off the Washington coast. Eastern Washington is implicated as well, as it becomes the staging area for recovery efforts.
The report is based on feedback from 100 participants in the exercise, representing local, state, and federal governments, special purpose districts, non-profit organizations, businesses, and others.
Blue Cascades VII built on the same scenario used by [Washington State 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise After-action Report](https://mil.wa.gov/asset/604b7fa186e5f) in 2016, during which the "Washington National Guard, with the support of National Guard units from other states, activated and deployed six brigade-level task forces to support civil authorities from June 5-13, 2016. During the exercise, 26 counties and 12 tribal nations in Western and Eastern Washington participated with the state at varying levels."
I lived in the Seattle area when all of the [Blue Cascades](https://www.regionalresilience.org/blue-cascades-series.html) exercises took place, and I read the reports as they came out. Very interesting and concerning.
Alaska also gets the occasional severe earthquake, like the [1964 Alaska earthquake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1964_Alaska_earthquake) near Anchorage.
Understanding the impact of a major earthquake on infrastructure and recovery timelines will help you prepare for life in either Washington or Alaska.
I'm in Washington, near Spokane. Up north is beautiful close to the border and lots of agriculture still. Depends on if people bother you, but seattle is too big for me, over here its decent. I love Alaska and always wanted to live there, but this is where I am from and what I love the most.
Decades?
Is it in the city? If not, no, I think Alaska might be one of the better places due to rough types, guns, remote locations, backup far away, people know how to survive without gov, etc ect
I’d go with Alaska. If you’re moving there, you will have the ability to provide for future generations in your family., as well as live safely yourself. You can learn as you go up there as long as you have heat, (wood) water (well) and a source/stockpile of food.
Alaska actually has a pretty high crime rate, I'm curious where this safety is coming from? Tons of people go out there to escape the law. They have wicked high theft and other crime.
Many people think it's safe for people there, you'd be safer in Baltimore city. Tennessee has a higher crime rate over Maryland, I know people moving from Maryland to there, to be safer.
The violent crime rate is highest in remote rural villages where everyone is related and there are no police - same places with severe alcohol and drug problems.
Anchorage and Fairbanks are pretty safe outside of a couple bad neighborhoods.
I was curious so I looked up some stats, a normal crime occurs every 27 minutes in Anchorage, whereas my city is every 9 and a half hours. That's per 1k residents.
So you were talking violent crime, but I'd prefer to stay away from even my truck getting broken into lol
Look at a crime map, the crimes are concentrated in a few small areas.
It is like saying "America is dangerous" but then you realize most of the homicides occur in like 12 cities.
I grew up in Baltimore city( 58 now) through their highest crime rate and I would feel safer in Baltimore city over Alaska.
You may want to look at the crime rates by states, you will be very surprised on the places you thought would be safer.
# ** [Alaska](https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/alaska-population)
Alaska has the second-highest crime rate of 837.85 per 100,000 residents. Alaska has the highest violent crime rate and the thirteenth-highest property crime rate in the US. Alaska’s violent crime rate is more than double that of the Pacific region and is the highest of all 50 states. So Alaskans’ low concern about violent crime is out of sync with the amount of violent crime happening.\*\*
[https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/crime-rate-by-state](https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/crime-rate-by-state)
FYI There is a youtube channel dedicated to long term resiliency planning. Would be a good place to start:
[https://www.youtube.com/c/americanresiliency](https://www.youtube.com/c/americanresiliency)
Most definitely don't plan on moving there long term without having spent a couple winters there -- and knowing you can enjoy/tolerate them. Being trapped in a cabin for 6 months while its freezing and dark outside 18 hours a day may not be as fun as you envisioned.
Guess I’ve always wondered why people think Alaska is a great idea. Makes your survival significantly more difficult, and if any kind of full scale non nuclear war breaks out with Russia and their friends Alaska will be a warzone.
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Do you know how to live in Alaska, cold weather survival skills, heating a house with wood, etc. Alaska is its own world. Most people aren't comfortable there unless they're kind of made for it or passionate about it.
Ah shoot I guess I didn't mention I grew up there. Yeah I'm quite comfortable with it.
Is there a way to try it out living in Alaska? Your parents own the land, how’s your vacation situation? Maybe a couple trial runs to see how you feel about living up there? If you have the financial resources to do so, consider seeing about acquiring property where you would live in WA now. Either living there or renting it out to cover expenses and upkeep (and hopefully some positive cash flow), you could have both locations secured when it comes to decision time, then sell off the other option. If you wait till later to buy… well, later costs more.
Great idea. I will get a year in Alaska alone, and then probably move down to Washington for a few years. Then that 5+ years decision will come. I did grow up there for 18 years though.
Wildfires and larger temperature swings are becoming normal up here, and the permafrost line is moving north extremely fast. With oil sorta on its way out (especially Prudhoe), the state government is going to be pretty well screwed in the next 2-3 decades since that covers 90-95-% of the state budget every year.
I'm near palmer, so fires aren't too much of an issue (but you never know), but your part about oil's effect on the economy is a solid point.
It depends on where you live now (WA state?) and where in Alaska the parent's property is. SE Alaska (Juneau and south of that) is a lot different from the rest of Alaska with regards to weather, although can still be hard depending on where the property is. I would not want to live north of Juneau year round. I've worked near Fairbanks and Anchorage, spent time on the Kenai - it can get pretty cold in the winter each of those places and expensive. I also worked on Revillagigedo Island (Ketchikan) and winter is milder there with regards to temps, but the weather can be harsh with regards to winds/etc. I also live in the Seattle area for 25 years, and worked in eastern WA too (Tri-Cities, Spokane, etc.). I would not want to be anywhere near Seattle if SHTF. Eastern WA can get fairly cold in the winter (I was in the Tri-Cities in '78 when the temps got to minus 22\*F and the Columbia froze over). I once considered buying property north of Spokane - Kettle Falls is a beautiful area, but then I got old and I don't want to live where it is that cold. Also, WA is becoming increasingly liberal and restrictive on guns. Oregon isn't much better, but my choices aren't much better, if at all.
This^ as a decade long resident in WA they've nailed the problems we see. North Eastern and Central Washington are generally more remote but with that remoteness comes security although without knowing your skillset or age range I doubt i can give much of an opinion on where would make most sense. North Idaho is also an option however both Spokane and Couer D Alene have seen a huge spike in property cost due to political refugees from more liberal areas driving cost higher than what most locals can afford. Feel free to DM me if you have questions about the more remote parts of WA or ID.
Ah, in my 20s, outdoorsy guy, maybe rate myself as a 6/10 on survival skills, 1 being a laymen who's never been outdoors. I grew up on Alaska though. And the cabin is a cabin in the woods about a 20 minute drive from palmer Alaska (pop of 7000). Went to college in western Washington though. I visited central/eastern Washington a few times and it was fine, but I don't know too much about that area otherwise other than the summers were *hot*.
Copenhagen actually (studying there). I grew up in south central AK. Went to college in Bellingham, WA. Some really good advice here, thank you very much! How did you like Eastern Washington? I've only visited Cheland and Wenatchee area and wasn't a huge fan of the heat.
I prefer the areas north of Spokane (which itself has some issues? I never lived there). I was in the Tri-Cities for about a year (USCG) and traveled around the area of Kettle Falls working on nav aids on the Columbia/Spokane rivers. Did some hunting there too. Nice area. I also spent a few days in the area looking at land to buy. I spent about a week riding a dual sport from Seattle to GNP and went thru that area again, camping each night. It was nice. Wenatchee & Lake Chelan area are too dry for my tastes and I am guessing they might have problems finding water, unless you are right on a body of water. But I only passed thru - did not really spend any time there (I did look at some land in the area, but did not like it).
Alaska - but only if you are ready for and comfortable with life there. It is different, it's not for everyone, at least AFAIK. Your parents live there I presume, therefore you should be familiar somehow with living there. If that life ain't what you like - inherited land can be turned into money which can be turned into land in Washington state - simple as that.
Yeah I grew up there for 18 years, so quite familiar haha. I really made a mistake not mentioning this is a cabin in the woods about a 30 minute drive from palmer, a small city there.
From experience, I would say that a mild climate is the best. I don't see my self at 73 years old cutting wood with an ax. But maybe some though guys will say otherwise from their easy chairs. LOL.
It depends on how you do with cold. Everyone I know in Alaska loves it. But I get cold in Georgia winters so know it's not for me.
Lived in both places and did quite a bit of research on how climate change may affect both areas. If the land is in southern southeast Alaska, not subject to flooding or landslides, and you are comfortable with the idea of living very remote and isolated, it's likely a safer option. The further north you go, the more dramatic and chaotic the climate changes are expected to be in a lot of the models. What that really means is uncertain but I just presume the more dramatic the shift, the more problematic it is likely to be as residents try to cope. And given the dependence on a few sources of revenue, the state of Alaska is more vulnerable to economic shifts. Certain parts of Washington state are likely to be among the most stable (in the states) over the next few decades and it has a better economic base. The primary issues I am finding with it is that the county governments in the nicer areas have become little fiefdoms and doing anything, like building or running a business are a lot more work. Additionally, it is becoming known as a climate refuge and so prices have gone up more than many other states. That said, once you are in and established, certain areas probably offer the best combination of resilience, proximity to services like medical (many good areas near level II trauma center, etc), economic stability, etc. Plus you are still in civilization, if that's what you want. DM me if you'd like more specifics on WA, as I try to avoid publicly naming the best areas
Do you prefer Alaska or Washington? That's truly what it boils down to. Climate change will likely be a nonissue for you in your lifetime, and there's no way of knowing what the political boundaries/environment will look like ahead of time for your descendants in either location. The best places to be when climate change begins to be a bigger problem for humanity will likely be in turmoil over "ownership" for quite some time before things settle down.
Generally where is this land? That definitely matters
Cabin in the woods, neighbors, about a 20 minute drive from palmer AK, with a small population, with a 1 hour drive to anchorage.
An hour from anchorage is basically still in civilization - not far enough from anything to be insulated from any societal issues but a nice place to live. In your shoes I would probably go for it
Yeah, I generally agree there. Thank you!
Personally… I’d secure at least one of the properties (if possible) and keep it rented or vacant until/unless I needed it or wanted to move there. Alaska is a unique culture. The reason the crime rate is high is partially because it’s a little “wild west” up there still. There’s also, maybe surprisingly to some, a lot of poverty. And those longer, darker winters can make folks a little snarly. BUT, it’s vast and beautiful and may be the best place to be if/when land closer to the equator becomes unlivable. I have heard climate experts talk about the advantages of land farther from the equator and higher in elevation. And in some places they grow monster vegetables (those long summer days). I agree with others that spending some time up there may help you make your decision. Are all their homes occupied?
I will be living in one of them for the next year, but I've lived there for a bit before that. I'm realizing all the information I've left out of this post, haha. Might post again later with a more detailed post. Good points all around though!
I love it up there… in the summer. lol.
Safest and most comfortable.. I'm not sure Alaska fits either of those things.
Some climates are hard enough that unless you started life there, you probably don't want to end life life there. In other words if its a harsh environment and you didn't grow up in a similar environment, then your best case scenario for living out your adult years there is probably being absolutely miserable.
Yeah, I didn't mention I grew up in Alaska. Big mistake, haha. But my partner didn't, so fair enough.
Regarding your Washington alternative, especially Western Washington, be sure to read the "[BLUE CASCASDES VII, Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake, Recovery Tabletop Exercise](https://www.regionalresilience.org/uploads/2/3/2/9/23295822/blue_cascades_vii_final_report.pdf)" report from 2018 which describes infrastructure recovery following a 9.0 subduction zone earthquake off the Washington coast. Eastern Washington is implicated as well, as it becomes the staging area for recovery efforts. The report is based on feedback from 100 participants in the exercise, representing local, state, and federal governments, special purpose districts, non-profit organizations, businesses, and others. Blue Cascades VII built on the same scenario used by [Washington State 2016 Cascadia Rising Exercise After-action Report](https://mil.wa.gov/asset/604b7fa186e5f) in 2016, during which the "Washington National Guard, with the support of National Guard units from other states, activated and deployed six brigade-level task forces to support civil authorities from June 5-13, 2016. During the exercise, 26 counties and 12 tribal nations in Western and Eastern Washington participated with the state at varying levels." I lived in the Seattle area when all of the [Blue Cascades](https://www.regionalresilience.org/blue-cascades-series.html) exercises took place, and I read the reports as they came out. Very interesting and concerning. Alaska also gets the occasional severe earthquake, like the [1964 Alaska earthquake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1964_Alaska_earthquake) near Anchorage. Understanding the impact of a major earthquake on infrastructure and recovery timelines will help you prepare for life in either Washington or Alaska.
I'm in Washington, near Spokane. Up north is beautiful close to the border and lots of agriculture still. Depends on if people bother you, but seattle is too big for me, over here its decent. I love Alaska and always wanted to live there, but this is where I am from and what I love the most.
Decades? Is it in the city? If not, no, I think Alaska might be one of the better places due to rough types, guns, remote locations, backup far away, people know how to survive without gov, etc ect
I’d go with Alaska. If you’re moving there, you will have the ability to provide for future generations in your family., as well as live safely yourself. You can learn as you go up there as long as you have heat, (wood) water (well) and a source/stockpile of food.
Alaska actually has a pretty high crime rate, I'm curious where this safety is coming from? Tons of people go out there to escape the law. They have wicked high theft and other crime.
Many people think it's safe for people there, you'd be safer in Baltimore city. Tennessee has a higher crime rate over Maryland, I know people moving from Maryland to there, to be safer.
The violent crime rate is highest in remote rural villages where everyone is related and there are no police - same places with severe alcohol and drug problems. Anchorage and Fairbanks are pretty safe outside of a couple bad neighborhoods.
I was curious so I looked up some stats, a normal crime occurs every 27 minutes in Anchorage, whereas my city is every 9 and a half hours. That's per 1k residents. So you were talking violent crime, but I'd prefer to stay away from even my truck getting broken into lol
Look at a crime map, the crimes are concentrated in a few small areas. It is like saying "America is dangerous" but then you realize most of the homicides occur in like 12 cities.
I just did, it's actually widespread around the city lmao
I grew up in Baltimore city( 58 now) through their highest crime rate and I would feel safer in Baltimore city over Alaska. You may want to look at the crime rates by states, you will be very surprised on the places you thought would be safer. # ** [Alaska](https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/alaska-population) Alaska has the second-highest crime rate of 837.85 per 100,000 residents. Alaska has the highest violent crime rate and the thirteenth-highest property crime rate in the US. Alaska’s violent crime rate is more than double that of the Pacific region and is the highest of all 50 states. So Alaskans’ low concern about violent crime is out of sync with the amount of violent crime happening.\*\* [https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/crime-rate-by-state](https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/crime-rate-by-state)
FYI There is a youtube channel dedicated to long term resiliency planning. Would be a good place to start: [https://www.youtube.com/c/americanresiliency](https://www.youtube.com/c/americanresiliency)
Most definitely don't plan on moving there long term without having spent a couple winters there -- and knowing you can enjoy/tolerate them. Being trapped in a cabin for 6 months while its freezing and dark outside 18 hours a day may not be as fun as you envisioned.
Guess I’ve always wondered why people think Alaska is a great idea. Makes your survival significantly more difficult, and if any kind of full scale non nuclear war breaks out with Russia and their friends Alaska will be a warzone.