[RightWhale]

Approximately 1/3 of the population is changed out every year. 8% is Alaska Native and generally stay in the State; not all, but most. Three years is about all one should expect from those who got inspired and showed up mostly unannounced, which is about how they will leave. As they say, 'yeah, old Pete, we remembered him fondly until we saw his taillights.'

[Danette]

My sister and her husband moved up there back in the early 80's. They hauled a backhoe up there themselves. Never out of work. They spread the word to our small town in Minnesota and practically all of the young ones moved up for the boom.

I just happened to get stationed at Elmendorf around that time. It was nice because I got to hang out with all my friends in high school and alot of my teachers. It was surreal. Most of them are still there after 20+ years. I didn't experience this kind of snowfall while I was there :(

[akorahil]

Huh.

I have been thinking of moving up there, but I want to visit Anchorage for a week in January/February first.

I figure if I can like it at it's WORST time, I should love it at it it's BEST time. Any advice you might have to a prospective citizen of Alaska?

By the way, I live in MN, so snow/digging out/long nights/cold isn't unknown to me. (Well, save for this year anyway...)