Advice on Living in Alaska, the Last American Frontier

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PHOTO: MARK KOT
Yes, Alaska is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world to live, and you can make a good life for yourself here. But no, it's definitely not the paradise that many people expect it to be.

Here’s some straight talk from an experienced “sourdough” with advice on living in Alaska.

Advice on Living in Alaska: The Last American Frontier

Is Alaska truly the last American frontier, promising endless possibilities for wealth and adventure? Is that state still able to produce “gold rush” or “pipeline” get-rich opportunities for anyone who happens to move there? And is plenty of land that’s just ripe for homesteading still available? The answer to all these questions is yes and no. Yes, Alaska is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world to live, and you can make a good life for yourself here. But no, it’s definitely not the paradise that many people expect it to be.

My husband and I learned these truths the hard way when we quit our civil service jobs seven years ago with the intention of starting over in a new place. We wanted to go where there would be more chances for good jobs and inexpensive land . . . to a place (we imagined) like Alaska!

BOOM OR BUST

  • Published on Jul 1, 1982
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