Although it's very beautiful, it's not utopia.
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8/16/2020
Like any city, Anchorage has it's pros and cons:
Pros:
The scenery is incredibly beautiful.
Endless amount of walking trails to enjoy.
The summers are mild and 80 degree days in the Anchorage Bowl are scarce.
The winter scenery is breathtaking.
You're not too far away from seclusion.
You can leave some of the Lower 48 "behind" (not all, only some).
You're over 1,000 miles away from the northernmost point of the lower 48 (which can be a pro or con).
CONS
The high cost of living, although housing prices are still cheaper than New York, L.A., San Francisco and Seattle.
The crime rate is significantly above the national average (It can get crazy here sometimes, especially areas east of Downtown), which is concerning.
Let's face facts, there are more than just tourists who come to Alaska. The "shady element" come here to evade the law, taxes, child support, etc.. in their home states.
There's a bit of a political divide between the Anchorage Bowl and Eagle River/Mat-Su Valley.
Although it's Alaska, there are some areas where I wouldn't leave my doors open at night.
The homeless and drug epidemic is growing rapidly here (I recently had a person who agressively pandhandled me at a grocery store).
Although it's a nice place to live geographically, It's not exactly utopia.
You have a mix of nice people and standoffish people (I experience this firsthand working customer service).
Bob | Anchorage, AK