Review of Anchorage, Alaska


An inconvenient, overpriced icebox.
Star Rating - 7/18/2019
I've lived here for several years and dislike it more and more each year. Family and lack of funds has kept me here. Aside from the weather and darkness, there is little to no culture here, except for native Alaskan culture. The museum has had the same exhibits since I got here. There is no competition here, since large companies see no reason to do business here. So, customer service is non-existent. The people here are a bad combo of dull and weird, and they are prejudiced against "big city folks", especially East Coasters like myself. In addition, the cost of living is very high.
Dawn | Anchorage, AK
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7 Replies


I couldn't agree more with your review. It is also filled to the brim with racist, conservative rednecks.
Craig | New York, NY | Report Abuse

And, "J": Don't know where you've been, but if it was NYC, you must have had the wrong tour guide. Typical of the people here. Sounds like you belong right here in Alaska. Dawn
Dawn | Anchorage, AK | Report Abuse

Anchorage is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the United States and it is fifteen minutes from the remote wilderness of Alaska and all the outdoor recreational activity it offers. I've lived here for over 30 years and I travel extensively, to include New York where my Father is from (Brooklyn). Regarding light, Anchorage has seven hours of daylight during the winter months and about 20 hours of daylight during the summer. And, as for cold, the midwest and New York City is substantially colder than Anchorage is during the winter and a lot hotter (and muggier) during the summer. Anchorage is a city of 300,000 and has a diverse variety of art and culture. There is an extensive and thriving culinary scene including craft beer and spirits. Alaskan's, in general, are known for their hospitality and kindness to strangers, they're not dull. The museum you refer to has undergone five major expansions and renovations since I arrived in 1983 and brings in at least two or three traveling exhibits per year. In fact, Ballet West performed the Nutcracker this weekend at the Performing Arts Center, and that is one performance of many throughout the year. Yes, the cost of living in Anchorage is higher than most states but so is the median household income. Actually median household income is about $30,000 higher than the US average. One in three visitors (tourism) to Anchorage return because they like it so much. I know Anchorage isn't everyone's cup of tea but if you're going to publish your opinions about Anchorage, at least have the courtesy, to be honest, and include the facts. I wish you the best in saving the money you need to save to move to another place and try something new, but I have a sense your unhappiness with Anchorage has nothing to do with Anchorage and will follow you wherever you go. Perhaps there is a bigger problem needing to be addressed? I hope you find the place and peace you seek.
nick | Anchorage, AK | Report Abuse

Thank you Dawn, for your off handed "compliment". I am proud to be an Alaskan, and have probably lived here since before you were born. Read Nick's reply again, one or two more times before you decide to slam a city with such nonsense. It's one thing to write a good review, (good or bad) and quite another to just be half assed about it. I hope you find the peace you seek as well.
J. | Anchorage, AK | Report Abuse

I have lived in Anchorage, Alaska for 41 years, and I don't agree with a single thing you said, especially regarding culture. I have traveled quite a bit to other cities in the U.S. so I do have knowledge of comparison on many different levels. Why don't you take your dull and weird self and go on back to the East Coast? Sounds like you belong there.
J. | Anchorage, AK | Report Abuse

In summation, when writing a review, whether it be positive or negative, try to be informative, thorough, and fair. To have lived here for "several years' and not recognizing what a city of this size has to offer; with it's beauty and many amenities, is shortsighted and ignorant. And to call a diverse population "dull and weird; prejudiced against big city folks" only proves that point.
J. | Anchorage, AK | Report Abuse

Anchorage is not a great place to be unless you enjoy the isolated city and long winters. I grew up here and still live here due to family reasons, but am definitely leaving now. It is not for people who enjoy a more larger and open environment, that is warmer or has more opportunities for events such as amusement parks and 24-hour nightlife. Alaska is a rural state, so this can be very boring for other people. The nature here is dark spruce trees, bears, moose and some few other creatures. Mountains are pretty, but you can see mountains in many other parts of the world.
J | Anchorage, AK | Report Abuse
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