Moving to Alaska

[AkTrooper]

i will be moving to Alaska from Pennsylvania by myself in august to start my new career as a state trooper. just wondering if any locals could tell me a little about it. ive read up on ak but i dont really want to know the everyday normal stuff that can be read online or in travel brochures. something about the culture, real estate, or locals. how well they accept newcomers? areas to go see? areas to stay away from? what is to be expected? would like any information.... good or bad. any input would be appreciated. thanks

[chellesman]

as a trooper you should know that 70% of alaskans smoke "weed"...it is almost a custom...and almost legal ..(even though I don't). like everywhere..you have other drugs to contend with(mainly cocaine and opiate prescription abuse)..The main crimes are domestic violence, moose poaching, and d.u.i.(besides the above mentioned drugs-and related). Every1 runs stops in th winter..and frost heave causes us all to swerve in the winter...so be understanding....you will se moose everywhere-but hunting them is hard. there is salmon in every river-and catching them is easy. Find a winter past time(snow machining or ice-fishing) to avoid getting cabin fever....And most of all- enjoy the summer and sleep in the winter ...welcome

[chellesman]

oh ya , most alaskans enjoy outsiders-most of us were once...stay away from the villages and remote areas until you have been here a few(10+) years,if you want a warm welcome.
The majority of us dislike city-folk(i.e. Anchorage))..But we love the steelers right after the Seahawks.... Good charter fishing outa seward and homer...realstate(like everywhere) has been climbing steadily until recently...now it is stagnate...Diff areas diff prices. Matsu expect 120-300 for nice, anchorage = double, kenai = 1.5x,outer ares .75-.50.