Relocation For High Three Retirement

[Kaitum]

Shipping is expensive, if they even ship to AK.

When living in Anchorage, my wife and I never missed an opportunity to joke about the "not valid in Alaska and Hawaii" disclaimer whenever a t.v. commercial would talk about some sale or discount.

 

[Salmonchaser]

That extra 10% calculates around 4-500$ a month for retired days. I'm not prior military so medical is not free and that covers a good chunk.

That three years is my sticking point for a few areas. Suck up 3 for $4-500 a month more?



This is great information! Much appreciated. Would February be a good time for her to experience this or earlier? Would a few weeks give her a feel for it or is this more an observation of the year round impression?

Are there better areas? South of Anchorage - such as Juneau? Is that any better or same?

God no. Juneau is like a dirty foot in a wet boot.

 

[Sytes]

My wife needs to experience what @Bambistew shared in his post so she can consider if this fits her interests. She has a heavy desire to experience Alaska. I need to make sure she is the one to lead this move.

Wife is a tough nut. Born and raised by a retired lt. Colonel at Malstrom and retired to Seeley where her brother, sister, and she were raised.
She gained her education at UM eventually received her MBA.
She's hardcore. Loves the outdoors, etc. Many of her solo backpacking adventures I've shared her photos on the Sunday pictures thread.

If she is able to experience the rougher side, I have full confidence she'll make the right decision for us.

She has a contact able to set her with a good national financial institution in the Anchorage area who's shared some of the downsides of living there though also shared some of the exciting aspects of the area.

***

If the Viginia option opens, we'll likely hop on that train though I'm not holding my breath. If that happens, I'll take you up on your experience, @Spitz . Appreciate your offer.

@Salmonchaser , I believe I understood you to say the Seattle area is more gloomy than the Alaska setting?
I lived on Whidbey Island (Clintonin Pugeut Sound in my late teens for two years. It was enjoyable as heck! I didn't mind the weather though wife will have to experience that setting as well.

We'll explore Colorado as well. We really enjoy Rifle and Grand Junction to the extent it's on our 2nd home for retirement purpose.

I believe we'll set my wife to spend a couple weeks late December/early January in Seattle area then another couple in Anchorage. Maybe that time will give her a quality impression to aid our decision.

Thanks everyone for your input. Would be great to hear more about AK, specifically Anchorage.

 

[BearFoot]

" it's all what you make of it."

No matter where one is.

 

[Dave N]

We found out a few things when we were looking for a place in Alaska. Went up there a few times in the off-season when it was cold(er). Had a nice place located but it only took a minute to realize that the direction of any hillside or mountain range had a huge impact on sunlight actually reaching the house. Lots of places stay tucked in the shadows and stay really cold! When the sun doesn't get very high the terrain will definitely impact temperatures. The gloom on an overcast day mixed with trees and snow made 11am seem like 10pm back in Illinois. I don't remember if we actually saw the sun or not when we spent Christmas in Fairbanks for a few days.

Summer was the opposite. I was building the outhouse the first week of July and the wife asked if I was going to stop and get some sleep. It was after 11pm. Seemed like it was a lot earlier because of the light. Summer is also tourist season. From about May through August people are everywhere. Traffic is almost nonstop on the highway. An accident can shut down the highway for hours! There are very few roads that can be used for a detour around them so you may be stuck there for a while.

 

[utah400elk]

Sytes,

I am now less than 3 years from my fed retirement. I have moved enough and my high three is set. I currently live in Huntsville AL, and if my memory is even half way decent…I work with your agency as a detailee.

Huntsville is a good spot with a lot going on. I have done three tours through DC metro area. One was a TDY and two were permanent transfers. I was dreading DC. I was/am a west coast kid and love the mountains. I was very surprised how much I liked DC (first tour). There was an absolute ton to do and I now have a lot of great friends in the area. The metro is working better now and I am continually being asked to go back.

My 2nd DC tour was during the height of COVID and was not nearly as fun. I did learn a ton while in DC and I feel I have a great shot at a really good contractor job (if I want one) because of my DC time. Not sure if that is something you are interested in?

I hunted more in DC then almost anywhere I have lived. There was a ton of hunting with extremely high deer densities. Its not archery elk but I had a lot of fun. The people of northern VA were very nice. The mall area was fun to visit on weekends.

However, from a fed perspective, the politics of DC suck. I had a hard time biting my tongue. That said, I made it through to SES for retirement. I wish I had stayed a 15 and done a OCONUS spot instead.

I was selected to go to AK years ago but health issues canceled that one.

There are a few good spots out there. Best of luck picking a good spot.

 

[brownbear932008]

I agree with the DC information that has been passed along. I did 3.5 years in a HQ job that was outside of the actual HQ downtown. Worked from home quite a bit. Teleworking options are more prevalent there it seems. I'm a fan of the WV panhandle counties as well even though I didn't live there. I have family who have lived there for decades and it's nice. Having said that I'm very happy to be home in Southwest Virginia now doing what I love banging in my time.
The areas up there surprisingly have tons of outdoor options from hiking to hunting and fishing. Lots to do and enjoy and you have four distinct seasons.

 

[SilentBirdHunter]

That is one of the leading concerns for Seattle - the constant rain / cloudy weather.

edit added: This is what weather reports average annually though to hear from people who live in/around would be great to get a feel for thoughts.
View attachment 348540

It's good to know about Anchorage. Wife is going to fly out there in February to stay for a few weeks. See how she feels about the darkness. Supposedly, based on annual weather, it seems to differ from Seattle weather though hoping some Anchorage area people might chime in.

I lived in Fairbanks for over 30 years before retiring to Montana.
Anchorage is like most big cities. It reminds me of Salt Lake City with a big airport,
salt water to the west, urban sprawl north and south with mountains to the east.

At that high latitude, the sun is low in the sky, so for some its not so much the shorter days
but the sun low in the sky. That does produced long sunrises/sunsets.
Anchorage summers can be fairly wet and cool compared to Fairbanks which is typically warm/dry in the summer.

One nice thing about Anchorage is direct flights to Hawaii.
Also Alaska has no state income tax, no sales tax, and an annual PFD check for residents.
Plus for residents free over the counter tags for moose, sheep, deer, caribou, bear, etc.
And some nice fishing.

 

[cgasner1]

If I was going to retire into anchorage I’d be working on getting a cub and license to fly it now. Anything that’s easily accessible is hunted heavy.

 

[Bob-WY]

You crossed off Boston as close to DC? Nope. I raised a family living in Southern NH and working just north of Boston. DC is 10 hours by car or 1.5 by plane. Couldn't pay me to live in MA but NH has its positives

 

[Sytes]

You crossed off Boston as close to DC? Nope. I raised a family living in Southern NH and working just north of Boston. DC is 10 hours by car or 1.5 by plane. Couldn't pay me to live in MA but NH has its positives

Boston? close to the D.C. however, holds some options mixed with New Hampshire - coastal fun with adventure not too far away

My proximity to DC comment about MA/NH and same with the VA options: It was a generality due to it's location vs off the East coast area around DC: I believe you saw the "San Diego? No." just before my comment about Boston / New Hampshire. They (MA, NH, VA) remain on our list with good locality high three pay. We're still considering that area, same with VA - if an opening at my grade, non competitive (MA/NH) or competitive option (VA) was available and accepted. There are a couple non competitive areas in the VA area however, people have shared it's a distant commute and not the greatest setting. At the same time, my seniority date gives me flexibility to enter areas that may keep me away from the rough(er) management challenges that affect morale shared at other locations.

An interesting note following along @utah400elk 's biting tongue comment; I had a quality shot for a Virginia location (Competitive promotion position) with two great 14-15 grade references however, I burned a bridge with a person who is now entering that location as a 15. It's challenging to "bite my tongue" on issues affecting many employees and I've reaped the consequence of that action. - Haha! I was successful with my position at the time, not biting my tongue though never imagined the person I opposed would become the person in charge of my originally planned high three location. Considering the setting, that is a person I would not want to report to as a non-bargaining employee. Oh well. What you know is often second to who you know in the Fed hierarchy. When the two work together, it is great! When the two collide...

I did learn a ton while in DC and I feel I have a great shot at a really good contractor job (if I want one) because of my DC time. Not sure if that is something you are interested in?...
...However, from a fed perspective, the politics of DC suck. I had a hard time biting my tongue. That said, I made it through to SES for retirement. I wish I had stayed a 15 and done a OCONUS spot instead.

You sure learned the DC art of when to speak and when best to hold your tongue to achieve SES. A good friend and current manager worked through DC, and has since stepped down to current G14/10 for OCONUS benefits, noted the same as you. Great contacts, has his high three set, and very skilled with communication. He holds a valued management ethical standard while maintaining his position. Able to maintain the mission objective and employee morale, as best possible. I would enjoy the DC experience if able to remain outside DC hub AND if I felt I was able to do the political dance. I'm sure the upside is fantastic! I've also heard there's a fine line to walk between ethical and mission intent, based on whom oversees the area of operation. Knowing when and what words to convey and when best to remain silent is the true art to success in DC and elsewhere though to advance, DC is where it's at for stepping up the ladder. That said, I've developed a comfort as an equal with 14-15's as a union representative that leads me to believe I would not be as refined to hold my tongue in the non bargaining world DC offers. I envy your success! SES! The locality along with the pay grade step would be the best for high three, that is certain!

I lived in Fairbanks for over 30 years before retiring to Montana.
Anchorage is like most big cities. It reminds me of Salt Lake City with a big airport,
salt water to the west, urban sprawl north and south with mountains to the east.

At that high latitude, the sun is low in the sky, so for some its not so much the shorter days
but the sun low in the sky. That does produced long sunrises/sunsets.
Anchorage summers can be fairly wet and cool compared to Fairbanks which is typically warm/dry in the summer.

One nice thing about Anchorage is direct flights to Hawaii.
Also Alaska has no state income tax, no sales tax, and an annual PFD check for residents.
Plus for residents free over the counter tags for moose, sheep, deer, caribou, bear, etc.
And some nice fishing.

Great information for our Alaska interest! Thanks for sharing. We're looking at the reverse - Lived in Montana for me, 20 years and my wife born/raised and considering our residence to conclude once I retire (3.5/4 years) or extend a few years beyond. How was it for selling your house? I understand markets fluctuate though curious your experience. For us, as we view real estate in /around Anchorage, It appears rentals far exceed mortgage thus we're more inclined to buy vs rent.

#2. Reason Anchorage appeals to us: The larger city option (Anchorage) for medical facilities. My wife is type 1 Diabetic. Very fit/active though the challenges require a city-ish environment within reasonable access and I have nerve damage from a prior accident that requires 3-4 visits a year. Anchorage population exceeds Flathead/Missoula Counties in Montana though Far, FAR, less than metro 1 million + cities which are challenging, and that is speaking from the position of a great suburb area with fantastic neighbors. Basically, I found a comfortable enjoyment taking a wiz off my back (or front for that matter), deck - simply because I could on our 12 acres in Whitefish, MT. Here? hah! U.S. Department of State would likely push me back to the states for "indecent exposure" charge from Canadian's law enforcement! Haha! Humor aside, I think that shares my sentiment of outskirts of low population, "city" living versus metro suburbian city house crunch.

If I was going to retire into anchorage I’d be working on getting a cub and license to fly it now. Anything that’s easily accessible is hunted heavy.

Wow! No kidding! We viewed a few houses we had interest for our values and every fresh water body in / around Anchorage had docks... though not simply boats, float planes - maybe more float planes than boats! Haha!
I have night single engine certified, mostly through 172 use. I'd have to find a few people to go into the purchase of a float plane as I can not afford one alone though your thoughts are right up there with mine. Either float plane or bush fatty tires, both with a new set of training hours. How fun that would be though! I would enjoy that as a hobby. I'll have to look into float plane rentals, etc though that is if we choose Anchorage. Something my wife will have to decide.

 

[Straight Arrow]

Lots of words, options, conjectures, verbal long trains of thought. Interesting ... but from the Bob to the Beltway ... 'don't see a happy Sytes back in that environment.
Best of luck whatever you decide.

 

[SilentBirdHunter]

My proximity to DC comment about MA/NH and same with the VA options: It was a generality due to it's location vs off the East coast area around DC: I believe you saw the "San Diego? No." just before my comment about Boston / New Hampshire. They (MA, NH, VA) remain on our list with good locality high three pay. We're still considering that area, same with VA - if an opening at my grade, non competitive (MA/NH) or competitive option (VA) was available and accepted. There are a couple non competitive areas in the VA area however, people have shared it's a distant commute and not the greatest setting. At the same time, my seniority date gives me flexibility to enter areas that may keep me away from the rough(er) management challenges that affect morale shared at other locations.

An interesting note following along @utah400elk 's biting tongue comment; I had a quality shot for a Virginia location (Competitive promotion position) with two great 14-15 grade references however, I burned a bridge with a person who is now entering that location as a 15. It's challenging to "bite my tongue" on issues affecting many employees and I've reaped the consequence of that action. - Haha! I was successful with my position at the time, not biting my tongue though never imagined the person I opposed would become the person in charge of my originally planned high three location. Considering the setting, that is a person I would not want to report to as a non-bargaining employee. Oh well. What you know is often second to who you know in the Fed hierarchy. When the two work together, it is great! When the two collide...

You sure learned the DC art of when to speak and when best to hold your tongue to achieve SES. A good friend and current manager worked through DC, and has since stepped down to current G14/10 for OCONUS benefits, noted the same as you. Great contacts, has his high three set, and very skilled with communication. He holds a valued management ethical standard while maintaining his position. Able to maintain the mission objective and employee morale, as best possible. I would enjoy the DC experience if able to remain outside DC hub AND if I felt I was able to do the political dance. I'm sure the upside is fantastic! I've also heard there's a fine line to walk between ethical and mission intent, based on whom oversees the area of operation. Knowing when and what words to convey and when best to remain silent is the true art to success in DC and elsewhere though to advance, DC is where it's at for stepping up the ladder. That said, I've developed a comfort as an equal with 14-15's as a union representative that leads me to believe I would not be as refined to hold my tongue in the non bargaining world DC offers. I envy your success! SES! The locality along with the pay grade step would be the best for high three, that is certain!


Great information for our Alaska interest! Thanks for sharing. We're looking at the reverse - Lived in Montana for me, 20 years and my wife born/raised and considering our residence to conclude once I retire (3.5/4 years) or extend a few years beyond. How was it for selling your house? I understand markets fluctuate though curious your experience. For us, as we view real estate in /around Anchorage, It appears rentals far exceed mortgage thus we're more inclined to buy vs rent.

#2. Reason Anchorage appeals to us: The larger city option (Anchorage) for medical facilities. My wife is type 1 Diabetic. Very fit/active though the challenges require a city-ish environment within reasonable access and I have nerve damage from a prior accident that requires 3-4 visits a year. Anchorage population exceeds Flathead/Missoula Counties in Montana though Far, FAR, less than metro 1 million + cities which are challenging, and that is speaking from the position of a great suburb area with fantastic neighbors. Basically, I found a comfortable enjoyment taking a wiz off my back (or front for that matter), deck - simply because I could on our 12 acres in Whitefish, MT. Here? hah! U.S. Department of State would likely push me back to the states for "indecent exposure" charge from Canadian's law enforcement! Haha! Humor aside, I think that shares my sentiment of outskirts of low population, "city" living versus metro suburbian city house crunch.



Wow! No kidding! We viewed a few houses we had interest for our values and every fresh water body in / around Anchorage had docks... though not simply boats, float planes - maybe more float planes than boats! Haha!
I have night single engine certified, mostly through 172 use. I'd have to find a few people to go into the purchase of a float plane as I can not afford one alone though your thoughts are right up there with mine. Either float plane or bush fatty tires, both with a new set of training hours. How fun that would be though! I would enjoy that as a hobby. I'll have to look into float plane rentals, etc though that is if we choose Anchorage. Something my wife will have to decide.

I don't know about the real estate market in Anchorage, but Fairbanks has always been a sellers market.
Prices in Fairbanks are lower than most suburban areas in Montana. We sold our 3 bedroom/2 bath with a
40 X 30 2-story heated shop and 2.5 acres on top of a ridge for $450k. Sold in less than a week.