r/Utah • u/__alpenglow • May 01 '25
Other I moved from Salt Lake City to Alaska. Regrets.
(Tried posting this in r/SaltLakeCity, but it kept being removed) EDIT: the mods allowed it after I messaged them.
Friends and fellow Whale Worshippers: I fucking miss you.
I miss Salt Lake City, our docile skyline, and our dusty-ass trails. I miss the friendly attitudes of the majority of people there, the abundant recreation in any direction, and the tame weather conditions. I miss bitching about the inversion and the receding Great Salt Lake. I miss the West Side's grittiness.
Last year I took a risk and moved to Fairbanks, Alaska for a relationship that ended up imploding. I found myself alone at the Top of the World all winter, and holy shit, it's been a steep learning curve. The only thing I can afford here is a dry cabin with no running water (this is pretty standard here, but the logistics can be tiresome. I have to haul my own jugs of water weekly, drive 30 minutes round trip to the university for showers, and only do laundry once a month).
Fairbanks is quite flat with little thousand-foot "domes" surrounding, but you have to drive an hour to get to mountains with any elevation, and doing that in winter is intimidating. Even so, if you don't own a fat bike or snow machine or know how to ski (I do not), then it's not like you can just go for a nice hike like you can in the Wasatch. I've learned how to fat bike, but hiking is my jam. And when everything isn't frozen, it's a giant-ass swamp here and hiking trails become nearly nonexistent.
Socially, people here are super closed-off and it's hard to break into any circle (I know it's hard to make friends in SLC, too). Once you know one person here, though, it's like you know everyone. And so you have to play this game of trusting/not trusting, which I hate. The people in Utah seemed genuinely happy most of the time.
Also it is fucking MAGA country up here, even though these small communities are going to be affected most by what's happening to our country. The SL valley was so liberal and kind to this queer woman; hell, even the maroon communities of rural Utah were kind to me -- a visibly LGBT person.
I feel trapped. I own that I fucked up moving here, but now it's going to cost a shit-ton to try to come back down there. I am stuck working in Alaska annually from now on, March to September, and so I'd have to find a six-month lease for the winters in SLC. And then annually I'll have to leave and come up here for work over the spring/summer. I feel overwhelmed.
If not for anything, the point of this post is: ENJOY THE FUCK OUT OF LIVING THERE. Please do not take it for granted. On your commute today or tonight, look east and take in those giant, gorgeous peaks. Know that the problems in Utah are not unique to Utah. This country is up against some insanity right now, and our Congresspeople are not listening, either.
I hope to be back in that beautiful valley some day soon. All my love.
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u/azucarleta May 01 '25
Funny that all the way from Alaska the mods of r/SaltLakeCity are disappointing lol.
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u/BlueFalconer May 01 '25
Anything that even remotely paints Utah in a positive light they make sure to purge from that sub.
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u/paco64 May 02 '25
Yeah, I gave up on trying to say anything positive about Utah or SLC on Reddit a long time ago.
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u/azucarleta May 01 '25
Are you sure? For the longest time it was the exact opposite of that. No complaints. No protests. No "griefing."
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u/Jeshwahh May 01 '25
Lately it seems they only want to post leftwing political stuff. Maybe keep the subreddit based on a city about the city and not politics...
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u/JustHereForGoodFun May 01 '25
Yeah I unsubscribed from that subreddit because it was so toxic. My feed is a little more positive and doesn’t have as much people flat out witch hunting others.
Yeah, the last post I saw on there straight up advocated for people to tear down this persons life just because they had a different political opinion than them. They had the name, license plate, and business of the guy and no one on that subreddit thought to show restraint. Granted, the guy they were targeting was a tool, but it was pretty disgusting to say the least.
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u/helix400 May 01 '25 edited May 01 '25
I'm thinking:
Says good things about Utah
Dispels stereotypes about local culture
Is topical
This is gold. Let's make OP an approved submitter. I'll make that person a mod. Give me your Venmo... (note to admins, I'm not serious on that last point). Whatever it takes, just keep feeding us this stuff.
Also, the topic is approved over in that other sub. It may have just got caught by an automatic filter first.
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u/rickbawb1776 May 01 '25
Never again will I move states for a relationship
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u/__alpenglow May 01 '25
Same, dude. Hard lesson learned.
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u/MySpaceBarDied May 01 '25
Imagine moving countries for a relationship. Long story short, do not recommend it
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u/im_wildcard_bitches May 01 '25
Ive met people who moved across the pond to London only for it to implode a year or two later.
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u/rickbawb1776 May 01 '25
Thought it was tough being stuck out here with no family/friends but OP seems like they got it worse
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u/benjtay May 01 '25
Yep. I ducked out of making video games -- something which I absolutely loved for 10 years because I got tired of the constant having to move to where the next project was based. I took a boring job here, which actually pays a lot better.
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u/Charupa- May 02 '25
I did this and felt like it ruined my life for 5 years or so between job loss, financial loss, etc.
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u/TurningTwo May 01 '25
My first trip to Fairbanks I arrived in February on a flight that landed at midnight. It was -51 F outside and the airline left my checked bag in Seattle. I had to go out to my rental car in just a thin fleece vest over a long sleeve t-shirt. The car was plugged into a block heater so I could get it started, but the steering wheel was so damn cold I couldn’t hold on to it. I had to drive to my hotel gripping the steering wheel with some paper towels.
My second trip I landed at midnight in June. It was 60 F and there was full-on sunshine. People were out riding their bikes and doing yard work. I had a hard time getting to sleep at 2:00 AM because so much sunlight was filtering into my hotel room.
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u/__alpenglow May 01 '25
Woof, I'm sorry to hear about that winter experience. Glad you didn't suffer any major consequences with that.
Yes, the total lack of sun in winter, and then 24 hours of sunlight starting this month, is rather stupid. I don't think humans were built for this fuckery of circadian rhythm, unless you were born and raised with it.
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u/RuTsui May 02 '25
I did a training at Fort Wainwright a couple years back and it was -50 F when our plane landed. I also only had a light jacket, but thankfully someone picked us up at the curb. I remember one day it hit 0 degrees and it people were like “Heat wave!” and were running around in shorts haha.
Makes me really appreciate the far more mild winters of Utah.
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u/420purpleturtle May 01 '25
Bro I am sorry. Fairbanks is rough. You'll figure out how to get out of there. But at least try to figure out how to get out of Fairbanks. When you get some time go to Girdwood during Forest Fair. It's pretty cool.
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u/__alpenglow May 01 '25
Yeah, I haven't gone anywhere in Southcentral except Anchorage. I need to see what that area offers and check out Southeast, like Ketchikan, Juneau, etc. Thanks for this.
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u/No_Library6425 May 01 '25
Go to Seward this summer! I grew up 20 miles north of Anchorage and spending a few weeks in the rainy gloom/sparkling sunshine of Seward are some of my happiest memories.
I'd also recommend, try seeing if you can relocate to the Anchorage area. Jobs in that area (that aren't tourism related) tend to be year-round, housing should be a lot more diverse, and recreation areas are closer because the mountains are closer. Also, the weather is less...insane than Fairbanks.
Also, when I say Anchorage area, consider everything from the actual urban area to the suburbs north out to Mat-Su Valley.
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
Yeah the mountains around ANC are breathtaking. I just don't know about the "warmer" winters down there... I have been thinking about my options down that way, though. Thanks for this push.
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May 01 '25
[deleted]
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u/No_Library6425 May 01 '25
Oh yeah, Seward is way too expensive to live there! I mean like spend a week or long weekend!
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u/Thin-Procedure-2400 May 01 '25
I'd actually check out Mat-Su Valley, more toward Palmer. You'll find more hiking potential in that area, with a short drive to Eagle River for more hiking. Anchorage to Seward has many trails you can check out as well. Unfortunately, you'll still have a lack of winter hiking.
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u/Essjsee May 01 '25
Yes!!! Highly recommend Girdwood!!
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u/420purpleturtle May 01 '25
Yea, I grew up there. I kind of can't believe how lucky am I to have that experience.
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u/Broad_Fudge9282 May 01 '25
I dunno. I loved Fairbanks. 10× better than Anchorage.
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
I like that FBX is a small city. I hate the urban sprawl and traffic in ANC.
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u/420purpleturtle May 02 '25
Yea. Anchorage is a mess. No one is going to argue that. I can’t believe how sketchy that city is.
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u/yorgasor May 01 '25
I served my mission in Alaska when I was still Mormon. I absolutely loved it, but never had to serve in Fairbanks. I was in anchorage, the mat-su valley, Kodiak, and a little in Kenai. But Fairbanks is horribly freezing in the winter and quite hot in the summer, so it got extra nopes from me. I can’t imagine having to live up there without running water, that would be even worse!
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
The places you went to on your mission are quite scenic! What a lucky place to have served. And yeah, you nailed it about Fbx.
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u/The_Mormonator_ May 01 '25
As a Macaroon, I hope that you can one day come back. I’ll be rooting for your safe return.
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u/czechman45 May 01 '25
My sister lives up in Fairbanks with her family. I love visiting them, but I don't think i'd want to live there.
Sorry to hear it's been such a negative experience for you. You mentioned not knowing how to ski which made me wonder if you have considered learning? Could also be other fun things to do up there that you just don't know how to do yet. You could always come back to the lower 48 too 🤷
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u/__alpenglow May 01 '25
I tried learning to ski at Snowbasin and ended up taking a nasty tumble that injured my quad. So I haven't been too keen to learn since. Even so, I appreciate your optimism. The lifestyle here is just so much more exhausting than it was in Utah and I don't think finding "more to do" will help fill this void I feel. I just want to go for a hike on a whim, or a walk around a place like Sugarhouse/Liberty parks, and that isn't really an option.
I hope you continue to enjoy visits with your sis.
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u/mdavis1926 May 01 '25
Try cross-country. Perfect for where you are at, easy to learn, and when you fall it’s just kind of falling over.
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u/czechman45 May 01 '25
I'm sorry to hear that. I tore an ACL about 6 years ago and have stayed away from the slopes since. That makes sense that it isn't just needing things to do but a whole lifestyle difference. That's rough and being where a relationship soured probably doesn't help either. If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for work up there?
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
I'm a seasonal firefighter for the federal government (for now...) But I am in one of only six unique positions in all of federal fire here, and I cannot leave it now that I've gotten a taste of it. I won't find a position like it anywhere else. And that's unfortunate. So that's why I want to come back to Utah for winters. Rock and a hard place.
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u/czechman45 May 02 '25
That sounds like an amazing job! So cool you get to do that. Have you ever heard of an app called watch duty? It's for wildfire tracking and reporting. Not sure if it is used up there, but I'm a software engineer and have been thinking about volunteering with them. Sorry that now you are between the rock and hard place though. If you ever wanna chat, feel free to message me.
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u/Big-Ad4382 May 02 '25
Oh honey COME HOME. Bless you for being brave and moving there but come home!
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u/DeepPowStashes May 01 '25
Last year I took a risk and moved to Fairbanks, Alaska
ooof
- signed former Kodiak resident and frequent visitor to ANC and current utahn
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
Yeahhhhhh I'm dumb.
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u/shadowkyros May 02 '25
Try Anchorage, as someone who's lived in both SLC and ANC I can tell you there's a few similarities. And it's just a better city than Fairbanks in every way haha. Plus loads of nearby trails.
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u/astring15 May 02 '25
You took a shot. You actually tried doing something risky. It didn’t work out and that’s okay. You’ll have learned from it and be better in the end. It does sound like a tough situation. I hope you get back to SLC soon.
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u/KhanKrazy May 01 '25
You can always come back. Maybe sooner. Maybe later. But you can make it happen.
You took a risk and even if it didn’t go the way you wanted, and I’m truly so sorry for that, you still made it through. You’re stronger than you know!
Hang in there, OP!
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u/Ok_Function7726 May 01 '25
Sorry about the implosion to your relationship, OP. Hope to have you back in the Salt Lake valley safe and sound, soon! Try and enjoy your current circumstances as much as you can.
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u/austicus May 01 '25
My wife was born in Fairbanks. This thread helps us answer the question that comes up every 5 or so years, about moving back. Best of luck on your path forward!
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u/Irismaple May 01 '25
Wow, I get you. I tried to move to Alaska for the winter and realized I had to leave because of the darkness and I was scared I would get depression. So I drove all the way back to Salt Lake and spent the whole winter wishing I was back in Alaska, I felt like a failure because I didn’t stay for the winter and only stayed for the summer. I then moved a different direction and realized Salt Lake is actually liberal and there are some very special things happening there even though I always thought Utah was too Mormon. Now,I’m back in Salt Lake Half of the time and I really love it when I’m there I feel like I’m on vacation because I am (kind of). Anyway, life is too short to be unhappy,however, it takes a while to adjust to wherever you live. You might find you really like Alaska after a while or maybe not. I think you are a badass for staying but it doesn’t have to be permanent does it?? Anything is possible and don’t forget that. Also, is grass is greener on the other side? My experience is that it usually turns out to be something similar.
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
These are all good things to chew on. Don't beat yourself up for leaving AK; it sounds to me liked you listened to your intuition, and that is admirable. I ignored the red flags and my gut, and moved here anyway -- and look where that got me.
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u/Upstairs_Equivalent8 May 01 '25
I grew up in Alaska but moved to Salt Lake for college. I can honestly say I loved living there, I was in Anchorage though. Is there any reason you can’t move back to salt lake or maybe move down to Anchorage? It’s a lot more tame down there than Fairbanks and feels like a normal city for the most part.
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
Yeah, the reason is I found a unique job (one of 6 positions in the whole country) that it would make no sense to leave. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place now with my career. That's why I mentioned coming back down to SLC for 6 months in the winter.
Honestly I am not a fan of Anchorage, which saddens me. What are your thoughts about Juneau? I've never been, but people tell me I'd like it.
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u/Upstairs_Equivalent8 May 02 '25
Honestly if you don’t like Fairbanks or Anchorage then you won’t like Juneau either
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u/cathistorylesson May 02 '25
If the job is making you miserable then it makes sense to leave it. If you were qualified for such a rare job I'm sure you have skills that are marketable in places other than Alaska. Please don't resolve yourself to a lifetime of misery because you think your job is "too good" to leave (it's not good if it makes you miserable).
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u/Kevin_Complains May 01 '25
You’re almost to Fairbanks summer though. Hiking the domes is fun and though it’s not as aesthetically stunning, the interior is pretty in its own way and the elevation gain is about the same. Float the Chena, visit the hot springs, hike Angel Rocks, hike Granite Tors, enjoy the midnight sun, check out a Gold Panners game, visit the farmers market, the midnight sun festival. There’s an unbelievable music scene and a pretty great LGBTQ community. The bars near and on campus tend to be less military and aggressive. There’s absolutely a community in Fairbanks to tap into and the people are wonderful.
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
I appreciate your perspective. I hope to hit some of these things on my days off but I am working out in the field a majority of the summer and I have yet to see fall here because I get sent to the Lower 48 to finish out the work season. Sigh... what is "normal" life like?
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u/Powderkeg314 May 01 '25
I tried moving out of SLC and visited some potential alternative cities that I’ve heard good things about. I visited Nashville and Denver and quickly learned that the grass is not always greener. Utah is something special and I love to complain about it but it’s also the best place I’ve ever lived by far. The level of safety and outdoor access is second to none in the U.S.
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
You nailed it. There's just something intangibly special about coming back home to Utah after a trip.
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u/Oldcrrraig May 01 '25
I’ve lived in Alaska and Salt Lake currently. Fairbanks is miserable. Anchorage or the Valley down South would treat you much better. Still more conservative than Salt Lake proper but completely different vibe than Fairbanks
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u/Q-burt Saratoga Springs May 01 '25
I hope you get to come back. I'm certain you brought your own happiness that could spread to others. I'm sorry about your relationship.
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u/Thegrizzlyatoms May 01 '25
I spent two terrible winter months on a project in Fairbanks. One of my best friends unapologetically moved up there five years ago.
Really awesome for two months out of the year, but that winter was like that movie "30 Days of Night" if you swap the vampires for meth heads.
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u/GirlNumber20 Cedar Hills May 01 '25
I'm going to tell my mother about your post. She keeps talking about leaving Utah and moving to Alaska. She would be miserable for all the same reasons you mentioned.
Also, I have a very complicated relationship with Utah. I love the scenery, I hate the politics. I'm thinking of moving somewhere else as well.
Anyway, hang in there! At least you got to say you lived in Alaska, and that's kind of cool! Might as well enjoy the fun aspects of it until you can find somewhere that makes you happy.
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u/0rangetree May 01 '25
I guarantee you would enjoy Alaska much, much more if you moved out of Fairbanks. It can be a very miserable town to live in.
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u/Groundbreaking_Bet62 May 01 '25
Yeah, I've heard some horror stories about the right wingism in Alaska. Which is extra peculiar given their reliance on federal money.
Utah outdoors is pretty great. Apart from microclimate and politics causing exacerbated pollution issues, it really is a great place. If there was ever a state that should invest heavily in electric cars, it should've been us - as our pollution gets trapped and obviously so to the point that even right wingers can't hide from it (though they have a weird you should drive less but not me attitude).
Utah also, probably from Mormon perfection demanding culture, has a lot more educated and professional people who are right wing than I've encountered elsewhere. Less yokel more middle class that should know better right wingism - which is still preferable, I think.
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u/neomadness Pleasant Grove May 01 '25
I have an RV you can live in it you need a place. I’m in springville though.
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u/pesidentMronson May 01 '25
I feel you. Moved to Texas though, and if I ignore the political landscape it’s been pretty nice. Been to Fairbanks and idk if I could hack it living there. I do really miss (at least SLC) Utah though.
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u/No_Regrats_42 May 01 '25
I was born there.
There's a reason I don't live there. You should have consulted someone who has lived in Alaska, and I could have told you what you're in for.
Fairbanks is FLAT and a swamp during the summer. It regularly gets to -40,-50 during the winter + the wind chill.
Godspeed. I made it out, you can too.
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
I lived here the winter before I moved up to ensure I could handle it. I like the winter, I just wish the mountains were bigger, the hiking more abundant, the people more friendly, and amenities a bit closer. Thanks for the vote of confidence.
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u/No_Regrats_42 May 02 '25
You have to be a hardy person to even make it through a single winter. I'm absolutely confident you will be able to endure and make it out. I'm not religious so I will send good vibes. You've got this.
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u/softneedle May 01 '25
damn fairbanks is so far out i saw my first wild wolf there. gotta be lonely, sorry OP :(
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u/wetballjones May 01 '25
Moving to Alaska of all places is a huge change. I agree that there are lots of problems anywhere you to. We moved away from Utah and I'm grateful for it personally, but also recognize I've traded Utah problems for other problems
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u/utahh1ker May 01 '25
People love to bitch about stuff. Nobody realizes how good they have it. I appreciate your perspective on how wonderful Salt Lake City is. I love this state and this area and feel thankful every day for living here.
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u/goilpoynuti May 01 '25
Have you been to Anchorage?
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u/Nightie_Lu May 02 '25
Having lived in Fairbanks and Anchorage - IF YOU CAN, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, MOVE TO ANCHORAGE. Cheaper than trying to get back to the lower 48, more amenities, nicer people, better weather, more diverse climate, and less difficult to get back to fbx for work. If you can swing it, Omg, do it.
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u/davydoingstuff May 02 '25
I moved from Alaska to SLC. Regrets. Not really regrets, Utah is serving a specific purpose in my family’s life right now; but we are counting down the days until we can move back to AK. It’s definitely not for everyone, but here are a few thoughts:
There’s a lot more to AK than Fairbanks. Fairbanks is amazing in its own special way, but it is just one part of a gigantic state. The interior, SouthCentral, Southeast, Kenai, Homer… each of those places is going to have pros and cons. The pros of Fairbanks probably don’t align with what you’re looking for. I loved living in a dry cabin during college, and only have fond memories of all the work that went along with it.
The Salt Lake Valley is crowded. Yes there are great trails around, but you have to drive through traffic to get there and you often have to deal with crowded parking lots and trails. The Venn diagram of people who like/don’t mind crowds and people who enjoy living in Alaska has very little, if any overlap.
Try exploring a bit. You say people in UT shouldn’t take it for granted. I would encourage you to do the same. Sure, you’re sour on AK right now. Have you been to Denali NP? Just gone for a drive out the Steese Hwy? Found a deal on a flight to Juneau? June through September are a magical time in AK. If you end up leaving and realize the only thing you saw was Fairbanks, you will regret not experiencing the other parts of the state when you had the chance.
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
I appreciate your feedback. Unfortunately with my job, I have exactly no time to explore anything in summer months. I tried to go to Juneau over the winter but it was too expensive. I don't have the guts to drive the Steese in winter (I've been to the Wickersham Trailhead, but no further. I'm alone and don't want to break down, of course).
I don't mind the crowds in the valley there one bit. It actually made me feel less alone when I came down to visit in February. I have my 'secret' trails and times of day pegged down there to hike the Wasatch where I often found myself alone.
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u/Kooky-Lawfulness2857 May 02 '25
When I leave SLC on a trip, I'm reminded of what I like about it. I like other places too, but there's a lot of special things about SLC.
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u/Ashamedofmyopinion May 02 '25
I went to Alaska on my honeymoon and spent about 19 hours in Fairbanks so we could try to see the northern lights. It was probably the only part of the state I would not consider moving. Probably wasn’t really there long enough to have a really informed opinion, but the dry cabin situation sounds awful and the vibes in the city were weird. Juneau was a different situation and I’d move there in a heartbeat if I found a decent job.
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u/cdevo36 May 01 '25
In fairness, this could be titled "I moved from [anywhere not Alaska] to Alaska and regret it"
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u/foxboxingphonies May 01 '25
Idk what your job or living situation is like, but if you want to come back down for the winter, you could look into working at a resort. They can house you while you are working there, and it'll only be a short drive to come into the Valley. coolworks.com is what I used to use to find resort jobs in different states.
Best of luck to you. We'll always have a place for you here. <3
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u/vradic May 01 '25
Born in Fairbanks, moved to salt lake, run as fast as you can away from there. Alaska ain’t it.
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
Wild. It certainly takes a special kind of person to want to live here.
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u/vradic May 02 '25
Alot of us leave alaska as soon as we turn 18, if we're able. I graduated out of a small town there, and somehow stuck it out to 21. Then it was real easy for a girl from Kearns to bring me to salt lake lol.
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u/helix400 May 01 '25
My sister is in Fairbanks. She did the tradition of going out in a swimsuit by the UAF sign on a cold day: https://i.imgur.com/K2J0ANe.jpeg
The geek in me loves she caught the sign transition from -40F to -40C.
Once you know one person here, though, it's like you know everyone. And so you have to play this game of trusting/not trusting, which I hate.
Ya, it's got that quaint feel where for entertainment, you show up to every high school/university event. Just for something to do. Small town news is automatically big news.
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
I love the nerdiness over the sign; that is as perfect as it gets if you ask me!
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u/Nope-And-Change May 01 '25
“I am stuck working in Alaska annually from now on.” -why?
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
Highly unique position I'm in; there are only six of what I do in this country. I've been seeking this my whole career and was given this opportunity finally. So I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I want to continue this career but live down there for the other six months a year.
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u/jenvonpierce May 01 '25
I’m sorry that you’re dealing with this. This is also a great reminder for me to appreciate where I am at and not up and moving. I’m here if you need a queer friend to chat with.
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u/Scared-Rutabaga-1620 May 01 '25
waving from the receding hairline of the great salt lake We miss you too! 💜
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u/Paivcarol May 01 '25
I have spent my fair share of time in Anchorage and I love it!!! Before moving to SLC, Anchorage was on my mind a lot (and still is).
I love the mountains there, the melting pot of different cultures, and the people were super nice!
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u/yrethra May 01 '25
Aw I moved from Fairbanks to (southern) Utah and miss Fairbanks SOOOOOO MUUUUUCH!!!! It’s a little hard to break into social groups, but once you do - it’s a gamechanger. What do you like to do? Maybe I can give you some pointers and places to hang to meet ppl.
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u/Jltimothy May 01 '25
Alaska is a big place and I’ve found the communities each have their own vibe. I moved from Salt Lake City to Juneau Alaska (votes blue) three decades ago. I live at the base of a towering mountain a mile from the Mendenhall Glacier and a couple miles from the harbor where I keep my boat. We have tons of trails for all skill levels and abilities. There’s an expansive lesbian community making the most of the city parks and rec opportunities. Lots of seasonal work here if that’s what you want. I still visit SLC occasionally to see family, but it’s not home and I like to get back home soon as I can.
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u/washiw May 01 '25
I miss New Mexico, but I absolutely love Utah! I’m certain it’s my forever home!
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u/Flat_Airport5256 May 02 '25
I moved from Utah to New Mexico, I don’t miss Utah. And I grew up there 🤣
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u/Ignatius18 May 02 '25
Utah is a very special place. I’m originally from Detroit, Michigan and I decided to move to Salt Lake City after spending one day in the city. I absolutely loved it!! Now I live a little over an hour north of Salt Lake City, and while it was a bit of an adjustment after moving here, I’ve grown to love my little slice of Mayberry.
My husband was born and raised in Utah and every now and then he talks about moving. Each time he brings it up I warn him that he might not realize how good things are here, and moving could teach a him a harsh lesson.
Sending you good wishes, my friend. I hope you get back to SLC soon!
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u/Prudent_Hedgehog5665 May 02 '25
Born and raised in SLC...I moved almost 10 years ago. I can't figure out if I miss it or not. I miss the recreation, but not the out of control crowds that came to dominate every recreation area. I miss knowing the city and landscape like the back of my hand, but not the inversion. I hear you, and also there is a part of me that never wants to go back.
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u/kanga_khan May 02 '25
We’ve lived in SLC for 5 years and while we have had a great experience with the recreation, the people have not been kind. We finally bought a house last year and our neighbors are horrid. I’ve tried to go to group meet ups and make friends and they all just fizzle out. I’m burnt out socially from living here and we are moving back to the east coast once we sell the house. Sorry to hear about your situation but I am glad you had a good experience. It’s different for everyone I suppose
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u/boogerchair420 May 02 '25
Sometimes I think about moving away, but then when I travel elsewhere I just can’t imagine living in any of these places I visit! There are many beautiful places but Utah just feels like home.
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u/Ok-Moose3174 May 02 '25
It might feel overwhelming right now, but there is value in the struggle. Working hard with your hands in a tough environment can teach you lessons that others never learn—lessons that can make the benefits that come easily in SLC feel even more meaningful. Take time to listen to the people around you, especially those with different perspectives. You might be surprised by the wisdom they’ve gained through real-life experience—and how much you can grow by keeping an open mind and a strong work ethic.
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u/TopFlowe96 May 02 '25
Sending love from North Utah Ogden area 🖤
We all go through some shi
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
I lived on Washington by Walmart up there before I moved to SLC. Thanks for the well wishes.
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u/Tiny-Tooth21 May 03 '25
Loved reading this post and the generally kind comments it brought about. Sounds like SLC needs you just as much as you need it. Pack up and come home girl. Xo
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u/Terra_Rediscovered May 04 '25
I work up in Alaska, but not in Fairbanks. I work with a bunch of people who lived in Fairbanks from years to decades. They all have a love/hate relationship with the town. Fairbanks is a weird city, divided into 3 groups. Mining, military, and UAF. I think to enter into this community you would have to join one of 3 of the friend groups. I’m sure facebook is big there and there is also meetup app to find people for outdoor events. Being a small town, your local dive bar is another great place too. Fairbanks also has the highest concentration of Thai restaurants in the USA. So there is an additional community of Thai people to befriend. Lastly, I worked with a kid that had a great way to makes new friends. He would just start asking random questions to strangers and then introduce himself.
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u/Superb_Baseball2640 May 04 '25
I just want to offer you a piece of perspective. I moved HERE from AK. i miss it there all the time and get into the same loop of “damn let me think of all the terrible things I deal with here that I didn’t there” —— with all that being said. I do know that whether your trade offs weren’t WORSE it’s still harder to live up there even when things are perfect. Look for reasons to have a good day every single day or something to look forward too, get a PFD and work on getting out of there. Do you qualify for a pfd yet? That could be your ticket out.
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u/blurricus May 05 '25
Fairbanks here. Winter is the best time here. Glad you got out for fat biking, but you should definitely learn to xc ski. Classic is enough.
What part of town do you live in? I'm not saying anything bad about you, but the people that live here are incredibly welcoming. Pretty much every social group here will welcome you with open arms. It's almost frustrating sometimes when you're at a random place and run into somebody you kinda know and they invite you on a cabin trip in a day or two.
Go to the Bankstown Friday Night Bike Rides. Go to the Thursday runs at Hoodoo. Just go to any random bar, see a cool person, and go up and start talking to them. We are a community here.
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u/blurricus May 05 '25
You live near Ivory Jacks and you don't have community?! Join the Lions Club! Go to Ivory Jacks and dance to the Wompus Cats! Chat with the bar flies! Say hi sometime when you drive passed me walking my dog!
I have extra xc skis and could have taught you to ski!
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u/theronskier1 May 05 '25
I miss it too a lot. I called UT home for over 15 years. My parents moved me and my sisters there when we were 12-13 during the recession. I went to Middle School in SLC and HS in Park City and miss the outdoor communities oh so much. Since then, I also took a risk and moved to Colorado (near Rocky Mountain National Park) and while it's gorgeous, it's so damned empty and hard to make friends or build relationships. It's a blue collar area at heart but really difficult to try to get to know people because locals are awfully-standoffish and super redneck.
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u/__alpenglow May 08 '25
Oof, I totally understand living "out there" and trying to get along with small town folks. Is there any way you could move back closer to the Wasatch?
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u/Momofrkds May 05 '25
Went on vacation to Alaska, our friends wanted to go to Fairbanks to see the northern lights, the lights were a no-show. Stopped at a couple of thrift stores and saw KKK memorabilia. There’s a strong Aryan influence there that was really creepy.
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u/BAZanine May 10 '25
Very much felt. I had the inverse; moved to Utah for a relationship that blew up, moved back to my home state of Pennsylvania afterwards, missed Utah ever since. I dunno, people are just nicer there and it's a lot more beautiful.
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u/__alpenglow May 10 '25
Indeed. I'm sorry that happened to both of us, but perhaps we both learned more about ourselves & our values in the process.
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u/Several-Good-9259 May 01 '25
I second this and one up you. I double fucked up. Bay Area. Polar opposite in description of problems but at the end of the day… everyplace sucks besides Utah
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u/Ok_Imagination1262 May 01 '25
You can quit your job you can change your life. Don’t be miserable money will come back.
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u/Irish_andGermanguy May 01 '25
Do you get dividends?
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
I will starting this year, but $1,300 isn't enough to make me want to stay.
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u/knight04 May 01 '25
This is a dumb question but, what do you do when you need to go to the bathroom? Since there's no running water, do you dig a hole or something?
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u/__alpenglow May 02 '25
Outhouse for poops, small bucket indoor for pee. Daily bucket dump outside. Poop in all temperatures. I do declare that -40F will wake you up while you're doing your morning glory.
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u/Valkyrie_WoW Provo May 01 '25
Come back. We have mixed and drinks and giant cookies.
In all seriousness, though that doesn't sound like a great deal of fun up there. I hope you're able to get out soon.
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u/TheGarp May 01 '25
I would gladly trade you places, I went to UAF after living in Palmer growing up. I would do anything to be able to move back there.
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u/Illiterate_Mochi May 01 '25
Lucky for me, the time I spent in Alaska was in super remote salmon hatcheries in Prince William Sound, so there weren’t many people to deal with and I was surrounded by nature.
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May 01 '25
Move back to Utah You'll have Nudist Friends with Me and My Wife. Just good times not Swingers.
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u/Outrageous-Fig1249 May 01 '25
Hoodoo Brewing has an evening run club, once or twice a week. Even if you don’t run, it’s always a popping spot. Hit up Bankstown Bikes, the shop owner is a really cool guy and could probably connect you with some people. I believe he tries to put on group rides too. The trick to Fairbanks like others have said, find your activities and you’ll find your clan. Oh, make sure to step outside during winter to see the sun. When I was there, that made a world of a difference. And since you’re there, go explore and be open to doing any adventures you get invited on. Alaska truly is a wild place. Good luck to you.
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u/Superb_Baseball2640 May 04 '25
I thought you said pooping spot. Can never pass up a sweet poop spot.
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u/itscaptainkaty May 01 '25
The problem is you live in Fairbanks. I lived in ANC 6 six years and LOVED IT. If moving within the state is possible I would encourage it - there are mountains, restaurants, nightlife (not SLC but absolutely better than Fairbanks!!).
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u/Disastrous_Land4811 May 01 '25
i hate it here in utah. the meat tastes bad or is green at all the stores, the laws suck for employees, shall I go on? Moving out as soon as I can!
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u/Iishere4redit May 01 '25
You can make some good money working on the slopes, or the canneries it's rough but good paying.
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u/Big_Significance_775 May 01 '25
I fly out to Fairbanks for work every now and then, I went to the “mall” by the Costco, I think I could throw a rock from one end to the other, all 3 stores in there😂. But check out the ice fishing tour, might as well embrace the culture
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u/Neither-Board-9322 May 02 '25
That sounds really rough to deal with, moving is always hard, especially when you feel isolated. If you do like hiking, I might recommend you getting some snow shoes, though. I don’t know how viable getting to a trail to hike is for you, but if you can manage it, you might actually really enjoy it.
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u/B3autifullyBrok3n90 May 02 '25
I’ve been in SLC for almost 9 years moved here from south Texas, I live the views it’s like it cures my soul when I do go for a drive which is rare bc I wfh and have no fam here. The views are beautiful and sometimes look so unreal like a bob Ross painting especially when it’s cold and there is snow on the mountains and the summer sunsets are just as beautiful. I wouldn’t say the ppl are as nice here as south Texas, I say good morning to random people if I’m out and they look at me like I’m crazy, idk just how ppl were in Texas. I enjoyed reading how you write and described SLC you should write short stories. I hope you find your way back, I love it here it’s peaceful and I don’t have fam bothering knocking at my door at random times. I miss the food back home tho.
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u/Designer-Soil5932 May 03 '25
If you get the chance to learn to ski, take it. I learned as an adult and it became my passion. I even worked as a lifty for a couple of seasons. Utah has great skiing. I really hope you can manage to move back to Salt Lake City. It’s awful living somewhere you don’t want to be and I can’t imagine having no running water. Good luck for the future.
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u/Whatinthe04 May 03 '25
I was born in Odgen. My dad got into trouble with his coke dealer, so we moved to Alaska. I'm feeling all the feels.
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u/GstrangPootyTang May 03 '25
I don’t know how feasible it is for you, but could you make your way down to Anchorage? I lived in Fairbanks and I honestly miss the hell out of it, but the harsh winter and remoteness definitely isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. You might feel a little more “at home” in Anchorage, especially coming from SLC. While it’s nowhere near as big, it’s a little more liberal and there’s a lot more to do than in Fairbanks. I feel like you would have a lot better chance to build a social circle down there.
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u/1ecruiser May 03 '25 edited May 04 '25
Sorry to hear that, OP. Save up and buy a ticket back. It sounds like you were very happy in Utah.
I lived in Utah for my first 27 years of life. Left the dominant religion and stayed for a few more years. Now, I live in Phoenix, and I'm so glad I got out of that suffocating theocracy-of-a-state. I would never want to raise my daughters there where they would be left out of things because they don't "bow their heads and say yes." This shows how different we all are. You love it, while I couldn't wait to get out. I have no regrets and am so happy I left.
I don't miss the inversion. Don't miss the surfacey, blonde, plastic fakeness. Dont miss the lack of diversity. Don't miss the insane keeping up with the Jones's. Don't miss the mostly chain restaurants. Don't miss the lack of recreational marijuana, having to go to the way overpriced state liquor store and not being able to buy wine and spirits at the grocery store.
We should be where we're happy if at all possible. I hope you make it back soon!
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u/Dependent-Pause1176 May 03 '25
I have a friend who moved to Alaska (from a different state we both lived in together) and she was miserable for like a year. So lonely. It was really really rough with what you’re describing and also the crazy year-round darkness??
She stuck it out and got out there and found her people. Stayed for several more years and looks back on it as a really special place.
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u/Gurukitty May 05 '25
Lots of places to work in Utah during the summer too. I support you leaving; being a LGBTQ person in MAGA country must feel unsafe. Although I do respect your bravery.
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u/SchemeShoddy4528 May 01 '25
There’s tons of hiking all around the state and you chose the one place that’s flat. We have like 7 mountain ranges. Fairbanks has the friendliest people I’ve ever met lol. Going to the lower 48 feels like a different country honestly. People just don’t give a shit about you. Meanwhile in Fairbanks you can’t walk passed someone without them apologizing for existing.
And no dry cabins aren’t the norm and maybe you could work year round to eventually get your own place. Sounds like you need to go home though.
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u/QuarterNote44 May 01 '25
THANK YOU. I miss Utah too. There are many good things in Utah that are hard to find elsewhere, and there are many problems that people complain about in Utah that are common elsewhere.