Input if you live here

[oregon]

Ketchkan
Kiawok
Wrangle
Petersburg
Kake

Looking for any insights into these areas: Housing, Arts/Culture, tolerance, Weather, School Systems.

Thanks!

Oregon.

[BermudaKristi]

I personally haven't lived in those places, have been to all for long visits though. I have teacher friends in 3 of them. If you want to consider another island a bit more west and a bit bigger community except for Ketchikan- you should look at Kodiak. I teach here and LOVE IT

[H.Scandale]

What do you love about Kodiak? I would love to hear your experience. TIA

[oregon]

Thank you Kristi!

I will check Kodiak out Can you tell me if you have a lot of earthquakes. I see you are in the zone there for the most severe ones. I don't mind a few small ones, but I'm shying away for the big dudes. What can you tell me about your experience with that so far?

Lynette

[BermudaKristi]

Maybe it's just been quiet since I've lived here or I'm just used to earthquakes since living in Japan so only big ones catch my attention ? But, haven't had much, if any (none that I recall) in the earthquake area. I know there was a bit of a rattler 2015- but still didn't cause damage, just got people's attention. Kodiak is an island, so it's secluded in that sense, we are a small community but large...like we have Walmart, Taco Bell, safeway, McDonald's, Starbucks...I came from
Bermuda so feel spoiled here Anchorage is a quick flight away if you feel like it, but I've been quite content over breaks to stay here.

Schools are great here and it's just big enough to have a nice community for families and stuff to do. I've loved it and don't plan on leaving. The only major caveat is the housing is very expensive- so be ready for that!
Sticker shock!

[SassySunshine]

BermudaKristi,
I read your response earlier in my search and looked into Kodiak.
I have an interview with Kodiak on Monday. I’m curious about the availability of housing close to the high school. Is there a need for a car in Kodiak? I know housing is expensive, but I’m not seeing much available at all! Any recs on where to look for housing if I were to receive an offer?
Thank you!

[BermudaKristi]

Hi! The high school is in a neighborhood with lots of housing, well most of Kodiak city is residential it truly is small town feel. While you don’t necessarily need a car living close to the high school, I would recommend it. Safeway and Walmart are a good mile from there and while it’s a nice walk on a sunny day, it does rain quite a bit and that would be miserable. There is a ton to explore here and hike and you definitely need a car for that! The place to look for rentals is better on Facebook- join Kodiak rental housing market group. You can also just buy a car when you get her as there are always cars for sale on swip swap. Apartments you are looking at 1,000-1300 for a studio or 1 bedroom and it goes up from there. I still love it here

[SassySunshine]

Thank you BermudaKristi!
Great suggestions and good to know about the distance to shopping.
I think I have already added that rental facebook page.
It's awesome to hear that you are still loving it in Kodiak!
Thanks again!