Common Questions About Ketchikan

During my time off as a teacher this summer, I've been earning some extra income as a server. Although waiting tables is not the most glamorous of jobs, one thing I do enjoy is chit-chatting with tourists from the cruise ships. Tourists are fun to talk to because they are excited to be in our quaint little town and are (usually) in a good mood. Here are the most common questions I get when chatting with out-of-towners...

1. Is it daylight 24 hours a day in the summer?
~No, in the summer the sun eventually goes down around 10:30 or so. But if you go further north (Fairbanks), then you will not see the sun go down in the summer.

2. Is it dark all winter?
~No, the sun sets around 3:30 in December. It is hard to get used to--by 4:30 I am ready for bed!

3. How much does a gallon of milk cost?
~Well, that depends on where you shop. If you shop at Safeway, you can buy a gallon of milk for around $3 a gallon. Some of the smaller stores in town are more expensive--around $6 a gallon.

4. Is the cost of living expensive?
~Yes. If you think you can find a newer home for around $200,000--think again. A newer 3 bedroom 2 bath home will cost you around $300,000. If you are a renter looking to rent a two bedroom, expect to pay around $1100 for something decent. A nicer one bedroom apartment costs anywhere from $850-950/month.

5. Do teachers make a lot of money in Alaska?
~That depends. In Ketchikan? No. The starting salary for a beginning teacher in Ketchikan is around $40,000. Compared to most states, that is a great salary. But if you want to make "big bucks" as a teacher in Alaska, you will have to teach in the "Bush." Those are the small villages in Alaska that are off the road system. The weather is harsh, and groceries and housing is extremely expensive. That is why salaries for teachers is a lot higher in those areas.

6. How much snow do you get in the winter?
~Not as much as you'd think. Ketchikan's weather can be compared (somewhat) to Seattle's weather. RAINY and WINDY. Ketchikan gets about 13 feet of rain per year, so if you're moving here, invest in some Xtra Tuff rain boots and good rain gear. Tourists stick out like sore thumbs in Ketchikan--they use umbrellas!

7. Are the winters brutal?
~Yes. But not because of the temperature. Ketchikan's temperatures in the winter are not bad at all. Chicago's winters are much colder than ours. If you head north to Fairbanks, that is where you will find -40 degree temperatures. The winters in Ketchikan are "brutal" simply because of the never-ending rainy weather. The clouds, wind, sideways rain, and darkness can get to you. Last winter I felt tired all the time. I was also moody and irritable. I am surprised my husband is still married to me! Bless his heart.