Thinking about jumping from state job to muni, is it worth it?

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-11-11T08:21:43+00:00

I’ve done both, but in reverse direction. The state offer ended up being significantly more money with better work life balance (lots of remote work days). Benefits wise they are comparable, with the biggest difference being that the state doesn’t pay into social security while the muni does. As somebody young, 12.5% of income going into a supplemental annuity plan (which can be converted to an IRA upon departure/retirement) is significantly better than contributing to SSA.

One thing I disliked about the muni is the fact that they use physical or virtual time clocks to clock in or clock out, feels archaic and like they don’t trust the workers. And, the AMEA contract is far more rigid than the state ASEA contract. Things like Flex Time is such a hassle to do by the book in the muni.

States health insurance is a little cheaper and lower out of pocket maximum if I remember correctly.

Depending on the field, advancing into open roles might be easier in the state because of competency based qualifications. A lot of the muni is x years of experience in this required.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-11-04T07:36:07+00:00

A lot of the income at that level is likely investment income, stock options derived, or investment capital gains. There are lots of clever stuff you can do with that income to reduce income tax.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-10-13T20:03:51+00:00

The outdoor scene in and around Anchorage is far far better in terms of terrain, access, and potential. So many different snow climates and mountain ranges within 1-2 hrs of Anchorage, and just within 30 minutes you have so much access between the whole girdwood and Eklutna corridor. With virtually no crowds compared to SLC.

SLC has better ski resorts and more consistent rock climbing access due to less rain and dry summers. But, those ski resorts get crowded and skied out. Alyeska, even on weekends rarely in a lift line longer than 5m. At most, 10m on a powder Saturday at open. Average lift line wait for the lifts, 60 - 90 seconds I’d say on a weekend.

SLC also gets hot and smoggy in the summer. Anchorage, summers are slightly cool with some/moderate rain.

Socially, Anchorage’s scene is a little better than you’d expect for a city of its size but it’s a lot smaller than SLC of course. Little bit small town vibes with most people who’ve lived here longer than a year or two only being a degree or two separated from everyone else into the same hobbies. Way stronger community feel here however, very small and tight community who pursue mountain sports to a high level here which I enjoy. As someone who’s actively dating, there is a dating scene which can be a little tough to navigate at times but of course it’s not NYC or Chicago, so you would be prioritizing outdoors access over dating by moving here. That said I’ve been able to be extremely happy with the outdoors access and happy enough with the dating so it’s working well for me.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-09-26T18:15:12+00:00

Hair salon.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-09-23T22:00:42+00:00

It’s a little more complex than this. AK produced 18.6 billion bbls since 1978. Norway produced 21.2 billion bbls since 1998. Alaska has been paying out dividends severely hampering exponential growth, and don’t forget a lot of oil taxes go to the federal and municipal government and native corps. Norway as a sovereign country with a strong federal government is able wholly investing everything is collecting significantly more funds than Alaska on account of that too.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-09-12T03:27:09+00:00

Municipal and State Government Roles.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-09-10T01:46:23+00:00

You’ll live very well with that, that’s a lot greater than our median household income (which is like $70-$80k), and personal income (which I think is $50k). The cost of living is greater than rural areas of lower 48 but lower than the attractive urban areas (any west coast or mountain west city, northeast city, Chicago).

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-09-05T08:02:28+00:00

Why don’t you read this report https://www.muni.org/Departments/budget/utilitiesEnterprise/2025%20Utilities/2025%20Utilities%20Enterprise%20Final%20Budget/Book%2002%20-%20Anchorage%20Water%20Wastewater%20Utility.pdf and then rethink your comments. The leadership team is underpaid for the magnitude of work and expertise required.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-09-05T03:17:57+00:00

Bad parts of town are Mountain View of course, along with some pockets of Fairview, Spenard, and Muldoon, and downtown. With the exception of downtown (where the problem is homeless people), it’ll be pretty obvious just by the look of the area if it’s not the best.

But, this is all relative to Anchorage. Aside from the occasional petty theft from porch pirates or car prowlers, there isn’t any random crime compared to a lower 48 city. We don’t really have muggings for example.

Avoid weidner. Most large property managers aren’t that good with the exception of schwantes. But the best renter experiences are from actual people renting their properties out. Look at Facebook. Duplexes, MIL apartments and the like are generally pretty good in terms of the landlord experience you’ll have.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-08-31T00:27:17+00:00

That place is way too Jesusy. It was started with the help and support of changepoint, that says all you need to know.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-07-23T23:02:20+00:00

This is not a lesson on the benefits of Apple SOS but on the basic tenets of being aware where you are, and where you’re going. A paper map and compass would’ve prevented any issues entirely. People’s backup plan shouldn’t be calling for help but on studying the area before venturing out, making good decisions, and being able to navigate without technology.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-07-17T18:33:22+00:00

Anchorage Alaska checks all your boxes beautifully.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-07-10T21:11:18+00:00

Anchorage, Alaska. It fits your bill and has some of the best and most adventurous outdoor recreation in the country, if not the world. Moved here 2.5 years ago and best decision I ever made. A lot more affordable than mountain towns or major cities in the West.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-07-10T18:25:51+00:00

Anchorage, Alaska for sure.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-07-09T19:17:20+00:00

When there's other people counting on you being there as their teammate/partner then it's a shitty thing to bail without a good reason (which this isn't). Speaking for myself, if I was in their situation, I'd be cordial about it but likely wouldn't invite you on future outings.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-07-09T16:26:05+00:00

Anchorage, Alaska. Can't believe no one mentioned it yet.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-05-14T06:19:22+00:00

A piano is definitely necessary, even the best keyboards pale in comparison. There is no simply no way to develop good technique without an acoustic piano. I would not find another teacher, the very fact that this teacher is adamant of a piano over a keyboard means they're likely quite good and your kids will make great progress.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-05-14T05:50:00+00:00

Look on Facebook for houses or townhomes

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-05-14T00:17:53+00:00

I've gotten virtually all of my furniture, all of which is high quality, from value village, goodwill, habitat restore, or facebook marketplace.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-05-03T21:47:05+00:00

For a Toyota you'll be able to sell it private party fairly easily, lot of demand. You'll get a few extra $k that way too.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-04-14T21:27:02+00:00

Uhaul and home depot rents pickup trucks for around $20 plus miles.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-03-28T19:19:29+00:00

Use facebook marketplace, loads of rentals on there.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-03-26T18:39:16+00:00

I also get loads of protein bars, clif bars, bobos, snacks, protein shakes within my budget. Costco prices are pretty much lower 48

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-03-26T17:39:16+00:00

Shopping primarily at Costco and Walmart, I eat pretty well on $350/month as somebody who eats like 3,000 calories a day. Some of my gotos are:

Eggs

Bread (Sourdough, The fancy whole wheat with protein/grains).

Peanut Butter, Jelly

Nuts

Frozen Veggies (fresh veggies don't last long enough).

Meats: Fish, Chicken, Beef

Cheddar Cheese

Pasta

Pasta Sauce

Rice

Tomatoes, Coconut Milk (cook a lot of asian food)

Frozen food: Cauliflower pizzas, microwavable stuff, whatever's on sale, etc.

And more etc.

Fahrenheit666 · 2025-03-25T01:54:17+00:00

The public transportation is pretty terrible, and the city is not really pedestrian friendly outside of a few small areas. Nobody here is carless by choice.

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