Living in Nome

[sylfede]

I'd love to hear from anyone who lives in, or used to live in, Nome. I've checked quite a few websites about Nome, but would really like to get some personal comments. One Nome video I saw, for example, showed a lot of scenes of people outside in gorgeous warm weather in sleeveless shirts. How much of the year is it really possible to be comfortable dressed like that? How expensive are groceries and hardware compared to the lower 48? Does the harbor freeze in the winter or is there active ship traffic all year? I've looked at the flights to Nome and they are really expensive. How do you all manage that? Do people mostly just stay there? Are the Northern Lights visible there?

Thank you, and greetings from this Florida fan! :mrgreen:

[sylfede]

Another question, is it hard to get fresh fruit, vegetables, and non-fish meat in Nome?

[mitten]

You said you found a lot of web sites. Was one of them the Nome newspaper?

http://nomenugget.net/

[crackerspaz]

I can tell you some info, even though I live way across the country, and never lived there, but I can tell you that it is a small town, and yes, in Alaska it can in the upper sixties and low seventies.

[sylfede]

Thanks for the Nome Nugget link. No, I just looked up some encyclopedias, and the Nome visitor website (where the Nomecam is) and hadn't stumbled on the local paper yet.

[AlaskanthatsOutside]

How much are groceries in Nome?
One dozen Eggs - $4.49 1 lb Butter - $5.50
1 Gallon Milk - $7.29 1 lb Cheddar Cheese - $6.00
2 lb Cottage Cheese - $5.79 1 loaf Bread - $2.50
1 package Hot Dogs - $4.49 1 lb Bacon - $5.49
12 oz Lunch Meat - $4.49 6-pack Soda - $9.49

Go to:
http://www.nomealaska.org/

and click on Visitors Center. Then look around. The video is very nice, but covers more than just Nome.

[sylfede]

Alaskanthatsoutside, thank you! I expected groceries would be more expensive than down here, but :shock: . How do people get by?

[arctic.musher]

I have never lived in Nome but was a teacher in Kotzebue for 3 years. Kotzebue is a little farther north but much like nome. First of all you asked about food Both places have an AC store. AC are good size stores that sell groceireis, household goods, toys and clothes. They also can order almost anything if you ask. Fresh fruit and vegtables, meat and dairy products are available. There are also other stores including Napa Hardware and several resteraunts. Food prices are higher then in the lower 48.

The weather in the winter can get cold and there seemed to be a constant wind. But because of the low humidity the cold does not penatrate to your bones. In fact when I went down to Seattle The dampness chilled me so badly I was always cold and that was with an air tempature 70 degrees higher then in Kotz. So though the temps drop to tweenty or more below zero, it dosent seem that cold. During the winter the water freezes and barges can not get in and out.

One thing that I noticed is that despite the cold kids and people are outside playing and working. infact we had outside recess until yhe tempature was colder thean _20 below 0.

Both places have a medical clinic and hospital that can handel minor illnresses and accidents. More complicated procedures require travel to anchorage.

Nome is served by Alaskan airlines a flight from anchorage round trip will be anywhere from 600 to 800 dollars or even more. they do have a good frequent flyer program that allows you to get millage for mail order and using their credit card. Bush planes also fly in and out of nome.

When I was in kotz we only had one radio station that was quiet unique to the community. I ften wondered what other station could ever have a music line up of a gospel Inupaq song, the black Eyed Peas and then Barney. Birthday messages were also on the radio.

I enjoyed living in Kotzebue. Hope this helps

[arctic.musher]

I forgot to mention that summers are beautiful. People go out fishing and berry picking. hunting and to camp. An average day is about 70 that is about 100 degrees warmer then winter so you can imagine how warm it feels. In Kotz by may the sun does not set and by november it does not rise. Nome is probabbly close to that.

You can see the Northern lights straight up in the sky. Arora activity has been minimal this year but it starting to display more activity. The first year I was there the Northern lights were splendid

Also Nome is wet meaning alcohal can be sold and consumed in town.

[mags]

We will be visiting Nome March 13-17th. Where can I find a schedule of events and activities? Also, I'd like to do some XC skiing..are there skis available for rent?