Hugh,
This is just another opinion, but it may help. I moved to Alaska when I was young. I lived there for 28 years. It was a glorious time. Alaska is a beautiful place. It is a great place for young people who have lots of energy and are unafraid of work, seasons, and learning new things. I learned to hunt, to fish, to reload ammunition, to cut my own meat, and I got married.
We now live in the Redoubt. There are lots of former Alaskans here. Why did we move? First, Alaska becomes more difficult to deal with as one ages. The long, dark winters and the short summers don’t allow you to grow many garden crops without a heated greenhouse. The fact that we moved 13-14 degrees south has made life easier for our aging bones. Remember, you will not be young forever. – J.W.