One of my mother’s closest cousins-in-law (married to her cousin Salvatore Saputo) had family on her father’s side that lived in Juneau, Alaska. They moved down to Michigan for work during the 1960s with their five children and remained in the Grand Rapids area until they retired many years later when they moved back to adjust to the Juneau way of life. We had many conversations (well, I overheard many adult conversations) about how they loved life in Juneau and missed living there quite a bit.
My mother’s Saputo family had a farm in Coldwater where she visited with her Grandmother every summer for many weeks as a young girl and into her teen years. She treasured her time spent with all her cousins. My mother was the oldest of her siblings and was closest to the Saputo family’s youngest daughter. The Saputo cousins were Virginia, Joe, Connie, John, Salvatore, and Joann. My mother was also a Joanne (with an “e” at the end), as that was a prevalent name in Sicilian families at that time.
While attending a small college during the late 1960s, my mother’s favorite cousin-in-law met Salvatore, and they married a few years later. They lived in a home in Coldwater near both of their parents and started a family of their own. They had three children:
- Rachel
- Salvatore, Jr
- Nina ( she was named after my mom’s full name, Joannina)
Rachel was about a year and a half younger than me, and we only got to see each other when we had family reunions, weddings, or funerals. However, they moved to the southeast side of Michigan near us when we were teenagers. Because we were able to spend more time together, we became close cousin friends. Or, as she calls me, her “sister cousin.”
Furthermore, when she and her siblings went to the same school I attended, it was quite a treat for me as I am an only child. It was fantastic to have family with me during our education experience – I no longer felt so alone.
According to Best Places, Juneau is a good place to live as, “Juneau AK lies southeast Anchorage home to several outdoor sites perfect for those who want a bit of adventure from whale watching trips to glacier trekking all surrounded by breathtaking glaciers, mountains and fjords. Small metro area set in the coast and mountains of Alaska. Primary industries include government and tourism. Noteworthy assets include shoreline and state capital. – In southeastern Alaska, along the Gastineau Channel, 580 miles northwest of Ketchikan and 500 miles southeast of Anchorage..
Cost of Living: 13.0% higher
Time zone: Alaska Standard Time (AST)
Elevation: 56 ft above sea level
The Juneau, AK metro area is a place with deep historical roots and stunning natural scenery, located in the southeastern part of Alaska. Its history stretches back thousands of years with the Tlingit people as the original inhabitants. The city itself was founded during the gold rush era in the late 19th century and has grown to become the capital of Alaska,”.
Living in Juneau can also be a double-edged sword, especially in winter when the days are shorter and the weather can be unpredictable.
What is the quality of life in Juneau Alaska?
Per my Uncle Salvatore’s in-laws’ conversations, they felt that they enjoyed an extremely high quality of life being situated in the Tongass National Forest, which, in their opinion, was “one of the most beautiful places on earth.”
Wikipedia notes that, “As of the census of 2020, there were 31,275 people, 12,922 households. The population density was 11.9 people per square mile (4.6 people/km2), making it the least densely populated state capital. There were 12,922 housing units at an average density of 4.0 units per square mile (1.5 units/km2). The racial makeup of the city/borough was 64.7% White (62.5% Non-Hispanic White), 1.0% African American, 10.1% Native American or Alaska Native, 6.7% Asian, 1.3% Pacific Islander, and 14.3% from two or more races. 7.0% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 2.6% reported speaking Tagalog at home, and 2.4% reported speaking Spanish.
The median income for a household in the city/borough was $90,126. The per capita income for the city/borough was $45,607. 7.2% of the population was below the poverty line,”.
Juneau offers a diverse cultural atmosphere, reflective of its rich Native Alaskan heritage and small-town charm. Walking through downtown Juneau, you’ll find an array of quaint shops, artisan galleries, and local markets that showcase the talents and crafts of the region. The arts scene is vibrant, with opportunities to enjoy Native dance, music performances, and local theater productions.
Transport in Juneau can be a unique experience as well, given its status as one of the few U.S. state capitals not accessible by road from the rest of the state. The city’s well-connected ferry system serves as an essential link to other parts of Alaska, and the small-sized Juneau International Airport facilitates air travel. Public transportation within the city is efficient, with buses available for local commutes.
What food is Juneau, Alaska known for?
Of course, my first guess for what food might be popular in Juneau would probably be seafood since they are a coastal town. Whereas, living in the Metro Detroit area of Michigan means we get to enjoy the best coney island hot dogs, square deep-dish pizza (Buddy’s is my favorite), slow roasted shawarma from our Arabic friends native to Dearborn, sliders (Hunter House in Birmingham or Bray’s in Garden City), delicious Greek cuisine in Greektown and corned beef delicatessens from our Jewish community in West Bloomfield.
In Michigan, it’s lamb chops and baklava: Vernor’s and Faygo, Better Made potato chips and Boston Coolers. Our area is filled with iconic dishes that speak to our State’s global demographic influence.
But what else besides seafood is Juneau known for? Let’s ask the experts. Travel Juneau suggests that the following are an iconic taste of Juneau:
- “King Crab Legs
- Halibut Fish N Chips
- Salmon Bake
- Coppa Ice Cream
- Duck Fart
- (The Dark Fart is a layered shot made from Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Crown Royal Whiskey),”.
That’s right – how could I forget about Alaskan salmon and king crab?
Is Juneau a good place to live
In conclusion, for those who embrace the unique opportunity to live surrounded by nature, where bears can occasionally be seen roaming and northern lights illuminate the sky, the charm and beauty of living in Juneau will be irresistible.