Photo of Barrow, AK
( 9 Ratings )

Living in Barrow, AK

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Barrow Reviews

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You went where? User Rating 1.5 rating By Leonardo ( May 18, 2016) Great place for the bragging rights. Now, winters are cold, in the minuses with 35 mph wind and blowing snow. March brings higher temps (as high as +7F while April brings highs in the teens with melting snow and everything mud. There are no tarmac roads, just graded cinder and ...Read More lots of potholes in warmer weather. Big whale hunt in April, that is worth seeing, as it goes on all month. Polar bears are around in late winter,averaging about 1 a week, even had one in the middle of town. They will eat you, tho no ones been killed for about 8 years. Food is insanely expensive, if you work here, pack your own, even at $75 a bag pays for itself quickly. Bring as many canned meats as you can, a single can of Spam for example is $5-6 alone. Don't try wearing less than 800wt down in the winter, good gloves and facemask, you won't be able to endure the cold more than 10 minutes, which is a shame you'll miss the Northern lights which are impressive. Most electronics won't work in this cold, just a warning. Transport is via non English speaking rat trap cab drivers 24/7, if you don't need Alaska Cab don't use them, I like Barrow Cab myself. Flights are very limited out of Barrow. Top of the World has nice accommodations and there is also Air Port Inn, who are very helpful. UIC has rental cars, these aren't cheap. You can buy Inupiat Art at the Wells Fargo (only bank), the Artic Circle Grocers and the Inupiat Heritage Center across street. Weather can change suddenly, dangerously so in winter, expect high winds in afternoon, Cell phone service is very spotty, Verizon only worked about half the time I was up here and internet, welllll, welcome to the 60's. In the winter it's kinda charming, but once the snow melts it's a res town, guaranteed to amaze and appall. Read Less
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      F Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Barrow? Well, there are not many amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Manuluk Memorial Play Ground

      Entertainment

      Iñupiat Heritage Center

      Food & Drink

      Subway
      Cruz's Mexican Grill

      F Commute

      Is public transit available in Barrow? Of all people who commute, 0.6% take public transportation in Barrow.
      Drive to Work
      45%

      32% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      1%

      5% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      14%

      11% higher than the US average

      B- Health & Safety

      Is Barrow a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital

      Pharmacies

      Doctors