Life Beyond the Mile Markers: A Family's Journey in Rural Alaska

In the remote town of Eagle, Alaska, a family of six swapped city life for a quieter, more self-sufficient existence. Olivia Jones and her family moved from St. Louis, Missouri, to this tiny community of about 100 people, nestled near the Canadian Yukon border. Their journey began when Olivia's husband's IT job went remote during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving them the freedom to relocate. The decision to move wasn't made lightly. Olivia's family has a long history with Alaska, dating back to the 1970s when her grandfather moved there to mine for gold. Her parents also fell in love with the landscape and moved to Alaska about 13 years ago. Olivia and her husband considered the move for a long time before deciding to take the plunge. One of the biggest adjustments for the family was the impact on their four children. The kids had been deeply involved in sports and other activities back in St. Louis. But in Alaska, the family found a new rhythm, spending more time together at home, playing board games, and learning practical life skills like hunting, fishing, basket-weaving, and knife-making. Olivia believes these skills will set her children up for a better life, even if they don't pursue sports or other traditional extracurricular activities.Schooling in Eagle is far from traditional. The local school has only about 16 students, ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade. Lessons are taught to all age groups together, with older kids often helping younger ones. This unique approach has helped Olivia's kids flourish. They've learned about plant identification, animal tracks, and even how to tell the difference between edible and non-edible plants. Living in such a remote area comes with its challenges. The family has to haul all their water from a well in town, using a truck with a built-in water tank. Their home is heated primarily by a wood stove, though they also have a backup heating oil system. Food is another major consideration. The nearest Costco, Walmart, and fast food options are nearly nine hours and 370 miles away in Fairbanks. The family does a big grocery haul a few times a year and supplements with monthly mail plane orders. Community is a big part of life in Eagle. Volunteers drive the town's ambulance, help out in the school, and assist with other needs. Crime is rare, and neighbors look out for each other. When the doctor or dentist visits every three months, the town makes sure they have everything they need. The family's move to Alaska has been a learning curve, but it's also brought them closer together. They've had to adapt to a slower pace of life, learn new skills, and rely on each other more. It's a far cry from their old life in St. Louis, but it's a life they've embraced wholeheartedly.