Anchorage is the hub where rural Alaskan residents go to shop for things not found in smaller town stores. It's about 300 miles away from Valdez (where I live). But Valdez is probably the most beautiful place in Alaska. It's like living in a national park. Plus, I hate traffic, but enjoy the ability to leave from my driveway on my snowmachine or dirt bike to go play. And we don’t have to worry about locking doors, or keeping a real close eye on the kids here either.