She expected isolation in remote Alaska but found internet and Amazon deliveries

A 23-year-old woman named Arwa Moore moved to a remote island off Alaska, expecting daily life to be difficult. She anticipated it would be far more complicated than in a city to get basic supplies, order things online, and travel off the island. Yet, after living there for a year, Moore has discovered that the island offers more everyday conveniences than she initially expected.

Moore shared with Business Insider that she can buy groceries, eat at local restaurants, order items online, and maintain a full-time career that relies on a reliable internet connection. She explained that "most of all, I've learned that convenience doesn't necessarily mean having endless options right outside my door." Her experience on the island has altered her perception of convenience.

Living in a community of just over 5,000 people, Moore is surrounded by untouched wilderness, accessible only by plane or boat. Despite the remoteness, the island boasts grocery stores, coffee shops, and fresh seafood stands. However, certain items like specific clothing brands, car parts, and specialized household goods may not be readily available locally.

In such cases, Moore turns to online retailers like Amazon, which deliver packages to the island, albeit with a waiting period of a couple of weeks and potentially higher shipping costs.

Moore works as a full-time content creator, requiring regular filming, editing, communication, and content uploading. Initially, she feared internet access could be problematic, but her internet connection has been satisfactory, allowing her to continue her work without relocating to a larger or more populated area.

While the island's travel infrastructure is less straightforward than in a city, Moore has adapted to the challenges. Regular flights to and from the island, along with the nearest airport being about 250 air miles away, necessitate careful planning for travel. Bad weather and flight delays can extend travel times significantly, often exceeding 24 hours. Moore has learned to plan for potential long travel days and closely monitor weather conditions to ensure smooth journeys.

Living on the island has also influenced Moore's shopping and dining habits. With a small population of just over 5,200 people and the surrounding villages housing a wider population of around 12,400, she has fewer choices when it comes to shopping and dining. However, the smaller number of businesses has fostered a stronger connection with the people running them. Moore often recognizes local business owners when she is in town and supports them by purchasing essentials or dining out.

For Moore, the familiarity of living in a smaller community has become a significant benefit. Despite having fewer choices than in a large city, she knows the businesses she frequents and recognizes the people working there. This sense of familiarity has made her feel more connected to the place.

The island's natural surroundings, shaped by glaciers, volcanoes, and powerful ocean currents, have also transformed how Moore spends her free time. While she already enjoyed outdoor activities before moving to the island, living among mountains, water, trails, and wildlife has made outdoor life an integral part of her routine. She hikes, trail runs, paddleboards, and explores various parts of the island.

These activities don't require her to plan a separate holiday or venture on a long journey; she can simply go outside and explore if she has a few free hours.