Moving to Wasilla in April. (Anchorage, Fairbanks: living, cost of, cabin)

[hemidude]

At least in the vicinity of Wasilla or Palmer - sorry, I'm still learning the area looking at maps via Google AND reading every "moving to Alaska" thread that I can find. I don't have any preferences outside of not wanting to live in Anchorage. I don't care for city life and since I'm single, I don't need anything more than a hole in the wall for a place to live - small house, cabin, garage apt., etc.

So being out in the rural parts suits me fine but eight months of winter isn't all that appealing the more I think about it.

I'll keep praying about it, that's for sure.

Thanks for all of the feedback!

Derek

[quakinator]

Originally Posted by Magoon

The only thing I regret is the public school system is not working for my 10 year old grandson. Not one bit.

Deb

What specifically is failing him? Please elaborate, as someone who will likely be putting my kids into the system in the future I'd like to know what challenges other children are facing. Thanks.

[Alaska Deb]

OMG if I hadn't spoken with the teacher and the principal myself, I would not have believed it; I am a teacher, and know the pressures on teachers, so I always try to be very careful in these situations...but WOWSER.

This problem is hopefully limited to a specific school. You could PM me if you'd like.

Deb

[shellbell21883]

Hi Derek,

I understand not wanting to live in "the city" but compared to most lower 48 cities, Anchorage is still a small town. There are a few pockets of traffic around rush hour downtown or on Tudor Rd, but it's not bad....well, it wasn't bad coming from So Cal anyway. I lived in Anchorage and felt it was the perfect blend of town and country. I could drive 3 minutes to the grocery store, or go to the coastal trails and be in peaceful wilderness. I watched whales swim by in the inlet as I listened to my ipod on my morning walk. If you are concerned at all with beautiful views, Anchorage is the place to be IMO. I never made it further south than Seward, but between there and Fairbanks, Anchorage is the top for mountain/ocean views. Speaking of "8 months of winter" (it's really not that bad), Anchorage does not get as cold as Wasilla/Palmer usually. I really do like the valley area too, it's quite nice. I'm just saying, Anchorage really isn't all that "big." You can find very nice spots in town. I lived in Midtown near Lake Otis Pkwy and 56th....semi-busy area but I never had one issue with crime. Anyway, I've rambled quite a bit.....I'll just end with this: Most of the good jobs are closer to Anchorage and I would not want to make that commute every day from the valley. REALLY something to consider!

[The Grill God]

I think everybody has a different idea of what a small town is. I grew up in a town of 400 so Wasilla seems large to me though I've lived in bigger since (didn't like any of them). But shellbell is right Anchorage is not that big it has a smaller feel to it than most towns I've been to that size. I don't think I would ever live in a place with that many people though. I like the space that the valley offers. Prices for housing are much more reasonable and if you aren't commuting everyday why deal with it.

[Metlakatla]

At least in the vicinity of Wasilla or Palmer - sorry, I'm still learning the area looking at maps via Google AND reading every "moving to Alaska" thread that I can find. I don't have any preferences outside of not wanting to live in Anchorage. I don't care for city life and since I'm single, I don't need anything more than a hole in the wall for a place to live - small house, cabin, garage apt., etc.

Wasilla just isn't my type of place; too many big box stores and no real "there" there and it's growing quite quickly. Palmer has more of a community feel to it. It feels more established and secure.

Willow is all right but it's microclimate can mean colder temps and more summer rain than the surrounding areas. I've always sort of liked it there though.

I don't know what to tell you about eight months of winter; that didn't used to bother me but anymore...I won't be doing it either.

[Metlakatla]

And...

I wasn't exactly "attacking" Wasilla, Marty--it really is possible to express a negative opinion of a place to live without "attacking" it. I can see moving to Wasilla for a job if one must; I was merely curious about why someone would focus on Wasilla instead of other areas of the state.

I'm sorry to hear about the young gentleman that's having a rough time in the school system there.

[Nephler]

We moved to Wasilla because, well, it got us here in AK. We were able to secure a lease over the internet/Craigslist for a nice home with great landlords. We don't plan on staying in this location though.

You're right Met, there is no town feel here, no feeling part of anything, just the masses. Our plans are to move, maybe over toward the Palmer area, maybe somewhere else. Time will tell.

[Alaska Deb]

Oh, yeah, I do know what you mean when you talk about the city of Wasilla. IF I had to live close to, or in the city, I wouldn't. I would have gone somewhere else. But...if you live waay out in the boonies...you'd never know it was Wasilla

We found a piece of land out in Sutton that was to die for. Literally brought tears to my eyes. IF we had each been 10-15 years younger, we'd be there now. Yup, now that I'm thinking about Sutton...wow.

Deb

[Metlakatla]

I agree; there is some beautiful land around Sutton.