Want to move to Alaska (Anchorage, Kenai: rent, buying a home, buying)

[wbpsc]

I have wanted to move to Alaska for 20 years and make have a job offer in Anchorage. However, I don't particularly want to live in the middle of Anchorage, and love some houses (and can afford them) in North Kenai area. Is there a way for someone to make that daily commute? Driving is 3 hours, plane 25 min but not affordable. Is there some type of ferry service?

I'm a Florida native and live in the middle of the woods in SC now. I'm used to an hour commute one way but 3would be too much. Any info is appreciated! Thanks.

[globetraveler]

Originally Posted by wbpsc

I have wanted to move to Alaska for 20 years and make have a job offer in Anchorage. However, I don't particularly want to live in the middle of Anchorage, and love some houses (and can afford them) in North Kenai area. Is there a way for someone to make that daily commute? Driving is 3 hours, plane 25 min but not affordable. Is there some type of ferry service?
.

There is no commuter ferry service between Kenai and Anchorage. If you don't want to live in Anchorage, you best bet is to look north of Anchorage. Eagle River, Chugiak, Birchwood, Eklutna, Palmer, and Wasilla are a few of the cities and areas north of Anchorage.

[heathen]

That would not be a reasonable commute. Not only is it very long, but that very winding road gets some exceptionally bad weather, and is occasionally closed by avalanches. I personally wouldn't do the Mat-Su commute either (40-50 miles each way) but thousands do, and at least it's on a good divided highway. Chugiak, Birchwood, parts of Eagle River, and Peters Creek are all closer, but feel semi-rural, definitely not like living in the center of Anchorage.

[wbpsc]

Thanks for the info. I'd have to find a comparable home to make my hubby happy about such a move.

[bongo]

Bear Valley has a country feel in south Anchorage.

I consider the commute from the Kenai to be mission impossible LOL.

Even Palmer/Wasilla would be too much for me with the storms, ice, moose, etc.

We spent a year in Eagle River but ended up buying a house in Anchorage instead. To us, Eagle River was more bedroom community than country.

Good luck with your choices!

[wbpsc]

With a little web browsing, Palmer/Wasilla will probably be our best bet. We live in the woods now, and for us to move into a subdivision would be disastrous. I can handle an hour commute easy and would have to drive my refurbished and upgraded CJ7 more (aww, rats! LOL). One of the many reasons we want to move- absolutely no place to dirt bike or 4 wheel here.

[bongo]

Just know that winter driving on the Glenn tends not to be easy, especially for one not used to alaska ice & snow. I see quite a number of vehicles off the side of the road on the Glenn. Friends hit a moose that stepped out in a heavy fog at the Palmer hay flats.

Perhaps rent & try it for a winter before committing by buying a home.

You can certainly find woods up in the Mat-Su. Birchwood/Peter's Creek area also is wooded & is much closer, maybe check that area out too.

Good luck!

[stiffnecked]

Plenty of wooded areas in the Hillside area of Anchorage.

[Dakster]

Might want to take a visit first.... I did a Summer one and I am planning a winter one before I commit to a move.

Look around at housing and try a morning and afternoon commute from the different areas. And try them in the winter if possible. Since you have a job offer, now might be the time to go and explore.

I am sure someone will point out that many people have moved sight unseen and loved it. Some have moved and hated it. You have to decide if you want to take that chance.

Oh and kiss those low SC gas prices goodbye.

[wbpsc]

Yes, we do have the best gas prices in the entire country here. We also have all those half back Yankees too though! Grrrr