Moving to Alaska!

[Fjelljeger]

The wife and I are moving to Alaska within the next 90 days. Will be working out of Anchorage and was wondering commute times from Wasilla, Palmer or Eagle River. Any advice as to good locations or other areas to consider would be great. We are extremely excited to get up there. Can't wait to to be able to hunt and fish our new state! It would be great to meet up with other Roksliders once we get there. We hope to travel up in October to start looking for a place to live. Thanks for any help and info.

 

[AK Troutbum]

The commute from either Wasilla or Palmer is about the same (about a hour +/-), unless your on the north side of Wasilla which could increase commute times considerably. I live in Chugiak, about 7 miles north of Eagle River, and work on the north side of Anchorage, it takes me 20 minutes to get to work and the same getting home. I never travel during the commute times though, I head in at 0530 and head home at 1900. Where are you going to be working?

 

[Floorguy]

I live in Palmer and like it, money for land and homes goes a lot further than Anchorage or Eagle River.

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[Fjelljeger]

We are definitely looking at Chugiak and Eagle River areas. Work will be east of downtown and south of the University.

 

[Floorguy]

Never mind i didn't see aktroutbums response

 

[Fjelljeger]

Thanks for the tips. if we have to drive the Alcan highway in late November to get to Anchorage do you think the road conditions will still be ok or should we plan on flying and shipping our vehicle?

 

[AK Troutbum]

I have very limited experience driving the Alcan, I only have done it once and haven't found a reason to drive back, but many people claim that it can actually be better road conditions in the winter.


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[Ray]

After September there will be fewer gas stations open, so top off at every town you come to.

The few times I've driven in the winter the road was fine. No construction zones! WOOT! But the moose, caribou, bison, elk, deer, and bears are harder to see.

As for real estate, buyers are waiting for the oil crash, so sellers are struggling. I've been both these last 6 months. Found a place to buy, but my old, small, bachelor pad is still waiting for a buyer (who can actually get a loan) Market entry homes are stagnant.


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[Fjelljeger]

We hope to be driving the 1st of November but too many variables to be certain. We are going to fly up in Oct to look at houses. I know residency takes a full year so am eager to get that process started.

 

[BRobertson]

I have very limited experience driving the Alcan, I only have done it once and haven't found a reason to drive back, but many people claim that it can actually be better road conditions in the winter.


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Greg is correct, the Alcan is usually better to drive in the winter!! Road is smoother, and I actually see more wildlife in the winter!!
Also no frigging 5th wheel campers!!!! I hate tourists pulling trailers!!


Bob

 

[Daniel_M]

I've been commuting to ANC from Wasilla for 8 years now. The trade off is more house/land at a cheaper price. The last 2-3 years have honestly sucked. What used to be a super smooth 45 minutes is now an hour or more. I'm typically at a dead stop 1-2x a week. Last week there was a 9 car pile up and 3 moose hit before 7am. Population increases are making it more difficult for a 2 lane highway to support plus getting closer to town the more off ramps come into play which have a less than ideal construction. There's been several big construction projects each year that also have an impact. Figure 10-13 hours on the road each week, 90+ miles a day.


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[AkMtnRunner]

I grew up between Palmer and Wasilla, now stuck in Los Anchorage. I used to do some real estate work and still know a few great people in the industry. PM me if you want their names.

There are quiet and loud places no matter the nearest town. It depends on what exactly you're looking for. As for the prices, there's a connection between the driving distance from anchorage and the property value. Looking strictly at the commute time vs that same amount of time working more, it's in your favor to drive more if earning about <$100k/yr. But like I say, it depends on all the features of the property you're looking for. Good luck!

 

[Fjelljeger]

Well the move is happening!! We begin our drive from West Texas this Saturday and plan on arriving in Anchorage on November 9th. We are under contract on a house in Chugiak and hopefully will be closing in about a month. 3,800 miles of beautiful country (ok two countries) awaits us!

 

[AK Troutbum]

Well the move is happening!! We begin our drive from West Texas this Saturday and plan on arriving in Anchorage on November 9th. We are under contract on a house in Chugiak and hopefully will be closing in about a month. 3,800 miles of beautiful country (ok two countries) awaits us!

Wishing you guys a safe and memorable trip. I've never been too fond of Texas (especially West Texas), but met some of the nicest people/ranchers that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, when I was there. If you need some contacts, feel free to get a hold of me. Drive safe.


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[kodiakfly]

When I moved up here it was about this time of year and as a flatlander from the Midwest the "closing of passes" or really any concern for road conditions for the next 400 miles never really occurred to me. I went through Lolo pass in MT in front of the plow as the last truck through before they closed it and then a few spots in Canada, I was having dinner or stopping for gas and Southbound travelers came in saying, "anyone heading North, just stay here and wait it out!" I was solo and had a truck canopy and sleeping bag and gear, so was fine. But gotta admit, I never even thought about having to weather anything out for any amount of time...it just never occurred to me. Of course, I was 21 and indestructible, so that's probably not a problem for you. Point is, be ready to stay at a hotel or even just a gas station parking lot for a day or two....no biggie.

Enjoy and let us know when you're here!

 

[kodiakfly]

Oh, go through Banff...totally worth it in every way.

 

[Fjelljeger]

We are entering Canada near Glacier and will be driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Nat Park. Our Tacoma will be loaded with winter gear (sleeping bags/stove/food/tire chains/etc) but we are planning on staying in hotels along the way. As they say "hope is not a plan" but we are wishing for decent weather if nothing more than taking pics during the drive. We'll update along the way if able. Thanks all for the support!

 

[kodiakfly]

Ah you'll be fine. It's the family of 6 in a Camry that you look at and say, "I hope they make it through the winter..."

 

[AK Troutbum]

We are entering Canada near Glacier and will be driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Nat Park. Our Tacoma will be loaded with winter gear (sleeping bags/stove/food/tire chains/etc) but we are planning on staying in hotels along the way. As they say "hope is not a plan" but we are wishing for decent weather if nothing more than taking pics during the drive. We'll update along the way if able. Thanks all for the support!

Yeah, you'll be good, enjoy your trip.


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[adventure907]

Sounds like you guys are well prepared. I've driven the ALCAN somewhere between 17-20 times (I stopped counting). My advice would be to take your time, watch for moose, and enjoy yourselves. I have driven that road at all times of the year. Do not be tempted to take the Cassiar, I'd stick with the true ALCAN if I were you. Also, make sure your antifreeze/coolant is rated for extreme cold temperatures. I know it is early winter, but we've been seeing some pretty cold weather in parts of interior Alaska already, so I know they are in Canada as well. I almost died one time when my radiator froze into an ice cube at -60 below, only luck and divine intervention saved me that time.