Sterling? (Anchorage, Kenai, Soldotna: real estate, housing, rent)

[superior2alaska]

Hi
I posted before and all of the information was helpful but I have a thought and if anyone could give me advice that would be great!

I have accepted a position in Kenai near the airport ~ I have read some post on here that have said that the commute from Sterling to Soldotna isn't terrible.
I have lived in the UP of Michigan and am very comfortable with winter driving. I was wondering if anyone would recomend this or is it just silly?
If it isn't a stupid idea is there a good way of going about finding housing in Sterling?
Thanks

[Alaskan_Adventurer]

Rance can definitely help you concerning Sterling. The commute is relatively short, maybe 15-20 minutes at the most. Sterling is 10 miles from Soldotna. I have driven the Sterling highway both in the summer and winter. The roads are generally clear, so it shouldn't be much of a problem. As far as real estate in the Sterling area, I really don't know much. From what I have seen though, it isn't too expensive. At least in comparison to Anchorage.

[BudinAk]

Originally Posted by superior2alaska

Hi
I posted before and all of the information was helpful but I have a thought and if anyone could give me advice that would be great!

I have accepted a position in Kenai near the airport ~ I have read some post on here that have said that the commute from Sterling to Soldotna isn't terrible.
I have lived in the UP of Michigan and am very comfortable with winter driving. I was wondering if anyone would recomend this or is it just silly?
If it isn't a stupid idea is there a good way of going about finding housing in Sterling?
Thanks

It's easily doable. I don't live there, but have been there numerous times. The commute is only like 20 minutes, and the roads are good (by Alaskan standards). And there aren't any steep hills as such...low, mild, rolling ones perhaps, but nothing wild. If you work in Kenai, you could choose to live there, or in Soldotna, or in Sterling...not a problem.

Bud

[superior2alaska]

Thanks
It seems like the commute would be fine ~ I am looking to rent and if the prices are less in Sterling, even better, so if anyone has any suggestions that would be lovely

[mal_flisk]

Check with Rance when he gets back from Sveeden.

[rotorhead]

If you decide to buy out there, definately familiarize yourself with the Kenai boroughs GIS program, the parcel viewer. It has a feature where you can get an overlay of which part of what property is considered a wetland and thats gonna be important. That country is covered with thousands of little lakes and ponds, lots of it is basically unbuildable due to swamps, peat, and marsh. There are usually a bunch of lots for sale, just start checking with the local realtors and when you get there keep your eyes open for FSBO properties. It ranges from remote access (snowmachine, boat, and aircraft only) to high-zoot subdivisions with underground power and natural gas at the lot line. Just make sure that there is enough dry land to build on, and that you can site both a well and septic legally since many areas have no city water or sewer.

Obey the primary rule of Alaskan land shopping....buy nothing unseen, set foot on it yourself before you sign.

Gonna be some distressed properties for sale in the Ninilchik area, fire sale prices.

[Alaskan_Adventurer]

If you move there, you will have the Swanson river and Swan lake canoe trails as your playground. It is a very long trail that connects dozens of lakes. There is a few portages, but nothing too rough. Fun stuff and pretty decent fishing.

Links about the trails

Swanson river Swanson River Canoe Trail

Swan lake
Swan Lake Canoe Trail

Beautiful area and fairly easy trails. Lots of wildlife.