Questions about moving to Valdez from Northeast (Anchorage, Fairbanks: apartment complexes, rentals)

[sarah4496]

I currently live in Massachusetts and am in college. I want to move to Alaska after graduation to work. I work in the ocean-going industry (will have my 3rd Mates Unlimited License) and am wondering a few things about living arrangements around the Port of Valdez.

Are there decent places for one bedroom apartments with relatively short commute times to the water? How much does renting typically cost?

I am just looking now, but want to do my research well before making a decision to move all the way across the country. I am visiting this summer for work on a crude oil tanker and am hoping that will provide me with some insight on living in Alaska also. Any advice would be helpful!

[tigre79]

Call Sound Realty. It's the only decent game in town.

Also check for listings in the Star, Alaskas List, and Craigslist (Anchorage and Fairbanks).

Renting can be relatively expensive here, depending on what you're used to. For one bedrooms I wouldn't be surprised at anything from $700 to $1000. You might find a better deal renting a room in a house for $500 a month or less, and may want to try that at first and move on from there. There are a few apartment complexes and a number of duplex/fourplex rentals. Anyone at Sound Realty should be able to steer you in the right direction.

Most rentals are in town, all of which is walkable/bikeable to the harbor and SERVS, and about five minutes to the container dock. If you're working over at the pipeline terminal, it's 15-20 minutes or more from town (since you have to go all the way around the bay), depending on weather in the winter and tourist traffic in the summer. Other neighborhoods include Robe River, about 5 miles from town and as close to the terminal as you can live, and Alpine Woods, about 13 miles out. There may be rentals out there if you'd rather live in a slightly more rural setting.