Moving to Juneau (Anchorage, Craig, Skagway: home, rental, motel)

[KaliChondra]

Hello everyone, first post here so please forgive any misconceptions, that is what I am hoping to have corrected. My friend and I are moving to Juneau very soon, probably within the next two weeks. We have done alot of research and frankly we were surprised that the cost of living was so affordable. Currently your prices posted in other posts match approximately what we are paying here (Atlanta, GA) and your rent prices are cheaper or comprable. (we currently pay $1000 a month for a tiny run down 2 bedroom. Moving to a one bedroom for $650 is grand! Price for a one bedroom around here is $800) Even prices of milk and gas are approximately the same. We adore the climate, and have lived in the northern states before so snow is not all that scary to us. With the new stores opening in Juneau we were delighted to find that entry level jobs were easily obtainable. The only kinda scary thing is that this is a sudden move due to problems here so there is not going to be a nice, comfortable cushion should things take a while. Which leads me to a few questions.

After figuring gas, food for the trip, and tune up, etc to drive to Juneau, as well as first month's rent and deposit on an apartment, we should have just enough money. Do you think that will be a serious problem?

We already have callbacks from the places we applied to so we aren't expecting too much trouble finding a job. However is there anywhere in Juneau that you can suggest might be friendly to hiring people from out of state?

For anyone who has recently moved to Juneau, what is the one thing that you did not bring that you wish you had?

Last question(s). According to mapquest the best route leads us through Canada for most of the trip. I visited Canada so if I remember correctly having an ID is ok as opposed to a passport. Also if I remember correctly exchange rates from ATM's are terrible. Is it better to get money exchanged at a bank nearby before we leave the states, or an exchange station at the border?

That's all I can think of for the moment, I am sure I will have more to ask later but thanks for your time at the moment.

[mal_flisk]

1. Juneau is not accessible by road, and cars can only get there by ferry (out of Bellingham in WA). Can catch a ferry in Skagway if you still want to drive through Canada.

2. You can get almost anything in Juneau that you can buy outside.

[DannyL]

There are only 2 ways to Juneau, boat and plane.
Email your resume to AEG (Alaska Employment Group...they have a web site) if you haven't already. They are a private agency who specialize in placing semi-professional newbies. They're good folks. I'll email you the direct phone # if you wish.
Hit Juneau with at least 4 grand available (cash,credit,etc). Also email me this "grand 650.00 a month one bedroom wonder" and I'll try to find out where it is. Could be a dump. Landlords here are rather "cough...cough"...questionable in the way they describe their rentals.
Lots of new folks go for the extended stay rates at motels. Avoid the Bergman at all costs. Seriously.
Winter is the best time to be here. The cruise ship shops have all closed up, downtown is actually fun again.
I'll help if I can, just ask. I'll even buy you your first beer.
Welcome to Juneau.....

[DannyL]

Also, whatever is not available locally can be had over the internet.
home Depot just opened a month ago, and is still hiring. Walmart is opening up Sept 12 and can't find enough good peopel.

[cobolt]

I second DannyL. You shouldn't have too much trouble finding work. I've never experienced any sort of "out of stater" mentality from anyone. Just keep your mind open and take advice when the locals give you suggestions as to how to make it through the winters, etc. I also think doing the ferry would be smarter than driving the ALCAN to Skagway and then ferrying, but this is just my opinion. And yes---find out more about the location of this "wonderful" apartment. You would be surprised. Price sounds a bit low.

Enjoy. Juneau is wonderful! Great people. Lovely scenery. Good life. I am envious.

Cobolt

[KaliChondra]

Thank you very much for your replies. I did not know that Skagway did not connect by road, I have now factored in the ferry from Skagway as the price for the bellingham ferry is over $1000.

I will send my resume to AEG, thanks. Unfortunately I will be arriving in Juneau with less then half what you recommend, but we are not scared of having a tough time. There is a very long story here, but it boils down to that we do not have the time to wait to save up that much money.

I am very glad that finding a job will be simple, we are hard workers and dont forsee problems getting a job but would love to have one waiting when we arrive.

about the location, I was just browsing the Juneau newspaper. I am having a tough time finding apartments online. I havent really found something I am set on yet but I am open to suggestions if you have one for a place to live.

[Metlakatla]

You might want to think about driving to Prince Rupert and taking the ferry to Juneau from there.

I'd suggest Craig's List for apartments but I just took a look and it seems very Anchorage-oriented.

With a lot of summer workers leaving town though, it might be a good time to be able to find a reasonable place.

[KaliChondra]

I have taken a look around, and found a little studio for only $525. (yes, it has a drawback but it isn't an issue for us as this little studio is more like the extended stay places you all were talking about.) I am trying to get the money together for a loan to get up to Juneau as the previous loan that I was told was sure to go through, did not.

If you know of anyone who might be interested in helping someone make a new start, please follow the link below. It is not spam, nor a solicitation for free money. But an investment oppertunity to invest in my life. Please consider it seriously.

Moving Funds (Loan listing #194512) - Prosper

[Metlakatla]

Uh oh. I'd think hard and long before making that kind of interest commitment.

Gotta go back to work but I can pm you with some suggestions later on if you don't mind.

[KaliChondra]

I did think quite a bit about it, but my credit sucks so that kind of interest commitment is the only thing that I can use to entice people to give me the loan. Please PM me those suggestions you mentioned.