Where should I move to in Alaska?!?!? (Valdez: sale, real estate)

[HannahTravels]

You mentioned being interested in Juneau so I'll speak a bit to that...

Juneau hasn't had much snow this year. Usually there is plenty, at least enough to keep the ski resort up and running. We've had a couple of bizarre winters though. I'm not sure how cold you're hoping for? Juneau is basically between 30-60 all year and we get lots of rain. It's very scenic and has stellar outdoor activities. Definitely doesn't have that "city" feeling. It's much more of a small community. The schools are good and they offer many great programs. The music program is something that I always rave about. Students begin playing violin in kindergarten and then as they get older other things like guitar and drums become available. Would you have children in the school system? I could give a more in-depth look into the schools if that's something you're interested in. As far as crime, Juneau does have crime like any city. I've never felt unsafe here though. I frequently walk my dog around the neighborhood at night and we've never had a break-in or anything. It seems like specific areas in town end up getting the majority of crimes or they are committed by people who know each other.

[icypenguin17]

HannahTravels - Snow is a major part of my requirements, but if everything else is good i can still live without it. I like every part of Juneau except for there not being a LOT of snow. I really do like rain, though!

I'll probably visit Juneau and Valdez one day in winter to see which one i like better. Thanks for the information!

[Haolejohn]

Originally Posted by icypenguin17

HannahTravels - Snow is a major part of my requirements, but if everything else is good i can still live without it. I like every part of Juneau except for there not being a LOT of snow. I really do like rain, though!

I'll probably visit Juneau and Valdez one day in winter to see which one i like better. Thanks for the information!

Have you priced rentals in Juneau? Or the cost to get there?

I'm living in a village right now and will be moving this summer to another location in the state. No idea where. I go where to job is. Budget cuts suck and so does the cost of moving in alaska.

The crime in alaska can be frequent, but it's usually family related or friend related in my experience and alcohol or some other chemical is usually involved.

When you say you want shops or stores, you really need to ask yourself how much are you willing to pay for a gallon of milk or dozen eggs. Gallon of gas?

For perspective. Milk is $15/gallon, eggs are $5/dzn and gas is $7.45/gallon. It also costs me between $6-750 to get to anchorage.

What do you do for a living?

[jdhpa]

Originally Posted by Haolejohn

Have you priced rentals in Juneau? Or the cost to get there?

I'm living in a village right now and will be moving this summer to another location in the state. No idea where. I go where to job is. Budget cuts suck and so does the cost of moving in alaska.

The crime in alaska can be frequent, but it's usually family related or friend related in my experience and alcohol or some other chemical is usually involved.

When you say you want shops or stores, you really need to ask yourself how much are you willing to pay for a gallon of milk or dozen eggs. Gallon of gas?

For perspective. Milk is $15/gallon, eggs are $5/dzn and gas is $7.45/gallon. It also costs me between $6-750 to get to anchorage.

What do you do for a living?

May I ask what town that is? $15 for milk is crazy

Best of luck on your search and move!

[Haolejohn]

Originally Posted by jdhpa

May I ask what town that is? $15 for milk is crazy

Best of luck on your search and move!

Just about any interior village. Lol.

I'm located in the yukon/kuskokwim delta on the yukon river though.

[icypenguin17]

Haolejohn - I have. Some areas in Alaska are more expensive then others. I think yours might be one of them, maybe......?

Oh, and I'm an engineer. I do look at the job searches in different cities. The other factors are important, but this is too. I just forgot to list it. I think it depends on the timing. Thanks for the information!

jdhpa - Thanks!

[Haolejohn]

Originally Posted by icypenguin17

Haolejohn - I have. Some areas in Alaska are more expensive then others. I think yours might be one of them, maybe......?

Oh, and I'm an engineer. I do look at the job searches in different cities. The other factors are important, but this is too. I just forgot to list it. I think it depends on the timing. Thanks for the information!

jdhpa - Thanks!

Though I pay more for gas and groceries my rent is way less. I pay $650 month for a big house with all utilities but power included.

All of alaska is pricy. But some places (Juneau for one) is even higher with rent.
Not sure how marketable engineering would be. Especially high priced engineering.

You are getting ideas and conducting research. That's good. Just make sure your job is compatible and doesn't require traveling outside your location on your dime.

Im looking at Valdez as well. Seems like a sweet place. Juneau was just to pricey for our two incomes.

[jdhpa]

Where are homes for sale in Valdez advertised? I only see a couple on trulia and zillow.

[Haolejohn]

Originally Posted by jdhpa

Where are homes for sale in Valdez advertised? I only see a couple on trulia and zillow.

I've used any real estate website. Not many for sale, and I'd be looking at renting for a few years first. I have a good profession when budget cuts don't get in the way. Lol.

I'd wait before I buy anywhere. At least for me.

[jdhpa]

Originally Posted by Haolejohn

I've used any real estate website. Not many for sale, and I'd be looking at renting for a few years first. I have a good profession when budget cuts don't get in the way. Lol.

I'd wait before I buy anywhere. At least for me.

Completely understand that

I'd still like to know where the homes are listed for sale, I'm curious what home prices are there. For a town that size I would expect at least a few to be on the market. Perhaps Marty or Erica can help?