The big day is almost here! (Anchorage, Kenai: rental car, real estate, rental)

[CL99]

OK so the time has come, and we will finally arrive next week to start looking for a house. Hopefully I can finalize my job and my husband has an interview at the airforce base. Anyone have any suggestions on areas to live we found a couple in Wassila and in Anchorage...any other areas? Also need ideas on resturaunts we are staying at the Diamond Center Hotel. Hopefully something decent near by that might not be fast food. We also have a rental car so we can drive if directions are given. Now Rance I know you have to have a suggestion

Cynthia

[Rance]

Personally...I go to the Tempura Kitchen on Spenard Road, near the Minnesota intersection. They have awesome Terriyaki Steak and Tempura Scallops. I also order Spicey Tuna from the Shushi Bar. I'm only in Anchorage every 2 weeks, and on the way home that is where I stop. But there are many steak and or seafood places. Depends on what you like!

[flu189]

I lived in Anchorage almost 22 years, ten of which I was active duty military. Housing is pricey and the density was too high for my likes. Many have moved out to the "valley" (Palmer-Wasilla) but be prepared for the commute especially in the winter. Eagle River-Chugiak is part of the municipality, but has also seen tremendous growth and price escalation. Once you arrive take your time and really check out the areas before buying any home. Use your instincts and don't be impulsive in commiting to a house. Not to try and cause undue anxiety, but Anchorage has a high crime rate so take your time and look closely before you leap. Keep in mind too that the cheap energy rates in comparision to the "lower 48" are going to become a thing of the past as natural gas supplies believe it or not are dwindling and everything from generating electricty to heating is done by gas in Anchorage. Check out the Enstar (gas provider) website and latest reports concerning this issue. You will no doubt read and hear all about the future gas line to run gas to Canada and the US, but this talk has been going on for more years than I care to remember and the probability of action being taken to achieve this goal is in doubt with the political and environmental policy the US is facing for the coming decade. On the lighter side, enjoy the country and do spend time to travel and see the natural wonders. I was lucky to have over two decades to do this and even then there are things and places I did not get to do or go to.

[superstition]

Most restaurants in the Dimond area are chains and you'll have to go further out for anything decent.

Little New Orleans is about two blocks away from the hotel. Cajun food, can be a bit greasy but also very tasty. They have great desserts.

Romanos (Italian) on Fireweed is delicious.

Pizza Olympia on Spenard has the best pizza in town.

Organic Oasis, also on Spenard, has a great natural/organic menu.

For breakfast, you must try the Snow City Cafe downtown. Try to go on a weekday if possible, since they're usually pretty busy.

And I guess it should be mentioned that everyone raves about the Glacier Brewhouse downtown. Personally, I think it's an emperor's new clothes type of thing--we went once and it was mediocre at best. Maybe you'll have better luck.

[Rance]

Cynthia, if you want to try the best place in the "State"...go to Orso's on 5th Ave and G street, downtown Anchorage. (next to the brewhouse?) Ask for John (or Dodger)...tell him Rance sent you. He's a girlfriends brother, and an executive chef. 11:00 am to 2:30 pm for lunch, open for dinner at 5:00. Good food and great chef's! I just got off the phone with him. He knows your coming. :-)

If your here for a week or so? I'd drive that car up to Wasilla or Palmer and have a look. Then turn around and drive south out of Anchorage. Take the time and go to Seward. Then turn around and drive all the way down to Homer. On the way back, you could route over and look at Kenai. All towns are smaller than Anch, Wasilla or Palmer down that way. Fishing communities other than Soldotna or Sterling. You can drive the entire Kenai Peninsula in a day. You'll see some awesome scenery. And please drive carefull...we're getting some snow these days. Good Luck...and...Enjoy!

[CL99]

Well the crime rate being high I already knew about thats what giving me a job. I think my squad car in the drive way shoul deter people away.

Rance thanks for the heads up on Orso!! Aaron said it sounded great and a guy from his SVT site recommended it also. I know a couple days we will be in Wasilla visiting my husbands grandfathers friend Bob Mumford he was a barber and sells real estate he's been there more than 40 years.

We will be there for 12 days so anyother resteraunts will be fine. I can't wait to eat some Halibit, and scallops sound good too.

Housing wise I have found a lot online that I like for around $300k seems pretty cheap for the size. All the houses in Va. Beach we were looking at in the similar sizes were $100k more. We will both be making much more up there.

Keep sending in more advice!!

Thanks
Cynthia

[CL99]

Rance,
Aaron wanted to know if you knew anything job wise first hand for him. In the Navy he was a Machinist Mate he primarily worked on boilers. He also worked in the oil lab, hydraulics, and hoses. I know that you know alot about stuff up there and wondered if you could point him in the right direction as in companies. He is talking to someone on the 8 at the air force base, but he would rather do something else that he knows more about.

Thanks
Cynthia

[Rance]

I can e-mail you some contacts that are oil-feild related. That's about all I can help with. He might be able to get in with mining companies as well. Give me a day or so...

[CL99]

Thanks!! my home email is lafferty99@gmail.com or you can PM me on this site.

[Rance]

Roger WILCO, I'll be home Tuesday. I have it on that computer. Also check www.jobs.state.ak.us/ for some leads. If your gonna live here...I have no problem helping someone find work.