Moving to Juneau, any advice (Juneau and, Thorne Bay: houses, rent, income)

[sommer6]

Well we kinda had a town chosen for us. My hubby is in the security field and it looks like he is going to be starting a new job at the airport in Juneau Ak. So now I get to look into everything I can find about Juneau, instead of Thorn Bay ! I've found a few web sites about Juneau, several with pictures, and like the rest of Alaska, it is soooooo pretty !! Can anyone tell me what it is like to live there ? The best communities, the worst ones (if there are any) what kind of veggies do well in the garden ? what are taxes like ? are the tourists anoying? what are the schools like ? I am kinda worried about the garden thing, see here we grow or raise most of our own food, and I would like to stick to that way of life, I know we will be doing more hunting (which is great) then we do here, but I love growing my own herbs and having tons of veggies to cann and freeze. So if your from Juneau, and are willing, I would appriciate the help !!??

Thank you !

[rough alaskan girl]

I have lived in Juneau for 32 years, let's see.... You can grow carrots, sweet peas, cherry trees, I have seen some apple trees, don't know how well they do here, waxed beans, strawberries, blueberries grow wild here, I don't have the green thumb so I don't know very much about the growing thing but there's some for starters. We don't have state tax (5%) Ok let's put it this way....I don't go down town during tourist season it's a nightmare! But that's one of the major incomes for Juneau is the tourists, during a tourist season we can triple our population about 8 to 10 times during that time. I like most of the schools here, we are going to get a new high school in 2008 which will be nice. I have a 13 year old that goes to school here and most of the schools her has gone to I have gone to. Herbs will most likely have to be grow in the house, I know that pepermint can be grown outside but I don't know about any thing else. It's very beautiful here, I love it, but again this is the only thing that I have know so I hope to be moving and spreading my wings next year. I have made my history here. The organ in the State Office Building 2 generations has tuned, when Juneau was first beginning my family brought in most of the wood to build the old houses, the first bridge that was put in to connect Juneau and Douglas I have my hand prints on the inside of that and also the bridge that is there today, my dad pumped the State Office Building, the Fred Meyers and most of the houses. It's time to move on and let others enjoy it the way I have. I hope this helps. There are many trails out at the Mendenhall Glacier take your family and go hiking all the wonderful bird songs and wildlife there during the summer is to die for.... just watch for bears and avoid them. I hope you see what I see in Juneau and embrace the wildlife like so many have.

[cobolt]

Juneau is wonderful. The hiking is incredible---just be bear saavy. You have the necessities but there is a small town feel. There isn't the material pretense you will find in the lower 48 and you really get to know your neighbors. I favor the "bedroom communities" around Auke Bay, Auke Lake. Yes, stay away from downtown during tourist season. You'll be able to get enough of what you need elsewhere anyway. Air traffic (helos, float planes, etc) gets a bit busy and annoying during tourist season/ summer---May ish to Sept--but it's a small price to pay in order to live in such close proximity to natural paradise. Enjoy it!!

[DreamWeavin]

moving from the east coast to Juneau in May. Anyone who has taken the ferry-help! What can be taken aboard? A u-haul? Cost for a vehicle and food while aboard? Food cost? Is there entertainment?
I'm very upset that animals are forced to stay with the vehicle. THAT much I did find on my own. I'm shocked that animal rights activist haven't jumped ON this issue.

[mal_flisk]

DreamWeavin, be thankful they allow them at all. There is a liability issue with animal attacks, and fights between animals. They allow you to visit with the animals, and to walk them 2 x a day I think, but otherwise the state has some valid reasons for acting as they do.

[Metlakatla]

If he's going to be in security tell him not to be confiscating my wine.

moving from the east coast to Juneau in May. Anyone who has taken the ferry-help! What can be taken aboard? A u-haul? Cost for a vehicle and food while aboard? Food cost? Is there entertainment?
I'm very upset that animals are forced to stay with the vehicle. THAT much I did find on my own. I'm shocked that animal rights activist haven't jumped ON this issue.

The answers to your questions vary and can all be found on the Alaska Marine Highway website.

As far as entertainment, they have lounge singers and all sorts of gambling, and a swimming pool, dancing and classes in pottery.

I'm very upset that animals are forced to stay with the vehicle. THAT much I did find on my own. I'm shocked that animal rights activist haven't jumped ON this issue.

Again, some very valid reasons exist for this. The animal rights people need to take it up with those who transport their animals that way, and not with the marine highway system.

[DannyL]

the pets stay in the vehicle hold area for their own good. the ferry is a ferry system, not a damn cruise line.
now, I have a question. Why hasn't all these "I'm moving to Juneau" posters posted later after supposedly moving here?

[stiffnecked]

I'm glad the cats, dogs, and other assorted creatures are left on the car deck. They aren't humans and a lot of people are allergic to them, their hair and there danders.

Otherwise you got a good choice of Juneau over Thorne Bay for your first move to Alaska. Thorne Bay is a nice place but amenities are somewhat lacking.

All the information you need about the ferry is on the Alaska Marine Highway System web site. If your taking the ferry from Bellingham Washington you would be well advised as they are only making one weekly north and southbound trip this summer. Unless something changes these sailing will fill up fast. Especially vehicle space.

[Metlakatla]

If you're coming up with an RV or even a camper, your animal is going to be much more comfortable staying in it than you're going to be staying in one of the cabins

When you've actually ridden the ferry, you'll probably see the reason for this.

Most of the animals on the ferry probably have it a bit cushier than the human passengers.

[Xa'at]

Indeed. I am actually on the ferry right now- the M/V Malaspina. Looking out the window, I see some lights so I believe we are currently sailing through the Narrows! Yikes.
Now, enjoy my little essay about ferries, rendered here for you in beautiful Century Gothic font and replete with expressive smilies...

Ten tips for being a happy ferrygoer
Xa'at, 2008

1.) Walk aboard. If you are bringing a car on, have one person drive it on and everyone else walk on. They let walk ons on first, so you have the advantage in getting a prime spot. Upon boarding, proceed directly to the "reclining lounge" (usually on the top floor) and snag a table, or two if you need it. Tables have windows, outlets, and the benches are much more comfortable to sleep on than the floor or one of the "recliners".
OR
Sleep on the solarium. It's the very top deck, a semi-enclosed space shielded from the wind but still "outside". There are heat lamps, but apparently they don't use them in the winter. However, if you have a sleeping bag, it's really not bad. There are lawn chair-style recliners for your use, but they fill up fast in the summer so the above rules apply.

2.) Bring an inflatable air mattress. Even more comfortable than tables.

3.) If you have a kid, for the sake of everyone else, rent a cabin. With the cabin you get your own private washroom, real beds (bunks) and space to spread out. Yes, they cost extra. Yes, they are worth it.

4.) If you rent a cabin... Bring your own sheets. The laundry detergent that AMHS uses on their bedding is very harsh, and doesn't really go well with children or sensitive people, especially sensitive children. It wasn't until halfway through my first trip on the ferry that we figured out why I was so sick and itchy.

5.) One word: dramamine. Don't get those little drops that go behind your ear- buy the real deal. If you don't use it, fine, but trust me, you don't want to find out on the ferry that you get motion sick. It's not a pretty picture.

6.) Bring stuff to entertain yourself, and your children. They do show movies in the little theatre, but outside of that there is very little to do. At the very least, pack a few books, a deck of cards, a cd/mp3 player, and some variety of uno.

7.) Leave unnecessary valuables in your car. If you bring a computer, mp3 player, etc aboard, carry it with you at all times or lock it up. There are lockers available for $.25 a usage that fit quite a bit of stuff.

8.) Bring munchies. There are signs everywhere saying that food cannot be consumed outside of the cafeteria, but this is not heavily enforced. Just don't make a mess.

9.) If you are vegetarian (or kosher), you may have a difficult time finding something appropriate to eat. I've had grilled cheese sandwiches at least twice a day since I've been here! Bring aboard fresh veggies to munch on, and watch the menu. There is usually something meatless on the menu, even if it is just a soup or steamed veggies.

Finally, the most important rule:
8.) Do not, DO NOT, forget your sense of humor. Riding the ferry can be a blast, even with children, but you have to remember, above all, that it is basic transportation. If you come aboard expecting luxury, you may wish to simply jump off the side. Enjoy the view, read the seafood posters, visit the towns along the way- it's the ALASKAN EXPERIENCE!

Phew, I think I'm getting carpal tunnel. These damn seasickness wristbands I'm wearing are obnoxious... but I ran out of dramamine. @ self.