moving the family to ketchikan (real estate, rentals, job market)

[youngbuckfl]

my fam an i are moving to ketchikan from florida in the next 6months and wanted to know if ne is from there and lives there now to ask a few questions

[Alaskagrl]

I visit there frequently and live close. However, that doesn't necessarily qualify me to say what actually living there year-round is like.

I know one thing--unless you are fortunate enough financially to be able to afford a nice place in a more secluded area, you will be pretty miserable in summer, as cruise ships inundate the town 5 at a time and the thousands of tourists cause chaos.

However, as some on here have rightly pointed out, K-town is probably quite different in winter, when local groups get together for music and other types of entertainment. I know a younger guy living there right now and he says it's a pretty good place to live, overall.

You need to have a solid nest-egg to move to AK, wherever you're going to go, as others have pointed out. There are some other threads on this topic--do a search for some great advice on Ketch.
Good luck. If I can help in any way feel free to ask me anything.

[youngbuckfl]

well older ppl im used to by the thousands im in sth florida but thanks now to find some info on jobs

[stiffnecked]

Jobs in the tourism industry are plentiful in the summer. In the winter you'll be fighting with the teenagers to bag groceries or flip hamburgers. Ketchikan isn't known for it's strong year round job market unless your a government employee.

[Alaskagrl]

Ketchikan is a bit tougher for year-round jobs; really will depend on your qualifications/education, etc. You may do some odds and ends for a while but if you prove yourself as a good worker, you will make connections quicker than in -48--lots of word of mouth around here. It counts!

Most important thing; when you do get a job, show up on time, every day, sober. You keep doing that for a while and you'll be beating quite a few of the local scumbags--that may be more a perspective that fits where I am now, but it still applies overall in AK, I am pretty sure. Right now there are lots of local jobs open (not the best ones, admittedly) but shop owners can't find locals that fit the above description to take them and their businesses are really suffering.

Do you have any special skills, like welding, fork-lift operation, etc? Nursing? These are the kinds of plus-es that make you more employable here.

[stiffnecked]

I agree. Showing up sober is one of the most important attributes in Ketchikan. Not sure why but for some folks in Ketchikan that's pretty hard for them to do. Some of those seasonal jobs can turn into year round work if you'll show up and work hard.

[Wrennie]

The shipyard defnitely needs welders. Any questions abt KTN---ask away. Do you have kids? What kinds of jobs are you looking for?

[Wrennie]

Originally Posted by stiffnecked

I agree. Showing up sober is one of the most important attributes in Ketchikan. Not sure why but for some folks in Ketchikan that's pretty hard for them to do. Some of those seasonal jobs can turn into year round work if you'll show up and work hard.

Ditto on that one.

[jwickst]

Hi,
I am considering moving to Ketchikan and will be up there in the next few weeks (early Feb 09) to check out the area. I have a potential job and will be interested in how to move cars, belongings from CO. to Ketchikan also costs. Also does anyone have any ideas on how to find rentals?? Won't need anything more then a 1 - 2 bdrm.

[stiffnecked]

Drive to Seattle. Send your stuff on the barge. Northland Services has the cheaper rates. Depending on what time of year take the Alaska State ferry from Bellingham or Prince Rupert.

For rentals check in SitNews, Ketchikan Daily News or the real estate agents.

Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce, Member's Listings of Real Estate

Ketchikan Daily News

SitNews - Stories In The News - Ketchikan, Alaska