Looking at land in Glennallen (Fairbanks, Tok: homes, disposal, store)

[JamesM]

Thanks Glitch..seems there are several things I need to research before I head up there. I lived in a dry cabin in Fairbanks....but I think I need running water for my wife. It would be nice for here to want to move uo there with me!

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by JamesM

Thanks Glitch..seems there are several things I need to research before I head up there. I lived in a dry cabin in Fairbanks....but I think I need running water for my wife. It would be nice for here to want to move uo there with me!

It is because of the scarcity of accessible potable water that I decided not to buy land in the Glennallen/Copper Center area. If you want land that is not in a borough (so you don't have to pay property taxes), with access to potable water, check out the Delta Junction, Paxson, Tok area. Their winters are closer to those you've already experienced in Fairbanks, damn cold but good hunting.

[JamesM]

hehehe...you know me well I am trying to get away from the taxes. Thanks for the heads up and the other locations to look at. I am hoping to buy land over the counter from the state...but I am open to other options.

[akravenlady]

well, you might think driving in 4 or more inches of snow is ok in 2 wheel drive, but for me or most people, nope 4 wheel is THE ONLY WAY TO GO.

[Toadsprincess]

Glitch & JamesM: Thank you for the information. We too, are looking to get out of the lower 48 and move to AK. We have a house in Palmer, but that will only be a stopping point. We want to be further out and away from the cities. One requirement for me is a flushing toilet! We'll look further into Delta Junction, Pax and Tok.

[Marty Van Diest]

Originally Posted by Toadsprincess

Glitch & JamesM: Thank you for the information. We too, are looking to get out of the lower 48 and move to AK. We have a house in Palmer, but that will only be a stopping point. We want to be further out and away from the cities. One requirement for me is a flushing toilet! We'll look further into Delta Junction, Pax and Tok.

Plumbing is so limiting

[arctichomesteader]

Plumbing is over-rated.

But you could do it with a big enough budget, put in a septic (that'll likely fail at some point).

[JamesM]

Glitch, I took your advice on the water, I am now looking at land in Tok. I found some land that is about a mile off the road system. It is doeable (doable?) for me. So I am pretty sure Tok area will be my choice.

I am changing my truck over to 4 wheel drive, but the Jeep it ready to go! I have been horse trading for some of the things I will need up there. I also have been drawing up the cabin in cad and figuring out how to build it by myself. (I'm in the construction trade.) I might end up pre cutting most of the wood down here and just haul it up there on my flatbed trailer. I have been researching the price of lumber up there and it is pretty close to what I pay here. So I might just buy it all up there. Like I said I am still reseaching and planning it all out. I have at least a year before I can actually move up there full time. So time is on my side....al least for now.

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by JamesM

Glitch, I took your advice on the water, I am now looking at land in Tok. I found some land that is about a mile off the road system. It is doeable (doable?) for me. So I am pretty sure Tok area will be my choice.

I am changing my truck over to 4 wheel drive, but the Jeep it ready to go! I have been horse trading for some of the things I will need up there. I also have been drawing up the cabin in cad and figuring out how to build it by myself. (I'm in the construction trade.) I might end up pre cutting most of the wood down here and just haul it up there on my flatbed trailer. I have been researching the price of lumber up there and it is pretty close to what I pay here. So I might just buy it all up there. Like I said I am still reseaching and planning it all out. I have at least a year before I can actually move up there full time. So time is on my side....al least for now.

Tok is a nice area. Lots of game, and good duck/goose hunting. A bit nippy during the winter, but with warm sunny summers. Be certain to check out the property personally before buying. There are pockets of permafrost in the area. That does not mean you shouldn't buy the land if it is a nice piece of property otherwise, it just means the dwelling has to be designed to accommodate the permafrost. Many homes in permafrost areas are built on posts or pilings to keep the heat from the home melting the permafrost.

I have only been in the Tok area a half a dozen times or so, and usually just passing through. So I am not that familiar with land in that area. Services will be sparse of course, and you may find yourself having to drive into Fairbanks to get the things you need.

I think the biggest mistake I made planning my move to Alaska was not looking locally for the things I needed. I was so focused on getting everything I needed before the move that I failed to consider how much could be bought locally, saving me the hassle and extra expense of moving it.

Good luck with your adventure.

[Floyd_Davidson]

Originally Posted by arctichomesteader

Plumbing is over-rated.

I don't have an figures handy, but without a lot of effort you can probably find a lot of good research that indicates plumbing (both running water and good sewage facilities) are directly related to a number of health statistics. Infant mortality, flu infections, ear and lung problems, on and on.