Where would the best place to move in Alaska. (Anchorage: 2009, lease)

[BeC...]

Hello, Im new to all this... so if I sound silly...not my fault...

For the past few years I have really wanted to move to Alaska, but im not sure where to... I want somewhere cheep, pretty (even though everywhere is) somewhere with local community, and a few jobs available. Im not moving for quite a while im more just trying to pick a place so I can start organizing.

I have tried looking it all up but all the information i get is so related to tourists.. and is more just a add.

So I figured I would ask the locals.. or people who would know from experience or even hearsay.

I am excited as well as keen and i would love some help.
Thank you...

[GrammasCabin]

You might try being one of those tourists for a bit before making any decisions BC. In the meantime, you need to tell us what you're like before we can give any advice. If you're a city girl and want theaters, malls and more job opportunities it'd be Anchorage....but....ahem... that's not Alaska. You can get to Alaska from there tho. If you're the outdoorsy type and feel dressed up in your cleanest dirty jeans and extra-tuffs then you'd be happier in one of the smaller towns - but the economy's in the ditch for most of them so you'll never be rich - monitarily speaking.

[BudinAk]

Actually, there is no "best" place to move to in Alaska...it all depends on what you seek. Alaska is such a huge area that there is usually something here for everyone. You can literally fly for a 1000 miles (in some areas), and still be inside the state...it is quite large. As a result of that, weather conditions vary to a wide extreme, as well as do geologic differences.
"Cheap" is a kinda relative term, because everything in Alaska costs more than back in the "48". The only thing cheaper here is snow and icebergs (just kidding)
However, if lower costs are important then I'd stick to cities located along either a major shipping port, or along the highway system. Many cities and villages here are accessable only via air or sea (no highway access), hence everything has to be flown in, or barged in...resulting in much higher prices...terrifically high in some remote locations.
Jobs are somewhat of a hit-and-miss thing: all depending on location, time of year, and what background experience and training you have. Generally though, you can get a good idea of what's available here: Alaska Job Center Network

Hmmm...I see you are currently living in Australia. You could decide to move to Moose Pass, Alaska, and thereby make up for the Alaskan who left there a few years ago to live in Australia! Seems like a fair trade to me!
Actually though, IMO, it would probably be wiser to move to Seward, Ak, instead. There is only 27 miles seperating the two, but Moose Pass is much colder in the winter...often by 20 degrees...and there are A LOT more jobs in Seward... And...Seward is located in the Kenai Fjords National Park:

http://www.nps.gov/kefj/

http://www.kenai.fjords.national-park.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenai_Fjords_National_Park

Ok, so that should qualify for being "pretty"...

Good luck,
Bud

[Alex2009]

I recommend getting a roommate or to lease something for 6 months in Anchorage and work from there. It's very hard getting a job in this economy, especially in small towns. What field are you in? What are you looking for? Alaska is huge.. do you mind the rain? Are you looking for a LOT of snow? Do you like to sail? Are you looking for night life? Be a bit specific so we can narrow it down for you.



edit: the worst thing about alaska is that it's all beautiful but different and you can only live in one place at once!

[Jason28]

Napaskiak. If fine dining, four star hotel restaurants, and olympic sized swimming pools is your cup of tea then you really want to check this place out.

[Alex2009]

Originally Posted by Jason28

Napaskiak. If fine dining, four star hotel restaurants, and olympic sized swimming pools is your cup of tea then you really want to check this place out.

[Jason28]

Originally Posted by Alex2009

My apologies it wasnt Napaskiak it was the other village 5 miles away with the very different sounding unique name called Napakiak.

[BeC...]

Hey..

Well.. I love rain, love the snow, don't know about sailing..(never been) but im not too fond of boats..
I practically live in jeans and t-shirts.. I don't like getting dressed up, not a city chick.. city's are too busy, and annoying.. No offence to anyone that lives in one...

I Love the idea of Forests, small towns, and friendly people.

Basically i work in the Hospitality Industry.. So anywhere with, cafes, restaurants, Bars.. etc.

Thanks..

[Marty Van Diest]

Originally Posted by BeC...

Hey..

Well.. I love rain, love the snow, don't know about sailing..(never been) but im not too fond of boats..
I practically live in jeans and t-shirts.. I don't like getting dressed up, not a city chick.. city's are too busy, and annoying.. No offence to anyone that lives in one...

I Love the idea of Forests, small towns, and friendly people.

Basically i work in the Hospitality Industry.. So anywhere with, cafes, restaurants, Bars.. etc.

Thanks..

Sounds like Seward or Homer would be your cup of tea in the summer. Then hole up or migrate to Anchorage in the winter.

[warptman]

It is hard to ask where the best place to live in Alaska to Alaskans. They will tell you that their town is the best in the world and wouldn't live anywhere else. It all depends on how you feel about it. It's obvious Jason hated it here and is in love with Kodiak. I grew up here and of course I think it's the best place in Alaska to live. Others might hate it, but I love it here. It's up to the person that is making the move and to have an open mind.