moving to kenai? (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla: relocation, estate, house)

[kristina]

I'm thinking about moving to the Kenai area in south central alaska. Has anyone lived or visited this area and if so what was their impression? I would love any input. I would be moving from the mid-west.
thanks

[telstar]

Well, you are brave and living life to its fullest. I think yoiu will like AK. The Kenai is gorgeous. I am seeking relocation myself from Fairbanks; it is too dry amongst other climate-related issues. I don't not feel quite at home here. I think it is because I lived in southcentral Alaska for so long before here that my life "temperature" is set to that. I love the look of the area and the weather seems to agree with me better. So many people just love it in Fairbanks and there is a very high quality of life, but for some reason I feel unrest here. I too consider the Kenai Peninsula. If you keep searching the internet you will learn a lot. Easy to do if you have a fast connection. I am orig from mid-west too.

[Carolina Girl]

Originally Posted by kristina

I'm thinking about moving to the Kenai area in south central alaska. Has anyone lived or visited this area and if so what was their impression? I would love any input. I would be moving from the mid-west.
thanks

I have never lived there, only visited, but I will say you are considering moving real close to Heaven. I love it. I love the people there too.

[AKNorseman]

The Kenai is a wonderful place. The only shortcoming I have with it is that it's so busy and populated during the summer months. I would consider it a 'zoo'. But hey, that's just me. I like to be away from the crowds myself. Come to the Copper River Basin and enjoy a slower pace with equally great scenery. Of course I'm biased, that's where I live. I'm from the Chicago burbs originally...wondering where in the midwest you're from?

[Deb]

I think Copper Center sounds great. I am from SW suburbs of Chicago too. Is there work for aheating/refrigeration tech as well as for a naturalist or educator?

[AkDragonfly]

I live on The Kenai and it is one of, if not THE prettiest areas in Alaska. If you don't want to be around a lot of tourists try Sterling, Niskiski, North Kenai, or one of the smaller towns between Homer and Kenai. I live in Seward and the tourists are overwhelming in the summer. We plan to move over to Kenai in the next year or so. Kenai is sort of spread out so there are lots of areas to live and be away from so many of the tourists that hit Seward, Soldotna, and Homer.

Nancy

[UpNorth]

The Kenai area is somewhat small (maybe not by Alaskan standards, but possibly compared to what you're used to) and it's also fairly isolated (again, maybe not by Alaskan standards because it IS on the road system). But the biggest city (Anchorage approx. 275,000 people) is about a 3 hour drive, depending on summer tourist traffic or icy/snowy days in the winter - could be longer. However is it a BEAUTIFUL drive!

I live in Anchorage and have driven through the Kenai area MANY times. It's the only place I've actually seen a group of moose (9 or 10!!!) just hanging out on the side of the road - weird, what funny animals...

In the summer the Kenai area is bustling with salmon fishing and Anchorage families & tourists camping. The south-central Alaska area (which includes Anchorage and Kenai) has mild weather during the summer - some rainy days/weeks, but it's usually at least partly sunny in the mid-high 60's or even 70's throughout our SHORT summer. Expect things to start feeling darker and colder and snowy by Halloween and it will stay that way until Aprilish. Many people in Alaska suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Similar to people in very grey & rainy area inthe Pacific Northwest, people with SAD experience various levels of depression because of the lack of bright sunshine. Southcentral Alaska never becomes completely dark - at it's darkest the sun is rising at around 9-10am and setting at 3ish pm. It's very important for Alaskans to stay active to "fight-ff" the SAD.

There is enough population in Kenai to sustain many business: Fred Meyer(- grocery, clothing, electronics, garden, etc.) Several fast food places, and even at least 1 or 2 car dealerships.

If you're looking into buying a house check out www.alaskarealestate.com The Kenai area is cheap compared to Anchorage.

As far as educator job opportunities there's the Kenai School District (www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us) and also the Challenger Learning Center (http://www.challenger.org/clc/lc_profile.cfm?lc_id=12)

I would disagree with AkDragonfly's opinion about the Kenai being SUPER beautiful. Indeed, Alaska in general has breath-taking scenary, but the Kenai area in reather flat. There are mountians in the distance, but it's nothing compared to the settings of other small towns like Seward, Valdez, Homer, or even Wasilla or Palmer. I've lived in Alaska for 6 years and I've always been in awe of the beautiful snow-capped mountians - the Kenai/Soldotna area isn't exactly in a mountain setting... but in a short drive you can be in a mountain setting. I'm kinda rambling, but I just wanted to give you another opinion. Maybe it wouln't seem "flat" to you if you're not used to any big mountains anyway.

Many people LOVE Alaska because of it's outdoorsy lifestyle and beauty, while others find it isolated with awfully long winters.

Check out this website: www.pfd.state.ak.us Alaskan residents get a yearly check based on oil revenue.

You only live once so I think it's important to live without regrets, so if this is what you're dreaming of - just do it. You can always move again and in 10+ years you don't want to be wondering, "If only I would have moved to Kenai, Alaska..."

Good Luck!

[JD girl]

Hi,
I have been reading the posts with great interest.
I am on need of some help.
We are moving to Kenai in a few months, my husband has visited but I am moving sight unseen.
I am looking forward to the adventure but know its going to be hard, we are both so done with the heat, it was 112 here yesterday and 108 today!!

Anyways I am in need of help because I have been trying to find out what moms groups and such there are around that area with no luck, we have a 11week old baby.
Also an opinion on community spirit, anything about Kenai and the surrounding towns, from someone other than the old man as his answers pretty much revolve around hunting, fishing etc.

[shhows]

Good Luck!
OK so I to am planning to move to Alaska. I am putting my house on the market next week. I am going to quit my job after it sells and move!
With no job waiting just going to go. I am in my mid 30's and fell in love with Alaska after going on a cruise this June.
I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on moving co's that they have had any luck with. I am moving from Nashville TN.
Also I want to move to a smaller town..... must have a mountain view. Any ideas???

[Rance]

Seward. Or Homer. Or Hope. Or Girdwood. Moose Pass maybe.