Moving to Anchorage (Valdez: house, rent, jobs)

[All Downhill]

I visited a friend in Anchorage 2 weeks ago and as soon as I got back I realized that living here (Baltimore) is a drain on my life and Alaska is where I want to live (for now). The higher cost won't effect me much as I'll be living at my friend house for cheap, he's in the coast guard so we go on base for cheap food/clothes/whatever

I'd like to stay away from warehouse work unless it's paying REALLY well other than that if anyone knows of any entry level office type jobs let me know!!! I've got "some" college, depending on how everything goes I'd like to finsh up in graphic design.

I plan on leaving mid sept. but I don't know if I should drive across the country then ferry it to AK while I fly ($1000+) or take what I can get on 4 bags and fly (he has 3 vehicles so i can use one)..anyone else done a xc trip to AK?


P.S. the bush co is awesome.

[Rance]

I've driven to MN and back a couple times over the years. And from Arkansas to Ak once. The road is in pretty good shape right now. Sept would be a beautiful drive. Fall colors should be starting, and the scenery gets real good in northwest Canada. If you have the time...I'd make the drive. If not...take the flight. It's all up to you. Of course you'll want a fairly clean record to drive through the border into Canada. They can and will deny access if you have a history of DUI's etc.

[All Downhill]

I'm probably going to fly...go up there to get away for a year, come back and finsh school.

[Rance]

Ok...don't blame us if you end up staying tho!

[All Downhill]

I'd have no problem with staying..

[Rance]

You'll have that!

[Glitch]

Rance is right, fall is definately the prettiest season of the year. Driving from Maryland would be more expensive than flying, but also a gorgeous drive.

The cost of living in Anchorage is slightly higher than you're used to, but the wages are slightly higher as well. The unemployment rate is currently 6.5% in Anchorage. You shouldn't have too much difficulty finding an entry level position.

My one piece of advice is that you invest in some halogen lights. It is easy to get used to an abundance of sunlight in the summer, but those winter blues from the lack of sunlight can sneak up on you when you least expect it. Particularly if you aren't used to it. Just adding a couple of 300-watt halogen lamps can make a lot of difference.

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by Glitch

... The unemployment rate is currently 6.5% in Anchorage. ...

Oops! I made a mistake. The unemployment rate is currently 6% in Anchorage, and 6.5% state-wide. Sorry about that.

[warptman]

I'd do the drive. Since you have three vehicles, you can sell the one you drove up when you want to go back home. Everyone must do at least one Alcan drive in their lifetime (I've done thirteen) and you'll have bragging rights over all of your friends. You won't regret taking the drive!

[Marylandkitten]

I don't trust my truck to make it all the way to AK from Maryland. So I'm flying. Are cheap cars available up there? I looked on craigslist, they look cheap..but are they street legal? lol, I'm not looking for anything more than a clunker that I can depend on just to get me to work on time and back!!!

Failing that option.. just how scary IS the people mover / public transportation. If I can't get around.. I can forget trying to find a job... if I can't find a job.. I shouldn't even bother leaving! AHHHH!!! I talked with OP, he said he's flying, I can't blame him, 2 connecting flights to sum up 9 hours of flying sure as hell beats driving for 2 weeks by yourself. Dear warptman I know it must be pretty but is there anyway I can drive scenic views like the AlCan, after I'm already IN Alaska? I heard the drive to Valdez is something worth doing.... exploring when I get up there is good, getting lost and breaking down on the s ide of the road on my own in Canada while I'm lost, err.. "exploring" is bad! lol