Moving to Anchorage from Seattle (Bethel: to rent, hotels, to buy)

[yambest]

Originally Posted by Arctic Kitten

oh goodness, that's a perfect idea! OP, take the ferry. Last time I called it was like 900 from Bellingham to Whittier. That way, you don't ever have to deal with the Canada visa/transport issues. Pack everything you can fit towing in your car... yes, then plan for a ferry trip to do the work from you. (takes off in Washington, and arrives in AK 3-5 days later). I've never done it, but was looking into it as one of my options when I move up there... so just passing along the info I know. In the winter, the rates go down. You are obliged to pay car + driver + any food or board for said driver. ..but in the winter they knock off the driver fee. and just charge you for the car tow. (you still either need to plan ahead to sleep in a curled up ball in a sleepingbag on deck, or rent a small room for the duration of the trip.


Keep us posted. fun fun!

oh and to take a stab at some of your other questions.... (this is just from what I have learned so far)

I wouoldn't risk the drive with just 2 females? But that's just me.. I don't trust my truck not to break down and ruin my life half way there

Wait until you get up there to buy your winter clothes. if you start now, start on the bottom. people layer. so lots of layers. skip shelling out the big $$$ on arctic gear until you know what your up against. fleece jackets, windbreakers, sweaters, big fluffy socks.. that kinda thing for now

1 bedroom apartments can get pretty pricey. ummmm, stay away from Mountain View or Spenard (did I get that right guys?) because they're in a less-than-desireable part of town.. but overall you're looking anywhere from 600 - 900 a month depending on what and where.
A lot of people choose to live outside the citylimits in smaller areas (like...Eagle River!) because the housing is so much more affordable, the only downside to this is, the farther away you are from the inner city... the more of a headache the commute to work will be once the real winter kicks in. woo!

Oh - and people are going to tell you.. the schools in Anchorage are just as dandy as any other mid to large sized city would find. I have noticed through personal research, that it doesn't seem to be as "special needs" oriented as you might find in other areas. But to each his own.

Take everthing I say with a grain of salt. I'm not up there yet

WOW, that is lots of valuable info! My spirit is greatly uplifted by your enthusiasm and encouragement.

It seems that ferry is a cheaper, easier and safer way to go, but I guess i can't take advantage of the winter special since I must arrive Anchorage by Sept 12th. (By reading DannyL's reply, I understand that it might be tough to get a space now since it's a tourist season. Hummm... will I have better luck?)

BTW, you mention about getting a room in the ferry. Is that going to be expensive? Will they allow two girls sharing one room? (We are both tiny.)

BTW, in a critical time as such, I find it difficult to take your words "with a grain of salt"; quite the contrary, I am afraid.

[DannyL]

Rooms on the ferry run around $400, and that is for the room, not per person. They come 2 or 4 bunk versions. Put 6 people in there if you want to.
If you're going before the end of Sept, call the 800#. Walk on's are usually no issue at all, even motorcycles can be found room for. it's car's and trucks, etc that space sells out for.
The reason is the weather if you're wondering why no ferry's after Oct 1st. Crossing the open gulf is a no-no for them in the winter. The inside passage is a non-issue.

[yambest]

Originally Posted by Rance

I don't think you need a visa to drive through Canada do you? Just a passport should work. And some sort of drivers license.

Hi, I have a Washington drive license so driving won't be a problem. However, I will definitely need to apply for a Canada visa even if I am only to drive through the country. The only way that may waive me the visa cost is limiting my stay in Canada within 48 hours. They call this a "passing through visa" (I guess that's not the exact translation). Well, to save the application trouble, I guess I will take the ferry. Just simply hope that there's still space.

[Rance]

Well a year ago last April I drove through Canada to MN from AK. All they ever asked for was my drivers license. I did have a passport but was never asked about it going in both directions. I was in Canada 4 days each way. They never said anything about a visa.

[Marylandkitten]

But Rannnnnce, you're a U.S Citizen, are you not?

I am getting the feeling the OP is not?

And don't be scared yams, this is going to be awesome fun!!

[jrmontag]

Man, whenever I cross over to Windsor from Detroit all I ever need is a driver's license and my birth certificate.

[Rance]

I am a US citizen...not Canadian. Does it matter where your from? Heck I rented a car in Sweden and drove into Norway and Finland. I never had to have a Visa there. Now you've got me wondering. My friend from Sweden will be here tomorrow and we are planning on driving into Canada for a short day trip. Mostly so she can get her passport stamped. I reckon we'll find out first hand if we/she needs a visa or not next week. Hmmm...

[Tressa]

They call this a "passing through visa" (I guess that's not the exact translation). Well, to save the application trouble, I guess I will take the ferry. Just simply hope that there's still space. [/quote]

I would think that getting a short term travel visa would be so much easier than trying to deal with the ferry and hoping for space.

Traveling from Washington to Anchorage would take you about 4 days and should be fairly safe, we traveled in April this year and didn't see anything questionable. The scenery is the best and over all cost will be greatly cheaper than the ferry.

What school up here are you planning to teach at?

[yambest]

Hi, you all wonderful people

Yep! As I stated earlier, I am an international student, but I have been in US for quite a few years and have also attained teaching certificates from Michigan. With that certificate, it makes more sense to use it within US. (I taught in Michigan for a short while before coming to Seattle for my graduate school.)

So, yes! Most non-US citizens will need a visa in order to enter Canada. If I remember it right, south Koreans can be an exception (either to Mexico or Canada) due to their special political status. Anyway, always check it for your friends if they are not US citizens. I think Europe has a very different situation in this matter than US. If I remember it right, you can get some sort of special visa and pass through several countries in Europe.

It's time for lunch here. I am spending some time with my family here in Asia before heading back to Seattle for packing. The school I am going to teach at is a special ed school in ASD, located at the NICHOLS St. (I try not to reveal the name directly, but you can possibly guess it If you guess it, tell me what you think about it and all the little behind-the-scene secret.

So... sounds like everyone has various perceptions about two girls driving to AK from Seattle... I guess it's better not to take such risk... But it's still a good idea getting the Canada visa ready even if I am taking a ferry. Thanks!!

BTW, is there any specific thing/feature I should look into while doing an apt search? Are things like heater, water, electricity big ones to look into? In addition, how do you cope with the season when the nights still look like days? Do you cover the windows up with thick blinds?

[lisainak]

moving to anchorage is not a death sentence... you are far too worried.

To get here you should drive IF your things will fit in a car and IF your car is dependable. As long as your car is dependable you should be just as safe as driving anywhere else. You just have to be a little more mindful since gas stations can be far between. If you are driving straight through, with little stopping, it should take you only about 2 days. I've driven up and down twice, alone, and I am a normal girl. It is a beautiful drive.

Shipping things can be extremely cost prohibitive. Another option if your car is not so dependable is the Alaska Marine Highway. I think you can catch the ferry in Bellingham to Haines and then on to Valdez or Whittier (not 100% sure though).

I'm also from Michigan. It did not take long to adjust to the weather. It is cooler, even in the summer. The most difficult thing is adjusting to the light changes. I would advise that you take up a winter outdoor activity of some kind (x-country skiing, snowshoing) and spend time outside to ensure that your sanity is maintained.

1 bedroom apartments are expensive (600-900 dollars), depending on what you want.

Schools in Anchorage I suspect are probably a lot more diverse (social class-wise) than Ann Arbor. I don't have kids but I don't hear a lot of complaints about the schools either. Some more than others though.

Last of all...Don't be so stressed out. Any place is going to be what you make of it. Anchorage is a nice small city, with all of the things your are accustomed to. It is not what most people think of when they think of Alaska, yet almost everyone lives here. Don't worry, you are not going to have to "survive."

Anchorage has a lot to offer for most people (it isn't NYC though). Anchorage is my home by choice. I hope it is good to you too. Good Luck!