Move to Anchorage (Fairbanks, Wasilla, Palmer: for sale, rentals, houses)

[intexas]

I live in Texas but have dreamed of Alaska for years now. Something that has me really concerned though is the cost of living. My fiance and I are looking into moving to Anchorage. Can any one give me any tips on a good place to start looking for rental prop./homes for sale - an idea on what cable/sat. will cost - phone service, avg. gas/elec. bill etc.

I have spoken to a few people who live in Fairbanks and they say you are much better off with a 4x4 in the winter - is that generally what people drive in the winters - or a good set of tires and chains?

Any other info - additional tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You

[wheeldog]

Hi, I can't comment on some stuff but I can tell you that gas is around two twenty something a gallon (regular). here is URL for our local paper www.adn.com
Plenty of houses to look at there. Hillside is expensive but nice. Eagle River and Peter's Creek are outside of anchorage and not too far a commute (ten minutes)... Wasilla and Palmer are further and can be a big big drag to commute in the winter when the roads are nasty like right now... lots of accidents last few days.
Inside the Anchorage Bowl be wary of property or rentals in Muldoon, Spenard and Mountain View. ESP. Mountain View. those are iffy areas.
Check Fred Meyers' Website for local food prices...
WE get our DSL and phone service through ACS.

[sweetana3]

If you live in the boonies, a four wheel drive might be nice. However, in the early 70s in Anchorage and for the hiways (before the Alcan and the Fairbanks roads were paved) we go along fine with a 67 Ford Mustang, a Saab, a Camaro, and a VW. All had good snow tires and we never had any problems.

However, my husband is an excellent driver. Learned in snow country. We have never slid off any road even during blizzard conditions and we have been caught in some terrific storms, in Alaska, NC, Ohio and New York.