Anchorage Bound (Kenai, Craig: apartments, to rent, how much)

[SeOkieGuy]

Hello from Oklahoma........My two roommates and I are planning on moving to Alaska. We have friends that currently live in Kenai. We currently live in a very small town here in Oklahoma and was looking more at living in Anchorage. We'll be flying up in April to check things out. I've been looking on Craigslist for apartments and rent prices. Of course right now we pay $400 a month for a 3 bedroom 1.5 bath brick home. From what I've read it looks like rent is at least twice this amount in Anchorage, but wages are more then they here, so it looks like it would even out. There are three of us, so we would share all expenses house/apartment-wise. If we decide Anchorage is the place for us, we'll be driving back. One of the problems is I don't know if my vehicle will make it in Alaskan weather. I just bought a brand new 08' Chevy HHR. One thing that may be a positive is it's a standard transmission. I think we're going to check into renting a U-Haul and pulling the car. When is the best time to make such a trip? Has anyone actually moved this way? Does anyone know about how much it would cost to move from Oklahoma to Alaska via renting a U-Haul would be? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[mal_flisk]

The vehicle will be fine. Hit the search function at the top of the page. Type in Alcan highway, and you'll find about 10-15 threads that have everything to do with driving trips to Alaska.

[lilred0005]

I've got to tell you that I am so jealous. I would love to move to Anchorage but no one is interested in going with me. I live in Florida now so when you mention Alaska, people look at you like you need to be heavily medicated! Someday maybe I will be courageous enough to go it alone. Take care and good luck with the move!

[SeOkieGuy]

Can someone tell me about jobs in Alaska. I've read recently that Alaska should actually see growth in the job sector. That was a huge plus! One of my roommates works in natural gas field, and the other works in medical records at one of the local hospitals. I have a supervisor job in a local window manufacturing plant. Any ideas or comments? Again, thank you in advance! Have a great day!

[warptman]

How to Drive to Alaska in the Winter - ExploreNorth

How to Drive to Alaska in the Summer - ExploreNorth

AlCan Winter Road Trip

[Rance]

With the economy dwindling like it is...I don't see much of a boost coming up for work here. At this time it looks like many of the drilling rigs will be shutting down come spring. Fishing hasn't been the best thing lately with fuel costs and poor runs.
I don't forsee much for construction...especially residential.
I just don't see how anyone can predict a growth in the job sector at this time.

[mal_flisk]

According to the latest economic report, Anchorage will lose about 100 jobs this year, and they are reporting a flat housing industry. Admittedly, this is better than the rust belt or even CA, but this is the first year that homes haven't reported a net gain in value in Anchorage in 25 years, and about the same amount of time in job growth. We will actually lose a small percentage of jobs this year.