possible move to Anchorage from Chicago (sales, real estate, apartments)

[harleypo73]

I have a job interview in Anchorage coming up in January. the job pays approx. $45,000 to start. I'm really looking foward to the prospect of relocating from the Chicago area to AK and I've been doing a lot of research and crunching all the numbers however would still like residents opinion. Is this a decent salary for a single person to live fairly comfortably on up there?
Also I have been looking on all the websites I could find for housing. I have 2 large dogs (55lbs and 80lbs) that will definetely be making the move with me. Is there anywhere anyone would suggest would be a good area to look in (or a website I should look at)? If I get the job it would be located near the middle of the city. I have checked the crime stats reports and know not to look in the mt. view area, etc.
I have also checked the cost of living index, grocery prices, etc. and they don't seem too outrageous compared to Chicago (especially when you figure in <10% sales tax) but are there any "hidden" costs to take into account? (outrageous vehicle city sticker prices, etc.)
Any info anyone can provide will be greatly appreciated. I'd like to have as much info as possible before making this kind of move.

[warptman]

It'll be harder to find a place with the dogs.

[warptman]

http://www.city-data.com/forum/alask...on-thread.html

[Jonotastic]

$45,000 is a good income for a single person.

I would look on craigslist and local real estate books. Since you have two big dogs, it will be easier renting from an individual rather than a management group. You can assure the owner your dogs are well behaved and have them meet your dogs etc. A management group will follow their rules/policies and usually will never make exceptions when it comes to pets and size limits.

Rabbit Creek is my favorite residential area of Anchorage.

[Marty Van Diest]

The dogs will make it much more difficult to find a rental. Jonotastic is correct in saying your best bet is individual landlords. You will find these on craigslist.

Anchorage is Anchorage. In my opinion, just start from your workplace and work outward from there. Look at the micro-neighborhood.

[AADAD]

Due to no sales tax and no state income tax it's an immediate savings. If you shop the larger stores Costco etc you can save $. There are no "hidden" taxes adn if you buy out of stay over the web there is no sales tax as well. Apartments are expensive that's why an individual landlord is a good idea. Gasoline is expensive right now about $3.24 for regular unleaded so a good reason to live in town. Plan on a budget to help winterize your car and get studded tires if you don't have them so some people get tires without them Blizzaks etc and swear by them. Enstar the local gas company is "reducing rates" this month by 17% according to them. Electricity and Gas are about the same in town but some may disagree with my take on that subject. Clearwire for internet is about 29 bucks per month. GCI cable and TV is pricey around $50 per month and UP if you add any features. good luck with your interview.