Thinking about Girdwood... (Anchorage, Homer, Seward: apartment, rental, condo)

[Nicolelee927]

Hi everyone...So here is a few facts about me. I am a massage therapist in her late 20s thinking of working at Alyeska resort in Girdwood. Originally from NY but have lived in Southern AZ for the past 3 years. My boyfriend is a cook and is working in Denali National Park for the summer at a small lodge. He LOVES Alaska and wants to move there full-time and the only year-round options I see right now for our professions are in Girdwood. We both want a small-town atmosphere so Anchorage is out. Thought about Homer but the jobs I looked at are remote summer lodges only. We want somewhere that is busy ALL year round and Girdwood seems to fit the bill.

My questions are:
Do you know anyone who as worked at Alyeska and do they like it? Any massage therapists out there who can add their 2 cents?

Housing options, we can afford around 1200-1500/mo in rent, is that reasonable for Girdwood? I know Alyeska has employee housing but we have a dog. And are there any other resources besides craigslist to search?

How much savings would you recommend for the move from the lower 48? We would not make the move without jobs but want a substantial savings no matter what.

Any other wisdom you would like to share is welcome

[heathen]

-Yes Girdwood is busy in both summer and winter, though fall and spring get very slow. You're absolutely correct that it makes sense for a cook and a massage therapist looking for a small town.

-Don't know anyone who has worked at Alyeska but it has a professional and well-run atmosphere. In contrast, the town of Girdwood itself feels like a surprizingly authentic, fun, rustic Alaskan town. I'm probably being obvious that I kinda like the place.

-Haven't looked at rent in Girdwood in a long time, but $12-1500 should definetely be reasonable, though the place has a very wide range of living options. You can find everything from one room cabins without running water, to standard small appartment complexes, to luxurious ski chalets. Rent in most of Alaska is substantially more expensive than most places, but not totally absurd.

-http://www.turnagaintimes.com/market.htm <--Local rental classifieds.

-Savings? People will recommend wildly varying amounts, but that totally depends on your lifestyle. I came up with nothing but a good attitude, knowing I could slum it with a minimum wage job if I had to. Many people will tell you that's foolish, but I'll tell you those people are boring

-Other wisdom: bear in mind that Anchorage is conveniently only 50 miles away, but don't plan to make the drive terribly often in winter - that highway is notoriously dangerous.

[Bob Blockus]

Seasonal Profession Individuals of Alaska like to stay year round in Juneau. Because it's easy to get year round jobs because of the Government Capital city. Think it's best moving in with room mates for lower the condo apartment rental costs. Yes all of my Alaska seasonal friends went to Juneau for year round jobs. Being on Island has its rewards and Metropolitan Government. If your back at Denali as massage therapist for next year. You can have me as a client. Bob is good for about four sessions for the 2012 season. I should be working at the Chalet at Denali in Housekeeping.

[sailorjo]

Juneau is on the mainland, not an island

[Bob Blockus]

Originally Posted by sailorjo

Juneau is on the mainland, not an island

It's Isolated like Island with no highway road system connected. however easy access ferry for Autos, RV's and people.

[nwcountrygal]

Have a friend who is a year round massage therapist in Girdwood. Lives in apartment with a dog. During the summer she works part time in Seward for $ also. I will talk to her and see what the scope of work is. Wont see her till next week and I am not online all that often. DM me to remind me to ask questions for you. Good luck.

[AADAD]

Girdwood is Magic.

[axamo]

Originally Posted by heathen

Anchorage is conveniently only 50 miles away, but don't plan to make the drive terribly often in winter - that highway is notoriously dangerous.

heathen, could you elaborate on this? Are you specifically referring to the stretch of highway between Girdwood and Anchorage?

The Seward Highway is routinely described as one of the great winter drives in the US, so I am curious what in your opinion makes it so "notoriously dangerous". I am going to guess other drivers and excessive speed, but it's not clear from your comment if that's what you mean.

Disclaimer: I have never driven the road myself, but am visiting Alaska between Christmas and New Year's this year. I'm planning to drive to Seward the day after Christmas (weather permitting, of course), and wondering what additional precautions I would need to take above and beyond the normal ones for winter driving.

-Ax

[Rance]

Watch for avalanches and don't drive any faster than conditions call for! Other than that...my brother makes the drive twice a day every day Girdwood to Anc for years now. Once in awhile he get's blocked by an avalanche. I've made the drive Anc to the peninsula for years now and have never had a problem.

[Chilkoot]

Originally Posted by axamo

heathen, could you elaborate on this? Are you specifically referring to the stretch of highway between Girdwood and Anchorage?
-Ax

It can be the most beautiful stretch of highway in Alaska and the most dangerous.

Officials name Seward Highway most dangerous in state - KTUU.com

Public meeting addresses Seward Highway safety