Questions on Cordova (Anchorage, Fairbanks: apartment, rent, utilities)

[MrGreene]

Specifically related to Cordova:

I scoured the forums, and came up with some data. I would appreciate if someone could confirm this information. I am concerned this information may be off.

"Average" rent is about half that of Fairbanks and Juneau ($550~ versus $1,000). For a family of four, what would be the likely rent in Cordova? A rough average would be fine.

To feed a family of four, with no hunting, and without malnourishing my children, would cost $600 a month minimum. Does someone have an idea of a more accurate cost range? Given this location, would this include substantial amounts of seafood?

Utilities, for a family of four, in a 3~ bedroom apartment/house would cost around $350 a year?

Is there some sort of shuttle service (or regular car-pooling) to and from the ferry to Anchorage (on both sides)? And, on a related note, is a car critical for in-town travel during any point of the year?

I would appreciate any relevant information.

[starlite9]

Well the winter months rents drop because the seasonal work is done, but rent is normally higher there than Fairbanks or Anchorage. It you don't have a source of income before you go there it may be a bit hard for you.

Utilities will cost more like $350 a month and not a year. Since there is no roads there and all freight is boat/shipped in or flown. Food is a bit high as well, and many people take the ferry out and go to Anchorage and load up on foods and stuff once or twice a year.

Acces to seafood is a bit different from towns elsewhere in Alaska, if you want to "Gather" yourself, you really need a boat to go out in for fishing, shrimping and such. The tides are pretty high, but there is some clamming beaches you can access.

Anyway good luck, I lived there for a few years and it is a jewel! Good luck!

[MrGreene]

Thank you for the response.

[starlite9]

Originally Posted by MrGreene

Thank you for the response.

Well if that is where you end up, you will love the place! They hsve a city pool the kids can swim at and a ski slope there. Makes for fun stuff to do in the winter as well. Use to be called the Razor Clam Capitol of the world, I think that tiptoe slipped a bit since then.

Good place for kids to grow up!