Moving to Kodiak Alaska?! (Anchorage, Homer: rentals, car insurance, condo)

[nytrini11203]

Hello to all,

I am a 28 y/o african american male born in NYC, currently living in south Fla. I am considering taking on a job at the airport in Kodiak, I will be making about 34,000. I've been doing my google searches on Kodiak to get an idea of what I'll be getting into. And all I can gather is wildlife, freezing cold, and fishing lol. I will be grateful if someone can tell me about the clothes I should wear, vehicle I should use, what housing is like, are people friendly there, will i be able to eat with 34k etc...thanks in advance..

[AKStafford]

I think $34,000 a year will be tight in Kodiak. The cost of living is high, the cost of housing is high, the cost of getting there and getting out of there is high... If you have other debt or financial obligations it could be really hard.
Would you be working for TSA or an airline?
And most Alaskans would not characterize Kodiak as "freezing cold". Being on the water, it'll rarely drop below zero. Which is cold, but not miserable like the Interior.
I lived on Afognak Island for 6 years in a logging camp, and we'd go to Kodiak every couple of months for groceries and a chance to walk on asphalt. It's a fun little town with plenty to do if you get out and do it. The nation's largest Coast Guard base is located here, so there's a strong CG presence. And then there's the commercial fishing.
Is there any chance of coming up to visit before committing to make the move? And if not, be sure and have enough saved up for a return plane ticket in case you move up and can't stand it or can't afford it.

[cjg5]

My best friend recently moved to Kodiak and he absolutely loves it there, but has also found a higher cost of living there. You shouldn't need to worry too much about freezing cold weather with Kodiak's marine climate, but do expect a lot of wet weather, cloudy weather, and very mild summers even for Alaska standards.

[nytrini11203]

Originally Posted by AKStafford

I think $34,000 a year will be tight in Kodiak. The cost of living is high, the cost of housing is high, the cost of getting there and getting out of there is high... If you have other debt or financial obligations it could be really hard.
Would you be working for TSA or an airline?
And most Alaskans would not characterize Kodiak as "freezing cold". Being on the water, it'll rarely drop below zero. Which is cold, but not miserable like the Interior.
I lived on Afognak Island for 6 years in a logging camp, and we'd go to Kodiak every couple of months for groceries and a chance to walk on asphalt. It's a fun little town with plenty to do if you get out and do it. The nation's largest Coast Guard base is located here, so there's a strong CG presence. And then there's the commercial fishing.
Is there any chance of coming up to visit before committing to make the move? And if not, be sure and have enough saved up for a return plane ticket in case you move up and can't stand it or can't afford it.

Hi, Thanks for the response. I don't have much debt other than my condo in fl..which I can probably rent out..I have no children. Car paid for, However do you think it would be best to ship a car or buy one there, what are those options like? What about the housing? are there small 1 bdrm apts to rent out better yet is there a site I can check that out at? Yes it is a TSA position.

So Kodiak has its own grocery store? because elsewhere I heard, people living in Kodiak have to shop in Anchorage I think.

I def would like to try to visit. Based on what you know about my situation, how much do you think I will need to have $$ wise. Thanks again for the feedback.

[nytrini11203]

Originally Posted by cjg5

My best friend recently moved to Kodiak and he absolutely loves it there, but has also found a higher cost of living there. You shouldn't need to worry too much about freezing cold weather with Kodiak's marine climate, but do expect a lot of wet weather, cloudy weather, and very mild summers even for Alaska standards.

Thanks so much Cjg5! Can you go into detail with the C.O.L please. Like prices at the grocery, Gas(The island is small right, so I assume gas wont be a headache if your working and coming home right?), Car insurance, car repair etc etc

[richelles]

Kodiak has a Walmart and another major big box type store. There are a number of gas stations but automobile dealers aren't really part of the economy. Most people seem to buy their cars and pickup trucks on the mainland and move them to Kodiak by ferry. You could travel by ferry from Bellingham, Washington to Kodiak changing from Whittier to Homer by driving and probably break even pricewise by taking your present car if it is in reasonable condition. Plus you could load it with your things and save another couple of thousand in shipping your belongings. Driving through Canada is an option if you like being out in the boondocks most of the time. There are many threads about that and some real advocates on that method of getting there. I found the ferry the best answer even with the extra cost because of what you can bring with you and the ease of getting there. . You might look up the threads on the forum about the ferry and sleep in your own tent during the trip because that is well covered in those threads. Or if you can sleep in a recliner catch one and you can sleep in the public area where the temps are controlled. Rentals on Kodiak are in short supply and motels are pricey to say the least. Rainy weather on Kodiak is the big issue with few really sunny mild days. Cold is only an issue a few times a year with a typical Marine environment. On the island you are isolated by a small road system which runs between Kodiak and a few small settlements that I wouldn't justify by calling them towns. Getting to Anchorage by ferry is a hassle due to landing in Homer and having to get to Anchorage on your own. The ferry is expensive and airfare is also a major consideration if you need to make the trip. Kodiak is a reasonable place to live if you can tolerate the lack of sunshine. The cost of living as pointed out is high and your income isn't going to give you much extra after you manage the basics. You asked about how you will be received and my answer is that depends on you. The population is partly Natives with a high percentage of imports from other places an some who are from Kodiak . Act as a friend and you'll find friends.

[AKStafford]

Originally Posted by nytrini11203

So Kodiak has its own grocery store? because elsewhere I heard, people living in Kodiak have to shop in Anchorage I think.

As mentioned, they have a Walmart. They also have one of the largest Safeway grocery stores in the nation. Now if you are looking for non-Walmart clothing, then you'll have to get to Anchorage...

The Kodiak Daily Mirror is the local paper. They might have some housing listed: Kodiak Daily Mirror - Daily newspaper of Kodiak, Alaska

You might see if you can get a contact number from the TSA for their office in Kodiak. Maybe you could talk to some people already there.

And how a lot of people in Kodiak make is by working multiple jobs. So you might look into that too.

[Dakster]

While I don't take Wikipedia to be gospel... Reading the Wiki should help with some climate and Demographic data, even if it isn't spot on, it should be at least close. I think it is reasonable close for South Florida.

Looks like for a single person, $34k/year is the average. Is this a pay cut from where you are now?

Kodiak, Alaska - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kodiak, Alaska - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I love driving, so I would drive the furthest I could before hopping on a Ferry. But that is me. It might actually be faster as well as cheaper to drive as well - assuming you care. Driving your car has the advantages already stated and I would personally do it, assuming you aren't moving up something that barely runs or is inappropriate for cold weather. Might want to make sure the heater works before you get on your way. In you decide on new or new to you, I would shop ahead to see if it makes sense to buy in the L48 (one of the Northern US Border States or in mainland AK) and drive/ferry it up from there.

Good luck -

[nytrini11203]

Thanks All.