can't decide where to settle down...

[tigre79]

Originally Posted by Wander13

Tigre79 - we love snow! We really miss it actually, we don't get much where we live in Washington. We go up to the mountains every winter with our husky just so she can play! I've been researching Valdez. There was a big earthquake there a few years ago. Do you get many earthquakes?

It was more than a few years ago, and it also affected Anchorage, Seward, Girdwood/Portage and other areas. We feel a few little shakers a year and there's always the potential for a big one. I wouldn't make that a big part of your decision-making process. If you're worried about weather or natural disaster sort of stuff, the snow and rain and wind is a lot more likely to be a factor than an earthquake. Are you leaning toward a "mild" coastal Southcentral sort of climate?

[Wander13]

Originally Posted by tigre79

If you're worried about weather or natural disaster sort of stuff, the snow and rain and wind is a lot more likely to be a factor than an earthquake. Are you leaning toward a "mild" coastal Southcentral sort of climate?

That's the thing, we're not really sure. We're more focused on finding an area where we could own a larger part of land for an affordable price (we are not rich by any means) and live off it as well. We like small towns, communities where you know your neighbors. For that reason, we're leaning away from Anchorage. I guess we won't really know what we could handle until we visit

[AKStafford]

Originally Posted by Wander13

That's the thing, we're not really sure. We're more focused on finding an area where we could own a larger part of land for an affordable price (we are not rich by any means) and live off it as well. We like small towns, communities where you know your neighbors. For that reason, we're leaning away from Anchorage. I guess we won't really know what we could handle until we visit

Talkeetna might be a good fit. But again, it'll be hard to really know until you come and visit first. I think you mentioned that your husband is a chef... You could maybe start by coming up to work a seasonal job. Cool Works is a great resource for finding those: Alaska Jobs | CoolWorks.com

[tigre79]

Originally Posted by Wander13

That's the thing, we're not really sure. We're more focused on finding an area where we could own a larger part of land for an affordable price (we are not rich by any means) and live off it as well. We like small towns, communities where you know your neighbors. For that reason, we're leaning away from Anchorage. I guess we won't really know what we could handle until we visit

Since you mentioned Homer already, my first thought is somewhere like Anchor Point or Ninilchik. Close to Homer but probably cheaper/more land available. Seem to have decent weather over there compared to most coastal areas, which are generally going to be difficult to do a lot of gardening in. Get on the other side of the coastal mountains and you have warmer/drier summers, but much colder winters as well.