Moving to Alaska 6/2020, need advice (jobs etc...) (Anchorage, Fairbanks: apartment, house)

[highrockies]

Hello all,

Just a little background on my self and my situation. My girlfriend and I are 26 and currently live in Colorado with our two dogs. We are planning to move to Alaska next summer and I was hoping to get some advice on where to start and maybe what to expect for housing and jobs. We visited Fairbanks, Anchorage, and the Kenai Peninsula and out of all that we saw, we liked the Kenai area the most as far as where we would want to live. We are both outdoorsy and are not scared of the long winters or cold weather, my only concern is to make sure that when we get up there we both find jobs and a place to live asap.

I currently work for the state of Colorado as a highway maintenance worker and have a class A CDL with experience on heavy equipment. Most of my work experience is construction related and that is the field I would like to stay in. I have great references and I would like to get something lined out before we make the move. I was hoping if somebody who knows the industry could give me some leads or just some insight on the availability of jobs that would be great! I am also open to other opportunities but definatly motivated by the money and not scared of hard work / long hours.

We have a small travel trailer that we will be bringing with us to live in until we find a place to live. We will have enough money to go without work for a few months if we had too and also to come back home if things don't work out like we hope. We are really excited about the move and would like to hear from some locals or people who have done this move before. Thanks for reading!

[RayinAK]

Before finalizing your plans, look at the state of the economy of Alaska.

This was published in 2017, but things haven't changed for the better:
https://www.adn.com/business-economy...derate-so-far/

The recession was to end in 2019, but:
https://www.ktuu.com/content/news/AE...489133481.html

http://www.newsminer.com/news/alaska...6484473f6.html

[Parnassia]

Don't make the move without solid job(s) lined up. Jobs with state or local public agencies may require residency to apply. The places you say prefer to live are places so many other people with similar skills and interests also want, partly because they are less remote, less harsh, more affordable, with more access to services. Be prepared for a lot of competition for few opportunities. IMHO, winter and cold are the least of most people's worries. Just in case you were thinking about it, don't plan on living in your trailer during winter, even on the Kenai (which is sort of the banana belt temperature-wise).

[FireStation46]

CDL drivers are in high demand. Basic google of Truck Driver opportunities Alaska” comes back with many hits.

Also see if the USPS has openings.

Good luck

[highrockies]

Thank you all for your replies! Yeah Parnassia we definatly will not be living in a camper in the winter that is just temporary while we would be looking for a house or apartment in June. I look on ideed all the time and it seems like there are always lots of jobs available is there really that much competition? I know what I want to do, but I am willing to be flexible and take any opportunity in the beginning just to have an income again and then eventually I will find my niche. We also can be flexible on where we would move too but just don't want to be in the city (anchorage).

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by highrockies

I look on ideed all the time and it seems like there are always lots of jobs available is there really that much competition?

This isn't my profession so can't tell you. I just know that many people come here with dreams expecting to walk into great jobs but don't find enough to pay for the living they want. YMMV. Good luck!

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by highrockies

Thank you all for your replies! Yeah Parnassia we definatly will not be living in a camper in the winter that is just temporary while we would be looking for a house or apartment in June.

You might want to consider coming up in May or even April for a head start on housing and jobs. I agree with having a job lined up before you come — it's my understanding that there's a truck driver shortage all over the U.S., but idk about Alaska specifically.

AKStafford is a construction guy and can tell you about the current job market in that field. As I recall, it isn't good, but maybe that's changed since I last heard anything.

[Northrick]

With a CDL and experience, you can find a job. Understand a lot of it is seasonal. You can make a year's worth of money in the 5 months of construction season, but you aren't going to have much of a summer other than work. On the flip side of that, if you can get a slope job, you can spend your winters working as that is when they put in ice roads and move drill rigs.

[highrockies]

Thanks for all the input & advice! Something to think about for sure... I appreciate it!

[mitgreb]

Do not come here, the government is about to fold up and taxes are going to go through the roof!