Thinking about moving to Juneau (Anchorage, Fairbanks: apartment complex, condos, credit card)

[VanillaIcey]

Originally Posted by ncseakayaker

The advice is certainly appreciated. I am trying to cut back on sugar so I appreciate you not coating it for me! Like I mentioned before, if there is a coffee shop and I can survive on my salary I will be happy. There also have to be hiking trails and places to kayak too.

Well as soon as I hear about my salary and leave date I will be off to Juneau. Maybe I can find some rich guy to let me watch his vacation home to cut down on the housing expenses.

Thanks

I agree, housing is expensive. I have been told the Valley is cheaper and Douglas. Is this true?

[ncseakayaker]

I think my biggest problem is going to be housing. I am a student employee transferring to a permanent position so they can only legally pay for moving me, moving my stuff, and storing my stuff. I will not get temporary housing or a house hunting trip. This is why I am considering moving myself to make some extra money to afford it. Anyone want to take a 27 year old male federal employee and a 90lbs black lab?

How much are these extended stay places?

Oh and I won't be working in federal building. I think the offices are in a big shopping center or building in the valley.

[cobolt]

I don't know about the extended stay but there is the Juneau Hostel downtown that charges about 10 or 15 dollars a night if you don't mind bunking with others, but I doubt you'll have to worry about that during the winter. They limit you to a 5 night stay but on off season you may bargain with them. They're pretty reasonable and nice people. Then from there you'll just have to start looking for apartments. Juneau doesn't really have alot of apartment complexes like you're used to in the lower 48. It's more cabin/trailer/garage apartment type stuff etc. Expect a lot less than what you're used to. ANd yes, Juneau is expensive and it always has been because it's off the road system, so don't expect the prices to follow the nationwide drop of the lower 48. You will pay more for gas, groceries, housing, etc etc., but your views are nice and most of your recreation is free. Juneau depends alot on tourism and Fed jobs. Outside of that, it's pretty scarce so the place has been struggling economically. That's why people say not to come up here without something lined up. It doesn't apply to you but alot of people come up with stars in their eyes only to be disappointed later.

Heritage Coffee is great and I love the one in the valley because they offer food as well. The one downtown has some pretty good gelato. The Starbucks in Freddy's sucks. I like Valentino's too but more for the ambiance than anything else, although their biscotti is good.

[ncseakayaker]

Do the hostels let you bring a dog?

[cobolt]

Originally Posted by ncseakayaker

Do the hostels let you bring a dog?

No. I forgot about the dog. You're better off going with the extended stay hotels. Start making some phone calls and ask them about that and see what the weekly rates are. Legislature convienes during the time you're up so apartment hunting and accomodation will be tight, which is why you want to prep as much as possible.

[cobolt]

I forgot to mention, although you've probably already heard this. Get really good with the idea that you will most days deal with cloudy, foggy, rainy weather. You'll go a good deal of time without seeing the sun and feeling damp. Just keep that in mind...I know it doesn't sound like a biggy now, but over time it can be.

[akck]

Originally Posted by ncseakayaker

The advice is certainly appreciated. I am trying to cut back on sugar so I appreciate you not coating it for me! Like I mentioned before, if there is a coffee shop and I can survive on my salary I will be happy. There also have to be hiking trails and places to kayak too.

Well as soon as I hear about my salary and leave date I will be off to Juneau. Maybe I can find some rich guy to let me watch his vacation home to cut down on the housing expenses.

Thanks

There are an abundance of hiking trails offering day hikes and overnight camping trips. Cabins are available for stays from the Forest Service and State Parks. You need to reserve them because popular dates go fast. Kayaking opportunities are many too. There are many nearby islands you can kayak to and camp overnight.

House sitting might not be a bad idea. My wife had a co-worker who house sat about year round. She did grow up here so she was able to stay with her parents between house sitting jobs.

[ncseakayaker]

When does the this demand for housing during the legislative session calm down? It would suck to get there and have to sleep in my truck all winter with my dog.

[cobolt]

You won't be sleeping in your truck. Just expect to hunt a little for an apartment. Just make plans to park it at an extended stay and start looking for places. Ask around work if someone knows someone who knows someone who's renting a place. And make sure you don't take something sight unseen. I don't care how many pictures they send you or how nice it looks on craigslist.

[akck]

Originally Posted by ncseakayaker

I think my biggest problem is going to be housing. I am a student employee transferring to a permanent position so they can only legally pay for moving me, moving my stuff, and storing my stuff. I will not get temporary housing or a house hunting trip. This is why I am considering moving myself to make some extra money to afford it. Anyone want to take a 27 year old male federal employee and a 90lbs black lab?

How much are these extended stay places?

Oh and I won't be working in federal building. I think the offices are in a big shopping center or building in the valley.

Sounds like you'll be working at the Mendenhall Mall Annex. The closest extended stay is by the airport and rooms appear to run about $90/day. They might give better rates if you call them. Unfortunately, I think they charge a pet fee ($75 or $150 sticks in my mind). It's location is almost walking distance to the Mendenhall Mall, but I wouldn't do it. A valley apartment/house would be ideal for you, since you'd be about 5 minutes from home. I know some apartment complexes do allow pets.