Best area of Anchorage for us?? (Wasilla: renting, houses, to buy)

[Danadane]

I've scoured the forum and haven't really found many posts that relate to us.....my partner and I will be coming next week for a house hunting trip to relocate to Anchorage. We're always in a pickle when we move to a new city: we have a 5 dogs and a cat so renting is not really an option. Our jobs will be downtown and we'd prefer a short commute, but are willing to commute for the right place/community. We don't have kids (don't plan to) so schools aren't a factor, we're in our mid 30's, enjoy urban lifestyle but still need a chunk of space for the pack, and enjoy outdoor activities.

What area of Anchorage should we focus on when house hunting?? Thanks for any help!

[JasonAndJulie]

I can tell you that there are a lot of rules in Anchorage regarding dogs. You can not legally have more than three. After three you have to apply for a kennel license. These are not easy to obtain due tp regulations regarding necessary facilities. You should call animal control for more specifics because I forget all of them. We have Great Danes and I looked into this extensively. You also have to take into account the hoa's often have their own set of stricter pet rules. I hope this helps. It is disappointing but I think you'd rather know sooner rather than later.

[Danadane]

That does help! Guess inside the city limits is a no go for us. Womp womp

[bongo]

With a pack of dogs like that, check out Bear Valley on the hillside. It's a half hour to downtown on a good day, but the most country-like area with space for dogs. Our friends had 5 dogs out there with no issues. Houses are more spread out with trees around.

Birchwood & Chugiak are other options, both north.

[Danadane]

Originally Posted by bongo

With a pack of dogs like that, check out Bear Valley on the hillside. It's a half hour to downtown on a good day, but the most country-like area with space for dogs. Our friends had 5 dogs out there with no issues. Houses are more spread out with trees around.

Birchwood & Chugiak are other options, both north.

Thanks, bongo!

[Moose Whisperer]

There are areas (such as where I live up on the hillside) that are just outside of the boundaries that subject us to these ordinances. For example, in addition to the various dog laws we also don't need building permits or inspections. We are also in our own LRSA.

LRSA/RRSA (Limited Road Service Area/Rural Road Service Area)

[highlife2]

Originally Posted by bongo

With a pack of dogs like that, check out Bear Valley on the hillside. It's a half hour to downtown on a good day, but the most country-like area with space for dogs. Our friends had 5 dogs out there with no issues. Houses are more spread out with trees around.

Birchwood & Chugiak are other options, both north.

Bear valley turns to dirt and is so far out of the way its almost like living in the valley, I also heard after a certian point up there there is no more snow plowing by the city/state. Birchwood is nice but you are still in city limits. I personally hate driving in the morning, I dont know where your from but to me the traffic is aweful in the mornings in from Wasilla. All it takes is a few rubber neckers and it can quickly back up traffic.

If you live in these out lying areas you will chew up alot of time and gas and not get to enjoy it very much other than on weekends.

[JasonAndJulie]

So the alternative is to buy property then illegally keep your dogs until someone turns you in. Not a good option because after the citations it will come down to court. I'd rather just live in peace. And I'd rather be surrounded by dogs than people, any day. Drive or no drive. Some things are just worth the money. Like living without fear of losing your trusty companions.

[bongo]

Jason&Julie....

Check out Moosewhisper's areas (such as on the hillside) that are just outside of the boundaries.

Bear Valley is plowed by the muni & is in the muni.

LOL! Maybe you could buy a duplex downtown & keep half the pets on one side & half on the other.

[Dakster]

J&J - I agree. Most of us down here in the lower 48 have an hour plus commute EACH way, every day, and are used to it. Some even longer. I've had 15 minute to an hour on average for my current job. Rubber kneckers and accidents have made it a 4hr+ drive home. Living in 'your idea' of paradise is the price you pay if it isn't located near your work.

When moving anywhere 'new to you', IMHO the best thing to do is pretend you already live there and drive back and forth to work (and take the kids to school, if applicable) during the actual time of day you would normally have to, from your intended home to your work location. Don't pick a weekend, holiday, or a no school day either. Unless all you work are those days. I also notice here, that on Friday's the traffic pattern is different. Granted, AK is a little difficult since you won't be able to wait to test it out during all of the AK seasons. (Winter, Construction, and Tourist)

Hihglife2 - That is not to say you don't have a valid point about quality of life and long commute times. It does take a lot out of you. Knowing what to expect from someone that lives there is very helpful.