Corrine F Where I’m at, it stays dark (there’s about 4-5 hours of light) for a few months around January and then it rapidly gets lighter. Alaska is huge so the light situation in south central Alaska is different from the light in Fairbanks and farther north. Some people really exaggerate for dramatic purposes.
My dad came up here in ~1978 from the Philippines with a bag of clothes and $4000 now here we are in 2020 he has a, good job, a 4 bedroom house,and a loving family, I am very proud of what my dad has accomplished.
How can you legally move as a foreigner? I'm curious, I'm italian, i live in Italy, always wanted to move to US but there are no working visas for someone without any particular degree, Yet I keep hearing stories of ppl moving to us with a couple thousand dollars and a bag of clothes
I live in interior Alaska....no state income tax, no state sales tax, moderate property tax, at age 65 first $150,000 of property is not taxed. Every member of the family gets an annual Permanent Fund Dividend check ($992 per check last year, some years ~$2000). Our food and fuel costs are low because we garden/hunt/fish and burn firewood in wood stove..
I wanna move to Alaska but I'd need a job already set up I guess. I wish I had friends up there who owned a business and could employ me. I'd move my whole family there
To the rest of us in Alaska, Anchorage is like mini Detroit. I live outside of Fairbanks. I make 100k annually and own my home and land. The only bills I have is phone and power. Even with today's inflation doubled and our paychecks still the same, still doing fine.
Is fairbanks nice? I've been trying to convince my husband to transfer there (he's a federal employee) so it would be to wainwright. What outskirts are good to look into? If I may be so blunt were not taking a jab so we may get fired. We've been looking at states in which will support our individual freedoms and if so he would have to go to a city job. When he called the lady in fairbanks she said they have a 100% compliance rate which doesn't leave us much confidence standing alone in that fight. He called anchorage as well and the HR dept for the city told him basically to not move there or Alaska in general bc of crime, politics and that the winters are terrible she's been there for 20 years and said she and her husband are looking to move. If you have any thoughts on that.. Also how were you able to pay off your home/land? Were into homesteading but I fear winters might be too harsh to have say a dairy cow in those parts. Sorry I probably over spoke. Just trying to seek encouragement-we already moved from Washington state to Tennessee and I'm having a challenging time not being somewhere I find "beautiful" I miss WA State but not the politics.
I couldn’t afford it. I left after 8 years. Housing, high cost of fuel after Great Recession and spending nearly every dollar I earned exploring left me broke. Always will vacation but could never live there again unless I hit the lotto
No state income tax, no local or state sales tax, in some areas (Delta Junction, Nenana) no property taxes. A permanent fund dividend check for every member of the family. By hunting/fishing/gardening low food costs.
Wish I’d moved up there years ago. I’m alone now, and probably all the things I wanted to do - hunt & fish for my food, haul & cut firewood - are beyond me as a widow. But I can still stay open to possibilities.
I'm glad I found this channel... I'm currently trying to plan moving to Alaska post military... Want to try and find some land that I could get a house built on, of course, that's 20 years away but I am thinking to buy the land first and build closer to when I'd finally move once I retire from the air force, but still want to learn as much as I can about the anchorage area
I would go anywhere except Anchorage or Juneau. After 2 winters and 2 summers in Fairbanks I decided I like sunshine. It was a fantastic experience even at 45 below. Smoked salmon, moose and caribou all taste great. You should defiantly do it. If you go, make yourself some fur mittens. No joke they are worth there weight in gold. Buy your land first and get a good toyo heater.
Talking about the dividends. My sister and I visited a few yrs ago just before the dividends were sent out. The breakfast/lunch restaurants were absolutely dead. I asked the servers what was going on and she said it was the worst time of year for eating out. “In a couple weeks we will be busy as hell”. That blew my mind. Loved it there! The one place where pictures do it no justification whatsoever. Great channel. Subscribed
Winter lasts almost eight months. You have to clean snow every two hours during winter My daughter lived there for three years and I visited Anchorage in July
I've looked at quite a few multifamily properties and was surprised to see that heat was included for the apartments. Is it the landlords responsibility to pay for heat? What is the most common form of heating for an apartment building, electric, gas, oil, steam from a boiler (what fuel does a boilers use if they are used for heat)?
I'm going to school at MSU to become a Nurse. I'm a veteran with a first time VA home loan and I'm considering where I would go if I ever decided to leave this place. Alaska looks like a sportsman's paradise, but I have no clue what it would take to get established out there, there seems to be a lot of logistical challenges.
i do electric distribution power work, have worked in oil/gas, so i think i can find a job easily but i know i am going to want a small, even dumpy as long as its warm cabin in the woods... away from people! my guy is a heavy equipment operator and a welder.
I am starting to think alaska is cheaper the new york state or about the same. Power is around 100 plus in winter... milk is around 3-4 bucks a gallon. Renting a place is a huge hit or miss. 300-1,000 really depends on who and where.
Corrine F Alaska is going to be pretty close to NY on the expenses. Check out the calculator at smartasset.com/mortgage/cost-of-living-calculator. It’s the most reflective of reality from what I’ve found.
Planning my retirement now (still have 13+ years to go though) and I'm now leaning strongly towards being an expat. As nice as my paycheck is, it's just average, lol? My pension would only be a fraction of what I'm making, so I can't retire in Alaska or even here in California. But Ecuador...it's looking pretty good my friend.
I visited Alaska this year and noticed right away that there is no annual vehicle safety inspection but I was amazed at how many vehicles had severe damage. Why are the sides of so many vehicles caved in?
From my experience, it's because it's a transitory state and so at any time you'll always have a large portion of the drivers who have never driven on ice before on the road. So, that really makes a difference 🙂
It is because of the difficulty of winter driving, black ice, and the fact that outside of the cities, the highways you will need to travel on (there aren't a lot of side roads) are only one lane each direction, very curvy, and have no street lights. So your only light is your headlights or the glare from oncoming cars. And it's common to go around a bend only to find a moose crossing or standing in front of you - with no way to stop or miss it.
Loved the video....loved your honesty. I know this was posted years ago, but never-the-less helpful guide of things to consider about moving or living in Alaska.
Wow friend you’re so informative. You give all the ideas without charging. And you do your due diligence. I can see if my people would flock to you and become your client. Thank you again.
We left Seward last month after 12 years. City council there does not care about the residents, only the tourist industry. Families are leaving there. Too many tourists in the summer, dead in the winter. Do not count on the PFD. It is not enuf. The snowbirds work the system and get away with it. Is is beautiful, but that won’t feed you.
I'm sorry to hear that Susan. Would you be willing to chat about Seward sometime? I've heard so many conflicting stories about it and I want to make sure my perspective of the issues in each town are accurate.
OK I have not watched the video yet. After studying Alaska years ago. Depending on where in Alaska do you want to live? Living in a city is like most cities. Food prices will be higher because most items have to be train, truck or flown in. Live off the land you say? Your in for a world of hard work.
As somebody who works a forty hour retail job is it even in the realm of possibility to transfer to a Target up there and survive until I can get a fishing job or anything else that pay better?
YES it is possible. There's a real labor shortage up here with so many people deciding they don't want to work. Seriously, if you want to work and you're in retail, you have a lot of opportunities up here.
Thinking about making this my move post-Grad as a new teacher. I know there are incentives from school districts. I have a four year old and I would love to give him a unique childhood experience. I’m from central Illinois and from what I can tell, cost of living here is comparable to where I am now.
That would be an awesome childhood! I have great memories of living up here when I was growing up. What district are you looking at and what's your subject/grade? I taught myself for a while 🤓
Hi Sir. I am a Filipino. I am here in the Philippines with my wife and 1 son. We wanted to live outside the Philippines for good(especially in Canada or in Alaska). Is migrating to visa difficult? And what should we do?
I live in Ogden, UT and watched a shopping video on here at Fred Meyers. Went to the local Smiths grocery (both Kroger stores) and groceries here are considerably higher. Rent here is higher, and house prices are WELL above Anchorage. Will be there if all goes well in late September. :-)
As a State Trooper? You would make a pretty good living. The challenge with that job is that you would spend a lot of time in more remote areas because AK is a big state. If that's your cup of tea, then it's great but for others it can be a little rough.
Hi , so I've been looking to move out of CT. Alaska actually cought my eye , where is the most affordable cities in Alaska. I'm also single and planning to move down with my fur babies but wanna make sure I'm making the right move.
Hi Hilda! Great question. The most affordable area to live in is going to be the MatSu Valley, while working in Anchorage. What about AK appeals to you?
Alaska is very good 👍 but very expensive and national security system of everything exported from lower 48 states to keep the northern country alive.???The state pays you yo live there but the price is very expensive period.
My wife is a LPN. I’m a Security Supervisor newly as of December. I’ve been in law enforcement since 2002. We have a 10yr old n 5 yr old. I have no idea if we can afford it. My wife and I came up there in 2009 n fell in love with Homer area and Seward.
At your current income where you live now, not likely. But at the income you would be making up here, I believe it's very likely that you can. It all comes down to your lifestyle though.
@@alaska_realtor I'm not sure how we would find out with the income up there. We just like fishing, hunting and being outdoors. Not material family, just want a small house 1500sq ft or less.
I know you posted this a while ago but I'm hoping your still watching the comments. I'm a retired Vet, on a pension of around 3k a month. Would that be enough? Its just me and my dog. Ive seen 1 bedrooms for under 1000 in Anchorage. Any help would be cool! Thank you!
Hey Tim! You can certainty make that work, but it all comes down to where you're willing to live. Check out what's available online and compare it to the APD crime map. That will give you a good sense for the area.
Me and my wife were looking to move up there near Fairbanks or Anchorage area she works in Pharmacy and I work in retail we have a plan to be theretwo to three years it's such a beautiful place
I’m an electrician looking to move away from my little country town in North Carolina and Alaska has always been on my list. Thinking of making 2021 my year for change how is the with market for people in the trades in Alaska
That's awesome man! Every contractor I've talked to is slammed right now. Keep in mind, that might not apply to EVERYONE, but that has been my anecdotal experience. Do you want me to put you in contact with a local electrician who might be able to give more information?
If either of you could point me towards an electrician in the Fairbanks area. I’m looking to move in mid January and I’m trying to get work set up before I get there. I’d be a valuable asset to any company especially industrial/commercial work but also in residential. My plan is to get my license when I get there I currently have the hours to get a masters license jest haven’t been able to take the test due to time
@@alaska_realtor yes if you could point me towards a company in the Fairbanks area I am looking to move in mid January and am trying to get with set up
Great videos, glad I found you! I'm curious on finding rentals that are ok with two med size dogs in the Anchorage area. Also quality boarding if work needs me out of town. Thanks again!
Lots of rentals up here are pretty flexible about pets. Anchorage, in general, is a pretty dog friendly town. You'll find a lot more single homes than apartments etc that are OK with dogs.
You can, but you would have to really define what you're looking for and what part of the state you're looking at. When you say off grid, do you mean you just want some privacy or that you have to get there via plane only?
@@alaska_realtor Via plane only would be ok. But privacy is fine too.. I have been looking around at properties and i see i can get land for about 20k for 15 acres. But what would be the cost to move there. To get everything set up. I would build my own cabin.
Ketchikan has apartment for rent, i have seen them on realtor sites. Even on Creek st(my fav place).I don't want to be completely excluded from people, I'm easy going and love ppl. Ketchikan is my 1 dream to live.
@@alaska_realtor oh thats not bad at all, thanks! Also I dont know if I will be able to find job up there, I am a computer engineering student and have searched for those kind of jobs there but cannot find any online.
@@alaska_realtor go to medillin colombia to party like a lot of civilian military contractors i meet when im down there....the medical cant be beat if your older.....the "fun" is beyond words.....youtube it
Nice and worthy video.I am planning to migrate to Alaska from middle East. I know that is future.It touches arctic ocean which has crude oil,so one easily guess wealth is there,second most essential is fresh water source Alaska has 12000 rivers.So major items it fulfills energy and water source.Only thing which worried me their heath care system.If you have any info about it please reply.
I know our healthcare is going to be more expensive than other places, but if there are any major medical issues (think brain surgery) you can always fly to Seattle within a few hours. It's been my experience that you would never have to leave the state though. Does that answer your question?
So when I lived in Juneau I was making about $7 more an hour Then the people that we're working for the same Company in Anchorage. Also if you're gonna live up here get a good camera I really didn't get into photography Until after I moved out of Juneau and moved To the interior . Even if you just post Your photos on Facebook like I do it's a fun hobby up here.
Let’s talk moving to bigger places (more populated) like Anchorage, Fairbanks, vs smaller towns. If someone moves from lower 48 to Alaska which is best? Start in a more populated place and move more rural later or?
Rigora Mortis That is typically my recommendation to start with something in Anchorage or the MatSu valley and then after you’re comfortable with the winters, decide if you’re ready to take a plunge into the interior like Fairbanks or something on the Kenai Peninsula. Fairbanks is bigger than most towns, but their climate is also MUCH more extreme than south central Alaska’s. I’ve seen people jump into the interior right off the bat and they didn’t really like it because the extreme climate wasn’t something they eased into. Does that make sense?
Me and my soon-to-be husband really want to move to Alaska (we live in Arkansas now). I’m in the HR field, and my fiancé is in machining: are there many opportunities there for these fields? We’d love to live more out of town; are these properties more or less affordable than living in a city such as Anchorage?
I live in Wasilla, AK, have been here for 5yrs. Alaska is truly the last frontier, the mountains are hauntingly beautiful in the winter, not to mention man's wonderland for fishing and hunting. However each year it gets more expensive. The housing market is ridiculously outrageous, to rent and to own. You must realize everything must be shipped up here, which increases prices. The winters are long and dark. The education system up here sucks. Teen suicide is 3rd in the nation. This is not where I would want to raise a family. If you do your research you'll find this is not the place to retire either, unless you have tons of money. Most definitely take the opportunity to visit Alaska, it's beyond AMAZING! Consider carefully though before moving up here.
Is it possible to move to Alaska with about 6000$ with small amout of luggage one way. Me and my gf are moving there to live in a cabin off grid and I'm just trying to find the cheaper best way to get there and where to live.
Hello, I considering moving to anchorage for flight school. Currently I am in Oklahoma and it's 4,000miles away. I would also be moving in winter. I have a Chevy Spark and it's a tiny little thing. I drove it in Boston for three winters and it was alright but I'm guessing it wouldn't be sufficient in AK?
You know, I actually drive a Honda Civic hybrid in the winter, and I do just fine in Anchorage. There might be some roads you have to be more aware of, but you don't necessarily NEED a huge vehicle.
I currently live in Hawai'i but have had my eye on Alaska for some time. My current field of employment is Property Management. Would Alaska be a good choice to live under this field?
Jay C of course. The biggest show in town is Weidner. My brother works there and could give a lot more insight. If you’d like, I can see if he would be willing to answer your questions? The rental market is pretty strong in Anchorage.
@@HooLeeYo Perfect! Text me at 907-229-1792 or message me on my Facebook Page (Jamin Goecker - Realtor) and I'll connect yall. facebook.com/GoJaminRealEstate/
@@alaska_realtor Will do, I will text you shortly! Mahalo! Right now, I am simply doing alot of googling for info. So far, Anchorage is exactly what I'm looking for!
A lot of people buy a summer home in Alaska, and spend the cold winters out of state. Let me know when you're ready to look for your dream home in Alaska 😊 don't forget to subscribe!
Technically you could, but it wouldn't be as fun because the state is huge and a lot of the fun things to do will require a vehicle. I'm assuming you're looking at Anchorage?
You know, I can't say for sure. I may bring my transaction coordinator on to talk about it, as she is originally from Germany and went through that process.
You know, I can't answer specifically about Sitka but check out the data in the description section and that will give you some guidance. Also, check out a podcast episode on "Alaska Journey" in which I talk with a skipper about the commercial fishing industry. You will probably glean some good info from that!
from someone wanting to move to alaska, how would you recommend someone going about looking for a house or an apartment? looking online to just going in person???? is finding work easy? how are the universities out there?
That really depends at what stage of the process you are at and how long you plan on living up here. Have you visited before? Work really depends on your industry right now. If you're in hospitality, it can be tough just because our tourism is taking a hit this year from covid. What jobs would you be searching for? I'd be happy to talk it over in a lot more detail. 907-229-1792. Give me a call and let's chat a bit!
@@alaska_realtor your spot on. Oh. Alert seasonal employment people, have a 2nd back up. My ex husband, auto body, didn't know. Crashes/shops, fall, mostly winter, than slush months. After that. Better have nuts saved or "that in between gig". He didn't. I was Fred Meyer's in Palmer. We lasted 08 to 10. Your correct. You must be local there. ☺
YOU need to update ur video. Numbers don't Jive. I'm a state employee & the worker bees DON'T make & $ 70,000.00 a year. Milk as of 4-30-23 is $4.23 a gallon. 2 bedroom apartment rent for $1,300.00 -$1,600.00. Economy sucks right now.
250$ a month on food. You need to do a shopping video. For us single men. That's about what I spend on Boose. Why not move up there to fix the food situation? They have the largest airport in anchorage it cant be that hard to bring food cost down? Its 2020 u' all
I don't imagine anyone would object if you made shopping cheaper here :) I shop at Costco and buy in bulk so my numbers are going to be lower than if you shopped at Fred Meyers, etc.
I'm going to publish a video that addresses this in a few weeks, but Fairbanks is more expensive because their cost utilities is about 40% higher than the average.
So Alaska is cheap 😅. I live in Cali and i spend roughly 250$ a week on groceries, gas here is almost 5$, and housing is 1mil for a 1 bed house and for rent its about 2k for a small studio 🤣😂. Alaska is super cheap in comparison 😅
What is the commute from Palmer/Wasilla area to Anchorage like? About how long of a commute is it? How is the highway during winter months if I were to commute to Anchorage for work? Would you say 4x4 is necessary or is my front wheel drive Cherokee sufficient? Are there homes for sale under $200,000 in the Palmer/Wasilla area or surrounding areas? I would probably be applying for a USDA home loan for first time buyer with zero down. Any info would be appreciated, thank you so much!!
I don’t know much about homes but, it seems to me that in a lot of the states with colder weather that houses have a basement and, while looking at houses for sale in AK, it seems like no basements are found. Is there a reason for that?
I think there are a few reasons. Number 1, if there's a basement there's not going to be a lot of light and Alaskans love the sunlight, so why have a lot of space where you don't have it? Secondly, that space might a little more challenging to heat. Because the ground is cooler, it can be tough keeping it warm year-round. That's just been my observations. Where are yall looking for a home?
@@alaska_realtor or maybe the cost of constructing a home in Alaska is significantly higher than the lower 48? Building a slab on grade is faster and cheaper. Has nothing to do with sunlight at all. And I worked in the new construction industry for several years. There are plenty of homes in the Eagle River suburb and Wasilla / Palmer area that have walk out basements.
Ok, here's my question: (I'm in Sitka, resident now but from Washington State) and I want to know if ALL of the tap water in Alaska (that isn't Sitka) some shade of brown or another (with some variety of foam or scam or bubbles or ______)?? I've been to Ekuk/Dillingham, Kenai/California and Anchorage and nowhere is it clean/clear/odors free like Sitka. I want to know if it really is everywhere, so is it? Save me some time/travel/effort and tell what you know about brown Alaskan municipal water (or not), please?? TY
I want to be close to a hospital/some civilization (I have a special needs child but want to be on my own as well have privacy, be able to hunt/fish, let my dogs run etc what area would you recommend
What questions do you have? Post them below!
How long dose it stay dark? We don't want to be in the city but close 25 30 minutes to a city. That is what we travel now. I couldn't do 8 months 😪
Corrine F Where I’m at, it stays dark (there’s about 4-5 hours of light) for a few months around January and then it rapidly gets lighter. Alaska is huge so the light situation in south central Alaska is different from the light in Fairbanks and farther north. Some people really exaggerate for dramatic purposes.
Corrine F It sounds like Eagle River/Chugiak would be a good option for y’all. How much land would be preferable for y’all?
What are gas prices like?
Class A truck driver's, how much do they make in the area? I am thinking of moving there permanently but am nervous of trying to do this on my own.
My dad came up here in ~1978 from the Philippines with a bag of clothes and $4000 now here we are in 2020 he has a, good job, a 4 bedroom house,and a loving family, I am very proud of what my dad has accomplished.
FF8 you sound like your fun at a party
FF8 i bet your fun at parties
how many filipinos
How can you legally move as a foreigner? I'm curious, I'm italian, i live in Italy, always wanted to move to US but there are no working visas for someone without any particular degree, Yet I keep hearing stories of ppl moving to us with a couple thousand dollars and a bag of clothes
@@europeangorilla1143 i hope u make it
I live in interior Alaska....no state income tax, no state sales tax, moderate property tax, at age 65 first $150,000 of property is not taxed. Every member of the family gets an annual Permanent Fund Dividend check ($992 per check last year, some years ~$2000). Our food and fuel costs are low because we garden/hunt/fish and burn firewood in wood stove..
Sounds like a very interesting and intriguing lifestyle
I wanna move to Alaska but I'd need a job already set up I guess. I wish I had friends up there who owned a business and could employ me. I'd move my whole family there
Can u help me get a job there 😅
Let's trade lives. Thanks.
I lived in Vegas. So this sounds like heaven
To the rest of us in Alaska, Anchorage is like mini Detroit. I live outside of Fairbanks. I make 100k annually and own my home and land. The only bills I have is phone and power. Even with today's inflation doubled and our paychecks still the same, still doing fine.
Is fairbanks nice? I've been trying to convince my husband to transfer there (he's a federal employee) so it would be to wainwright. What outskirts are good to look into? If I may be so blunt were not taking a jab so we may get fired. We've been looking at states in which will support our individual freedoms and if so he would have to go to a city job. When he called the lady in fairbanks she said they have a 100% compliance rate which doesn't leave us much confidence standing alone in that fight. He called anchorage as well and the HR dept for the city told him basically to not move there or Alaska in general bc of crime, politics and that the winters are terrible she's been there for 20 years and said she and her husband are looking to move.
If you have any thoughts on that..
Also how were you able to pay off your home/land? Were into homesteading but I fear winters might be too harsh to have say a dairy cow in those parts. Sorry I probably over spoke. Just trying to seek encouragement-we already moved from Washington state to Tennessee and I'm having a challenging time not being somewhere I find "beautiful" I miss WA State but not the politics.
I couldn’t afford it. I left after 8 years. Housing, high cost of fuel after Great Recession and spending nearly every dollar I earned exploring left me broke. Always will vacation but could never live there again unless I hit the lotto
No state income tax, no local or state sales tax, in some areas (Delta Junction, Nenana) no property taxes.
A permanent fund dividend check for every member of the family. By hunting/fishing/gardening low food costs.
Wish I’d moved up there years ago. I’m alone now, and probably all the things I wanted to do - hunt & fish for my food, haul & cut firewood - are beyond me as a widow. But I can still stay open to possibilities.
Yes
I'm glad I found this channel... I'm currently trying to plan moving to Alaska post military... Want to try and find some land that I could get a house built on, of course, that's 20 years away but I am thinking to buy the land first and build closer to when I'd finally move once I retire from the air force, but still want to learn as much as I can about the anchorage area
I would go anywhere except Anchorage or Juneau. After 2 winters and 2 summers in Fairbanks I decided I like sunshine. It was a fantastic experience even at 45 below. Smoked salmon, moose and caribou all taste great. You should defiantly do it. If you go, make yourself some fur mittens. No joke they are worth there weight in gold. Buy your land first and get a good toyo heater.
Talking about the dividends. My sister and I visited a few yrs ago just before the dividends were sent out. The breakfast/lunch restaurants were absolutely dead. I asked the servers what was going on and she said it was the worst time of year for eating out. “In a couple weeks we will be busy as hell”. That blew my mind. Loved it there! The one place where pictures do it no justification whatsoever. Great channel. Subscribed
haha! That's so true. Thanks for subscribing!
Winter lasts almost eight months. You have to clean snow every two hours during winter
My daughter lived there for three years and I visited Anchorage in July
At least your daughter gave it a go!
Winter (snow on the ground) is typically late October to mid April.
No, it's 6 months..stop exaggerating.
Plan on moving within the next 5-10 years. May buy some land and what not
I thought he was gonna say milk is about $8-9 lol under $4? Mann i wish. Im from maryland where a gallon of milk is officially $6.78
Yikes! That's pretty steep.
Great info! We went to Alaska a few summers ago and it was beautiful!
Glad yall enjoyed it! I still catch myself really having to take a minute to take it all in.
I've looked at quite a few multifamily properties and was surprised to see that heat was included for the apartments. Is it the landlords responsibility to pay for heat? What is the most common form of heating for an apartment building, electric, gas, oil, steam from a boiler (what fuel does a boilers use if they are used for heat)?
I'm an artist. I like the cold. I am looking to just get out of Texas for personal reasons. Alaska has been on my radar for some time.
I live in Alaska during the Summer and Texas during the Fall and Winter. Texas weather during those seasons is amazing.
I'm going to school at MSU to become a Nurse. I'm a veteran with a first time VA home loan and I'm considering where I would go if I ever decided to leave this place. Alaska looks like a sportsman's paradise, but I have no clue what it would take to get established out there, there seems to be a lot of logistical challenges.
Because there are few roads, for the best hunting and fishing charter a bush flight or buy a boat.
i do electric distribution power work, have worked in oil/gas, so i think i can find a job easily but i know i am going to want a small, even dumpy as long as its warm cabin in the woods... away from people! my guy is a heavy equipment operator and a welder.
There are going to be plenty of good options in the MatSu Valley. Let me know when yall have questions!
I am starting to think alaska is cheaper the new york state or about the same. Power is around 100 plus in winter... milk is around 3-4 bucks a gallon. Renting a place is a huge hit or miss. 300-1,000 really depends on who and where.
Corrine F Alaska is going to be pretty close to NY on the expenses. Check out the calculator at smartasset.com/mortgage/cost-of-living-calculator. It’s the most reflective of reality from what I’ve found.
shhhhh..... Dont AOC and them that....
@@alaska_realtor if you are going to pay insane prices to live somewhere in this country..... At least Alaska is much prettier than New York.
Planning my retirement now (still have 13+ years to go though) and I'm now leaning strongly towards being an expat. As nice as my paycheck is, it's just average, lol? My pension would only be a fraction of what I'm making, so I can't retire in Alaska or even here in California. But Ecuador...it's looking pretty good my friend.
At least get up here for visits! :)
Damn dude, excellent info! I'm moving there within a year. I'm a paramedic so hopefully there are an abundance of those kind of jobs there... thanks
Thank you! I can't imagine you'll have problems. There are a lot of jobs right now.
Alaska is sounding better and better, the cost of living in Southern Oregon is on average the same or more than Alaska.
Interesting right?
For sure! AK is getting closer and closer to average and is much more affordable than most people give it credit.
Seriously thinking about moving to Alaska
I visited Alaska this year and noticed right away that there is no annual vehicle safety inspection but I was amazed at how many vehicles had severe damage. Why are the sides of so many vehicles caved in?
From my experience, it's because it's a transitory state and so at any time you'll always have a large portion of the drivers who have never driven on ice before on the road. So, that really makes a difference 🙂
It is because of the difficulty of winter driving, black ice, and the fact that outside of the cities, the highways you will need to travel on (there aren't a lot of side roads) are only one lane each direction, very curvy, and have no street lights. So your only light is your headlights or the glare from oncoming cars. And it's common to go around a bend only to find a moose crossing or standing in front of you - with no way to stop or miss it.
We also have a permanent registration for vehicles older than 8 years old.
I love ❤️ Alaska because of the beautiful 😍 scenery and peaceful purposes like 👍 few people live in the state.
I decided to stay in Anchorage this winter, looking for a studio, or one bedroom apt., haven't seen anything below $1100 for a single!
Loved the video....loved your honesty. I know this was posted years ago, but never-the-less helpful guide of things to consider about moving or living in Alaska.
Wow friend you’re so informative. You give all the ideas without charging. And you do your due diligence. I can see if my people would flock to you and become your client. Thank you again.
Interesting topic, but the background music competing with your narration is tiresome.
Yeah, I decided to step away from background music. It's too easy to not do it right and it's usually just distracting without adding anything.
Do you a video on healthcare for seniors? How would you rank hospitals, specifically Orthopedic Surgeons?Thx in advance.
Teachers and dentist make some good money in Alaska
Yes, they do indeed!
We left Seward last month after 12 years. City council there does not care about the residents, only the tourist industry. Families are leaving there. Too many tourists in the summer, dead in the winter. Do not count on the PFD. It is not enuf. The snowbirds work the system and get away with it. Is is beautiful, but that won’t feed you.
I'm sorry to hear that Susan. Would you be willing to chat about Seward sometime? I've heard so many conflicting stories about it and I want to make sure my perspective of the issues in each town are accurate.
OK I have not watched the video yet. After studying Alaska years ago. Depending on where in Alaska do you want to live? Living in a city is like most cities. Food prices will be higher because most items have to be train, truck or flown in.
Live off the land you say? Your in for a world of hard work.
Your videos are incredibly helpful. Living up there sounds like a dream.
Thank you! Let me know what topics you'd like to see covered and I'd be happy to accommodate if possible :)
I think that housing one has changed quite a bit since this video came out.
I would also say that is the case lol
As somebody who works a forty hour retail job is it even in the realm of possibility to transfer to a Target up there and survive until I can get a fishing job or anything else that pay better?
YES it is possible. There's a real labor shortage up here with so many people deciding they don't want to work. Seriously, if you want to work and you're in retail, you have a lot of opportunities up here.
I been thinking the same but just hesitant
Thinking about making this my move post-Grad as a new teacher. I know there are incentives from school districts. I have a four year old and I would love to give him a unique childhood experience. I’m from central Illinois and from what I can tell, cost of living here is comparable to where I am now.
That would be an awesome childhood! I have great memories of living up here when I was growing up. What district are you looking at and what's your subject/grade? I taught myself for a while 🤓
I'd be the dude walking through the forest and on the mountains, however I'm poor af
Im looking into living in Wasilla after my Service ends in the army. Currently in Fairbanks
Man, after Fairbanks Wasilla is going to feel really easy lol when are you retiring?
@@alaska_realtor in 3 years at most.
Hi Sir. I am a Filipino. I am here in the Philippines with my wife and 1 son. We wanted to live outside the Philippines for good(especially in Canada or in Alaska). Is migrating to visa difficult? And what should we do?
I live in Ogden, UT and watched a shopping video on here at Fred Meyers. Went to the local Smiths grocery (both Kroger stores) and groceries here are considerably higher. Rent here is higher, and house prices are WELL above Anchorage. Will be there if all goes well in late September. :-)
Awesome! Look me up when you're here.
@@alaska_realtor I plan on it. Can't wait!
Alaska is so big and only few people live in this big second to Texas state.???I live there for five years and couldn’t find housing.
If I were wanting to join the Alaska State Troopers, how would moving there work ? Would I be able to make a good living?
As a State Trooper? You would make a pretty good living. The challenge with that job is that you would spend a lot of time in more remote areas because AK is a big state. If that's your cup of tea, then it's great but for others it can be a little rough.
Interesting info Jamin! Thanks!
My pleasure! Thank you for watching.
Hi , so I've been looking to move out of CT. Alaska actually cought my eye , where is the most affordable cities in Alaska. I'm also single and planning to move down with my fur babies but wanna make sure I'm making the right move.
Hi Hilda! Great question. The most affordable area to live in is going to be the MatSu Valley, while working in Anchorage. What about AK appeals to you?
I come from CT!
Alaska is very good 👍 but very expensive and national security system of everything exported from lower 48 states to keep the northern country alive.???The state pays you yo live there but the price is very expensive period.
My wife is a LPN. I’m a Security Supervisor newly as of December. I’ve been in law enforcement since 2002. We have a 10yr old n 5 yr old. I have no idea if we can afford it. My wife and I came up there in 2009 n fell in love with Homer area and Seward.
At your current income where you live now, not likely. But at the income you would be making up here, I believe it's very likely that you can. It all comes down to your lifestyle though.
@@alaska_realtor I'm not sure how we would find out with the income up there. We just like fishing, hunting and being outdoors. Not material family, just want a small house 1500sq ft or less.
I know you posted this a while ago but I'm hoping your still watching the comments. I'm a retired Vet, on a pension of around 3k a month. Would that be enough? Its just me and my dog. Ive seen 1 bedrooms for under 1000 in Anchorage. Any help would be cool! Thank you!
Hey Tim! You can certainty make that work, but it all comes down to where you're willing to live. Check out what's available online and compare it to the APD crime map. That will give you a good sense for the area.
Id like you to do a updated video on this
Me and my wife were looking to move up there near Fairbanks or Anchorage area she works in Pharmacy and I work in retail we have a plan to be theretwo to three years it's such a beautiful place
That's awesome man! Have yall visited up here before?
@@alaska_realtor i havent.. she has
I want to start a life there
Your food cost seems really low. Are you supplementing your groceries with hunting and fishing?
@@michaelbeasley4923 A bit but also keep in mind this video was published 4 years ago
God bless America! I am hoping to expat from Canada to Alaska and live in the land of the free and home of the brave!
Come on over, and contact me when you do!🏠 don't forget to subscribe for more Alaskan market updates😊
I’m an electrician looking to move away from my little country town in North Carolina and Alaska has always been on my list. Thinking of making 2021 my year for change how is the with market for people in the trades in Alaska
That's awesome man! Every contractor I've talked to is slammed right now. Keep in mind, that might not apply to EVERYONE, but that has been my anecdotal experience. Do you want me to put you in contact with a local electrician who might be able to give more information?
I'm on the trades here good electricians are gold
If either of you could point me towards an electrician in the Fairbanks area. I’m looking to move in mid January and I’m trying to get work set up before I get there. I’d be a valuable asset to any company especially industrial/commercial work but also in residential. My plan is to get my license when I get there I currently have the hours to get a masters license jest haven’t been able to take the test due to time
@@alaska_realtor yes if you could point me towards a company in the Fairbanks area I am looking to move in mid January and am trying to get with set up
@@jamesclendenen9000 you know of anyone needing good help in the Fairbanks area?
Great videos, glad I found you! I'm curious on finding rentals that are ok with two med size dogs in the Anchorage area. Also quality boarding if work needs me out of town. Thanks again!
Lots of rentals up here are pretty flexible about pets. Anchorage, in general, is a pretty dog friendly town. You'll find a lot more single homes than apartments etc that are OK with dogs.
I'm looking to move off grid in Alaska is land affordable near egle Alaska? Great video man
Not Cheap, but there's places close by
Eagle river is not off grid lol
How much would it cost to live off grid essentially? Can you find cheap rural land?
You can, but you would have to really define what you're looking for and what part of the state you're looking at. When you say off grid, do you mean you just want some privacy or that you have to get there via plane only?
@@alaska_realtor Via plane only would be ok. But privacy is fine too.. I have been looking around at properties and i see i can get land for about 20k for 15 acres. But what would be the cost to move there. To get everything set up. I would build my own cabin.
I live on fixed income I believe I could make it in Homer or Ketchikan in a rental what do you think
Dorene
Without knowing your income, I couldn't really say one way or the other
I believe I could too as long as the rent is reasonable
ISO 1 or 2 bedroom(for guest/family) fully furnished. 700-800 a month with hopefully some utility included.
Ketchikan has apartment for rent, i have seen them on realtor sites. Even on Creek st(my fav place).I don't want to be completely excluded from people, I'm easy going and love ppl. Ketchikan is my 1 dream to live.
Is it true that fruits and vegetables can be very expensive? I have heard a bag of grapes can go for around $10. This fact alone scares me away!
It is most expensive, but the average salary is also higher. I spend about $200 a month on groceries as a single guy who eats a lot of healthy stuff.
@@alaska_realtor oh thats not bad at all, thanks! Also I dont know if I will be able to find job up there, I am a computer engineering student and have searched for those kind of jobs there but cannot find any online.
@@alaska_realtor go to medillin colombia to party like a lot of civilian military contractors i meet when im down there....the medical cant be beat if your older.....the "fun" is beyond words.....youtube it
Nice and worthy video.I am planning to migrate to Alaska from middle East.
I know that is future.It touches arctic ocean which has crude oil,so one easily guess wealth is there,second most essential is fresh water source Alaska has 12000 rivers.So major items it fulfills energy and water source.Only thing which worried me their heath care system.If you have any info about it please reply.
I know our healthcare is going to be more expensive than other places, but if there are any major medical issues (think brain surgery) you can always fly to Seattle within a few hours. It's been my experience that you would never have to leave the state though. Does that answer your question?
So when I lived in Juneau I was making about $7 more an hour Then the people that we're working for the same Company in Anchorage. Also if you're gonna live up here get a good camera I really didn't get into photography Until after I moved out of Juneau and moved To the interior . Even if you just post Your photos on Facebook like I do it's a fun hobby up here.
This was so interesting!
Thank you for watching!
I'm trying to bulk up too ...
Let’s talk moving to bigger places (more populated) like Anchorage, Fairbanks, vs smaller towns. If someone moves from lower 48 to Alaska which is best? Start in a more populated place and move more rural later or?
Rigora Mortis That is typically my recommendation to start with something in Anchorage or the MatSu valley and then after you’re comfortable with the winters, decide if you’re ready to take a plunge into the interior like Fairbanks or something on the Kenai Peninsula. Fairbanks is bigger than most towns, but their climate is also MUCH more extreme than south central Alaska’s. I’ve seen people jump into the interior right off the bat and they didn’t really like it because the extreme climate wasn’t something they eased into. Does that make sense?
Me and my soon-to-be husband really want to move to Alaska (we live in Arkansas now). I’m in the HR field, and my fiancé is in machining: are there many opportunities there for these fields? We’d love to live more out of town; are these properties more or less affordable than living in a city such as Anchorage?
I subscribed. Im really thinking about moving.
That's exciting! Do you have any questions?
Such amazing content!! Love your videos - subscribed!!
Thank you!
I live in Wasilla, AK, have been here for 5yrs. Alaska is truly the last frontier, the mountains are hauntingly beautiful in the winter, not to mention man's wonderland for fishing and hunting. However each year it gets more expensive. The housing market is ridiculously outrageous, to rent and to own. You must realize everything must be shipped up here, which increases prices. The winters are long and dark. The education system up here sucks. Teen suicide is 3rd in the nation. This is not where I would want to raise a family. If you do your research you'll find this is not the place to retire either, unless you have tons of money. Most definitely take the opportunity to visit Alaska, it's beyond AMAZING! Consider carefully though before moving up here.
Like Hawaii, Alaska has been hit hard because of Covid and lack of tourism.
what jobs hire the most? what industry?
Good question! Check out a video on have on the channel about jobs up here in Alaska where I discuss what industries are hiring the most right now.
Exotic dancer.
$250 a month is pretty reasonable honestly
Interesting, I love the content,. Thank you for sharing, you got a sub here!
Fiona Harrold Thank you!
Is it possible to move to Alaska with about 6000$ with small amout of luggage one way. Me and my gf are moving there to live in a cabin off grid and I'm just trying to find the cheaper best way to get there and where to live.
Got it, is the $6000 before or after you've moved up here? Do yall already have jobs lined up?
I would like to find some place out in the bush
Hello, I considering moving to anchorage for flight school. Currently I am in Oklahoma and it's 4,000miles away. I would also be moving in winter. I have a Chevy Spark and it's a tiny little thing. I drove it in Boston for three winters and it was alright but I'm guessing it wouldn't be sufficient in AK?
You know, I actually drive a Honda Civic hybrid in the winter, and I do just fine in Anchorage. There might be some roads you have to be more aware of, but you don't necessarily NEED a huge vehicle.
Ha no way, I live in Oklahoma city, an was thinking about living in Anchorage....
I currently live in Hawai'i but have had my eye on Alaska for some time. My current field of employment is Property Management. Would Alaska be a good choice to live under this field?
Jay C of course. The biggest show in town is Weidner. My brother works there and could give a lot more insight. If you’d like, I can see if he would be willing to answer your questions? The rental market is pretty strong in Anchorage.
@@alaska_realtor That sounds great, thank you!
@@HooLeeYo Perfect! Text me at 907-229-1792 or message me on my Facebook Page (Jamin Goecker - Realtor) and I'll connect yall. facebook.com/GoJaminRealEstate/
@@alaska_realtor Will do, I will text you shortly! Mahalo! Right now, I am simply doing alot of googling for info. So far, Anchorage is exactly what I'm looking for!
My beautiful home state ❤
The best!
Very interesting video 👍
Could you reduce the music level please on future post ..
Very informative thanks
From London GB
My dream spot. But I’d wanna be up there with $$ in the bank. Like an early retirement spot.
A lot of people buy a summer home in Alaska, and spend the cold winters out of state. Let me know when you're ready to look for your dream home in Alaska 😊 don't forget to subscribe!
Too bad im from europe n im broke thx to covid... any other i would move there notime...
Well the good news is we'll be right here when that changes. :)
Also could you live in Anchorage without a car? How is the public transportation there?
Technically you could, but it wouldn't be as fun because the state is huge and a lot of the fun things to do will require a vehicle. I'm assuming you're looking at Anchorage?
How would an Australian family move to Alaska, regarding green card or what ever you call it over there?
You know, I can't say for sure. I may bring my transaction coordinator on to talk about it, as she is originally from Germany and went through that process.
What if you work in the fish processing industry? I'm moving to Sitka
You know, I can't answer specifically about Sitka but check out the data in the description section and that will give you some guidance. Also, check out a podcast episode on "Alaska Journey" in which I talk with a skipper about the commercial fishing industry. You will probably glean some good info from that!
I would love to live there it's beautiful
Can a single guy survive and maybe one day own a decent house up there on a teacher's salary?
If you're on a budget, yes that shouldn't be outside the realm of possibilities at all.
How is the construction industry in Alaska? I'm from the UK with digger and dumper licences building new houses here. Alaska really appeals to me
Dude, if you have those skills you will not have trouble finding work here. It's a developing state.
from someone wanting to move to alaska, how would you recommend someone going about looking for a house or an apartment? looking online to just going in person???? is finding work easy? how are the universities out there?
That really depends at what stage of the process you are at and how long you plan on living up here. Have you visited before? Work really depends on your industry right now. If you're in hospitality, it can be tough just because our tourism is taking a hit this year from covid. What jobs would you be searching for? I'd be happy to talk it over in a lot more detail. 907-229-1792. Give me a call and let's chat a bit!
Craigslist
@@alaska_realtor your spot on. Oh. Alert seasonal employment people, have a 2nd back up. My ex husband, auto body, didn't know. Crashes/shops, fall, mostly winter, than slush months. After that. Better have nuts saved or "that in between gig". He didn't. I was Fred Meyer's in Palmer. We lasted 08 to 10. Your correct. You must be local there. ☺
@@LA-se3qq*you're
YOU need to update ur video. Numbers don't Jive. I'm a state employee & the worker bees DON'T make & $ 70,000.00 a year. Milk as of 4-30-23 is $4.23 a gallon. 2 bedroom apartment rent for $1,300.00 -$1,600.00. Economy sucks right now.
Great information! Thank you
Anytime!
Given that it's been a year since you published this. Given the Covid, the election, and the interceeding year in general, I would suggest an update.
Funny you should say that, I just shot an update on how AK has done in the pandemic.
I agree. You said. What I thought. Well. And posted. ☺ LA.
250$ a month on food. You need to do a shopping video. For us single men. That's about what I spend on Boose. Why not move up there to fix the food situation? They have the largest airport in anchorage it cant be that hard to bring food cost down? Its 2020 u' all
I don't imagine anyone would object if you made shopping cheaper here :) I shop at Costco and buy in bulk so my numbers are going to be lower than if you shopped at Fred Meyers, etc.
Just don't overeat. Eat reasonably and work out. You will be in better health. Nobody needs that much food.
I would love to move up to alaska and i can get there but wont have enough to buy a home is it possible to do that
How much is one acer of absolutely raw land in Alaska? By the ocean preferably 😌
What area? If you go super remote, probably not much. If you find oceanfront in an established area, it can be an arm and a leg.
I doubt it , but I hope so !!!
Is it more expensive to live in Fairbanks than anchorage? Or are they similar?
I'm going to publish a video that addresses this in a few weeks, but Fairbanks is more expensive because their cost utilities is about 40% higher than the average.
Hi are there many manufacturing / assembly jobs . Or do you know of which areas would be good for those kind of jobs
There aren't a whole lot of jobs like that in AK. But there are some canning jobs available during the summer.
Omg the music in the background is way to loud..
How is the law enforcement in AK?
How are they in what way?
So Alaska is cheap 😅. I live in Cali and i spend roughly 250$ a week on groceries, gas here is almost 5$, and housing is 1mil for a 1 bed house and for rent its about 2k for a small studio 🤣😂. Alaska is super cheap in comparison 😅
What is the commute from Palmer/Wasilla area to Anchorage like?
About how long of a commute is it?
How is the highway during winter months if I were to commute to Anchorage for work?
Would you say 4x4 is necessary or is my front wheel drive Cherokee sufficient?
Are there homes for sale under $200,000 in the Palmer/Wasilla area or surrounding areas? I would probably be applying for a USDA home loan for first time buyer with zero down. Any info would be appreciated, thank you so much!!
I don’t know much about homes but, it seems to me that in a lot of the states with colder weather that houses have a basement and, while looking at houses for sale in AK, it seems like no basements are found. Is there a reason for that?
I think there are a few reasons. Number 1, if there's a basement there's not going to be a lot of light and Alaskans love the sunlight, so why have a lot of space where you don't have it? Secondly, that space might a little more challenging to heat. Because the ground is cooler, it can be tough keeping it warm year-round. That's just been my observations. Where are yall looking for a home?
@@alaska_realtor or maybe the cost of constructing a home in Alaska is significantly higher than the lower 48? Building a slab on grade is faster and cheaper. Has nothing to do with sunlight at all. And I worked in the new construction industry for several years. There are plenty of homes in the Eagle River suburb and Wasilla / Palmer area that have walk out basements.
Ok, here's my question: (I'm in Sitka, resident now but from Washington State) and I want to know if ALL of the tap water in Alaska (that isn't Sitka) some shade of brown or another (with some variety of foam or scam or bubbles or ______)?? I've been to Ekuk/Dillingham, Kenai/California and Anchorage and nowhere is it clean/clear/odors free like Sitka. I want to know if it really is everywhere, so is it? Save me some time/travel/effort and tell what you know about brown Alaskan municipal water (or not), please?? TY
I want to be close to a hospital/some civilization (I have a special needs child but want to be on my own as well have privacy, be able to hunt/fish, let my dogs run etc what area would you recommend
Fairbanks or Juneau are the only other “major” cities and both have a similar population of 35k but those are out there