Moving To Alaska: How To Get Here Without Going Broke? - Anchorage 

Do you have the link to the ferry information from Seattle to Alaska? Also could you get your car ferried to?

Heya! I have no family (that I live with) or connections, not much I’m bringing with me, a job I can transfer, and I can save up money to give myself a buffer and a year to wait before my current lease is up. I’m looking to live in anchorage, one issue is I don’t drive. How reasonable is me moving up, I’ll be flying I looked up average rental prices and it said 1k which is within my budget. And already found a place with some openings (not that it helps since I have to wait a year)

Alcan highway cdl driver

Gold rush Alaska

Do you have information on the ferry and how do you move guns, ammo and safes

If you haven't heard of Dick Proenneke, look him up. He has an amazing story, definitely one of my inspirations for wanting to move to Alaska.

You'll get there. I did. ❤

Hopefully i'll be able to get from europe to Alaska without going broke

I’m 14 and I want the same thing.

OMG We are exactly the same!!

It’s awesome! Where did you visit before?

@@alaska_realtor ur mom

That's awesome! Do yall already have work lined up? Have you started looking for a home yet? Use my app to see what's available let me know if yall have questions! jgoecker.kw.com/myapp

May i ask your reasoning of moving from Texas to Alaska? Lol im trying to convince my husband into it..

We have narrowed it down to the Kenai peninsula. Jobs aren’t necessary an issue. We have decided to sell our house on the coast due to the market being strong. Under contract in less than a week for list.

@@slee7991 we’ve wanted to get away from the concrete and heat. I grew up on Kodiak, and have always wanted to go back when I grew up. I’m in my mid 30’s with no children, so there isn’t a lot holding me back.

@@robertbeck8585 I look forward to talking with yall next week!

I did Alaska to Arizona and now back home! What a polar change! i bet from Ny to Az was wild as well

Whew, that’s a drive! Schedule your visit soon while tickets are low :)

AK ROAM Did you do it with your van?

@@alaska_realtor Yessir! it was my 3rd time doing it. First time where i camped everynight tho. I have a series of 4 vlogs folowing the trip on my channel!

Yeah I probably just suck on the road haha!

You suck on the road? Lol!!!!

Zack Couch Thank you and that’s exciting! Let me know what questions you have as you’re making that 5 year plan.

That’s funny I’m from Youngstown I live in sarasota now and currently looking at moving up to Alaska

Do you like FL? Tell me more?

@Dera Kioandria Williams thank you. You pretty much summed up Florida very well. I couldn't wait to get out of Florida after 33 years.

@@adamburns2588I’m in Sarasota and moving to Alaska. Did you do it?

That is awesome!

My pleasure! Thank you for watching :)

The alcan is amazing. Do it during fall season and the colors will blow you away. we came up from Axz!

I do really like the highway for that reason. It’s at a pace you can really take your time and take it in.

@BUCK LANE I move to Alaska sooner than I planned. I was offered a position in Anchorage and moved to Eagle River, AK at the end of August, 2020. Here is my experience moving: I took a 26 foot U-Haul with an auto transport to tow my SUV (had to go by myself because no one was allowed through Canada unless it was absolutely necessary). I was not able to take the ferry ⛴..........Canada was not allowing people through their country other than a few exceptions (for instance, people moving to Alaska) because of the pandemic so the ferry was booked into September since everyone else was using the ferry to transport their vehicles and get back to Alaska who would have otherwise driven through Canada. I had to report to my new job on Aug. 31st so I had no choice but to drive through Canada........and the Canadians were not very happy about it from my perception. BUT, no flat tires along the way! It was VERY remote for hundreds of miles, and it was very beautiful too. I did rent a satellite phone just in case I needed to call someone because of engine troubles or a flat tires. Also, because I was only allowed to go through drive-through's to buy food while traveling through Canada (which was not possible because of the large uhaul and auto transport that I used to tow my suv behind the moving van), I had to eat out of a cooler and sleep in the uhaul.....for over 3 days! Very unpleasant and uncomfortable. Bathrooms at rest areas going through British Columbia were very, very......well they only had a few along the way. However, going into Yukon, they almost always had bathrooms at each of their rest areas (outhouses really) so you better be willing to squat behind a bush until you get into Yukon and hope there is not a hungry bear 🐻 close by. And even then, Yukon officials give you 24 hours to get out of their country and into Alaska. Also, be careful because while I was going through Canada, I had to drive through 2 different herds of buffalo/bison in the middle of the highway which was pretty intimidating. Those animals always look like they are ready for a fight. I also saw about 5 bears along the way too. When you finally get into Alaska, you are automatically in quarantine again because of COVID. So when I finally was able to get a nice, warm meal days later, it was such a luxury! Hope this information helps someone and makes you better prepared for your travels. Good luck. 🙂

@@shannoninalaska How do you like it so far?

@@oppy2002 I love it. It is beautiful here and not as cold in the Anchorage area as you would think. I do work a lot but I get out once in awhile and enjoy the scenery when I can. It is a great place to be when you want to go somewhere on the weekend. No regrets for me.

Good to know!

Good point, it's all about the speed at which you're driving.

Thank you for watching! It really is an amazing country. I’ve done that trip from AK to TX (San Angelo) so I know what that’s like!

I'm just about to drive up to Alaska from El Paso!

@baussh3rcules enjoy the trip and safe travels! Get some king crab up there. They ship! My dad orders us some every year. It’s ahhhhmazing!

@@BAUSSH3RCULES That's going to be an adventure! Check out my video on Driving the Alcan. It'll come in handy!

Samee Here!

Thanks for watching. This might be a good year with ticket prices being so much lower!

We have nature for days!! move up! hahah

You can always become what we call a snowbird where you live in the summer and go somewhere warm during the winter. Not a bad option if you’re not into winter sports!

You should!

YES! Just say the word. This is going to sound random, but do you have you done paragliding?

@@alaska_realtor haha i have not. i do have a few friends that are all about it tho out here in eagle river. The gear is just to pricey. i have sky dived a few times haha

I came from Texas before coming up here myself! What made yall move in the first place?

@@alaska_realtor seasonal depression. Had a suicidal episode and left eagle river in 2018 to live with extended family in Texas and my husband who was born and raised in alaska came down to marry me. Now that I'm mentally healthier and am more aware of my depression I feel like I can handle living in Alaska again with the proper support and making sure I get out and do things in the winter. I was originally up there as a teenager due to my father's air force career but now that he's retired he is back in Texas with my mom to be near their families. My husband and I hate the south since it's so hot and we feel like the people aren't as kind to outsiders.

ive lived in alaska 10 years but my parents are moving us to texas

Make it soon! :)

Good to know!

Great question and yes you certainly can. You just have to crate them in your car and you get to walk them around a few times a day. The only pets you can't bring on the ferry are rodents of any kind.

Driving isn't a bad option at all for getting up here. Keep on eye on what Canada does for covid moving forward. It likely won't be an issue by then, but they're pretty draconian about their rules right now for people driving through.

@@alaska_realtor thank you for the heads up!

I would call the ferry system, but by and large you should be fine with bringing them on the ferry. Circuses ship elephants, etc on the ferry so I can't imagine you'd have too many issues there.

Be ready Pay big $$$

What part of Alaska piques your interest?

Specifically, the AK Marine Highway.

You can take your car and check out the Alaska Marine High System website on the DOT website

It depends on how many firearms and ammo you have. I believe that you can, but usually shipping stuff to a gun shop is far easier. I've had a lot of good luck with Alaska Terminals.

Absolutely!

You know, I don't think I've ever driven a dog across Canada. I would call them just to verify, but I don't believe there's anything you'll need. I'd have shot records on hand though.

Yes, most people will go to either Valdez or Whittier if I recall correctly.

Ship them to a gun shop. That's the easiest way to do it and they will know the ins and outs of the system.

Probably because the Canadian boarder is very tricky in these current times. But still wanted to give a heads up!

Good call. I've been trying to interview border agents with Canada and people from the AKMH, but they are pretty difficult to track down

Ms 222tutu That’s awesome! A lot of people really like Eagle River and Palmer. Both have a small town feel and access to all things Alaska (4 wheeling, fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, etc.) without being too far off the grid. I have a tour of Eagle River on the channel now and I’ll have Palmer up in the near future. Is there something specifically y’all are looking for?

Goecker Group Thank you 🙏

Ms 222tutu If y’all want to chat about the area, I’d be happy to talk a bit about it. It’s a big decision so I want to make sure y’all can an informed one :)

No busses or trains going there. The Trump administration passed the first steps of a train going to AK, but we'll see if it materializes.

That's a very subjective question. I've never felt like I was at risk but it comes down to who's driving I suppose.

You can take a trailer worth of stuff on onto the ferry, but I'm not sure what the rules are for an RV kinda trailer.

That could be a good option, but it all comes down the details. At that point I would seriously consider just hiring a moving company and let them coordinate that all.

Best thing I can say is to check out the border website. That's the best source of info, other than talking with people who have recently gone through.

it’s march. i’d love to know your experience with the canadian border. my wife and i are going to be moving to alaska within the next year. and we will be crossing into canada along with a truck load of stuff.

wonder what the forced health mandate policy is at the moment for americans crossing to go to alaska

@@digitalsalsas it’s ridiculous.

Hi Jaclyn! That's exciting. The ferry schedule is coming out in a bit, but if you're looking for just better convenience, I would highly favor the ferry. The highway right now is challenging because of all the restrictions you have to adhere to while driving the Alcan. When are you making it up here?

@@alaska_realtor we are looking to move in the next year or so! gotta save some money and see about those travel restrictions.

@@jaclyne8792 That's great! What topics on the channel can I produce that's going to make that easier for you?

@@alaska_realtor Maybe the best places to first move on a budget? Anything helps love the channel!

@@jaclyne8792 Good idea!

Yup, that's what I did. Just make sure you have as much coverage on it as possible.

Gotcha! For that trip, I would plan on minimal $500 and it would likely take 3-4 days from WA. I'm assuming you have a car that you plan to drive from Homer?

@BUCK LANE yeah i have seen it and will just drive for the 4k wanted

I have some good relations with the folks at Alaska Terminals. They would be a good company to check out.

We'll be right here when you're ready :)

Yes, you can certainly take dogs with you on the ferry!

Well then this is going to be a great spot for you then lol just make sure that you come up in the winter if at all possible to visit.

Totally doable. I've done it a few times. They stay in the car and you are allowed to walk them a few times a day on the car deck.

@@alaska_realtor what about poop and pee?

What kind of firearms? In my experience, it's a lot easier to ship them instead of trying to get them through.

Hunting rifle .7.62, revolver 44.40, 357, shotgun 12g. I’m assuming I can buy the ammunition when in Alaska. Maybe the 44.40 will be a bit hard to find.

You can get an annual PFD of about $800-$1200 lately per person, so not really. There is a lot more darkness in the northern parts of the state around Fairbanks. South central around Anchorage is more mild with south east AK being more or less like Seattle in climate. As for HUD housing, I'm not going to be the best resource on specific questions about those areas so check out the HUD websites.

@@alaska_realtor thank you! As long as there are no bees lol!! Many many years ago when I got married to my first husband we considered moving to Alaska. I have always been drawn to Alaska and Washington around the Seattle area but more in the suburbs where it is a little safer. I hear Seattle used to be a lot nicer but that it has gone downhill in the past years. Is this correct? North Idaho is beautiful but still too sunny and hot in the summers for me. I have a condition where the sun actually depresses me and the rain keeps me calm! I appreciate your quick response. Have a great weekend and stay safe

Hey Zach! Yes, you can take pets on the ferry system and you won't need to go through Canada :)

I really haven't heard of a lot of Californians moving out this way. The climate is a little less appealing if you were drawn to sunny Cali lol

@@alaska_realtor my thoughts exactly. Thanks for the reply.

Yes, I sure do! Dated a few Texans myself. What part of West Texas are you from? I lived in San Angelo for about 10 years. It sounds like you are talking about somewhere in the MatSu Valley, but with such an extensive medical background you would be in high demand in the villages so the state is pretty much your oyster. How remote do you want to go?

@@alaska_realtor well a Big Howdy 🤠 from Lubbock, TX! We are in our early 50’s. Hubby grew up in Corpus Christi where his dad was the city electrician and also owned a sign shop that made the first signs for Whataburger and his family also ranched in Waco. I grew up on the farm in Saskatchewan and lived 2 hours from Saskatoon where I went to University. I was lucky to do a nursing internship in Northern Saskatchewan at LaLoche on the reservation. What a wild and wooly time but I loved it! Got to fly a Piper Navajo plane after we dropped off a patient. The pilot needed to log some flight hours so he had me take the wheel. Crazy Fun! My husband and I love to try different lifestyles. We also fulltimed in an RV for 5 years during our travel nursing days. My ideal life would be to do remote work, travel full time in a Super C and have our home base in Alaska. Our children’s hospital here just got a Trauma surgeon from Alaska- Dr Proctor. You don’t know her do you? 😆. The Eagle River area looks amazing. Small town vibe and beautiful scenery but still close to all the amenities of the big city of Anchorage. We like people but not too close. 🤣Just need an acre give or take to put a cozy cabin on and place to park the RV. Ideally no restrictions.

@@alaska_realtor Palmer looks great as well. Love the farming communities too. Laid back and close knit.

I'm 59, was born in Texas, moved to Colorado for three decades, now back in Texas and ready to leave Texas again.

That's a great question. I personally looked at teaching up here when I first got here and the best thing I can say is that you should get your certs all squared away in your state and try to transfer. When I talked with UAA about transferring all the classes I had to get certified, they wouldn't do it. It's kind of a racket up here, so avoid UAA if at all possible and talk with the board with the state about transferring your license.

@@alaska_realtor Thank you!

Not in the cabin, no. Pets have to stay in your vehicle and you get to walk them a few times a day

Great question, check out my most recent video

Great questions AND I've already made a video that answers them. It's set to come out Sept 5. Make sure to tune in! :)

Girdwood. Alyeska is literally right there. It's a little spendy though. Are you wanting to come part time or live here year round?

@@alaska_realtor I'm sure it can be kinda pricy. At least a visit one day for sure. I could see myself living year-round though. Could hopefully get a job at a mountain/ farm in the summer. I am from Baltimore. I lived in Humboldt,Ca a few years ago, but I wasn't ready to start off on my own, and in a pretty sketchy area, not that I'm not used to it here lol, but I went alone when I was 23. It's a toss-up between Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Utah,Colorado or Vermont for me.

They sure do. Or you can bring a cooler with you.

wow!! How was the drive?! was it worth it? lol

@xktwnxl4zlx213 Unimaginable beautiful and scary. I was alone, sleeping in my truck, and I was towing a uhaul and a relatively new truck I'm paying down and I was terrified I'd drive off a clife in Canada and lose everything I owned. Gas is very expensive spent about 2k roughly in gas. I lost signal for 3 days in Canada and nothing bad happened but it's like you know anything bad could happen you know it was certainly an experience. The alcan highway will destroy a vehicle if your not careful the frost heaves are like huge speed bumps you hit at interstate speeds. The entire drive from Alabama to Anchorage was 9 days but I was bad sick for one day near montana and had to get a hotel

Do they require a vaccine? Last I heard they were requiring a covid test. You don't enter Canada when you're traveling via the ferry.

@@alaska_realtor thank you sir

Fill a container and have it shipped - then take yourself however you choose. It’s about $5000-$6000 to send a container - but you don’t have to worry about hauling it all around yourself…

Without bringing any cars, etc?

@@alaska_realtor yes.

I'm afraid I don't understand the question? :)

@@alaska_realtor Are there any large grades to climb on the way to AK through Canada with the RV ?

You have to go through US immigration because Alaska is part of the US.

Alaska Marine Highway