CPDLC

I drive an older 4wd truck that works just fine. The best thing I've driven is my wife's Subaru Forester with studded tires. You can pick up an older one for less than 18K. Of course, they are the favored car of the feminine "alternate lifestyle" according to several web polls so be prepared to be pigeonholed ;.) I think some of the newer SUV's with stability control are really good as well.

md11phlyer

Front wheel drive with studs in the winter has always gotten by in the AK. If you've got some more to spend go AWD Subaru, it won't disapoint and maintains great reliability.

If you're gonna move here I would buy something that can tow toys: i.e. sleds, boats, trailers, etc. That means 'big truck' with a 'Turnagain Hardcore' sticker on the back.

767pilot

Does that include the land? Seems pretty expensive otherwise

AKbum

I'm not on with the browns or purples (yet...although it sounds like it may be some time) but I am originally from ANC and sold our house up there last year when we were forced to move to BOI due to the AF BRAC. All of my extended family is still up there, so I get frequent ANC updates. Point is, pretty much all of the info posted so far is valid. Some points to ponder:

South ANC:
-Pros: (usually)nicer neighborhoods, better schools (than mid-town), close to the Kenai/Girdwood where the best fishing is, close to airport (10-15min), Huffman to Elmendorf = 15min, can still find older houses with big yards (.5acre+)
-Cons: Moderate to high house price ($165-225+/sf; sold ours for $168/sf including the land).

Eagle River:
-Pros: newer developments, slightly less expensive than S. ANC (although quickly catching up), military-centric community (might be a con?),
-Cons: lots of Glenn Hwy traffic in the mornings/afternoons (much more so than in town), hilly yards (see post about loss of sunlight due to mnts), further from Kenai Penninsula

Palmer/Wasilla (the Valley)
-Pros: newest houses, biggest yards, lowest house cost ($150-185/sf)
-Cons: far from ANC (1.25hr), weekday rush traffic on the Glenn Hwy is bad (and lots of moose to dodge), a bit secluded (and sometime neighbors want to keep it that way)

As for the type of vehicle: buying a truck is spot on. You will want toys (sanity saver) and need something to tow them with. Snow and ice is not so much of a factor; fwd w/studs was always good enough for us. Also, don't get cheap when it comes to garages. I HIGHLY recommend a 3 car garage. The wife will appreciate a warm, snow-free car and won't complain so much about all your "toys" that find themselves in the garage.

Just my opinions, but it comes with 32 years of AK experience.

Good luck. My goal is to be back there one day flying for FedEx or UPS.

CheyDogFlies

Yes, includes my 1/4 acre.

Car question: I have one rear-WD car with studs--you don't want it.

bifff15

AK,
Thanks for the info!
Biff