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The thought of moving a family to Alaska brings with it dreams of adventure, gorgeous landscapes, breathing fresh air, and enjoying the great outdoors. Moving to Alaska is a popular choice for families looking to try something new and for a fresh start. There are plenty of reasons why a family should move to Alaska, but it isn’t nearly as easy as moving to the next neighborhood down the road from your home.
Big things like shipping furniture to Alaska and hiring Anchorage movers to get you up north are pretty obvious, but what about some of the smaller details that you might not have heard about yet? Here are a few tidbits of information that will help you transition into your new life in the last frontier.
· Wages: Cost of living is probably higher than what your family is used to but the wages are generally higher to accommodate at least some of the difference. Your quality of life should not be sacrificed because of the cost of living.
· Move during spring or summer: There are more jobs available during that time of year, but most importantly the weather can accommodate a family moving in to their new home. Getting settled in, learning about how things work, and figuring out your way around town are all easier during the summer months.
· Have a job waiting for you: While you may get lucky and find a job just by showing up, it is highly recommended to find a job that will be waiting for you when you get there. Start your job search here http://www.jobs.state.ak.us/.
· Live outside of Anchorage center: If you are looking to cut costs, try and move just outside of Anchorage. You will save money on rent but also be able to provide a little more property for the kids to play on.
· Food Costs: Average costs are $107-$214 per week for a family of four with kids between the ages of 6 and 11. Plan on fishing and invest in a chest freezer to keep a healthy supply of fish around and save money on meals.
· Taxes: There are few states that might have no income tax or no sales tax, but Alaska is the only one that doesn’t collect either tax. So even if you come up to Alaska with the same wages as back home, your dollar will stretch a little further because you will be paying minimal taxes.
· Crossing the Canadian border: Two things to think about when crossing the border during your move are bringing guns through Canada and if you have a DUI on your record. Guns are legal but proper paperwork and taxes must be paid at the border to get them through. If you have a DUI on your record you will face some problems at the border but after paying a fee (around $200) and getting a pass you will still be allowed through.
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