I didn't realize how difficult it would be to actually find a place to live in Anchorage. I plan ahead.... unfortunately, Anchorage doesn't. The leasing market in Anchorage has an incredible turnover rate. What I mean by this is that nearly every apartment, duplex, condo, etc. for rent, is either available for immediate move in or will be available to move in within a couple weeks. It is rare to find any unit being advertised more than a month out! This is concerning for us, as we plan to be in Anchorage around June 28th or 29th. Ten days before this, we will be in our cars moving to Alaska... and the week prior to that, we will be on our honeymoon. Therefore, we will miss the time period where most available units become listed on the market.
The difficulty is compounded by a couple things:
- We have two cats, and few places allow pets
- We are wanting at LEAST a one car garage... and garages are a luxury
- We won't be able to view the unit in person prior to signing a lease
- Cost of living is extremely high
- We are unaware of the "bad" parts of town
- There are a lot of scammers trying to take advantage of people in this exact situation
- Landlords have told me that as soon as a unit is placed on the market, they receive an onslaught of interest. There are double digit applicants for every available unit.
I constantly check Craigslist (the venue of choice for Anchorage housing) for new listings. The closer it gets to move date the more nervous I'm getting... but I know we will eventually find a good place to call home.
