Moving to Alaska: May 2014

We didn't plan on looking for another place to call home - especially since we really liked where we lived. The short version of the long story (see earlier blog posts!) was that Bill found our previous 1-bedroom condo within a month of moving here in May 2011. It was perfect - a one bedroom/one bath "open concept" (get the House Hunters lingo here?) space that included dishwasher, washer/dryer in the unit, an open loft (which we used as a guest bedroom and office space) and the most wonderful view in Juneau. Price was within our budgeted amount and life here for the last three years was great - we absolutely loved it. Our lease is always up June 1 and, when paying our rent for May and asking about the new lease, our landlord dropped the bombshell - ummm, she wants to sell the condo so she can afford a boat condo. Priorities in Juneau certainly favor the fishing vessel! A bit in shock at the prospect of moving, we hit Craig's List-Southeast Alaska looking for the right place. Our "wish list" included two bedrooms, washer/dryer in the unit, large deck and a view. Those who watch House Hunters (or House Hunters International or the newest Living Alaska) understand that a wish list is simply that - it is difficult (even impossible) to find everything on it or, at least, within your budgeted amount. Our first visit was to a cabin in the woods not far from our current location, listed price on budget and included one bedroom, w/d in unit and a view. A cabin to be sure - one large room which would encompass living/kitchen/dining, a small bedroom with attached bath (no tub). Washer/dryer? Why, yes! However, the dryer only comes out in the summer on the front deck - the washer was incorporated as part of the "counter space" in the tiny kitchen. The listing agent did point out the high ceilings with ample space to hang wet clothes which would be dried by the heat of the wood stove. A "filtered" view of the channel, but lots of outdoor space including a "shop" for Bill. He thought it was perfect... Next we saw a pricey two-bedroom on nearby Douglas Island (West Juneau) with large deck and full laundry room. New carpeting and counter tops, great view of the mountain across the channel (complete with full view of the avalanche chute) but out of our price range (at least, MY price range). Next a two-bedroom in the "valley", no view but budget-friendly. A bit run down, this property had a small deck that looked out over a grassy area that can only be described as "kid central" - a plethora of plastic houses, big wheels and swing sets. However, it did have almost everything on the list - two bedrooms, dishwasher, washer/dryer, covered parking. So, which did they choose? The romantic cabin in the woods, the budget-breaking two-bedroom or the kid-central apartment with "everything'? (hum the music to yourself here...) And we chose - the budget-breaking two-bedroom!! Ultimately it came down to the view, the privacy and the space. Now that we have moved in, we are liking it more and more. The second bedroom will come in handy this summer as family and friends come to visit, the full laundry room is a bonus, and our large deck and uber-friendly landlord is just what we were looking for! Still trying to decide where to hang pictures, which drawer the pizza cutter is in and I have asked Bill to move the couch three times, but we are getting there! Wait - there goes a cruise ship AND a float plane! I think I can get used to this!