Interested in Alaska Investors

[Amy Paradis]

Hi All, We are investors that live and have a few duplexes in Northern Vermont. We are returning from a trip in Alaska. To say that we love the state would be an understatement. We wanted to evaluate buying property and returning to Alaska, at some point. We are casually investigating the prospect of an investment (and possibly an out right move although I love my current job and there are not any similar positions in Alaska as I am a crime analyst for a PD). Anyway, Anchorage seemed to have diverse neighborhoods and with the size of the population, seems to have long term growth potential and a stable rental market but the prices in A and B neighborhoods seem to provide little room for growth at the present rates (if see otherwise, please tell me why so I can look into it!) That said, Wasilla caught my attention given recent growth, proximity to Anchorage and lower tax rate. Eagle River seemed to be an interesting area with the military bases. I absolutely loved Seward but that seems too seasonal to be a realistic option. Our initial thought was to buy a multi family and maintain one side as an area we can use a few times a year, possibly turning it into an AirBnB. We would consider other avenues of investing. This post is my Hail Mary in terms of getting some indication if this is even worth while in trying to pursue. I am curious if there are other investors in the area or in Alaska that has any advice as to the strength of the rental market, how finding tenants go, if anyone does not live locally to their investments or anything we may find of use! Ideally, we would find an investment within an hour or so of an airport with commercial Flights such as Anchorage or Fairbanks. I am writing this from the airport while area names and ideas were fresh in my head. If you are an investor or resident of Alaska-- I am overwhelmed by your incredible state. Thanks, Amy