I am relocating to Anchorage very soon, and was curious if anyone had any suggestions on where to live, or any moving tips...

SSG Smith, I have lived up here in Anchorage since 2002 when I PCS'd up here. I would make sure that if you are driving up the ALCAN Highway that your vehicles are in top condition. The highway in Canada can get quite rough in some areas. Also, if you are driving more than one vehicle consider having a set of the little FRS band walkie talkies or C.B. Radios. As this will be the only way to communicate between vehicles. Also, get the most current copy of a publication called Milepost. This booklet describes the entire ALCAN, and what's available as far as services, hotels, restaurants, etc. You can also drive to a designated location and ship your vehicle/vehicles up here right into Anchorage; and then fly into town. As far as living arrangements go, it all depends on what you and your wife are looking for. You can live in the "country" and still be in Anchorage by living in one of the little towns heading out to the Matanuska Valley. If you decide to live out in the valley, it's about 45 miles to the bases. There are car pool services available also. But the commute can be long and dangerous in the winter months depending on the weather. If you decide to live in base housing, most of it is fairly new; but it's privatized. So, all of your BAH will go to the owner of the housing contract. Right across the highway from the bases, there are some very nice neighborhoods. Just be careful when looking at houses that they aren't in a Neighborhood Association. There's quite a lot of those. Basically, figure out how much money you are willing to spend for housing and then look at what's available. Also, take into account traveling time and distance. Fuel prices aren't exactly the cheapest up here. But, if you have a Sam's Club or Costco membership, you can buy fuel from there. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me.

I would highly recommend the Alaskan Marine Highway. It is a great way to travel. I personally sailed home from Haines to Seattle when I PCS'd in 86. I realize a lot has changed since then but the ferry's are comfortable and very affordable ways to get where you need to be.

I don't know if anyone had mentioned it already, but depending if your doing the drive up there be sure to take extra gas cans with you. And a lot of people I was with when I was stationed there found it worth the commute from Palmer.