Are you thinking about moving to Alaska with a family? In this episode of the Alaskan Journey Podcast, host Jamin interviews Josh, a Physician Assistant (PA) who recently relocated his family of six and two dogs from Alabama to Wasilla, Alaska.Josh shares an honest, unfiltered look at what it takes to make a cross-country move to South Central Alaska, from the unexpected financial costs to adjusting to life in the Mat-Su Valley. In this interview, we cover:The Real Cost of Moving to Alaska: Freight shipping expenses ($25,000+), car transport, and the unexpected logistics of flying pets across the country.Living in Wasilla vs. Anchorage: Why Josh chose to live on Knik-Goose Bay (KGB) Road in Wasilla while commuting to South Anchorage for work.The Wasilla to Anchorage Commute: Managing winter driving, Glenn Highway traffic chokepoints, and what happens when the highway shuts down.Adjusting to Alaska Weather & Light: Surviving winter darkness (-20°F temperatures) versus managing sleep during 24-hour summer daylight (Midnight Sun).Raising & Homeschooling Kids in Alaska: How Alaska's homeschool allotment programs work, local sports, family hikes, and building a community.Pros and Cons of Mat-Su Valley Living: Local amenities, Parks Highway traffic, real estate value, and potential property tax changes.Whether you're planning a relocation to Alaska, researching housing in the Mat-Su Borough, or curious about what everyday life is like for families in Alaska, this interview is packed with practical tips and real-world advice!Jamin Goecker Website (For Relocation Guide): https://jgoecker.kw.comPodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AgBLvg...LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamingoecker/Instagram: / jamin_goecker App: https://jgoecker.kw.comFacebook: / gojaminrealestate Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group0:00 Welcome to the Alaskan Journey Podcast0:20 Introducing Josh: Moving to Alaska from the South0:40 Leaving Alabama & Kentucky for South Central Alaska1:03 The Faith-Driven Decision to Move to Alaska2:21 Housing Shifts, Job Changes, & Relocation Timing3:15 PA Job Offer in Anchorage & Moving Assistance4:00 How Friends & Family Reacted to the Alaska Move5:01 Moving 4 Kids to Alaska & Homeschooling5:51 Renting a House in Wasilla on KGB Road7:21 Knik-Goose Bay (KGB) Road Traffic & Winter Maintenance8:58 Logistics: Flying vs. Driving the Alcan Highway in Winter9:32 Shipping Dogs to Alaska: Airline Rules & Courier Stress10:46 The Real Cost of Shipping Household Goods & Cars to Alaska12:21 Deciding What to Sell vs. Ship to Alaska13:00 Culture in Wasilla vs. the American South14:22 What is Alaska "Flex Culture" & Valley Lifestyle?15:14 Why Choose Wasilla Housing Over Anchorage?16:50 Pros & Cons: Anchorage Job Market vs. Wasilla Living Space19:15 Alaska Homeschool Support & Allotment Funding20:57 Finding a Church & Building Community in the Valley22:10 Adjusting to Alaska Winter Cold (-20°F) & Driving in Snow24:44 Managing Winter Darkness vs. Summer Midnight Sun26:21 Blackout Curtains & Sleep Habits in 24-Hour Daylight27:36 First Summer in Alaska: Weather, Rain, & Kids Camp28:43 Experiencing Alaska Scenery: Mountains vs. Rockies29:29 Kid-Friendly Hikes: Reflection Lake, Hatcher Pass, & Matanuska Glacier31:14 Denali Views, Seward Day Trips, & The Butte Hike34:03 Wasilla Pros: Target, Fred Meyer, Views, & Privacy36:15 Wasilla Cons: Parks Highway Congestion & Infrastructure Growth38:19 Wasilla Property Taxes vs. Renting in the Valley40:03 The Biggest Danger of Commuting: Glenn Highway Accidents42:30 Single Highway Chokepoint & Earthquake Vulnerability44:24 Relocation Advice for Families Moving to Alaska46:29 Preventing Isolation & SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)47:38 Closing Thoughts & Final Wrap Up
