Information
Rental housing and accommodations are available in some form in all Alaskan towns and communities. In areas where the local summer work force exceeds housing capacity employers will often provide dorm style housing. What is considered normal or acceptable locally might vary from what you are expecting, so if it might be wise to ask for a picture of where you will be staying if you are making arrangement prior to arriving in Alaska.
Traditional Rentals: - Traditional style rental homes, apartments, and manufactured homes are available throughout Alaska. The norm is for a one year lease, first and last deposit, and credit/criminal background checks. Many apartments will provide heating while the renter is responsible for the other utilities. Most landlords won't accept pets, especially large dogs. Well behaved animals can normally find an exception. Competition for the nicer accommodations are high in areas around Alaska's military bases -- including Anchorage, MatSu Valley, Fairbanks, North Pole, and Delta Junction.
Summer Only Rentals: - While difficult it is possible to find summer only rentals in most Alaska towns. To be successful you will need to start early and expect to pay a premium. Working with a realtor that specializes in rentals and subscribing to the local paper will make this much more productive of a search.
Room Rentals: - Many families will rent out a room or two to earn a little extra income. The quality varies dramatically so it is not advised to do from out of state. Depending on the family you might be able to rent month to month. In some cases you might need to commit to the summer season. This is often a great choice for single travelers or those that want to be in a local home.
Employer Provided: - Many of the larger employers in Alaska provide housing to their workers as part of their employment package. If the employer is a remote fishing lodge, within a national park, or floating cannery -- the only option will be what is provided. In other instances, other options will be available to the seasonal worker. The quality of housing provided by employers to their workers varies greatly and should be investigated prior to accepting employment, especially if their are no options. Normally dorm style or bunk house type accommodations are the norm. Longer term, returning, and higher level employees generally are offered preferred housing which might be a single room. Some employees provide single rooms to all employees.
Camping: - A large number of seasonal workers -- especially returning veterans camp out for the summer. To the uninitiated this seems a little extreme, but it allows them to enjoy the Alaska experience, during their stay, and get away from the hustle of the tourist industry. Some will have their own RV's, but many will set up a nice tent camp. The key to success being a warm (+15 degree bag), dry tent, and a clean camp. If bears are a problem in the area most people will set up a cooking and food storage area a few hundred yards from where they sleep. The advent of portable electric fencing have eased the bear problem in most areas. This easy to use -- battery powered -- fences give a curious bruin a non-lethal shock and have eliminated many bear problems where used.
