Tips for Buying Land in Alaska

Join us on our journey as we learn to live self sustainably off the grid in beautiful Alaska.
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Simple Living Alaska
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Willow, AK 99688

[@hardingirizarrym.]

I am recuperating from surgery and from my recliner while surfing the web I found your channel and since then I have been hooked! You guys eptomize the word "AWESOME", I hope you last forever.

[@lucindalove7606]

Agreed! Well spoken! I wish you a speedy, complete recovery! 💞

[@eatrdust2]

From Yakima and have watched you guys since the beginning ❤️ Found this video today on buying lots of good info kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4eoiYawns-coZY

[@eatrdust2]

In Alaska from government land auction and loans.

[@idahopotato5837]

I always use the County assessor or GIS mapping. If available in your area you can pinpoint the parcel, access, and quite often the owners name and address. That and a good topo you can find springs, etc. If you have cell in the area you can get up to date mapping right at the property. I used it as a UPS driver to locate homes with no mailboxes or house numbers. Find the owner and skip the real estate agents fees.

[@AlmostHomestead]

Good luck you guys. Smart move checking the winter access. We looked at our place in the winter during monsoon type rains to see what kind of drainage issue there might be.

[@sageclark5473]

I live in Idaho. I've been looking for land in Alaska and the prices have shocked me!!! Land with the same amount of acres costs $300,000 in Idaho but in Alaska I could get the same for $99,000

[@matt1544zxc3]

i've learned over the years that a real estate lawyer can get you a specific property cheaper than a realtor can, assuming you are willing to do some legwork yourself on things.

[@rayunseitig6367]

When you talk about the "neighborhood", I got lost---: is it about, swamps, roads, trees, or the People?

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Really great information you two. Very smart. You have to go look at land in person. You covered a lot of different angles on looking for land in that area.

[@brucea550]

One thing not covered here, which to me is very important, is to make sure you know what’s in the deed! There are some properties which have covenants and restrictions, and some don’t. And it’s different here in other ways, like not needing building permits in many cases, again depending on where you are. Some places have a home owners association. Generally the farther out you get, the more freedom to do what you want. Great right? Well... maybe not! Remember that goes for your neighbors too. So that next lot may get bought by a musher and now you listen to 32 dogs barking and howling 24/7. Or a guy fixes stuff out of his garage and you’re getting loud noise from that at crazy hours. Or he shoots at targets at 3am. No restrictions is a double edged sword. Properties can range from $1000 to $50,000 (or more) per acre. Many many variables. Do as much research as you can! Consider: Even if you don’t have kids, being in a good school district can often mean better neighbors, which means less crime, probably better road maintenance, faster response time from emergency services... Just one example of things you might not be thinking about.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Bruce A great point, I think we were going to mention that but didn't but yes we completely agree :)

[@HoneyRowland]

I have been considering Alaska for a good two years but have always wanted to move there. I'm working to educate myself and make a smart decision about moving as I'm a young widow and my 4 kids (20-12) will be coming up. They have all been raised on a homestead; farmed, natural living, processed and raised our own animals. We can, dry and ferment out the wazoo. :) Currently learning about setting up a harbor freight solar kit and how to connect to ac from it. I would love to watch a video that tries to talk you out of moving to Alaska and doesn't mention snow, cold or mosquitos in those reasons. :) I've been watching you since the beginning and enjoy getting another peek at Alaska through you two. I also have a few questions that I am sending in an email. :) ~Honey

[@salvadorlopez1743]

I'm moving there before mid summer and get started on prepping for winter. I wish you good luck if you do so. Maybe we will be neighbors haha

[@leeboy244]

Go back to Mexico

[@BigPrepperAZ]

Great video. I really like your idea of buying another property.

[@rayunseitig6367]

That's a sensible approach, As for me, I'll try it out for a few months or so, and not sell my property in CA, as I could not buy back in if I don't like the new set up.

[@mauricebrown9094]

Do you have to wear seat belts in Alaska ?? What are your standards for feeling that the neighbor sucks when the whole place is covered in snow ??

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Maurice Brown, this made us chuckle, you prove a great point. I guess we go by what we can see (under the snow mounds) and just what we know about the area. You do have to wear seatbelts here but I believe I had a bad habit of not in this particular video.

[@katiedobson1993]

I'm so excited to find your channel my husband and myself are moving to willow April 2020. We are preparing now and getting stuff ready we come up in August looking for property we are so excited and to find your channel and you guys actually live there I'm so happy hope to learn a lot from you guys

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Katie Dobson thanks for joining us! That is very exciting! Have you guys been to the Willow area before?

[@krisqueen5939]

If you are moving to Alaska, do yourself a favor and move in May or June, early summer it will be a better transition. Transplanted to Alaska 50 years ago. Voice of experience.

[@dharokthewretched7373]

How did it go?

[@iandarbyshire8068]

Great watching all of your videos here in the UK, when the world is back to normality I will definitely be travelling to Alaska on holiday

[@lapislazuli455]

I am wondering why land is so expensive in Alaska? It's a huge state with a very small population.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Lapis Lazuli there are many other factors determining land price but we find desirabilty is a major factor, if you're looking closer to a major town v way out off the road system and of course different areas of Alaska prices vary. It is cheaper here than some states but also more costly than others.

[@BrandanTheBroker]

As a Realtor in Alaska, it's really not as expensive as people think it is, but it also depends on where you're looking. Yes if you want a lot on Anchorage or Eagle River you're going to pay for being near the city, if you want to buy that lot in Talkeetna, Tok, Cooper Landing, Anchor Point etc its considerably cheaper. Put it like this, my lot was .66 acres in "Cooper Landing", I paid $4500, that same lot on Anchorage would cost $40,000, in Ninilchik there's a lot 5 acres $4000.

[@kevino1489]

That's called American Greed

[@lifeaschronicallyingrid]

Just the video I’ve needed to help me! We don’t plan on moving for another year or 2 but I like to have enough time to prepare in advance and I can’t thank you guys enough for this and all of your videos! You have been so helpful! My dream is to live in Alaska and I hope it becomes a reality one day! Until then please enjoy living in Alaska for me!

[@kingrafa3938]

Update us when you already move to Alaska.

[@eleflux6609]

We are looking at 2 years at the earliest and 4 or 5 at the latest before we move up there, so we are in pretty much the same boat. All the research and preparing, lol. For us, we are waiting for me to get my pilot certs and some hours built so I can get an aviation job when we move. Wife is in healthcare. We are looking at the Palmer/Wasilla area or the Kenai Peninsula, but want to have sheep, goats, and hay... so all the subdividing would be an issue for us. We're hoping to find 80 acres. Good luck in your search. 😀

[@bboucharde]

Talkeetna to Homer = Southcentral Alaska, which is more expensive than other Alaskan regions because it is centered on the Anchorage-MATSU metropolitan area (population 400,000+). The Tanana Valley is one option that is probably less costly.

[@jasonbitter1]

I'm guessing land prices have skyrocketed since 2020!?!

[@zachf8000]

Nice. Well I hope you triple your money!

[@Mechanicsville804]

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

[@jimmylogan7831]

I have a lot just land in Caswell lake about half acre for 9000. The roads are maintain all year

[@charlenekociuba7396]

funny. the best thing about this lot is the water spring, open year round. Water is becoming so valuable so this is insurance for them. I hope they don't just upsell it with a cabin. I hope they build a bigger nicer place to have for themselves. The one they have is too small if they want to have a family and a bigger farm. I love the way this couple thinks things through, very admirable. But your lot, is great for an retiree, not much to keep up. But is it buildable or have access to services, like a hospital, grocery, church and recreation like swimming. If you are going to sell it, then you should have some of those questions answerable in advance. I also think a lot what I want to have if I were to move.

[@alialbahar]

Still got it?

[@jamesappello386]

So am I missing something here? Not to know your intimate details, but... You both do not work, how do you afford or qualify to purchase land? Are you guys living off the proceeds from the Oregon home? With 25k subs, KZbin doesn’t pay that well. I love your channel, but this is bewildering me.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

James Appello we don't get too in detail with our finances, we had good jobs, saved, owned our previous home and planned ahead. Downsizing, having no debt and minimal payments has all helped us get to where we are today. We do work just not the way most folks head off to a 9-5. We are working towards future incomes as well such as a rental property ☺ thank you for watching!

[@jamesappello386]

Simple Living Alaska I do have to give you guys credit. At least you are open and honest as to location and more than most KZbin’rs . Just watched the garden video, which is crazy good!!!

[@michaelvasquez5761]

Simple Living Alaska your channel seems to be taking off! If you only had 25k subscribers 2 months ago. You are now up to over 60k. I subscribed on Saturday. And you got 300 over the weekend. Your on your way to 100k. Great videos so far!

[@existenceisfutile661]

Being an international viewer. What types of things would you need to consider when picking property or areas to move to. (Love this channel. Spending time watching your older videos 🙂)

[@heinzbeansenjoyer1668]

This is what I really want to do but I can’t. Roped into school by family pressures to be a doctor but all I want is to live alone in the wilderness.

[@nickdonaldson8993]

Cool new chapter in your adventure. Thanks for sharing.

[@joshuaegler9599]

r u surviving off of your savings? or is there a way to earn income while your off grid?

[@driverguy7]

I think resident Alaskans get around $1500.00 a year per person from state oil revenue monies.....

[@Friggsdottir]

​@@driverguy7yeah but idk anyone who can live off that. You can work a job while living off grid.

[@kirkmanley3164]

I agree you just have to go for it as that is exactly what we did too!

[@elizabethbarnett5798]

I just realized... The music is 99 red balloons... Lol I know random.

[@cgoat7796]

You were able to buy the land with the house included how did you guys get so lucky ?

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Maybe you can cover this. Is there any truth to this rumor? I've heard that you can get paid to live in Alaska. I heard that awhile back.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Green Dream Project, we most likely wouldn't cover this in a video until we are eligible but yes Alaska does pay the Permenant Fund Dividend to Alaska residents annually (to qualify you need to live here for the full calendar year), we will not be eligible until the spring 2020 application period and then fall pay period.

[@8stars922]

I wouldn’t call $1,000-$1,500 a year getting paid. It helps offset the higher cost of living up here a little. My father saved all of my dividends through my childhood and once I graduated high school he gave me the choice to use that money for college or a car. Many families are not that lucky and rely on the PFD to survive.

[@ourselfreliantlife]

@@8stars922 Very interesting. Thanks for the insight. I didn't realize the cost of living was so high there.

[@8stars922]

Green Dream Project yes definitely higher and climbing. I enjoy watching channels like this because I’m gradually making changes in my family’s lifestyle to try to become more sustainable and off grid as much as I can be. I’m tired of paying $400-$500 a month in the winter for gas and electric!

[@brucea550]

Before I came up here (mid 90s) everybody said how bad the prices were. But what I found is that if you work in a skilled position the wages more than offset that. If you have a Walmart job then you’re gonna struggle. But there’s more to it than that. If you hunt and fish you can eat moose and salmon all year for the cost of the trips to hunt and fish. And as these folks are doing, grow a lot of food in a garden. You can heat with wood, which is cheap or free if you’re willing to work for it. No state income tax, no state sales tax, no property taxes in some areas (like Glennallen). So is the cost of living higher? It depends on a lot of factors.

[@jasonbourne1596]

13k for one acre in a place with so much open land seems ridiculous.

[@jenrasmuson4372]

Hubby and I will be moving up this year and this is incredibly helpful. Probably further north than you and mainly due to the high property taxes in the MatSu Borough. The taxes where we were were steadily rising year after year, so we hope to move into Denali Borough, where there are no taxes. Did you guys consider this when you were looking? Just curious, because it is a major consideration for us.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Jen Rasmuson our taxes are less than $200 a year

[@jenrasmuson4372]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska Great! That's a far cry from the $2,200 a year we were paying in Lewis and Clark County, MT, which was about to rise to $2,600 with the new high school they are building. I think I can afford what you're paying. ;-D

[@crazycoyote1738]

Wow $13k for one acre?? And I thought land is cheap in Alaska..

[@christiancampbell8252]

In nebraska most the land around us is 15-20k per acre😩

[@CampfireKodiak]

The biggest challenge for me is finding land that's quite and peaceful. There are a lot of dog kennels in that area. Nothing makes me want to move more then noisy neighbors. One of the biggest draw backs to off-grid land is there is a good chance you will have to put up with someone's generator noise which carries a long ways and is very annoying. I would rather listen to highway traffic than someone's generator. For that reason I think it might actually be quieter to live on the grid system in a rural location.

[@L507-m6k]

Thank you so much for your videos. I learn a ton. How many acres do you recommend to buy for a cabin? Would 5 be good?

[@idahopotato5837]

Some buyers don't even want to buy 5. It's what's by you that matters. 5 is about a minimum for me but when they are in town or close 1-2 is fine. Over an acre and it's maintenance. I have 15 and I love it but cleaning up downed trees every year is a must.

[@svillanueva65]

can you buy land like this and just plop a trailer i.e. an motor home, RV and live in it?

[@starfishgavedig]

Yes and no for most RV’s u have tanked that need to be drained.and motor homes need to be plumed

[@svillanueva65]

@Starfishgavedig thank you but what if you use a compost toilet and hall in ur water?

[@Noone-rt6pw]

I need clean running streams, that run year round freezing or drought, but cold water in summer. 200 acres minimum with plenty of maple and or Birch trees. Honey locust would be good too. I need plenty of free game and fish. 😉😉😉😉. Actually 22 years ago. It'd been good, but now it's a little late, not to mention my body needs an overhaul.

[@cinsidebackwardsnbacksideo5195]

Thanks guys, fun to see. Hope you get one. Find you a spot where you can forage a little, some good ground to grow those giant cabbages I've heard you can grow up there. Harvest a moose each year and that'd sure help you and your dogos out. Rooting for you

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Hi VCN, we are hoping to get a garden going this upcoming year as well as harvest a moose in the Fall. Planning to go ice fishing soon!

[@cinsidebackwardsnbacksideo5195]

Awesome... I'm gonna hold you countable. I can't wait to see what you share, thank you by the way. Love what you guys are doing

[@dospalmascb]

I’ve found a few places I like, ranging from 9 acres in anchor point and 50 acres in Willow. As a non US citizen we can only stay for between 90 and 180 days, probably buy something in Canada for the other 180 days lol.

[@shawncrowson1048]

could you have used longitude and Latitude? to find the land

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

They could also use a compass and check the trees for the mossy side, LOL.

[@corsaircor5991]

6:07 When you say (this is not verbatim) "you can head out and use public lands." What exactly does that mean? Can you use the land to setup trap lines, gather firewood, dig wells and build cabins? Could be a good idea for another video. If you have already made a video on the subject, I haven't come across it and would love to see it. Please post a link :-) You two do an amazing job showing us all the work you do. Your video editing skills are exceptional! Sending love your way guys! Please keep the videos coming...

[@zachf8000]

Thanks for the info. What kind of structure are you talking about? Something like what you have now?

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Hi Zach, we are planning on converting a large shed into an off grid dry cabin. Around 200 sf with a loft and an outhouse 👍.

[@charlenekociuba7396]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska Rethink that plan. You have water on that lot, so it may be better for irrigation and expansion of your farming goals. Water rights is quite a coo nowadays.

[@bobandtinaadams7276]

Thanks for all the good info!

[@dannyray1950]

Big Lake was nothing but wilderness when I commanded a missile site past Knik in the '70s. Big changes!

[@cchan37]

What is the name of the area u live in?

[@toddswenson9137]

i want to move really bad keep me in mind when your looking i need around 5 acres, I live on 4.6 right now in Arlington Wa. Thanks Todd

[@knz1950]

are you south of Talkeetna?

[@norris007]

What are some good skills to have or learn as someone who wants to ultimately live this lifestyle?

[@torceridaho]

thank you for being conscious of capturing the beauty of Alaska

[@limubai2602]

Quant tu scie tes planches tu dois faire une face avec ta scie et après le champ et l'autre champ et après la dernière face ! Face champ champ et face ! Tu economiseras du bois !

[@eliyeck3494]

New sub found you guys through watching my alaska dream love the channel how many acres do the two of you live on ?

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Hey thanks for joining us! We are on 3.6 acres.

[@ravenousjm]

Exciting times, interested in the process and good luck to you guys.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Thanks for watching and commenting good to hear from you guys! 😁

[@kingrafa3938]

👍👍👍

[@yourstrulya.cedeno7229]

My client is a Real Estate Agent and she is from Anchorage.

[@jerryvaughn5190]

Build yourself a newer bigger place then sell your first house 😘

[@ghost_darkness1]

I am trying to move on a little piece of land in the usa to start my little homestead

[@nrolled2888]

Where would you look for land that had ocean access with a boat?

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

N E probably SE AK or the Kenai Peninsula ☺

[@nrolled2888]

You two are the best! Look forward to following you along your adventure!!

[@nappaonfire3889]

Thanks for sharing uesful information about the buying property .

[@glenwayn5180]

so i asume you live close to talkeetna

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

bob bob, we live in Willow, up Hatcher's Pass

[@glenwayn5180]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska we are kinda close i am up pass spur rd off of glen we just moved up hear from ohio

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

bob bob, Awesome! That is a cool area, hoping to venture more that direction this spring.

[@alaskakaren715]

Lol I'm closer to the far side of willow. Been here 35 years. Very good choice!

[@matthewprestine1974]

Cant you just use www.zillow.com?

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Yes Zillow is a great tool but many properties are listed privately or for sale by owner so they are not listed online :)

[@brucea550]

Zillow seems to have a lot of misinformation. Some is accurate, like the last sale price, but some can be very wrong (my home is shown as being twice the square footage it really is!). It is a helpful tool, just don’t rely on it for total accuracy. The borough websites will give the actual numbers, and you can look up any property by address.

[@michaeldoucetsr.8704]

Thankyou sir

[@paytonhenderson5994]

What if you wanted to have trap lines ? Can you do this on public land or must you own the land ? Thanks !

[@crushalaska7373]

Patyon, you can trap on most public land within the laws of that particular trapping unit.

[@shawnburnett7030]

sorry about the spelling, too late when I saw it ,if you have time,you should look at property in all four seasons

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Great Advice :)

[@annettemillette4091]

INTERESTING

[@ziggymorris8760]

Friend of mine is from Wasilla

[@rodin390]

👍🏻

[@samueltomasello8888]

I was stationed at Ft Wainwright in the U.S. Army, and I often think and dream about returning! I'm so happy you folks are living your dream!😁

[@bw-mi9xp]

samuel, how long were you stationed there? long enough to experience the amount of and lack thereof sunlight? how does that work exactly and how are people growing their own food if there is considerably less sunlight?

[@skinywtboy]

I just spent 4 years at JBER which isn't as bad but still pretty rough compared to the rest of the US. During the winter, the dark sucks but there are a lot of things you can do about it. A lot of folks use happy lights, take vitamin d supplements, and spend a good amount of time outside while the sun is up. Even with all that, I wouldn't recommend it to someone with difficulty with seasonal depression.

[@atony229]

Great video thanks for the info.

[@ReadingsByJaredPitts]

Did you all do owner finance?

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Jared TruthSeeker no we didn't.

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Great video and that’s sound advice on visiting Alaska first and look around. Hydro flask is the way to go, even though my wife likes here yeti coffee mug🤬 $13k is that right off a main road? We were looking at 20 acres for around $30k but it was snow machine and ATV to get to. Thanks for sharing guys👍

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Love my Yeti for coffee but the Hydro Flask is my go to for a cold cocktail! The property for 13k is about 3 miles from the main road, but is only 1 acre, we do really like that one though.

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Cool. I can’t wait to see which on you pick.

[@shawnburnett7030]

I see your looking in the winter in this vid,not the best time to look,alot of land will be wet and boggy,better to look in spring and early summer,also the price will be a tell tale of the best and worse lots ,my brother baught 5acres,verses accross the street,witch was less acres but a little more money,I told him ive seen that 5acres in the summer and its boggy,he would not listen and regretted it,he was so stuck on yea but its5acres!!!!!!!!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

shawn burnett, you are absolutely right. We live on property that has a bog and knew so prior to purchasing. We agree price point is a tell tale sign about the land but we also are educated on the trees and plants that grow in boggy type lands and those that grow in drier sites, (yes we won't be sure until until later this year). Appreciate the advice, need to have some buildable land!

[@troystutsman1400]

$13,000 per acre is insane...! I can get land in more than one State for less than $1,000 per acre. I guess I won’t be moving to Alaska at those prices after all...

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Tony Stutsman it all depends on the area... In town it's more expensive than out in the country. Just like all of the U.S....thanks for watching and commenting ✌😀

[@brucea550]

That’s very true Troy, but then you won’t be living in Alaska...😉

[@agmoreno2422]

Driving a car while talking on the phone is prohibited in most countries of the world. Is hard to understand.