/ By / Moving To Guides/ • • / 0 Comments

Moving To Guides: Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, AK

If you’re looking to relocate to a city that combines the conveniences of the modern world with a rugged, natural environment, look no further than Anchorage, Alaska.

Spanning 1,961 square miles, Anchorage is home to nearly 300,000 residents, making it the most populous city in Alaska.

Here are some things you need to know before moving to Anchorage:

Demographics

The average age of residents is 32.4 years, and males slightly outnumber females. A little over 33 percent have a bachelor’s degree, and the mean commute to work time is 19.1 minutes.

Cost of Living

According to PayScale, the cost of living in Anchorage is twenty-seven percent higher than the national average. Lower expenses for healthcare at two percent above the national average and utilities at eight percent above the national average, help even out the cost of living.

Employment

Anchorage is home to the largest port in Alaska, with more than 95 percent of all imports coming through the city. This results in many jobs for residents. Other employment opportunities within the city include the University of Alaska, Providence Health & Services, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, and ConocoPhillips Alaska.

Housing Market

The average listing price in Anchorage is $397,190, which is well above the state average of $227,792. Currently, the market heavily favors buyers due to the number of homes on the market.

For those who would rather rent, rental property inventory is rather low. However, the demand is high, which means landlords have increased the amount tenants pay. Some properties may cost as much as $2,013 a month to rent.

Neighborhoods

The city is divided into more than thirty neighborhoods. Some of the best ones include Bear Valley, Eagle River, Rogers Park, and Huffman-O’Malley.

Education

Anchorage School District

The Anchorage School District is the largest in Alaska and the 97th largest district in the United States. It spans nearly 2,000 square miles (larger than Rhode Island) and educates over 48,000 students. There is more than 130 schools and programs, and many of the teachers have won awards including Teacher of the Year. According to the district’s website, an impressive 107 languages are spoken by its English-language learners as their first language, or by the students’ families.

University of Alaska Anchorage

The University of Alaska Anchorage is the state’s largest post-secondary institution. It’s fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and Bachelor of Arts programs include Anthropology, Early Childhood Education, Hospitality and Restaurant Management, and Political Science.

Other colleges and universities include Charter College – Anchorage, Alaska Career College, and Alaska Pacific University.

Parks and Trails

Anchorage is a great city to call home if you enjoy the great outdoors. The city offers 190 parks that are connected by 400 miles of trails, including Fort North Bicentennial Park, Town Square Park, and Bird Point Park.

Winter Activities

Residents and visitors alike take advantage of the city’s hard winters and have a good time in the snow. Activities during the coldest months of the year include downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and riding snowmobiles.

Best Places to Shop

There are an array of places to shop, whether you want groceries, new clothes, or the latest bestseller. Some of the best stores in Anchorage include The ULU Factory, Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall, Adventure Apparel, and Title Wave Books.

Best Places to Eat

No matter what type of cuisine you enjoy, you will find more than one restaurant that suits your taste. The most popular restaurants include Simon & Seafort’s, Club Paris, Yak and Yeti Himalayan Restaurant, Uncle Joe’s Pizzeria, and Sushi & Sushi Restaurant.

When you’re ready to relocate to Anchorage, please contact us. We’ll help you find the right movers who will get you to your new home as quickly as possible.

/ By / Moving To Guides/ • • / 0 Comments

What You Need to Know Before Moving to Cincinnati

Nicknamed the Queen City, Cincinnati was founded by European Americans in 1778.

It’s the third largest city in Ohio, and it’s a great place to call home as it has much to offer its residents of all ages.

If you’re considering moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, here are some things you should know:

Demographics

Nearly 300,000 people call Cincinnati home, and the city has seen a growth over the last three years. The median age of residents is 32.5 years, and 35 percent of residents are married. When it comes to education, 25.7 percent hold a bachelor’s degree, and the median household income is $37,067.

Employment

Greater Cincinnati has a variety of employment opportunities including the University of Cincinnati, The Kroger Company (America’s largest grocery store chain), Proctor & Gamble Co., Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, Fifth Third Bank, and GE Aviation.

Housing Market

In 2013, the city saw a rise in residential real estate purchases, and the following two years maintained that momentum. Through the third quarter of 2016, statistics showed an increase of 5.9 percent in the number of homes sold during the same period in 2015. The average sale price is $197,444, though inventory is currently low.

Neighborhoods

The City of Cincinnati has 52 neighborhoods and there are more than 200 in the greater tri-state area. As you search for homes, some of the neighborhoods you may want to explore include Blue Ash, Glendale, Hyde Park, and Over-the-Rhine.

Education

Cincinnati Public Schools

Cincinnati Public Schools is the third largest district in Ohio based on enrollment. It offers gifted classes, military outreach, and credit flexibility, as well as the language program Rosetta Stone. This free online program is available to staff, students, and parents.

University of Cincinnati

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati is a public research university that has been named among the “Top Tier of Best National Universities” by U.S. News & World Report. It offers a variety of programs such as Medical Records Technician, Economics, Theatre, and Engineering.

Things to Do

There are a variety of things to do in Cincinnati such as:

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

This zoo opened in 1875, making it the second oldest zoo in the country. Spread out over seventy acres are several exhibits such as Kroger Lords of the Arctic, Wildlife Canyon, and Manatee Springs.

Cincinnati Observatory

Commonly regarded as the “Birthplace of American Astronomy,” the Cincinnati Observatory sits atop Mt. Lookout, and it’s where President John Quincy Adams gave his last public speech in 1843. Its mission is to maintain the integrity and heritage of a 19th century observatory while promoting the study and practice of 21st century astronomy and science.

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum

This museum welcomes thousands of visitors every year who enjoy learning about the team’s history. Exhibits include The Front Office, Hall of Records, and Glory Days.

Places to Eat

Cincinnati has several great eateries whether you want a vegetarian dish or spicy Asian cuisine. They include:

Dewey’s Pizza

At Dewey’s, you will find a variety of pizza options and a laid-back environment. Choices include Killer Veggie, Hawaiian, and Southwest Chicken BBQ.

Pho Lang Tang

At Pho Lang Tang, you can enjoy the flavors of Asia without having to leave Cincinnati. Menu options include Pho Bo, Banh Mi Sandwiches, and Bo Kho.

Melt Eclectic Cafe

Melt offers both meat and vegetarian options. Voted “Best in Cincinnati,” menu options include avocado wraps, Thai peanut wraps, and Philly Cheesesteak.

Best Time to Move

If you can choose when to relocate to Cincinnati, the spring and fall months are best as the temperatures are often more comfortable than those in the winter and summer.

When you’re ready to move to Cincinnati, please contact us. We’ll help you find a moving company that specializes in long distance and cross county moving so your relocation goes as smoothly as possible.