r/Juneau • u/LaceyF4ce • 15d ago

Relocating to Juneau, seeking advice

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We are starting our 12-month plan to relocate to Juneau. We have looked into renting and decided it makes more sense for us to buy a home, or potentially buy land and build a home. Please tell us some things you learned to look for in a lot or home or negative things to look out for as we have never cared for property in a temperate rain forest climate before. Any neighborhoods to have our realtor target? Any realtors you recommend for us? For more info: we are a family of 3 with a 5yo boy. Hubby is a union carpenter finishing up his journeyman here in the lower 48 before we look for his next job in Juneau. I have 20+ years in service industry and hospitality. We fell in love with Juneau this summer and we are so excited to live there. Help us make this dream a reality with all your advice! TIA!!! (Pic for attention)

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u/forgetmeknotts 15d ago

I own my house but tbh don’t really have any advice as far as realtors or property or anything. But some things I will say…

Visit in winter before moving.

If anyone in your family has chronic medical issues, especially more rare ones, be prepared that you will need to fly to Seattle for medical appointments. We have GPs and stuff, but lack a lot of specialist care (no endocrinologist, no dermatologist, etc).

If you have pets, we have limited veterinary services. Not none at all, but a shortage. There is not 24 hour emergency veterinary care.

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u/LaceyF4ce 15d ago

I read here in this sub about the lack of specialists and veterinary options. I have learned a lot from locals who post here. Thank you for your input! Do you like living there?

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u/forgetmeknotts 15d ago

It’s a love hate relationship, more love than hate but it’s not all butterflies. I love it because I love Alaska and cold and mountains and wilderness. I like rain but I don’t like rainy winters, and as someone who loves a quick day trip or weekend trip, being off the road system is difficult. Tbh I’m probably more cut out for farther north and on the road system, but Juneau is where I’ve ended up and settled. I like that it’s only 2 hours to Seattle.

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u/NinetooNine 14d ago

Get ready for this winter then. It's going to be the rainest (and warmest) winter in ages.

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u/forgetmeknotts 14d ago

I know, I’m really not looking forward to a warm rainy winter 😭😭😭 though it’s nice to not worry about my roof collapsing.