Moving to Homer, Alaska, can feel like an adventure—because it is! But it doesn’t have to be a logistical headache. Here are a few solid options my clients have used, along with tips on timing, border crossing, and cost considerations.

UPack

[UPack](https://www.upack.com) is a great budget-conscious choice if you’re up for packing and loading yourself. You fill their portable container or trailer, and they handle the long-distance transport, including getting it all the way to Alaska. 

Pros: Affordable, flexible timing, you only pay for the space you use. 

Cons: You handle all the loading/unloading.

Golden North Vanlines

[Golden North Vanlines](https://www.goldennorthvanlines.com) is a full-service mover that serves Homer directly. They’ll pack, load, ship, and unload your goods, which is ideal if you’re short on time or need a hands-off move. 

Pros: Stress-free, professional handling. 

Cons: More expensive than self-managed options.

U-Haul (Pods or Van Rentals)

Many clients have successfully rented U-Haul moving vans or used their portable storage containers (U-Box). This DIY route gives you total control. 

Pros: Flexible and widely available. 

Cons: If you’re renting a van, you’ll need to plan your route and deal with weather, road conditions, and lodging during the drive.

Lynden Transport

[Lynden Transport](https://www.lynden.com/lti/) is ideal for shipping vehicles, large boxes, or pallets. They ship from Tacoma, WA to Anchorage. From there, you’ll need to rent a U-Haul or van to drive your belongings down to Homer. 

            Pros: Great for shipping vehicles and large items. 

            Cons: Requires coordination for the last leg of the journey from Anchorage to Homer.

Moving Firearms to Alaska

For transporting firearms (especially through Canada), see the [Alaska Department of Fish & Game](https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=hunting.transportguns). 

For shipping firearms (if you’re not driving), UPS offers a breakdown of legal shipping methods: [Click here](https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipping-support/shipping-special-care-regulated-items/prohibited-items/firearms).

What I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Alaska 

From someone who made the move from Vancouver, B.C.

I moved to Alaska in 2007, and coming from a city like Vancouver was a major change of pace—in the best, wildest, and sometimes weirdest ways. Looking back, there are definitely things I wish I had known before making the leap. If you’re thinking of relocating to Alaska, or you’re in the thick of it now, here’s what stands out from my personal experience:

Cost of Living 

Groceries, gas, construction materials, and shipping? Much pricier than the Lower 48—or even urban B.C. I still have a Costco membership and make a point of hitting two Costcos when I go to Anchorage (yes, it’s that serious). 

Everyone warns you about the cost of living, and they’re not exaggerating. My biggest takeaway? Live simpler than you did in the city. Prioritizing what you really need and planning ahead makes a big difference.

Shipping and Waiting: A Way of Life 

Amazon Prime doesn’t mean two-day delivery here—and forget about same-day anything. Furniture, gear, and even groceries sometimes take longer or require creative workarounds. You get really good at logistics when you live here.

Since moving here, I’ve learned how to freight forward, how to pack totes for air travel, and how to make a box last two or three shipping legs. Not exactly a skill set I brought from city life, but now it’s second nature.

Summer Is Beautiful Chaos  

Midnight sun? Yes. Endless outdoor time? Yes. But summer here is hectic. People rush to make the most of every long, bright day—fishing, hiking, gardening, gathering. Blink, and it’s fall. 

That said, I love the winters more. Snow sports, the quiet, the northern lights, and just the coziness of it all—that’s more my speed. I would be a reverse snowbird if given the chance.

You’ll Need a Reliable Vehicle 

Alaska will chew up and spit out your car if it’s not ready. AWD or 4WD is a must. Remote starters and plug-ins for engine block heaters aren’t luxuries—are essentials. Bonus if your vehicle is easy to maintain and doesn’t mind a bumpy, icy, unpaved road.

Community Is Everything 

When I first moved to Alaska, I found a small group of friends who taught me how to really live here, and I’ll never forget that. When we later moved to Homer, I found another amazing group that I now call my tribe.

If you’re new here: be open. Show up. Say yes. This place is full of people who are ready to welcome you—but you have to lean in.

Self-Sufficiency Is the Norm 

In Alaska, things like hunting, fishing, and food preservation aren’t off-grid hobbies—they’re daily life. I’ve learned how to compost, grow food in a northern climate, cook wild game and fish, and can enough to last the winter. 

I had a bit of a head start because I worked in a fish cannery as a teen, so I had the fish processing thing down pat. But even if you’re starting from scratch, people here will teach you—if you’re curious and respectful.

Healthcare Access Matters 

Homer has a hospital and solid providers, but medical care is very expensive here. I travel to Anchorage for specialist visits and annual bloodwork. It’s worth it financially, especially if I can combine it with a Costco run.

The bottom line? If you need regular care or specialist visits, factor travel time and cost into your planning.

Raising Kids in Alaska  

Raising kids here has been one of my favourite experiences. There are plenty of community resources to tap into, and the slower pace of life offers a great environment for families. I met some of my closest friends at the local mom and baby group when my children were little. That group was not just a resource—it was a lifeline in those early parenting years, and those friendships have lasted.

Moose Are Amazing—and They’re Everywhere 

And yes—seeing a moose never ever ever gets old. They’re beautiful, wild, and very much part of daily life. That said, they’re also large, unpredictable animals. We teach our dogs from puppyhood to come inside when they see a moose nearby, and that training has saved us some close calls.

Living in Alaska isn’t just about adjusting to the climate—it’s about adjusting to a whole different rhythm. I hope you find yours!

For starters, Alaska has fewer HOAs, and the ones we do have tend to be more relaxed. You’re a lot less likely to get fined for having a boat in the yard or painting your house a bold colour. Independence is part of the lifestyle here, and it shows in how neighbourhoods are structured.

Utilities can also look different. In places like Homer, it’s common to see private wells, septic systems, or even delivered water. Yes, big tanker trucks fill household cisterns, especially in areas where groundwater is limited or has issues like arsenic. Buyers should be ready to think beyond typical city infrastructure.

Energy efficiency matters more here, too. With long winters and high fuel costs, things like insulation, heating systems, and window quality make a big difference. Local lenders like AHFC (Alaska Housing Finance Corporation) even offer programs that reward energy-efficient homes, which can help with both comfort and cost.

Lastly, many buyers here are looking for something specific—space for gear or animals, access to hunting or fishing, or even the freedom to go off-grid. Alaska homes are built for how people actually live up here, and buying one is about finding the right fit for your lifestyle.

Yes—always, yes.

Buying sight-unseen in Alaska is a huge gamble. Photos and videos never tell the full story, especially here, where terrain, weather, road access, and property condition can vary wildly. What looks like a flat yard might be on a steep slope. A home that seems cozy in photos might have water issues, poor insulation, or be miles down a poorly maintained road.

Even if you’re coming from out of state, it’s absolutely worth making the trip to see a property in person. Walk the land. Smell the home. Listen to the neighbourhood. These are things no online listing can fully capture—and they matter a lot more here than in suburban real estate markets.

I was once working with a buyer from the Southern US. I was proposing homes that were at the top of the Homer bluff. What was a routine drive up and down West Hill Road for me was a treacherous proposition for these buyers. They would never have known had they not come to see the house in person. Then there were the buyers who bought sight unseen in one of our more remote neighbourhoods – they were disappointed to learn that there were no paved sidewalks or nearby shops. Though I described the neighbourhood as fully as I could, they took certain things for granted that they would have seen had they been here.

Yes—you can absolutely work remotely from Homer. We have multiple internet service providers offering solid bandwidth, and many remote workers here successfully manage Zoom calls, file uploads, streaming, and more without issue.

That said, service quality can vary by location. If you’re looking at properties outside of town or off the beaten path, it’s worth checking the specific address with local providers before you buy. Power outages do happen occasionally during storms, so a backup battery or generator is a smart investment if your job relies on staying connected. We have a couple of small Honda generators at our house, and the last winter power outage turned into a cozy movie night with a blazing wood stove and fresh-popped popcorn.

As for your tech, it’ll survive just fine. Just don’t be surprised if your phone battery drains a little faster in the cold.

When people think of Homer, they picture the spit, the views, and the halibut—and they’re not wrong. But once you live here a while, you find the real treasures tucked into everyday life. Here are a few of the places and experiences that I think make Homer feel like home:

With Babies in Tow – Sprout Family Services Playgroups are where I met some of my closest friends. It’s a warm, welcoming space that’s as good for parents as it is for little ones.

Coffee – I maintain that hot drinks, especially coffee, are an Alaskan love language. A surprise hot coffee from a friend in the middle of winter is warming in so many ways. Fireweed Zen Den Cafe is my favourite local coffee spot—cozy vibes, great drinks, and the kind of place where you always run into someone you know.

Winter Fun –  The Kachemak Nordic Ski Club maintains beautiful trails all over town for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. They even offer free ski rentals for kids and affordable lessons—a huge bonus for families.

Winter Sundays –  The Homer Rope Tow is a local classic. Open on Sundays in winter, it’s where kids learn to ski and adults remember how fun a small hill can be.

Negative Tides – Tidepooling during a negative tide is one of my favourite things to do. Bring a marine invertebrate ID card and see what you can find in the tidepools—it’s endlessly fascinating.

Evenings Out – Porcupine Theatre offers movie nights, live music, and shows throughout the year. It’s one of those places that feels small-town in the best way.

Bay Club – My go-to for fitness—especially MJ’s morning class. It’s a great way to stay active and connected, especially in the winter. Their steam rooms are a small luxury when it’s icy cold outside.

Eating Well – Homer has some seriously good food. My son’s favourite is the Alibi, my husband is a loyal Fat Olives pizza guy, and my daughter and I have a soft spot for summertime slices at Finns on the Spit. Personally, I wait all winter for LaBaleine and Carmen’s Gelato to open back up.

Homer’s charm isn’t just in the scenery—it’s in the community, the hidden spots, and the routines that quietly become your favourites.

Rental scams pop up regularly in Homer—especially on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. One common scheme is scammers listing homes that are actually for sale as if they’re available for rent. The photos are real, but the rental is fake.

To protect yourself: never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Always tour the property with the person offering the rental. If they make excuses or pressure you to act fast, walk away.

Use a reputable local property management company when possible—they know the market and can verify what’s actually available. And when in doubt, call a local Realtor. We can quickly confirm if a property is listed for rent or if something feels off.

Trust your gut, slow down, and always verify. A little caution goes a long way in saving you from a costly scam.