Posted: 2/26/2010 3:37:34 PM EDT
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I'm 22 and just graduated from college. I will be in Juneau in March for a second round of interviews (First interview was over the phone). I have done ALOT of research on Juneau and what it is like to live there. I am very excited about the job I am interviewing for and the idea of living in Juneau. I was hoping to get some unbias ARFCOM advice on Juneau. And no, I am not infiltrating your state...
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Most people leave Juneau at 22, however it is a great town to live. You will find it is quite expensive to live here, Housing sucks, Ammo sucks, and hot women are not as abundant as other places.
On to the good parts, On a sunny day there is not a more beautiful place to be, you will find amazing views and plenty of "outdoor" stuff to do. The weather here is fickle so enjoy the nice days when they're here. It's a great place to raise kids. |
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I moved up here from Florida when I joined the USCG, and I lived in Juneau for about a year and a half before I transferred to Sitka about 3 months ago.If you drink I hear the Bar scene is pretty kool, but i didn't turn 21 till the day before I transferred to Sitka. Ammo is expensive and the only actual gun shop has really high prices on just about everything, although if you need it, he probably has it somewhere. On the other hand, there are 2 private guys that have their FFL and run a shop thats not very well known, one of them is Retired USCG, and runs a shop out of his garage called CBA Enterprises, Hes is an awesome guy to know and get just about anything you need, and does the cheapest transfers that I found. The other guy has his Class 3 license so he can get all the NFA goodies you want, and he is a Civillian USCG employee I think his business is called Sporting Arts?
Anyways, It is a great town to live in and the views are absolutely incredible. Almost as good as here in Sitka  Youve got a walmart, Fred meyers, and a couple of grocery stores, and thats about it for shopping, so if your used to lots of options to buy things you'll get over that real quick. Living there did help me get over my TacoBell adiction REAL quick though, as they only have a McDonalds and Subway for Fast Food.
Any other Questions Im sure one of us can answer 
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Yeah Rayco charges an arm and a leg for everything, But his prices are negotiable (alot of people don't know this) I know Edwin (CBA enterprises) I was unaware of the other guy, does he run a storefront? Capitoal arms was here for about 5 years but there are gone.. I am about 99% positive that Ray has a class3 license as well.
Sitka is alot more scenic than Juneau. |
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I perfer the valley and I work on Thane which is past downtown. However living on Douglas has lots of advantages if working downtown, douglas is a nice place to live but sometimes annoying (lack of stores, etc.). I wouldn't recomend living downtown. Also Lemon Creek area is kinda ghetto. Out the road has nice views, but again lack of anything close. Really you can't go wrong anywhere it's not like we have have hour+ commutes or anything. Valley gives you a good mix of close shopping (little things like beer runs, grab a thing of milk, malls umm a couple stores connected to each other, etc.)
I would do a little browsing while your here, Housing market is awful, I would imagine your looking to rent? |
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Quoted: Quoted: What are you going to do for the State? Well, if I get the job I would be working in the portfolio management section of the treasury division. They manage the state employee's pension fund money among other things. So you are a finance major? Working for the State might be interesting. You could get your foot in and perhaps move over to the Dept of Revenue and help manage the Permanent Fund, a $30b sovereign fund. They have a program that sends undergrads to intern in London and New York with firms with whom they are a client, they might have something similar with employees. |
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What are you going to do for the State? Well, if I get the job I would be working in the portfolio management section of the treasury division. They manage the state employee's pension fund money among other things. So you are a finance major? Working for the State might be interesting. You could get your foot in and perhaps move over to the Dept of Revenue and help manage the Permanent Fund, a $30b sovereign fund. They have a program that sends undergrads to intern in London and New York with firms with whom they are a client, they might have something similar with employees. Yep, I did major in finance. Actually I would be working in the treasury division of the department of revenue. It is my understanding that the perminent fund is privately managed by the permanent fund corporation. All but the fixed income investments of the pension funds are managed privately now also. |
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Yeah Rayco charges an arm and a leg for everything, But his prices are negotiable (alot of people don't know this) I know Edwin (CBA enterprises) I was unaware of the other guy, does he run a storefront? Capitoal arms was here for about 5 years but there are gone.. I am about 99% positive that Ray has a class3 license as well. Sitka is alot more scenic than Juneau. Ya the other company is Sporting Arts, LLC The guy that owns it is Chris Salazar, He doesnt run a shop that I know of, but I had a few friend who ordered things threw him and said his prices were pretty good for Juneau. He can also get ammo I think. I can get his number for you if you want it. |
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One thing these guys forgot to tell you is they have a free or donation 400yd range. I miss that range a great deal, attended many good shoots there. I spent 3 years in Juneau and got to know many of the people, did a lot of flying and even more shooting. Glad to hear C Salazar got an FFL, he is a pretty good guy. Ray @ Rayco likes to beat people out of a buck just for the pure challenge of it. Trust me he doesnt need the money so haggle like crazy if you can. If you get to know the guy have him to show you the upstairs. The indoor range was up and running good when we transferred out so thats a plus as well. Be sure to eat at the Thane Ore House if its still there and after a good night at the bars downtown go over to Palmini's (Sp ?) and get those dumplins. Your butt will thank you for it the next day or so. Most of the hardcore shooters I was there with are gone now but there are still some good guys there that know their weapons. They have pretty dedicated highpower matches there that I enjoyed shooting as well. I dont know if you handload but there are a few real experienced hand loaders up there too. When the wx is good its one of the most beautiful places on earth but you dont get many of those days. Oh,,,listen to what the locals tell you when it comes to hiking,hunting or boating, lots of folks have died because they didnt listen. The real key to Juneau is getting to know the people, I cant say I liked everyone but the shooting crowd was a pretty good bunch. Live in the Valley or out the road if its available, I lived next to back loop on Grant Street and it was a real good area but not cheap. I had several porcupine in the yard and 1 persistent Blackie till my native neighbor beat his ass with a board. (that was the best option). I dont do the cold anymore but I enjoyed most of my time there. |
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One thing these guys forgot to tell you is they have a free or donation 400yd range. I miss that range a great deal, attended many good shoots there. I spent 3 years in Juneau and got to know many of the people, did a lot of flying and even more shooting. Glad to hear C Salazar got an FFL, he is a pretty good guy. Ray @ Rayco likes to beat people out of a buck just for the pure challenge of it. Trust me he doesnt need the money so haggle like crazy if you can. If you get to know the guy have him to show you the upstairs. The indoor range was up and running good when we transferred out so thats a plus as well. Be sure to eat at the Thane Ore House if its still there and after a good night at the bars downtown go over to Palmini's (Sp ?) and get those dumplins. Your butt will thank you for it the next day or so. Most of the hardcore shooters I was there with are gone now but there are still some good guys there that know their weapons. They have pretty dedicated highpower matches there that I enjoyed shooting as well. I dont know if you handload but there are a few real experienced hand loaders up there too. When the wx is good its one of the most beautiful places on earth but you dont get many of those days. Oh,,,listen to what the locals tell you when it comes to hiking,hunting or boating, lots of folks have died because they didnt listen. The real key to Juneau is getting to know the people, I cant say I liked everyone but the shooting crowd was a pretty good bunch. Live in the Valley or out the road if its available, I lived next to back loop on Grant Street and it was a real good area but not cheap. I had several porcupine in the yard and 1 persistent Blackie till my native neighbor beat his ass with a board. (that was the best option). I dont do the cold anymore but I enjoyed most of my time there. Great info, thanks. Yea, is that the Hank Harmon Rifle Range? I did a little research on that, looks like a cool place. I'll be in Juneau March 17-18 but won't have much time to explore because of the interviews. Also, does anyone know which apartment buildings are best? I'd prefer the valley or Douglas (I think?) |
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Good to see some familiar names in here.
Juneau is a great town with the biggest downside being the cost of living/shooting and the second being the weather. Douglas is a cool place and the residents consider it a sovereign nation . It is very close to downtown which is where most of the state offices are but there is very little new construction so most of the apartments and houses are old and small, many of them dont even have garages.
I lived in the "valley" which is about 10 miles from downtown. If you are coming from any sort of city you will find it funny how people bitch about the commute times and say things like rush hour. I was born and raised in juneau and left many a friend behind when I moved down to this desert. LM151 is giving you a lot of good info. Get to know the locals, there is a awesome amount of outdoor stuff to do and once you get in the loop you will never be bored unless it is by choice(or weather  )
It rains alot but never gets real cold. If you like boating then you will be in heaven. There are a shitload of FFL's in juneau. Well over 20. Many are home based and not looking for business. You can not go wrong with CBA Enterprises Taku Tactical Sporting Arts Rayco has been around a million years and wont close the doors until he dies. His prices are premium but he has a great selection and will barter especially on the used stuff. It is the biggest small town I have ever been in. Hope this helps |
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What are you going to do for the State? Well, if I get the job I would be working in the portfolio management section of the treasury division. They manage the state employee's pension fund money among other things. Good luck And as a State Employee, go BIG!!!!! |
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Go here and look is probably the best bet http://class.juneauempire.com/classifieds-bin/classifieds?tp=Juneau%20Classifieds as mentioned before I would avoid Lemon Creek
and downtown. ALASKANFIRE can probably give you better info on the Apartment market than I can. With that said,,,,get ready for the sticker shock !!! 
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I never did the apartment scene. I went from no rent, to no rent, to property tax Well, I would hope to not be in an apartment for long but I just got out of college. Do you know which apartments are nice? I'm aware of the price, I'd like to keep the rent around $1000, maybe a little more. |
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I never did the apartment scene. I went from no rent, to no rent, to property tax Well, I would hope to not be in an apartment for long but I just got out of college. Do you know which apartments are nice? I'm aware of the price, I'd like to keep the rent around $1000, maybe a little more. Well it's hard to say this early what will be available, When would you be moving here again? Also during the summer there is lots of temp housing because all the "we support alaska" tourist companies will hire people from down south to work for them. ( I always chuckle when I see some kid from california or texas giving tours about alaska and explaining what it's like to live here) You looking for a 1 bedroom or an efficiency? will be hard to keep a 2 bedroom under a grand. Also you should figure out if you will be buying a vehicle here or bringing your own. Contact aml/lynden for the barge or the ferry system. Alot of hotels will do monthly rates, this could be a good way to learn the area while you find a place you like. |
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Quoted: Quoted: I never did the apartment scene. I went from no rent, to no rent, to property tax Well, I would hope to not be in an apartment for long but I just got out of college. Do you know which apartments are nice? I'm aware of the price, I'd like to keep the rent around $1000, maybe a little more. On Douglas Island, I rented from Crow Hill Apartments on Crow Hill road, between Douglas and the bridge. It was $1200 for a 2 bedroom back in 1995, no idea what it is now. Relatively new, had a washer & dryer in the unit. And like I said earlier, your backyard is the wilderness and 3000' mountains to climb. |
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I never did the apartment scene. I went from no rent, to no rent, to property tax Well, I would hope to not be in an apartment for long but I just got out of college. Do you know which apartments are nice? I'm aware of the price, I'd like to keep the rent around $1000, maybe a little more. On Douglas Island, I rented from Crow Hill Apartments on Crow Hill road, between Douglas and the bridge. It was $1200 for a 2 bedroom back in 1995, no idea what it is now. Relatively new, had a washer & dryer in the unit. And like I said earlier, your backyard is the wilderness and 3000' mountains to climb. I was actually looking at that complex online. I think they are called Orca Point apartments now but they are on Crow Hill Rd. Thanks for the input. |
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Orca point is pretty ghetto, It is considered low income housing. Good location however lots of people will be eye-balling any non discreet rifle cases coming in. Better priced options out there.
My opinion is there is no need to live in an 'apartment complex' in Juneau, they are filled with low income, section 8, etc. individuals. You will end up signing a year lease and hate living there for 9+ months. |
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Orca point is pretty ghetto, It is considered low income housing. Good location however lots of people will be eye-balling any non discreet rifle cases coming in. Better priced options out there. My opinion is there is no need to live in an 'apartment complex' in Juneau, they are filled with low income, section 8, etc. individuals. You will end up signing a year lease and hate living there for 9+ months. Any ideas then? I was also looking at James Place Apartments. If I get the job I would probably be moving there early April. I would board the ferry in Bellingham, WA and I will be bringing my suv. Thanks again for the help. |
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James would be better than Orca, I would stay away from any Wright services properties, D.M. properties aka Madsen apartments is not too bad. What size are you looking for? Theres a couple small complexes on douglas off of cordova st on pioneer or foster yet I can't think of the name. there is a few of them. up there, generally middle class folks in em.
I've never tried to set up a place before moving somewhere though, that would be alot harder. What are you looking for, besides under $1000 and somewhat close to downtown? |
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James would be better than Orca, I would stay away from any Wright services properties, D.M. properties aka Madsen apartments is not too bad. What size are you looking for? Theres a couple small complexes on douglas off of cordova st on pioneer or foster yet I can't think of the name. there is a few of them. up there, generally middle class folks in em. I've never tried to set up a place before moving somewhere though, that would be alot harder. What are you looking for, besides under $1000 and somewhat close to downtown? I'm more concerned about the quality rather than size. It is just me so a 1 or 2 bedroom would be fine. I'm not opposed to living downtown but I think that I'd rather live in the valley or in douglas. I wish I had more time during my trip this month but I get in at night and leave at noon on the following day after my interviews. Thanks again, that is some great info. |
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James place is in a much nicer neighborhood than orca for sure, that is where my house is.
Unless something has changed orca was a pretty shady deal. We had to run there monthly if not weekly for bs calls. Lots of subsidized housing ie mental health/low income That brings me to another housing option. Join the Volunteer fire dept and you too can live rent free in one of several luxury firehouses.
Nothing else in the world will make you feel so proud while at the same time hate humanity
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James place is in a much nicer neighborhood than orca for sure, that is where my house is. Unless something has changed orca was a pretty shady deal. We had to run there monthly if not weekly for bs calls. Lots of subsidized housing ie mental health/low income That brings me to another housing option. Join the Volunteer fire dept and you too can live rent free in one of several luxury firehouses.
Nothing else in the world will make you feel so proud while at the same time hate humanity Haha, nothing I would like more than relaxing in a firehouse after I work 6-4. Thanks for the input on James Place, I will look into them. |