1. Anchorage Museum – Housed in a modern building in the heart of Anchorage, this art, history, ethnography, ecology and science museum is dedicated to studying and exploring the land, peoples, art and history of Alaska. Alaska’s largest museum, it houses first-rate exhibits that detail everything from native cultures and local flora and fauna, to Alaskan art and history. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and don’t miss the museum’s crown jewel, the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, featuring hundreds of objects from Alaskan Native cultures, videos about modern-day Native life, and more. 

2. Crow Creek Historic Gold Mine – For a chance to escape town and experience what it was like during Alaska’s famous Gold Rush, visit Crow Creek Mine, established in 1896. This mine earned the reputation as one of Alaska's most renowned hydraulic gold mining operations in the state. Examine the historic mining camp to get a sense of the demanding work and challenges that come with working in such an isolated location. See a unique blend of historical buildings, antiques, rare mining equipment, gardens, mountain scenery, and hiking trails, including the Historic Iditarod Trail. And, since there’s still gold in “them thar hills,” you can also explore and prospect on the mines’ original claims.

3. Alaska Aviation Museum – If you’re interested in learning about and celebrating Alaska’s rich aviation history, visit this museum, located on the world’s largest seaplane base, Lake Hood, at Anchorage International Airport. The Alaska Aviation Museum offers huge exhibits and vintage aircraft, as well as the chance to watch volunteers restoring vintage aircraft in the restoration hangar, observe seaplanes take off and land with a live radio-tower feed from the control tower, and experience flight simulators including full-immersion, Oculus Rift virtual reality.

4. Oscar Anderson House Museum – This historic home has earned the title of “Distinctive Destination” from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Said to be the first wood‐framed home in Anchorage, it provides locals and visitors with a glimpse into the everyday life of a family that lived in Anchorage in its early days. The museum has been recognized for its architectural significance and for Oscar Anderson’s role in the development of the city of Anchorage when it was in its infancy. The house features many displays, like the interior décor featuring period wallpaper, paint and antiques. The Alaska Association for Historic Preservation says of the museum, “You’ll see examples of how the past answers questions of who we are in the present, and the importance of history to our future.”

5. Alaska Museum of Science and Nature – If you want to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the natural world, the sciences, and human beings, this is the place for you. Here’s your chance to explore dinosaurs, the birds and marine life of Alaska, the Alaskan Ice Age, bones of ancient animals, and many rocks and minerals through a variety of interesting exhibits and programs.

6. Alaska Native Heritage Museum – This cultural center promotes observance of Alaska Native culture and traditions, featuring permanent collections and educational programs. In the summer, learn an Alaska Native dance, participate in a Native game, and observe the creation of traditional art in real time. You can also tour full-size replicas of Alaska Native buildings from every region of the state. Year-round you can attend community-based events like the Circumpolar World Music Celebration, Iditarod Day, concerts, and celebrations of Alaska Native art.

7. The Roundhouse at Alyeska Museum – Alaska's only mountaintop museum, accessible only by aerial tram or ski lift, this distinctive octagonal Roundhouse sits over 2,000 feet above sea level. The Roundhouse symbolizes the importance of outdoor recreation to the Girdwood Valley’s legacy and the building earned a place on the National Historic Register in recognition of its significance to the development of skiing and other outdoor activities in Alaska.

8. Alaska Jewish Museum – This museum features exhibits, archives, a research library and a gathering place to tell the stories of Alaska’s Jewish residents and their contributions to the development of Alaska’s industries, government and culture. Its vision is to continue to tell the story of Alaska’s Jews, and create dialogue about the many cultures that make their homes in the Frozen North and all they have in common.

9. Alaska Veterans Museum – This is a great place to learn about and remember Alaska’s military history and get to know more about the veterans who have made great sacrifices to help protect our country. While there, you’ll experience personal stories, see artifacts, and learn about the history of Alaska’s veterans. This unique collection features artifacts such as patriotic can label equipment, weaponry, and items from everyday life during WWII, the Cold War and more.

 
If you’re a culture fan who’s moving to or living in Alaska and you need a spacious, affordable apartment in Anchorage in a prime location close to all the fun things to do here, contact us today at Susitna Ridge Apartment Homes. We’re here to schedule your personal tour at your convenience and help you discover your amazing new home.

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There’s so much to do in Anchorage – from exploring museums and learning about history and native culture, to reveling in the natural wonders that are all around you – you’ll never run out of adventures.

Here’s a list of fun things to do in Anchorage that will inspire you to get out there and live your best life in every season:

Take amazing photos wherever you go. Anchorage abounds with photo ops, from serene wildlife shots to bustling city scenes and everything in between. To improve your skills and explore incredible destinations, join a photography class that tours the area to help you capture those frameable shots.

Ride or float during a whitewater rafting adventure. Whether you want a boisterous whitewater adventure or a quiet and scenic float trip, rafting is a great way to immerse yourself in the gorgeous Alaska wilderness.

Run, jump and play at Kincaid Park. This 1,500-acre park rewards visitors with panoramic views of the vast Cook Inlet and Denali as well as its deep wooded enclaves. Kincaid Park offers a world-class trail system where you can hike, run, bike and ski. If you like to play, you’ll enjoy trying a hole-in-one on the 18-hole disc-golf course, or engaging in a friendly game of soccer on one of seven fields. There’s a lake for fishing or paddling, an archery range, and a motocross course as well.

Appreciate natural beauty by viewing wildlife. Bring your binoculars to get a close-up look at the many feathered, furry and finned creatures living in and around Anchorage. You can explore on your own to find great places, or book a tour to have a guide show you the best birding spots, bear hangouts, moose habitats, and salmon spawning sites.

Go on a wilderness adventure at Far North Bicentennial Park. If you’re looking for a peaceful oasis in the midst of Anchorage, this huge 4,000-acre park is the perfect place to get away from the city and rejuvenate your spirit. It boasts world-class Nordic ski trails that are also great for biking and hiking in the summer. 

Conquer the slopes at the Hilltop Ski Area. For amazing views of Anchorage, the Cook Inlet, and Denali while you glide downhill, spend a day here. Just a short distance from downtown Anchorage, it offers skiing and snowboarding lessons on slopes perfect for beginners, while snowboarders that want to catch some air can perfect their skills on the permanent “Mongoline” half-pipe. The Karl Eid Ski Jump complex is also nearby.

Go fishing by land or by sea. Anchorage provides easy access to lakes, rivers and the sea, earning it a spot on Field & Stream magazine’s list of “America’s Best Fishing Cities”.  Whether you throw a line in from the shore, take a boat out or charter a plane to fly to a remote spot, anyone can partake in world-class fishing in pristine Alaskan waters to catch trophy-size salmon, halibut, trout and more.

Enjoy the scenery along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. For picturesque views of Anchorage, the surrounding mountain ranges and tidal inlets, you can walk, bike or ski this beautiful trail that hugs the Knik Arm and Cook Inlet. Feel the salty sea breeze, get mesmerized by the rhythmic ebb and flow of the tide, and watch for a magical glimpse of marine life passing by.

Appreciate local history at cultural sites. Anchorage has a fascinating history, from its diverse Native cultures, to the Gold Rush, to its early development. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center and museums around Anchorage and visit historic sites to hear unique stories and learn more about the founding of this amazing city.

Play golf and go sledding at Russian Jack Springs Park. Discover an abundance of options for fun activities at this 300-acre park, with disc and 9-hole golf courses, a great dog park, and one of the best sledding hills Anchorage has to offer. If you’re looking for something quiet to do, visit the natural spring, public municipal greenhouse and solarium. If you’re ready to play, you’ll enjoy the soccer and softball fields, and the kids can romp on the playground.

Events, concerts and festivals. Anchorage hosts several iconic events, from festivals to concerts and more. During summer, you’ll enjoy celebrations and festivals, including the Sitka WhaleFest, the Alyeska Resort Blueberry Festival, the Salmonfest, the Anchorage July 4th Celebration and the annual Alaska State Fair. In the winter, check out the Anchorage International Film Festival, and the Fur Rendezvous Festival (aka “Fur Rondy”), among others.

Savor the local flair and flavor of the city at the Anchorage Museum. With a combination of art and design, history, science and culture, the Anchorage Museum offers something for everyone. Permanent exhibits include an Alaska history gallery, Alaska art galleries, the Imaginarium Discovery Center science galleries, and the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, which features Native Alaskan artifacts.

Rock around the clock. Don’t miss the live music scene in Anchorage, featuring many genres of music from rock and the blues to indie folk and dubstep. Look for event listings in the Anchorage Free Press to catch all the acts you want to see.

Dine to your heart’s delight. Alaska is paradise for seafood lovers – shrimp, crab, salmon, halibut, mussels and more – and it’s sourced from some of the most pristine waters on the planet. And in Anchorage, from homestyle to elegant restaurants, you’ll find delicious menu choices to please every palate.

Shop ‘til you drop. Visit the 5th Avenue Mall, a 5-level shopping center in downtown Anchorage that features more than 110 stores, myriad dining options, a U.S. Post Office, bank, and more to give patrons an exclusive shopping experience. If you want something smaller, there are lots of local shops, boutiques and markets that sell unique gifts and handcrafted souvenirs.

Get cultured at the Alaska Center for Performing Arts. This center has three theaters for a variety of performances, including opera, symphonies, chamber and popular music, theater, dance, film and more.

No matter what you like to do, Anchorage provides exhilarating outdoor adventures as well as a bounty of amazing museums, movie theaters, shopping, parks and hundreds of restaurants to meet your every desire.

What’s your favorite thing about Anchorage? Share your thoughts at #LifeatWeidner

If you’re looking for a great apartment in Anchorage with a prime location near schools, work, shopping, dining, and a variety of entertainment options, contact us today at: Alpine Apartments, Legacy West Apartment Homes, and The Legacy Apartment Homes. We are here to schedule your personal tour at your convenience and help you find the perfect place to call home!

The post Anchorage, AK – A Wonderful Place to Live appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

1. Live close to work, shopping and entertainment – Location is everything. To cut down on the cost of fuel, make sure you choose an apartment offers accessibility to destinations that are important to you. Try for a place that’s close to the University of Texas at Permian Basin and also near Walmart Supercenter and Target to satisfy your shopping needs. If your apartment is within walking distance to UAA, and close to APU, Providence Hospital, Alaska Native Medical Center, and JBER military base, you’ve scored a winner.

 
Also, try to live within a 10-minute drive to downtown Anchorage, where you’ll find additional places to shop, dine, and have fun. Ideally, you’ll find an apartment community that’s tucked away inside a neighborhood in a secluded Anchorage setting near everything you need rather than on a busy, noisy street.
 

2. Consider customer service as a necessity – To get more bang for your buck, look for an older apartment community. Robert Palisoc, Community Director for Rancho Tudor Apartment Homes in Anchorage, AK, has experience in that area. “We might not be the newest place in town, but we have deep experience and pride ourselves on providing outstanding customer service to our residents, including having a very responsive maintenance team, plus our prices are super reasonable, so it’s a solid choice to rent with us and save money,” he said.

3. Live around fun, nice people – When you’re on a tight budget, sometimes you don’t have the money to go out as much as you might like to. That’s why it’s important to find an apartment community where the residents and staff get along well and enjoy doing things together.

 
“We love our residents here, so we try to do nice things for them as often as possible, like throwing a pizza party just for fun, or hosting our annual summer BBQ where lots of our residents attend and really enjoy hanging out and getting to know their neighbors,” said Palisoc. “Sometimes we give away doughnuts that our residents can grab while they’re taking advantage of our free coffee station to save money and fuel up before school or work,” he said.  
 

4. Enjoy low-cost experiences in your free time – Besides the activities and events in your apartment community, you shouldn’t have to venture far to enjoy the plethora of fun your city has to offer. There are lots of cheap and entertaining things to do in Anchorage:

• Grab a slice at Uncle Joe’s Pizza
• Admire the masterpieces at the Anchorage Museum (student ticket discount)
• Shop for bargains at the Northway Mall
• Enjoy a pint and experience Anchorage’s cool craft beer scene at the 49^th State Brewing Co.
• Catch a drama or comedy at the Alaska Center for Performing Arts (student ticket discount)
• Ski, jog, picnic, play disc golf, and maybe even spot a moose at Kincaid Park
• Go hiking and see gorgeous waterfalls on Portage Pass

 
If you’re ready to move to Alaska and need a spacious, affordable apartment in Anchorage in a prime location with a warm and active community and great staff, contact us today at Rancho Tudor Apartment Homes. We’re here to schedule your personal tour and help you find the perfect apartment to call home. 
 
 (907) 562-2085

The post 4 Ways to Find an Affordable Apartment in Anchorage So You Can Still Have Fun appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

1. ATV excursions – Venture into Alaska's backcountry as you ride ATVs and view spectacular glaciers, mountains, scenery and wildlife. 
2. Biking – Enjoy the scenery during a relaxing ride along paved coastal trails, tear it up on a rugged mountain bike path, or join a guided tour that ends in a visit to a local brewery.
3. Breweries – Or you can skip the bike ride and go straight to the source to explore Anchorage’s thriving craft beer scene.
4. Day cruises – Take to the water to gain a unique vantage point into Alaska's natural beauty and wildlife, from massive tidewater glaciers and sloping beaches to whales, orcas, sea otters, and more.
5. Dining – In Alaska, fresh seafood is a highlight on any menu – from shrimp, crab, salmon, halibut, and mussels – it’s sourced from some of the most pristine waters on the planet. And, from homestyle to elegant restaurants, you’ll find delicious menu choices to please every palate.
6. Events and festivals – Anchorage hosts several iconic events, from festivals and concerts to marathons, sled races and more. Especially popular is the Anchorage July 4th Celebration, a day-long event on the Delaney Park Strip.
7. Fishing Charters – Fly to stay in a remote lodge and partake in world-class fishing in pristine Alaskan waters.
8. Flightseeing – Soar in a plane to witness some of the wildest, most stunning areas of Alaska, including Denali, the glaciers of Prince William Sound, and Kenai Fjords National Park.
9. Glacier Tours – Whether by air, boat, snowmachine, or on foot, don’t miss seeing Alaska’s spectacular glaciers.
10. Hiking trails – Stay in Anchorage for some great hiking, biking, and walking trails. Just outside the city limits, immerse yourself in nature by choosing from a huge variety of trail systems, from short and easy to long and strenuous. Or hire a local guide to share their knowledge of the local landscape and wildlife.
11. Historic/cultural sites – Anchorage has a fascinating history, from its diverse Native cultures, to the Gold Rush and early development. Visit cultural centers around Anchorage, and visit historic sites to learn more about our unique city. 
12. Museums – Another great way to appreciate our city’s history? Visit museums to discover the stories of Alaska’s First People, art exhibits, our aviation history, and to participate in interactive displays.
13. Panning for gold – Get your hands dirty as you pan for gold nuggets or flakes like a prospector, and learn firsthand about the history of the Gold Rush in our region.
14. Performances and plays – Anchorage has several year-round theaters where you can catch award-winning productions, comedy shows, and concerts.
15. Shopping – There are plenty of malls where you can shop for your favorite brands, as well as local shops, boutiques and markets that sell unique gifts and handcrafted souvenirs.
16. Photography – Anchorage abounds with photo ops, from bustling farmers markets to quiet wildlife shots and everything in between. If you want to improve your skills and explore incredible destinations, join a tour with a focus on teaching photography skills.
17. Whitewater rafting – Planning a rafting trip? Pick the right style for you: choose a whitewater adventure or a scenic float trip – either is a great way to immerse yourself in the gorgeous Alaska wilderness in a memorable way.
18. Wildlife viewing spots – Select a guide to take you to the best birding spots, moose habitats, salmon spawning sites and bear hangouts.

 
If you’re ready to move to Alaska and need a spacious, affordable apartment in Anchorage in a beautiful location surrounded by green space, contact us today. We’re here to schedule your personal tour and help you find the perfect apartment to call home. 
 
(907) 337-6410
 

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Here are 8 fun things to do in Anchorage, AK:

 
Shop ‘til you drop at the 5th Avenue Mall – This distinctive, 5-level shopping center in downtown Anchorage features more than 110 stores, myriad dining options, a U.S. Post Office, bank, and more to give patrons an exclusive shopping experience like nowhere else in Alaska. If you’re a fan of one-stop shopping, this is definitely the place for you.
 
Bike, cross-country ski, or go for a scenic walk on Tony Knowles Coastal Trail – This trail spans 11.0 miles each way, and you can pick it up from several points in the city to enjoy any segment and hike as little or much of the trail as you want. You can also rent a bike and, because you're next to the coast, you can enjoy the salty sea breeze and watch the rhythmic ebb and flow of the tide.
 
Run, jump and play at Kincaid Park – This 1,500-acre park is a mecca for outdoor sports of all kinds. From its panoramic views of the vast Cook Inlet and Denali to its deep woods enclaves, the park offers a world-class trail system that’s available all year round, where you can walk, hike, run or bike. If you like to play, you’ll enjoy tossing discs on the 18-hole course or engaging in a friendly game of soccer on one of seven fields. There’s a lake for fishing or paddling, an archery range, and a motocross course. Since the park is on the coast, enjoy the region’s largest active sand dune or explore the woods in search of wildlife. In the winter, the extensive trail system transforms into a popular destination for cross-country skiing.
 
Ski or go on a wilderness adventure at Far North Bicentennial Park – This huge 4,000-acre park is a peaceful oasis in the midst of Anchorage – a perfect place to get away from the city and rejuvenate your spirit in nature. It boasts world-class Nordic ski trails that are also great for biking and hiking in the summer. Walk from the parking area over the river on the footbridge and have a picnic. Also be sure to check out the Hilltop Ski Area for amazing views of Anchorage, the Cook Inlet, and Denali.
 
Increase your brainpower at the University of Alaska, Anchorage – Whether you’re pursuing a degree or just want to expand your knowledge, you’ll find a well-respected institution of higher learning right in our city. The University of Alaska, Anchorage (UAA) is the largest university in the state and offers a full complement of programs and courses, including in high-demand fields such as business, engineering, health, and education, as well as in the liberal arts and sciences. UAA career and technical education programs are closely aligned with Alaska’s core industries, such as aviation, oil and gas. According to UAA, “Many courses are designed with flexibility to accommodate students who work or have a family, and the campus houses a range of student success and support centers.”
 
Choose your activities at Russian Jack Springs Park – This slightly smaller 300-acre park still offers an abundance of options for fun activities. It has 9-hole and disc golf courses, a great dog park, and one of the best sledding hills Anchorage has to offer. If you’re looking for something quiet to do, visit the natural spring, public municipal greenhouse and solarium. If you’re ready to play, you’ll enjoy the soccer and softball fields, and the kids can romp on the playground.
 
Savor the local flair and flavor of the city at the Anchorage Museum – With its collection of over 25,000 objects and 500,000 historic photographs, this is a large art, history, ethnography, ecology and science museum in the heart of Anchorage. Through a combination of art and design, history, science and culture, the Anchorage Museum offers something for everyone and serves as a cultural center for the community. Permanent exhibits include an Alaska history gallery, Alaska art galleries, the Imaginarium Discovery Center science galleries, and the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, which features Native Alaskan artifacts.
 
No matter what you like to do, Anchorage provides a bounty of museums, movie theaters, shopping, parks and hundreds of restaurants to meet your every desire.
 
If you’re looking for a great apartment with bountiful amenities in a prime location, contact us at Century Plaza Apartment Homes today. We’d love to schedule your personal tour and help you find your perfect new home.
 

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When looking for an apartment to rent in Anchorage, AK, it’s important to take safety into consideration before making your decision.
 
Here are some helpful tips about what to look for when choosing a safe and secure apartment to call your home:
 

1. Secure entry: No one should be able to walk off the street. Ask the community director if the apartment building entrance is secured by a key, intercom, video, or other access control.

2. Indoor security features: Each apartment should offer basic security features like a deadbolt lock on the door, a peephole, locks on the windows, and a well-sealed door. Also, make sure the pervious tenant’s locks have been changed before you move in.

3. Window treatments: Having window coverage improves your feelings of privacy and safety, so ask if blinds, drapes, or curtains are included with the apartment.

4. Fire extinguishers on the premises: Verify that your apartment comes with fire extinguishers and figure out where they’re located in case of an emergency.

5. Well-lit common areas: The property should have sufficient lighting, especially when it’s dark. During your tour, look for proper lighting around parking lots, sidewalks, hallways, stairways, mailboxes, laundry rooms, and other facilities. You can also visit at night to make sure these areas are always well-lit.

6. On-site parking: When possible, it’s best to avoid street-parking if you can. Parking in a spot near your apartment allows you to keep a better eye on your vehicle. To reduce chances of unwanted break-ins or theft, vigilant apartment managers contract with a tow company to keep uncleared cars off-site.

7. Courtesy patrol: Some apartment complexes have a security company who patrols the area, especially at night, just to help avert trouble before it can start.

8. Prime location: It’s not always ideal to be right in the heart of the city. Consider renting a safe apartment in the southwest portion of Anchorage – close to the city center, but off the beaten path to avoid excessive noise and unwanted foot traffic.

9. Online search: Use a free crime-mapping website like crimereports.com to research crime statistics for the apartment complex and its surrounding neighborhood.

10. Neighborhood Watch: Consider renting in a smaller, tight-knit community where your fellow residents can watch out for each other and report suspicious activity.

11. Pet-friendly community: Our animal friends can look out for us as well. Besides keeping us company, they often let us know when something is not quite right, which adds an extra layer of security to your everyday life, so look for a pet-friendly community that welcomes your furry family members.  

12. Well-maintained complex: As you tour the community outside the apartment, make sure to pay attention to the general appearance of the apartment complex. Choose a place that’s neat, clean, and well-maintained because it shows management pays attention to details, and details matter when it comes to the safety and security of your home.

 
Have more tips on how to find an apartment that’s safe, or questions? We’d love to hear from you!
 
If you’re looking for an apartment in Anchorage in a prime location that meets your safety needs, has the right amenities, and an active nearby community, contact us today at Driftwood Apartment Homes. We’re here to schedule your personal tour and help you find a great place to call home. 

The post 12 Ways to Choose a Safe Apartment in Anchorage, AK appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

To Community Director Melissa Holland, the most satisfying part of her job is showing love and appreciation to her residents at Castle Apartments in Anchorage, AK. Holland and her staff do this in a variety of ways ranging from small things like sending a simple card to a resident during a rough time, to grand gestures like throwing a summer BBQ blowout for everyone who lives there.

Holland said she found inspiration after discovering author Daniel Kageyama’s notion of Love Notes, which are ways that communities can show love for their residents by creating simple things that “surprise and delight”, like with interesting artwork or unique design.

Holland became enamored with the idea of encouraging her residents to feel a deeper sense of connection and pride in the place they live.

Here’s how she’s put the notion of creating Love Notes for her community into action:

Decoration contests raise community spirits

There’s a healthy sense of fun competition amongst residents when it comes to Halloween and the winter holidays. All through the month of October, you’ll see ghosts, goblins, and giant spiders decorating the halls as community members vie for first prize from Holland’s staff. Then it’s garlands, ornaments and colorful lights through the winter, bringing a lovely glow and sense of fun to the season for the residents and the staff.

Holiday events bring the community together

“We always try to do something for the major holidays,“ said Holland. “The winter party is always tons of fun, but my favorite is the summer BBQs we throw. Last year we had over 200 attendees with food, games, prizes, a rock-painting contest, you name it,” she said.

The more, the merrier with group excursions

Castle Apartments is located in what walkscore.com has declared “the most walkable neighborhood in the state of Alaska”. Groups of friends from Holland’s community often take off on foot together for a variety of adventures, from the Saturday market just around the corner, to the Thursday/Saturday food truck carnival with live music, to some of the best restaurants in Anchorage like the Bear’s Tooth or Spenard Roadhouse, and to the Valley of the Moon Park where they attend events together all year round.

A community garden is born

Every day when Holland looks in the backyard of her apartment community’s office, she can’t help but smile. The gorgeous blossoms and greenery are a result of the loving and dedicated efforts of the Castle Apartment Gardening Club. “It’s great because here we are in the middle of downtown Anchorage, and our place is overflowing with veggies and flowers!” said Holland. She just approved a budget to take the area to the next level with some paint and by enlarging the garden area. “It’s a true community garden, and it’s a win-win situation because it’s a fun thing to do for our residents to do together, and it beautifies our backyard for events like our summer BBQs,” said Holland.

Castle Apartment Community Builders

The love for their immediate community has now expanded to include their surrounding neighborhood community as well. Holland and several volunteers from Castle Apartments have started reaching out to local community charitable organizations to see how they can help. Holland said the movement grew out of their community efforts on the property and the satisfaction of seeing hard work pay off. “We have awesome forward momentum and feel ready to take the next step,” she said, adding, “We really just want to see how we can help those who are less fortunate than we are.”

Now that’s love.

If you’re looking for an apartment in Anchorage and want to live in a vibrant and active community in a prime location, contact us at Castle Apartments today. We’d love to schedule your private tour and help you find your perfect new home.

The post How One Anchorage Apartment Community Shows Love to Its Residents appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

There are advantages to moving in the winter. Since it’s considered “off-season” for movers, you can usually save money on rates and will have a wider range of available dates to choose from. Of course, you may face some seasonal challenges, but if you’re organized and plan ahead, you can achieve a quick and efficient move.

We talked to several professional movers who have learned how to do things the right way from experience, and they passed on some great tips to help your winter move go smoothly.

PRE-MOVING DAY

1. Slay with your mad prep skills

Don’t be the person who answers the door for the movers and only one box is packed. Here are the keys to getting it all done before the deadline:

• Separate your stuff into three piles: keep, donate, trash, then follow the directions on each pile, and you’ll be moving so much less stuff.
• Start packing! As you go, grab that Sharpie and clearly label boxes by room (in large print) AND list major items inside (in smaller bullet points) to enhance post-move findability.
• Set aside personal items, medications and clothing you’ll need to keep with you as you travel to your new place.
• Make special arrangements to move sensitive electronics, priceless or irreplaceable items, and computer equipment, if necessary.

Wrap it up to keep it dry

When you’re dealing with ice and melting snow, your belongings could get wet if they’re unprotected. Since it’s a winter move, it might be wise to take the extra precaution of wrapping or packing your stuff in plastic or weatherproof materials.

Your movers are your friends

A professional moving company will walk you through all the pertinent questions and details to make sure your belongings make it safely to your new home. Keep the lines of communication open and be sure to check in with your movers a week before the move to confirm the pertinent details. And, since winter weather can be so unpredictable, also check back in a day or two before your move to make sure the roads are open, and it’s a go.

Encourage your fabulous inner interior decorator

Since you’re winning at the pre-planning game, why not take advantage of online floor plans to figure out where best to place your furniture before you move? You’ll be able to determine optimal arrangement and, on moving day, tell the movers exactly where to put everything so you don’t have to break your back moving it again after they leave.

Board your furry babies on moving day

Your destination is a pet-friendly place, but until you’ve moved in, spare yourself/the movers/your pets the headache of moving-day worries by checking with local kennels, vets, and boarders to find and book clean and heated pet accommodations on moving day…. Because nobody wants to step on a little puppy’s tail!

MOVING DAY

Dress like your mama would want you to

You’re inside, you’re outside, it’s hot, it’s cold. Ugh! Do yourself a favor and wear layered clothing (like a T-shirt under a sweater under a hoodie under a jacket), then peel off or add layers as needed throughout the day. Also, love your feet – wear shoes that will give you traction outside on slippery sidewalks and will protect your toes in case somebody’s grip accidentally slips.

Make Safety Priority #1

You can take the lead to help make sure no one gets hurt during your move. Take the initiative to shovel/snowblow/salt any outdoor walkways that’ll be used (including driveways and even the street) so nobody slips while lugging that always-ridiculously-heavy sofa-bed!

Protect those floors

Think about all the people that’ll be traipsing through your clean new place from the icy, slushy outdoors and act accordingly. Protect your gorgeous floors before the move begins by placing floor mats outside the entryway door and taping plastic tarps over your carpets/hardwood/linoleum/tile. If you can’t find tarps, break down cardboard boxes and make pathways with those. It definitely beats shampooing the carpet minutes after you’ve been moving all day long.

Tip your movers

A lot of people don’t know it, but it’s customary to tip the people who have helped you transport your life to your new home. But only if they deserve it. If they were timely, respectful and friendly, efficient, didn’t break your stuff or damage either home, tip them around $5 per hour per mover. Go up or down from that based on the quality of service. And make sure to have the cash on hand and ready to hand out right when the move is finished.

Have you ever moved during the winter? Comment below to share your stories and tips for what worked and what didn’t. Please share this post with those family and friends who are planning on moving before the snow melts – they’ll love you for it.

Are you looking for a premium apartment in Anchorage, AK? Contact us at Alpine Apartment Homes today to schedule a tour and let us help you find your perfect new home!

Phone: (907) 561-2930

The post 8 Hot Anchorage Moving Tips for Winter appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

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While we comfortably lounge in our apartments in awe of the winter games, we thought we'd visit Anchorage's own version of awesome and check out some of the area's winter entertainment. There is no better time to get out there; it's National Polar Bear Day!