Witness the challenge of purchasing a home that has no running water, electricity, indoor bathrooms or, in some cases, access roads when BUYING ALASKA heads to the last great American Frontier to learn what it takes to own a treasured piece of the untamed north. (Or you could put a posting on www.landbuddy.com).
Here are some tips for buying salmon fishing river drawn from the series:
Determine whether you want river or ocean. Salmon in Alaska come close to shore where they gather before heading upriver with the tide. Properties on a bay with ocean access or properties on a river where salmon go to spawn can both provide excellent fishing opportunities.
Determine in which part of Alaska you would like the property to be located. Alaska is a huge state with many miles of coastline and river frontage that provide access to salmon fishing waters. If being closer to Seattle and the Pacific northwest is important, perhaps selecting a property in Ketchikan would be best. For a property that has access to salmon fishing that also provides the benefits of being closer to a large town, perhaps the Kenai peninsula would be a better fit.
Try to visit the area where you want to buy before actually purchasing property. Even if you don’t see the specific property, it will give you a better idea of how hard it is to get there and how long the travel time might be.
Discovery sub-brand, DESTINATION AMERICA has greenlit the new series hitting the network’s programming line-up this fall/winter.said Marc Etkind, of Destination America. “Most people, at one time or another, can relate to the dream of trading in the rat race and roughing it in an untamed territory.”
BUYING ALASKA proves that forgoing basic amenities is a reasonable tradeoff when it comes to breathtaking views and stunning wild surroundings that you can’t find anywhere in the lower 48 states. Offering much more than living quarters, these properties are so in tune with the extraordinary landscape that it’s often what’s beyond the house that proves to be the main attraction — from the ability to hunt and fish from your back deck, to extreme seclusion on your own private island, to self-sustaining features such as smokehouses and greenhouses. However, there are also dangers that come with all the beauty, and living in this rugged and remote terrain can lead to animal attacks and brutal winters that cut you off from society. BUYING ALASKA may only be for the most adventurous of spirits as the new series premieres on Sunday, October 21 at 10pm E/P on DESTINATION AMERICA.
The first four episodes of BUYING ALASKA are:
Sunday, October 21 at 10 PM and 10:30PM (E/P)
BUYING ALASKA — Salmon Capital
Scott and Kelly are Alaskan born-and-bred and true lovers of the outdoors with a passion for fishing. All Scott wants is a place on the Kenai River, home to the some of the greatest King Salmon fishing in Alaska. His goal is to fish right from his backyard. This couple comes across some tough choices when one cozy 480 square foot cabin can sleep up to seven people, but another has a secure bear door and bathhouse with running water.
BUYING ALASKA — Deep Sea Fishing Cabins
Robert and Kristen Lamb travel from Utah every year with their four children to go fish for some of the best halibut and salmon in Alaska. They are looking for a cabin right on Kachemak Bay near their favorite fishing spots that will also work for their big family. Will the house on stilts with a 112-step stairway prove to be too difficult to maneuver or is it the home with the outhouse on a 50 ft. walk in bear country more appealing?
Sunday, October 28 at 10 PM and 10:30PM (E/P)
BUYING ALASKA — Sled Dogs
Andy and Carolyn are avid dogsledders from New Jersey. They are moving to Alaska in hopes of becoming champion dog mushers. But to do that, they first need to find a home where they can raise and train their team. Will they choose the home with a two-seater outhouse or the cabin just out of reach from the dog trails?
BUYING ALASKA — The Wilderness Man
Bud Jacque is a former Merchant Marine looking for his Alaskan wilderness home with his wife, Susan. He’s a man of simple tastes; all he wants is a great view, and somewhere he can spend his days hunting and fishing. There’s a gem with a fish cleaning station, greenhouse, smoker and stunning vistas, but Susan may need more amenities before she’s ready to call it home.
9 Responses
Hi my name is James Francisco after graduation id like to move to Alaska and live off-grid and live off of only the land its been a dream of mine since i was a kid and i’m interested in living my dream in Alaska.
I am a 62 year old arborist with steam engineering machining and carpentry talents. I am semi retired with 6 children ; three of them under ten yr’s old. I have lived in remote areas s lot of my adult life ranging from a lagoon in Central America yo several places on the Canadian border. I am an inventor and a builder of steam engines , and related running gear. I also have built my own stern wheel steam boat . Next project is to build an experimental boiler. My Brazilian wife and I who will also be retiring in two years are desiring to live in Alaska, preferably in the Kenai Penensula region . I will be bringing along my machine shop with the desire to continue my steamboat passion along with making other practice yet artful needed items. I am looking to make acquaintances who can help with information and advice.
My husband and I are really interested in moving to Alaska and living off-grid.We are tired of the heat,the traffic,the sheer oppressiveness of Southeast Georgia.The day to day grind that is getting us nowhere anyway.We want to start out like the first settlers did and have a better life for ourselves…kids are grown and on their own…nothing holding us here except a failing economy.
hi my name is alisia I am looking to move to Alaska to live off the land.
I moved to Klawock, Alaska 12 years ago. Single mother of two my daughter last child at home, Raven just graduated this year. And I’m ready to move on. Just off the grid but not too far. Grocery store, post office, airport all blocks away.
Prince of wales island. 2 hr. ferry ride from Ketchikan great place to raise kids mine both graduated with honers Jake president of school. Raven winning state basket ball championship,first time in school history. It was an amazeing place for school. As the teams fly off in float planes or the ferry, every other week playing teams from Juneau, Haines Petersburg ect. Subsistence life style. 10,000 board feet per year per person in your family free. hunting fishing amazeing!!907 617-9553. Dive house on 1/2 acher lot. Also 5th wheel trailor, I rent out for 600$ a mo.
i dont have the guts to do it. but my heart and soul and dreams go with those who do. I hate myself for needing to live near the city.
I am looking to move to alaska maybe build a hunting retreat for someone. I am very capable I own an opperate a sucessfull custom cabinet shop in tn.looking to build for someone to use so many times a year.where I can live year round. In a seperate cabin.have there place ready when they need it to be.please email me if this interest you at all open for any ideals.i can build just about any thing I also have a lifelong friend that is ready to go also.we have no criminal records we are not running from nothing .except life in the lower 48.we would love to find a corp. Looking to build a nice get away for its cliants.this not a scam .not looking for money just a place to build and live.we do cabinet work for 50000.00 dollar houses to 4000000.00 dollars house.we are capeable.of any thing. So if looking for a builder that will cost you bare min. We are your guys.all we want is a small cabin to live in .while we take care of yours.thanks looking forward to hering from .dan the cabinet man.
Ditto Beartrackz
I am in central pa and have tried to keep my little part wild and free. I would love to sell and move to alaska after my 89 yr old mom passes.. Heck maybe i should bring her :) What kind of prices can i get for say 20 acres off in the wilderness? Somewhere far away from people.. But warm enough to grow most of my own food with some sort of greenhouse
Gotta say, shows like this are dismaying. Alaskans don’t want people in search of a “good view” moving here and paving over paradise like they have in the lower 48. Keep out or keep your footprint small and harmless.