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Anchorage, Alaska: A Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros
- noordinarypath
- Apr 7
- 5 min read
Anchorage, Alaska: A Guide for Travel Nurses and Healthcare Pros
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, combines urban amenities with unparalleled access to natural beauty. For travel nurses, Anchorage offers diverse professional opportunities alongside a unique cultural and recreational environment. This was one of our favorite assignments. Check below for our wrap up video and video on costs.
City Life 🌆
Anchorage serves as Alaska's primary transportation hub, connecting various regions of the state. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, numerous museums, and a variety of dining options that reflect its multicultural heritage. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, all within close proximity to the urban center.
Cost of Living 💰
The cost of living in Anchorage is higher than the national average, primarily due to housing and goods transportation costs. However, travel nurses may find that the competitive compensation packages offered in Alaska help offset these expenses. It's advisable to budget accordingly and explore housing options that align with your financial plans.
Weather 🌤️
Anchorage experiences a subarctic climate with maritime influences, leading to relatively moderate temperatures. From April through July, the typical weather patterns are:Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
Anchorage experiences a subarctic climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. Below are the average high and low temperatures for each month:Wikipedia
On a personal note, we felt May through Sept was the PERFECT time of year as we got to experience both the Midnight sun (June 21st) AND the Northern Lights which usually begin starting in September. We had great temperatures while we were there but it did seem to rain or mist more than we expected.
Month | Average High Temperature (°F) | Average Low Temperature (°F) |
January | 24°F (-4.4°C) | 14°F (-10°C) |
February | 28°F (-2.2°C) | 15°F (-9.4°C) |
March | 36°F (2.2°C) | 27°F (-2.8°C) |
April | 45°F (7.2°C) | 30°F (-1.1°C) |
May | 56°F (13.3°C) | 40°F (4.4°C) |
June | 63°F (17.2°C) | 48°F (8.9°C) |
July | 66°F (18.9°C) | 53°F (11.7°C) |
August | 64°F (17.8°C) | 51°F (10.6°C) |
September | 56°F (13.3°C) | 43°F (6.1°C) |
October | 42°F (5.6°C) | 31°F (-0.6°C) |
November | 29°F (-1.7°C) | 18°F (-7.8°C) |
December | 25°F (-3.9°C) | 14°F (-10°C) |
Daylight hours are extensive during these months, with up to 18 hours of daylight in June and July, enhancing the potential for evening activities. AdventureSmith Explorations
Housing Options 🏠
Furnished Housing Options
Location: Anchorage, AKThe Gypsy Nurse
Description: Offers a variety of furnished rentals tailored for travel nurses, with 522 properties currently available. IntelyCare+4Travel Nurse Housing+4The Gypsy Nurse+4
Availability: Browse available listings and contact landlords directly through the website.
Website: https://www.travelnursehousing.com/FindHousing/Anchorage/AlaskaTravel Nurse Housing+1Travel Nurse Housing+1
Furnished Finder Listings
Location: Anchorage, AKAdventureSmith Explorations+12Audley Travel+12Maplogs+12
Description: A platform dedicated to travel nurses, offering a variety of furnished rentals with flexible lease terms and amenities suited for traveling professionals.
Availability: Browse available listings and contact landlords directly through the website.
Website: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/housing/us--ak--anchorage
Airbnb Listings
Location: Anchorage, AKAdventureSmith Explorations+8Maplogs+8Maplogs+8
Description: A variety of short-term rental options, including fully furnished homes and private rooms, suitable for both short and extended stays.
Availability: View current listings and book directly through the Airbnb platform.
Website: https://www.airbnb.com/s/Anchorage--AK/homes
Extended Stay Hotel Options
Hampton Inn Anchorage
Location: Anchorage, AKAdventureSmith Explorations
Description: Provides comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and is conveniently located near local attractions.
Availability: Check availability and book directly through the Hilton website.
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ancahhx-hampton-anchorage/
Extended Stay America - Anchorage
Location: Anchorage, AKMaplogs+8Audley Travel+8AdventureSmith Explorations+8
Description: Features amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and on-site laundry facilities, suitable for extended stays.
Availability: Contact the hotel directly for extended stay rates and availability.
Website: https://www.extendedstayamerica.com/hotels/anchorage
My Place Hotel-Anchorage, AK
Location: Anchorage, AKIntelyCare+8AdventureSmith Explorations+8Maplogs+8
Description: Offers spacious rooms with full kitchens, free breakfast, and an evening reception, ideal for extended stays.
Availability: Explore available rooms and amenities through their platform.
Website: https://www.myplacehotels.com/hotels/anchorage-ak my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.
RV Park Options
Location: Anchorage, AK
Description: A well-maintained RV park offering full-hookup sites, free Wi-Fi, and close proximity to Anchorage’s main attractions. This park is ideal for those seeking a central location with great amenities.
Availability: Contact directly for reservations and availability.
Website: https://www.goldennuggetrvpark.com/
Campground at Kincaid Park
Location: Anchorage, AK
Description: Located in the beautiful Kincaid Park, this campground offers spacious RV sites, beautiful views of the Alaskan wilderness, and access to hiking and biking trails.
Availability: Check availability and book online.
Website: https://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Pages/KincaidPark.aspx
Location: Anchorage, AK
Description: A family-friendly RV park located just outside of Anchorage, offering scenic views, hiking trails, and access to the surrounding nature. Full hookups are available.
Availability: Contact the campground directly for availability.
Website: http://www.tanglewoodcampground.com/
Fun Things to Do 🎉
Anchorage is a vibrant city that combines urban living with nature’s beauty:
Wildlife Viewing: Anchorage offers numerous opportunities to view wildlife, including moose, bears, and eagles, especially in nearby parks like Kincaid Park and Flattop Mountain.
Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center: Explore the history of Alaska through interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and cultural displays.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: A popular 11-mile trail perfect for hiking, biking, or cross-country skiing, offering views of the coastline and wildlife.
Alaska Native Heritage Center: Learn about the diverse Native cultures of Alaska through exhibits, art, and live performances.
Glacier Tours and Wildlife Cruises: Anchorage is an excellent launching point for scenic boat cruises or glacier tours, providing breathtaking views of Alaska's wild landscapes.
Nearby Trips 🚗
Seward, AK: Located about 2.5 hours south of Anchorage, Seward is known for its stunning coastal scenery, sea kayaking, and the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Talkeetna, AK: A charming town with access to Denali National Park, perfect for those interested in mountain views and outdoor adventures.
Denali National Park and Preserve: A bit further afield (about 4 hours from Anchorage), Denali offers unparalleled wildlife viewing, hiking, and the majestic Denali (formerly Mount McKinley).
Girdwood, AK: A scenic 40-minute drive south of Anchorage, Girdwood offers great hiking trails, the Alyeska Resort for skiing, and stunning natural beauty.
Summary 🌟
Anchorage, Alaska, is an exciting and unique destination for travel nurses. We LOVED it when we went from May 2021 - Sept 2021. With its combination of urban amenities, natural beauty, and outdoor activities, Anchorage offers a balance of work and play. Whether you're enjoying a hike on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, exploring Alaska’s rich cultural heritage, or taking in the spectacular wildlife and scenery, Anchorage has something for everyone. Housing options range from furnished rentals to extended stays and RV parks, ensuring that your living arrangements will suit your preferences and needs.
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