Dee, Thanks for stopping by our Forum on Alaska and welcome to Adlandpro. As for where are the affordable places to live. I think it depends on the type of life style you enjoy. If you like to live in a bigger city, then Anchorage is big. There are areas of town that are more expensive and some that are more modest. You can live in town or in the hillside areas. You could choose Eagle River and still be fairly close to Anchorage. If you don't have to be close to a big city, then there are many areas you could choose. Life in these smaller communities might be a little more rustic. Fairbanks is a larger city, but it is a little more rustic. Kenai area is a large city. But also a great area for hunting and fishing and sight seeing. For smaller communities, I love Homer and Seward. Keep in mind, that living in Alaska is more expensive. But it is worth it!! Usually you will earn more as well and this helps offset the expenses. I hope this helps.