Anchorage, Alaska Real Estate and Community Information

Located in southern Alaska, Anchorage is a nature-lovers paradise. Surrounded by the beautiful Chugach Mountains and the waters of the Cook Inlet, the city offers much in the way of outdoor recreation depending on the season, including hiking, skiing, biking, fishing and more. Animal watchers come to view birds, moose, bear and many different types of wildlife, while adventurers come to appreciate the rugged terrain and often uncharted backcountry that surrounds most Anchorage real estate. However, Anchorage also has a rich history and offers plenty of cultural attractions, including the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, the historic Oscar Anderson house and the Anchor Pub/Empress Theater.

The city was incorporated in 1920 and began to grow as the railroad was built. By 1929, Anchorage had a population of 2,736. It remained small until World War II, when the U.S. military began stationing thousands of troops there and built the infrastructure to support them, including an airfield and many roads. After that, the population blossomed to 43,000, and later to the 289,000-plus that it boasts today.

Shopping and Dining

From the 5th Avenue Mall to Northway Mall to all of the specialty boutiques that lie between, Anchorage offers just about every type of store imaginable. The 5th Avenue Mall is home to JCPenney, Nordstrom, Apple, Bare Escentuals, Coach, Gymboree and many more. The Northway Mall offers specialty stores like A1 Comics, Braids By T and Fashion Wigs. It also features stores that sell card and computer games, home and garden supplies, beauty and fashion products and more. Some specialty stores include Bodyphlo, Fast Fix Jewelry Repair and Design, and Paramount Cycles.

Both malls offer several places to dine, including cafes and snack bars and also restaurants featuring international fare like Asian and Mexican. Northway Mall offers a candy store, Starbucks and New Asia restaurant. The 5th Avenue Mall offers a Sullivan's Steakhouse, Subway, Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen and Pretzel Factory, among others. There are hundreds of restaurants and diners outside of the malls and within close proximity to most Anchorage real estate, including Samurai Sushi, Club Paris, the Glacier BrewHouse, Bear Tooth Grill and Hula Hands.

The largest mall in shopping area in Anchorage is The Diamond Center. Located in Southern Anchorage you're sure to find what you're looking for.

Parks and Recreation

There is an abundance of recreational opportunities within a short walk or drive of most Anchorage real estate. Incredibly, there are nearly 11,000 acres of municipal parkland, including 223 parks, 82 playgrounds and hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking and snowshoeing. There are also 110 athletic fields, five pools, dog parks and 11 recreational centers. The Anchorage Parks and Recreation Center keeps residents and visitors updated about trail conditions, bear awareness and even gardening events.

Within Anchorage is the Chugach State Park, which is the third-largest park in the nation. It offers hundreds of miles of trails, breathtaking scenery and an abundance of wildlife. Many enjoy trail running, hiking, climbing and skiing in this amazing park, listed among the top ten state parks in the U.S. by America’s Best Online. There are plenty of guided tours, or residents and visitors can choose to explore the backcountry solo.

Anchorage also boasts four 18-hole golf courses and one 9-hole par 3 course.

Living

With a very low population density and plenty of green space, Anchorage real estate offers a unique blend of city living with backcountry accessibility. The average house value in 2009 was $267,300, nearly double from what it was in 2000. Most residents over the age of 25 hold at least a high school degree, while many also hold bachelor's and graduate degrees. Some of the most common industries for residents to work in include construction, public administration, accommodation and food services and professional or scientific services.

Average temperatures range from a low of 15 degrees in the winter to around 55 degrees in the summer, however, there is plenty to offer those who want to stay indoors during inclement weather, including playing racquetball in the Spenard Community Recreation Center, visiting a performance at Cyrano's Theatre Company or spending a day at the Alaska Zoo, which features many indoor exhibits. Anchorage real estate includes a wide variety of offerings, from suburban developments to secluded cabins to condos in town.

Schools, Health, Transportation

Colleges and universities in the area are numerous and include the University of Alaska, Charter College, Alaska Pacific University and the Career Academy. There are also several high schools, middle schools and elementary schools to choose from, including both public and private schools. Private schools include the Atheneum School, Grace Christian School and Holy Rosary Academy.

There are three hospitals and medical centers in Anchorage, including the Alaska Native Medical Center, Alaska Regional Hospital and Providence Alaska Medical Center. Traveling to or from Anchorage is convenient due to the presence of air travel options including several private or smaller airports and heliports, including the Girdwood Airport, Shelby Strip Airport and Campbell BLM Heliport. The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is a short driving distance for most Anchorage residents.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, give us a call at (907) 441-7178 or send us an email to explore your options and to find out when is the best time for you to make a move.