Chugiak and Peters Creek, Alaska Real Estate and Community Information

The quiet and peaceful areas of Chugiak and Peters Creek are unincorporated communities inside the municipality of Anchorage, which lies about 20 miles away. Both areas have several thousand residents, most of whom commute to work in Anchorage. The areas were settled in the mid-1900s, after World War II, when military families decided to stay and homestead in the area after being stationed there throughout the war. Others came sooner, when gold was discovered in the areas in the early 1900s.

Many residents enjoy the small-town atmosphere along with the more secluded properties in the area. There is a small general store in Chugiak that is kept open by senior center residents, but for the most part, those living in Chugiak and Peters Creek commute for specialty grocery items and larger purchases.

Shopping and Dining

Most residents who own Chugiak and Peters Creek real estate do most of their shopping in Eagle River or Anchorage, but there are some unique specialty stores and restaurants within these areas too. The Chugiak General Store, for example, is kept up and running by senior center residents and offers basic food items and sundries. Chugiak Florist and Gifts offers specialty items for loved ones, and the Circle S Market provides some other necessities.

There are a few coffee shops, diners and restaurants in the area, and most of the locals gather there to meet, socialize and talk about their favorite outdoor adventures. The new Gatling Steakhouse in Peters Creek offers home-cooked burgers and steaks. Bear Mountain Espresso in Chugiak serves coffee drinks and pastries, and the Bella Vista Pizzeria and Restaurant offers pizza and more. Bobby's Cafe and Bakery is also another option for breakfast and other meals throughout the day.

Parks and Recreation

One of the best rifle, pistol and shotgun ranges you’ll find anywhere is located in Chugiak, called the Birchwood Shooting and Recreational Park. Annual Alaska State Trap and Skeet competitions take place at the park, which is the largest range in Alaska. There are many trailheads in both areas, including the Peters Creek Trailhead, which is the most common way to get to Bear Point and Mount Eklutna, both of which offer spectacular views of the surrounding areas. The wilderness is uninhabited, and in many cases uncharted in these areas, and hikers and bikers enjoy the serene setting filled with birds and wildlife.

For those interested in driving to view the scenery, the Peters Creek Canyon offers a one-lane road that passes breathtaking vistas including waterfalls and a deep gorge. History buffs and bridge hunters will enjoy the Peters Creek Bridge, which was built in 1938 and is a truss bridge that spans the Peters Creek.

Living

It is not uncommon in both Chugiak and Peters real estate to find 1/2- to 1-acre lots. There is much more wilderness in these areas, and they are spread out, allowing for plenty of green space and privacy for residents. The Alaska Star, home town newspaper to the areas surrounding Anchorage, keeps residents up-to-date on events and news in both Chugiak and Peters Creek.

While many residents commute to Anchorage or neighboring towns to work, some make a living inside Chugiak and Peters Creek by running quaint bed and breakfasts, managing small diners and coffee shops or managing properties. Still others host guided tours and expeditions into the backcountry. Average Chugiak and Peters Creek real estate prices are around $298,500, and most homes consist of small- to medium-size single family homes, duplexes and apartment buildings. Most homes were built after 1974, with a lot of brand new construction as well.

Schools, Health, Transportation

Residents of Chugiak and Peters Creek can attend Birchwood AB Elementary School, Mirror Lake Middle School, and Chugiak High School, although some choose to commute to Anchorage for their choice of private schools. The Birchwood Christian School is one private school option for the areas.

The Senior Citizens of Chugiak offers an assisted living facility for the area and the Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center is a non-profit organization that helps seniors with housing and other services. Most residents of Peters Creek and Chugiak commute to Anchorage for primary health care. There are also health clinics in nearby Eagle River, including the Acute Family Medicine Clinic.

The Municipality of Anchorage transportation system covers the areas of Chugiak and Peters Creek with their "people mover" bus system. The nearest international airport is the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

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.