Eagle River, Alaska Real Estate and Community Information

The Eagle River real estate area began as a hunting and fishing community for the Athabascan natives, who are today a disappearing culture. They migrated with the changing seasons to the best hunting and fishing grounds. Many settlers from outside the area began populating the area during the late 1800s gold rush to the area. A railroad was established by 1919, and in the 1920s, homesteaders began arriving and building schools, churches and post offices. By 1955, the population of Eagle River was 155, while today it boasts a population of about 23,000 people.

Shopping and Dining

Eagle River offers everything from upscale restaurants to fast food drive-throughs. Some of these restaurants include McDonalds and Papa John's Pizza, with local coffee shops like Tinkers Rainforest Deli and Sleepy Dog attracting most of the locals. Others enjoy upscale dining at the Haute Quarter Grill, Jalapenos, Shines Sushi and more. The city is also the shopping hub nestled amongst Anchorage and surrounding towns. Its major stores include Wal-Mart, Fred Meyer and more. There is a large movie theater as well. Specialty boutiques include places like Wolf Dreams, which offers gifts such as soy candles, yogurt body creams and bath salts. Shoppers also enjoy Artworks Gallery and Glass Studio, Doggy Decadents and Blake's Fine Jewelry.

Parks and Recreation

The Eagle River Nature Center allows people to enjoy nature without having to take a back country excursion. There are guided nature tours, cabin rentals and camping, fishing and swimming. Eklutna Lake is a great place to hike, bike and ski as well as bird-watch. There is a bike trail that runs next to the Glenn Highway from Anchorage, through Eagle River and all the way to Chugiak. Many residents participate in sports like soccer, baseball, hiking, swimming and skiing. There are also hockey and skating rinks and recreational team sports options at the Chugiak Youth Sports Association.

A popular local hiking spot is on Mount Baldy. Hikers can climb the mountain to overlook much of Eagle River real estate. Crow Pass Trail also runs for 26 miles starting at the nature center and ending near Girdwood. Most fishing takes place on the Fire and Mirror Lakes.

Living

Many residents know each other and enjoy gathering together for events such as the Bear Paw Festival and the Highland Games. There are also theater groups to join and art shows to either participate in or peruse for one’s next favorite art piece. Many residents work at Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Air Force Base, while others commute the short 10 miles to downtown Anchorage for their jobs. Average temperatures in the area range from an average of 50 to 70 in the summer and 6 to 20 degrees in the winter, with a snowfall around 69 inches. Many participate actively in winter sports including skating, skiing and snowshoeing.

Eagle River real estate includes a blend of cozy cabin homes, downtown duplexes, condos and single-family homes, and larger family homes with acreage with easy access to downtown. The town boasts a quiet, cozy feel for visitors with plenty of attractive bed-and-breakfast accommodations. Residents enjoy the easy access to Alaska's incredible wilderness, which is easily visible from most Eagle River real estate, including the mountains, lush trees and an abundance of green space.

Schools, Health, Transportation

Chugiak High School and Eagle River High School attract most of the city's teenage students, although Eagle River High School is the only one located in Eagle River. There are also a few private school options, especially if residents are willing to commute a few miles outside of the city to schools like the Pacific Northern Academy in Anchorage. Inside the city, they have the option of Eagle River Christian School and St. John Orthodox Christian School. However, homeschooling is also popular in the area.

Most hospitals and health clinics are a short drive away in Anchorage. These include the Alaska Regional Hospital, the Alaska Surgery Center and the Alaska Children's Heart Center. There are also several hospitals specializing in behavioral health, like North Star Behavioral Health. The Eagle River Shuttle takes passengers to the airport or to local nature centers, hiking spots or other attractions. Public transportation is also available through the municipality of Anchorage, including a bus system that offers 52 modern, ADA compliant buses. The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport serves Eagle River residents and is less than a 20-minute drive from most Eagle River real estate.

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.