Alaska is known for being a winter wonderland that offers tons of opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature, with pristine wilderness just hours from modern cities, but Anchorage holds fun and adventure year round, a little something for everyone. Many current residents originally came to Alaska for work, ranging from military service to the oil and gas industry. Most thought the work commitment was for three to five years but ended up falling in love with the state and now call Anchorage, Alaska their home. Here are a few reasons we think Anchorage should be at the top of your list for home consideration:
Mother Nature in All Her Glory
Various parts of Alaska have very different sorts of beauty – southeast Alaska is similar to the Pacific Northwest states, with statuesque trees and rocky shores, while the Bering Sea coastline features scrubby-grass hills and ice flues as far as the eye can see. If these are different tastes, then think of Anchorage as a sampler that offers a little bit of everything.
The state’s biggest cityis bordered on the east side by the Chugach Mountain Range, and to the west you can watch the sun set over Fire Island and Sleeping Lady (Mt. Susitna) across Cook Inlet. The wildlife is abundant – expect to spot a moose or ten while driving Anchorage’s streets, and be prepared for a bear encounter while hiking Flattop Mountain or in Kincaid Park. Whatever you find most beautiful in nature – the sky, the ocean, the trees, the mountains – you’re almost certain to find it in its best form in Anchorage.
Enjoy More Adventure
If you’re looking for adventure, there’s no need to leave the city – Anchorage boasts a well-established trail system with multi-purpose paths, giving a remote wilderness feel well within city limits. The trail system circles and weaves throughout Anchorage, resulting in around 40 miles of top quality trails used by walkers, runners, in-line skaters, bicyclists, and even cross country skiers! If you’d like to stand still for a little while, cast your fishing line at Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage or along Campbell Creek, which runs east to west through the city. There’s no shortage of options outside Anchorage, either.
Just south of Anchorage is Girdwood, where Alyeska Resort offers world-class winter sports and summer hiking, and beyond that lies Kenai Fjords, the third largest national park in the U.S., where you can spend your free time mountain biking for hours, even days, on end.
To the north and south are glaciers galore, some accessible by car, some by airplane only – either way, hiking on a glacier is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some, so put it on your list. If you’re unable or not wanting to be super active, splurge on a flight-seeing tour to take in all of Alaska’s natural beauty from the best seat in the house: a bird’s eye view.
Family Friendly & Affordable Living
Anchorage is a perfect place to raise a family – it offers the convenience and plethora of options of a large city and the community feel of a small town. It’s an active city, with numerous family-friendly things to do. Start your day with a hike, then head downtown for Saturday Market in the summer or ice skating in the winter. Enjoy a beer and meal while watching your favorite movie at Bear Tooth Theatre & Pub, or sample locally roasted beans at Steamdot Coffee.
Catch a collegiate volleyball or basketball game at the new Alaska Airlines Center, or an Alaska Aces game at the Sullivan Arena. Whatever your favorite family activity, the family-oriented environment in Anchorage is sure to entertain your entire family all year round. And with a stable real estate market featuring plenty of family homes, you’re sure to find the perfect home for you and yours.
However you appreciate the outdoors, seek adventure, or enjoy spending time with your family, Anchorage is the place for you. If you’re interested in learning more about properties here, or going on a guided tour through Anchorage with one of our experienced Realtors, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! You can call us at (907) 248-9653, email us at team@wolfhomes.net, or visit us online at www.anchoragehomesearch.com. Or you can stay connected with us on our facebook, twitter ,google+, Pinterest , Youtube, diigo pages .