Why Live in Auke Bay
Auke Bay, located about 10 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaska, offers a unique blend of maritime and wilderness living. The neighborhood is known for its central harbor, which is a hub for the local fishing community, and its proximity to the Mendenhall Valley, just a few miles east. Auke Bay is surrounded by natural attractions, including the Boundary Ranges with hiking trails to the north and a popular southern bay for water sports. The Auke Recreation Area, about 3 miles west, features waterside picnics, forested campgrounds, and a gray-sanded beach. The area also includes Auke Lake, a 160-acre watershed, and the University of Alaska Southeast. Homes in Auke Bay are typically two-story properties with sizeable lots, many offering scenic views of the bay and shoreline access. The neighborhood is served by Auke Bay Elementary, which has a high rating, and students attend Thunder Mountain Middle and Juneau-Douglas High, both of which are also highly rated. Local dining options include Chan's Thai Kitchen, Auke Bay Café, and Forbidden Peak Brewery. For groceries, residents can visit De Hart’s or travel a few miles east to larger stores like Safeway and Super Bear IGA Supermarket. The area is safer than the national average, and residents often use snow tires and four-wheel drive due to heavy snowfall. The Glacier Highway connects Auke Bay to Juneau International Airport, 3 miles east, and Downtown Juneau, 7 miles farther. The Alaskan Marine Highway ferry route also provides access to other coastal communities.
