Eagle River

Combining the convenience of city life with an escape into the Alaskan mountains, Eagle River allows residents to experience the best of both. “It’s an easy commute to downtown Anchorage. It has more of a small-town vibe while still being within the city,” says local Realtor Shelby Emmert with Unity Home Group. Located just a short drive north of downtown, Eagle River has its own shopping and dining scene while offering residents a quick commute for work, travel or any other reason they may have for venturing into Anchorage proper. Throw in the proximity to popular hiking trails and Chugach State Park, and you’ve got a neighborhood with plenty of activities for nature lovers.

Eagle River is mostly home to suburban streets with ranch-style and Craftsman houses tucked among tall evergreen trees. The homes in the area are close enough together to feel like a neighborhood but far enough apart that you’ll have your privacy. Yards are big enough for landscaping, enjoying a backyard cookout or playing a game of catch. Many houses have wood siding with shades of blue or green that blend into the natural landscapes around them. Built-in garages are standard, offering homeowners an added layer of privacy and security. Three-bedroom homes typically cost between $300,000 and $450,000. Four-bedroom houses will cost at least $450,00, and many new-construction homes cost upwards of $700,000.

Students in Eagle River might attend Fire Lake Elementary School, Mirror Lake Middle School and Chugiak High School. Fire Lake Elementary is rated a B-plus overall by Niche, while Mirror Lake is rated an A-minus. Chugiak High is rated a B-plus overall by Niche and serves approximately 850 students. The school offers several unique programs, including the Hospitality and Culinary Arts program, where students receive instruction and training in food preparation, presentation, customer service and management. The program is part of the ProStart curriculum developed by the National Restaurant Association. Students can also enroll in the Spanish Immersion program, which allows them to earn up to 16 tuition-free college credits.

Eagle River residents have several opportunities to get outside for some recreation. Commons Park is a small community park with walking paths, playgrounds, a swing set and picnic areas. You can take in the views of the adjacent Town Square every winter when the trees and pavilions are lit up with bright colors for the holiday season. Schroeder Park is the place for sports lovers, with tennis, horseshoes and sand volleyball facilities. The park also has a playground and swing set for children. Living in Eagle River also puts you just a short drive away from Chugach State Park, a vast expanse of natural area with plenty to do. “There’s a lot of hiking and mountain climbing. There’s mountaineering. There’s just everything,” says Emmert. Whether you’re in the mood for backpacking a 23-mile trail or taking it easy on a ¾-mile hike, this park has something for nature lovers of all levels.

Old Glenn Highway is the commercial hub of Eagle River, with several local shops and restaurants lining the street. Head to Matanuska Brewing for a hearty meal and house-made brews. This casual brewpub has an extensive menu featuring everything from pizza and burgers to wings and ribs. For a local flavor, try the halibut pesto pasta or the Alaskan jambalaya, made with reindeer sausage. You can wash it down with beers that include a blueberry ale, lagers and IPAs. Old Glenn Highway also has chain and local coffee shops for your morning joe, including Lexie’s Café and Coffee, Sleepy Dog Coffee and Starbucks.

You can choose from grocery stores like Carrs or Fred Meyer when you need to stock up. Each store also has a pharmacy, and there is also a Walgreens on Old Glenn Highway for all your pharmacy and convenience store needs. If you need to commute into Anchorage or if you’re heading to the airport for travel, you’ll have an easy start to your trip with Glenn Highway nearby. The 15-mile drive will take you right into downtown.

Written By

Matthew Atkins

Video By

Ellie Brown