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Government Hill

Government Hill

$479,225 Average Value
$216 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

Panoramic views in historic Government Hill

Anchorage’s oldest neighborhood, Government Hill, offers panoramic mountain views, rich historic character and it's only accessible by bridge. An isolated neighborhood, Government Hill is named for the bluff it sits on, which overlooks Ship Creek. Residents appreciate majestic views of Denali, Knik Arm Bay and Mount Susitna. “The views are the draw, and it’s pretty magnificent,” says Kevin Sigafoos, Realtor for Keller Williams Alaska. “It’s really quiet up there, there’s only one way in and out and I think most residents like that about it.”

Historic cottages, WWII-era huts and midcentury homes

Founded in 1915, Government Hill is a mix of modern housing blended with historic architecture. World War II-era Quonset huts used as military housing still stand, along with 11 cottages built in the ‘40s for engineers to watch the inlet for potential invasions that are now residential. Most of the more modern homes, which include single-family, ranch-style homes, bungalows, cabins and multi-family dwellings, were built in the 1960s and range from $450,000 to $600,000. “There are two sides, and in one section, there are some older houses with historic architecture that are quaint and nice,” says Sigafoos. “On the east end, it's all newer developed housing, built in the last 10 years. Many people who lived there first were in multi-family condos and then purchased a single-family home because they love living there and don’t want to live anywhere else.” Residents enjoy firepits, garages and spacious yards enclosed with willow, spruce and birch trees, along with lush lilac shrubs. And with towering trees enveloping the neighborhood, residents enjoy privacy without losing the sought-after scenery.

Local schools with strong programs and solid ratings

Students attend Government Hill Elementary School, Central Middle School and West High School. Government Hill Elementary scored an overall B- on Niche and is known for its Two-Way Dual Language Immersion Program to provide Spanish-speaking students with the best educational opportunities. Niche ranked West High as one of the best high schools in Anchorage, with an overall score of A.

Government Hill’s scenic, diverse green spaces

Government Hill’s parks are a buffer between the community and its industrial neighbors. Many were named to honor community activists, such as Al Miller Park, which offers a paved trail, skateboarding rails and open green space. The Suzan Nightingale McKay Memorial Park is named for a beloved journalist and teacher and is perfect for kids with its mammoth-themed playground. There’s also easy trail access to the West Bluff Trail, which travels between Ship Creek and the neighborhood. At Brown’s Point Park, you can admire the vibrant totem pole that overlooks Knik Arm and pack a picnic. “The sunsets are great here, and this is my favorite park,” Sigafoos says. “It overlooks Cook inlet and the docks below.” Five of Government Hill’s parks frame a circle, creating a central open space where residents gather called Government Hill Commons. Filled with fruit trees, residents can reserve garden beds, attend outdoor yoga and other events. The neighborhood is also home to the Anchorage Curling Club, which plays in Harvard Park. Also, just a mile away is the Anchorage Museum, which tells the stories and culture of the entire state.

Local eats and urban convenience within walking distance

The neighborhood’s Ski & Benny Pizza is a favorite for a hot slice or Philly cheesesteak, or try the reindeer sausage at Red Umbrella Reindeer, a locally owned hot dog stand. Glacier Brewhouse is also a popular brewpub to grab fresh seafood and craft ales. Sandwiched between downtown and the Elmendorf-Richardson military base, both are walking distance from Government Hill, making it a breeze for residents who work at the base or those who want to check out city life. For shopping, residents can easily get to Glen Square in under two miles.
Amy David
Written By
Amy David
Evan Melgren
Photography Contributed By
Evan Melgren
Taylor Noll
Video By
Taylor Noll

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Janis Tolbert, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Merrill Field

13 min drive

Bus

Hollywood & Loop ENE

Bus

Richardson Vista & Bldg 12 West

Bus

Bluff & Dogwood ESE

Bus

Ivy & Hollywood NNW

Bus

Hollywood & Elm ENE

Bus

Loop & Bluff SSE

Bus

Richardson Vista & Bldg 19 East

Government Hill Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$300,000
Median Sale Price
$550,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$550,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
8%
Last 12 months Home Sales
11
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
38%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$216

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
267
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1963
Months of Supply
1.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,946
On par with the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,396
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,733
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Janis Tolbert, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,076
Median Age
35
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$42,236
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$81,850

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.9%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
40.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.5%
% Population in Labor Force
67.4%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

32 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

1 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

16 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Reviews

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Government Hill