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Hillside East

Hillside East

$785,027 Average Value
$296 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

Hillside East is a forested community in the foothills of the Chugach Mountains

Perched on the edge of the Chugach Mountains, Hillside East is a scenic neighborhood in Anchorage. This rural community puts homeowners right next to some of the most popular outdoor spots in the city, including the most-hiked trail in the entire state. Custom homes fill the hilly, tree-lined streets, creating a vibrant blend of architecture throughout the area. Living here feels like an escape into the wilderness, but it’s still just a 5-mile drive to nearby grocery stores and restaurants.

A custom chalet-style home in Hillside East offers views of both the mountains and the city skyline.
A custom chalet-style home in Hillside East offers views of both the mountains and the city skyline.
Forest views frame dog walkers along the Hilltop Trail Head path.
Forest views frame dog walkers along the Hilltop Trail Head path.
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Custom-built cabins and Craftsman homes at the base of the mountains

With each switchback in the road going up the hillside, the views get better and better. “It’s kind of like you’re sitting in the cockpit of an airplane,” says Christopher Scott, an associate broker at Jack White Real Estate. “You’re just looking down and can see everything. It’s beautiful.” Most of the houses in the neighborhood are custom-built, often in cabin or Craftsman styles. The area has dense foliage, with a mix of evergreens and leafy trees contributing to its natural feeling. Undeveloped lots are available for buyers who want to build their own home.

Home styles vary from chalet to custom designs.
Home styles vary from chalet to custom designs.
Homes in the neighborhood come in a variety of styles that complement the  natural surroundings.
Homes in the neighborhood come in a variety of styles that complement the natural surroundings.
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What to pay for a home in Hillside East

Homes in Hillside East come at a premium. “It’s definitely on the higher end in Anchorage. There are some generally affordable homes, but as the lots are larger up there, generally the homes are larger,” Scott says. Houses on lots under 1 acre range from the mid-$500,000s to the mid-$900,000s. Properties over 1 acre cost between the mid-$700,000s and the lower $2,000,000 range. Undeveloped lots can cost between the low $100,000s and mid-$300,000s. Almost every property is on a well and septic system, so you can save some money by not having a monthly water bill.

Popular hiking trails are right next door

The Chugach Mountains sit just east of the neighborhood, offering lots of recreation. The Glen Alps/Flattop Trailhead is the starting point to hike to Flattop Mountain, Alaska’s most visited peak. The 1.5-mile trail typically takes about an hour to reach and rewards hikers with panoramic views. The trailhead is also a jumping-off point to reach spots like the Williwaw Lakes and Little O’Malley Peak. Nearby Far North Bicentennial Park has 4,000 acres to explore by hiking, biking or cross-country skiing. Downhill skiers of all levels can enjoy some time at the Hilltop Ski Area, which has 30 acres of slopes and offers private and group lessons.

Prospect Heights Trailhead sits at the edge of hillside trails used for daily workouts.
Prospect Heights Trailhead sits at the edge of hillside trails used for daily workouts.
A paraglider launches off Flattop Mountain at the Glen Alps Trailhead.
A paraglider launches off Flattop Mountain at the Glen Alps Trailhead.
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Highly rated schools offer a wide variety of academic programs

Students in Hillside East might attend either the top-rated South Anchorage High School or the highly rated Service High School. South Anchorage High School has civic leadership and engineering programs, plus an Air Force JROTC chapter. Students at Service High have multiple academies to choose from:

  • Academy of Health & Human Services
  • Academy of Industry & Innovation
  • Biomedical Career Academy
  • Navy JROTC Leadership Academy

Your children are the highest priority at O'Malley Elementary School.
Your children are the highest priority at O'Malley Elementary School.
O'Malley Elementary School offers an encouraging environment for children to thrive in.
O'Malley Elementary School offers an encouraging environment for children to thrive in.
Hanshew Middle School is home to the Hawks.
Hanshew Middle School is home to the Hawks.
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What kind of commute to expect in Hillside East

Because of its isolated location, Hillside East is a car-dependent neighborhood. There is no public transit in the area, but major thoroughfares connect to the rest of the city. O’Malley Road leads west to Seward Highway for a 12-mile drive into Downtown Anchorage, which typically takes about 20 minutes. Abbott Road and Huffman Road also lead west toward the city.

Grocery stores and popular restaurants are a short drive away

South Anchorage has a thriving commercial area, so you don’t have to drive all the way downtown for shopping and dining.

  • You can stock up on groceries at the Carrs on Huffman Road, about 5 miles away.
  • The Dimond Center and Walmart offer more shopping near the intersection of Dimond Boulevard and Old Seward Highway.
  • Head to South Restaurant + Coffeehouse for brunch or make a dinner reservation at Suite 100 for steak and seafood.
  • Swing by the drive-thru at Wee B’s for an elk or buffalo burger from this longstanding local favorite.

Dimond Center includes several national retailers, including a Best Buy.
Dimond Center includes several national retailers, including a Best Buy.
Costco on Dimond Boulevard is a short drive from the community.
Costco on Dimond Boulevard is a short drive from the community.
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How to deal with wildlife encounters in the Alaskan wilderness

Living in Hillside East means you’ll be face-to-face with nature on a daily basis. “You get to experience living at the foot of the Chugach Mountains, and it’s a common experience to see Alaskan wildlife in your yard, like Moose, bears and lynx. So those are special to see, and pretty common,” Scott says. While the animals can be a majestic sight, it’s important to stay safe. Common practices include keeping trash inside to prevent animals from rummaging through it. When you’re out on the trails, make lots of noise so you don’t catch a bear off guard, and always carry bear spray.

Matthew Atkins
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Luke George
Photography Contributed By
Luke George
Bob Yukich
Video By
Bob Yukich

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Merrill Field

21 min drive

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Hillside East US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Hillside East Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$897,000
Median Sale Price
$870,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$860,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$925,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
27
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
19%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$296

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
885
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Median Year Built
1981
Months of Supply
1.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,220
Significantly above the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,085
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
43,124

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,349
Median Age
48
Population under 18
20.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.6%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$204,955
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$208,152

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99%
College Graduates
69%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
37.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.2%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

28 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

0 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Hillside East