$278,682Average Value$212Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Knik River appeals to nature lovers looking for a pristine Alaskan landscape
The Knik River area is primarily undeveloped, with a scattered collection of remote log cabins and ranch-style homes, offering its residents seclusion and pristine landscapes 30 miles from Anchorage. “When I first came here, I felt this instant peace and calm,” says Laura “Lulu” Wilson, owner of Lulu’s Tent & Event Glamping in the Knik River area. “You’re right on the river, which is fed by the Knik Glacier with mountains all around.” Salmon fishing is a common hobby on the waterfront, and hiking trails wind through much of the region. Many locals keep greenhouses and small livestock, though they must rely on private wells and septic tanks instead of municipal utilities. Aside from Anchorage, locals can head to neighboring small towns like Palmer for groceries and restaurants. The quiet surroundings earn the community a Cap Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, compared to a national score of 4.
Waterfront recreation on the river and hiking trails in the surrounding mountains
The Knik River is the community’s main attraction, where locals go fishing, boating and hunting. The river is capped at the east end by the scenic Knik Glacier, and several tourist organizations operate helicopter tours over the area. The Chugach State Park encompasses nearly 500,000 acres of land just south of the community, though the park’s namesake mountain range proves challenging for inexperienced hikers. “Mount Close by Pioneer Peak is a popular one, but not for the faint of heart,” Wilson says. “There’s a mountain nearby they call Lazy Mountain, and I always tell people there’s nothing lazy about it.” Hatcher Pass is another popular hiking area about 30 miles north, fit for a wide range of skill levels. Regardless of where residents spend their day, the seclusion and wide-open skies ensure a full view of the northern lights at night. However, due to the community’s location relative to nearby mountains, the area experiences very long periods of darkness in the winter.
Custom homes on spacious forested lots
Log cabins and small ranch-style homes are set close to the riverfront on half- or full-acre parcels, typically enveloped by mature pine forests that maximize privacy. Some use the extra space to keep chickens or other small livestock, while others are just looking to enjoy the quiet. Greenhouses are a common addition, allowing residents to grow their own produce year-round. Since municipal utilities don’t reach this far out, homeowners generally use well water and private septic tanks, heating their homes with wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Though the oldest homes in the region were built in the 1970s and 1980s, new custom builds have been popping up periodically, and some empty lots are still available. Prices mainly range from $100,000 to $500,000, with some multiacre properties selling for $500,000 to $650,000.
Traveling to Anchorage and other neighboring towns
Old Glenn Highway and East Knik River Road are the main roadways connecting the Knik River area. Highway 1 passes by on the community’s west side, leading about 30 miles to Anchorage. Locals can also cross over the Old Knik River Iron Bridge to get to small towns like Palmer and Butte, about 15 and 10 miles away, respectively. Though the snow can pile up in the colder months, seasonality generally doesn’t hinder drivers’ ability to get in and out. “A lot of our roads from town to town are pretty flat,” Wilson says. “Navigating a snowstorm can be tricky, but that doesn’t stop people from enjoying the winter.” Mat-Su Regional Medical Center is about a 20-mile drive away, and the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is about 40 miles away.
Nearest grocery stores and restaurants are in Palmer
Locals typically travel to Palmer for groceries and other shopping. The small town has a Fred Meyer, Carrs and a selection of local restaurants and breweries. The Noisy Goose Café has been family-owned and operated since 1985 and offers rustic décor and comfort food. Palmer Alehouse serves more than 40 beers on tap, with live music on Thursdays. For large national retailers, residents drive into Anchorage.
Public schools under the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
The Knik River area is zoned for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. Butte Elementary and Palmer Middle both earn a B-minus from Niche. Palmer High earns a B-plus, offering agriculture and industrial technology programs, along with foreign language classes in French and Japanese.
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
Brett Hull,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Knik River
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Knik River, Anchorage sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Knik River, Anchorage over the last 12 months is $364,850, up 24% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Versatile corner lot with 338' of Old Glenn frontage. Lot would work well for commercial, multi-family, or mixed use. Would be a great drive through lot. Mountain views and only minutes away from all your favorite Butte activities. Plat in documents illustrates easements and useable land. Owner Finance Available: 25% down, 10% interest, 3-5 year term.
At the foot of Pioneer Peak with great views of the Mountain. This lot is one lot off the Knik River, Close to Eklutna Tail race fishing hole and cold water plunge. Recreation is out your door. Moosey area. Great gravel for house pad. Build what you want. 15 minutes to Palmer, 35+ miles to Anchorage, Fast commute location.
A Hidden Gem nestled on the edge of a pristine wilderness! It is Perfect for hiking, fishing, and nature enthusiasts! This beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house offers ample space and modern comforts, making it a cozy retreat. Enjoy the open layout, providing plenty of space for relaxation and entertainment.The property has a fenced backyard, while the front yard boasts an array of
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brett Hull,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
882
Median Age
45
Population under 18
21.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$71,718
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$100,687
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.3%
College Graduates
18.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.6%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
26/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk 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.
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.
