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Spenard

Spenard

$323,480 Average Value
$228 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes For Sale

Spenard is a vibrant Anchorage neighborhood with lots to explore

Spenard is an eclectic, artsy neighborhood between Downtown Anchorage and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The area has a long history as a destination for adult entertainment, with bars and nightclubs dominating the landscape during the oil boom of the 1970s and ‘80s. While some of these businesses are still here, Spenard has gradually become more family friendly thanks to a variety of shopping options, highly rated schools and several parks around the community. It’s also one of the most convenient locations in the city, with major highways and bus routes offering easy commutes around Anchorage.

Spenard's impressive network of bus routes is convenient for commuters looking to get around.
Spenard's impressive network of bus routes is convenient for commuters looking to get around.
The Hoarding Marmot in Spenard offers outdoor sports equipment like bikes, skis and other gear.
The Hoarding Marmot in Spenard offers outdoor sports equipment like bikes, skis and other gear.
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Why you might pay less for a home in Spenard

Ranch-style homes, cottages and cabin-style homes are common in Spenard, often on streets with green lawns and leafy trees. Aurora Courtney, an associate broker at Real Broker Alaska, says homes cost “a little bit less because it’s older, and they’re smaller. There are some nicer homes too, but for the most part, the houses are less expensive.” The median sales price is lower than the citywide median, and houses typically range from the upper $100,000s to the mid-$500,000s. Condos are also common in the neighborhood, typically ranging from the low $100,000s to the mid-$200,000s.

Homes in Spenard stretch down tree lined streets, with ample front yard space for greenery.
Homes in Spenard stretch down tree lined streets, with ample front yard space for greenery.
Ranch-style homes in Spenard sometimes boast modest carports to protect vehicles from the rain.
Ranch-style homes in Spenard sometimes boast modest carports to protect vehicles from the rain.
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This Anchorage neighborhood has plenty to do when the sun goes down

You won’t find as much nightlife in Spenard as you would’ve 40 years ago, but there are still plenty of options to grab a drink and enjoy live music. Chilkoot Charlie’s, commonly known as Koot’s, has been around since 1970 and has three stages, multiple dance floors and 11 bars scattered throughout its building. The venue has hosted bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Metallica and The Beach Boys. If you want a more low-key night, Carousel Lounge is a smaller dive bar that’s been part of the neighborhood since 1957. Stop by for nightly specials, including free pool, karaoke, and live music.

Popular shops and restaurants fill the streets

Lots of other shops and restaurants add variety to the neighborhood.

  • Gwennie’s Old Alaska Restaurant serves classic breakfast dishes surrounded by Alaskan décor
  • Fiori D’Italia is known for authentic Italian food and its wide-ranging whiskey menu
  • Bear Tooth Theatrepub is the place to be for movies, drinks and dinner
  • You can gear up for your next outdoor adventure at The Hoarding Marmot or grab something to read at Title Wave Books
  • Stores like Carrs and Natural Pantry cover groceries

Gwennie's Old Alaska in Spenard is filled with wall decorations and offers home-style cooking.
Gwennie's Old Alaska in Spenard is filled with wall decorations and offers home-style cooking.
Pho Lena in Spenard is often packed to the gills with hungry folks during the afternoon rush.
Pho Lena in Spenard is often packed to the gills with hungry folks during the afternoon rush.
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Highly rated schools offer multiple pathways

Students in Spenard will likely attend the highly rated Romig Middle School and the top-rated West High School. West High has several pathways for students, including the International Baccalaureate program, a medical academy and Spanish and Russian immersion programs. Students can also participate in the Air Force JROTC. The Anchorage School District also offers magnet schools and some open enrollment options.

Romig Middle School provides a highly rated education for neighborhood students.
Romig Middle School provides a highly rated education for neighborhood students.
West Anchorage High School is the oldest high school in the city of Anchorage and receives top ratings.
West Anchorage High School is the oldest high school in the city of Anchorage and receives top ratings.
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Easy access to every corner of Anchorage

Spenard’s location between the airport and downtown makes it easy to get around Anchorage. “Proximity to the airport is a huge thing. That’s why most people live there, I think,” says Christopher Scott, an associate broker at Jack White Real Estate. “A lot of people in the aviation industry like to be there. A lot of people who enjoy going downtown but don’t want to live downtown live there.” The airport is about a 2-mile drive from the center of the neighborhood, while downtown is about 4 miles away via Minnesota Drive. Bus routes in the area connect to downtown, the airport, shopping malls, hospitals and the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Getting outside is easy at neighborhood parks

Like any Anchorage neighborhood, outdoor recreation is a must in Spenard.

  • Fish Creek Park and the Fish Creek Trail offer room for a walk or run through the woods
  • Bring the dogs to burn off some energy in the off-leash area at Connors Bog Park
  • Javier De La Vega Park hosts sports like baseball, softball and soccer
  • The whole family can enjoy some time at the Spenard Community Recreation Center

Residents take their dogs for a walk through the woods at Connors Bog Dog Park.
Residents take their dogs for a walk through the woods at Connors Bog Dog Park.
Views on nice days in Spenard often showcase the beautiful Chugach mountains to the east.
Views on nice days in Spenard often showcase the beautiful Chugach mountains to the east.
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Matthew Atkins
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Landon Gauthier
Photography Contributed By
Landon Gauthier
Taylor Gilbert
Video By
Taylor Gilbert

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

Ted Stevens Anchorage International

7 min drive

Bus

Arctic & 27th Avenue SSW

Bus

Spenard & Valleywood NNE

Bus

Spenard & Wisconsin SSW

Bus

Spenard & Intl Arpt Rd NNE

Bus

Spenard & Lakeshore WNW

Bus

Spenard & 34th Avenue SSW

Bus

Arctic & Tudor SSW

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Spenard neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Spenard US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Spenard Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$335,000
Median Sale Price
$300,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$370,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$230,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
75
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$228

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,981
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Median Year Built
1965
Months of Supply
1.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,643
Below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,278
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,015
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
604
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jan 31
    11am - 2pm

    2060 Wenmatt Cir, Anchorage, AK 99517

    $359,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,243 Sq Ft
    • 2060 Wenmatt Cir
    • New 1 day ago

    Charming West Anchorage home!! Hard to find a standalone home under $400K--especially one with a garage and fenced yard--just minutes from the airport! This well-located West Anchorage home features a sunny south-facing yard with a new cedar fence, custom deck, and storage shed--perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Recent exterior paint adds fresh curb appeal, and a new water heater offerspeace

    Cortney Foos Coldwell Banker Endeavor Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
12,283
Median Age
39
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$67,691
Below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$83,032

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.1%
College Graduates
28.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.6%
% Population in Labor Force
69.8%
On par with the national average
64.9%

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

73 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

73 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

36 / 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
Spenard