$353,004Average Value$227Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Abandoned town turned hillside neighborhood
Chena, a mining town right next to Fairbanks, disappeared. That’s what many people thought, at least. After its population decline and eventual collapse in the early 1900s, no ruins or concrete maps existed. It was as if the town had just gotten up and walked away. Written histories, though, detailed the port city’s use of the Tanana River, the construction of a railroad and the tough competition with Fairbanks’ operation. But no one knew exactly where it was. That was until 2013 when a mapping team found century-old notes from a surveyor. Using these notes and a diagram of Interior Alaska’s first railroad, they were able to measure where the town’s buildings and streets once were. Finally, Chena had its place.
Chena Ridge, a hillside neighborhood of roughly 6,000 residents, now surrounds this abandoned site. While the town is gone, its ruggedness remains in thick birch and aspen forests and gravel roads. These sloping routes, dotted with homes and long driveways, weave through the hills and reveal mountain views. “Depending on where you’re located on Chena Ridge, you could have 180 degrees of views of the Alaska Range to the south,” says Justin Heminger with Apex Realty Group, who lives in the neighborhood and has sold in Fairbanks since 2015. “Those views can be tough to get in other neighborhoods. Plus, on your way to work in the morning, you get to watch the sunrise. And on your way back, you get to see the sunset.” Chena Ridge is about 10 miles from town at its southernmost point; at its northernmost, it’s about a quarter mile.
The Chena River winds through Chena Ridge and residents have built their homes along the water.
Chena Ridge features a mixture of homes that offer the privacy with tall vibrant trees.
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Exploring the Alaskan wilderness
Dirt trails cover Chena Ridge’s hills, and they usually cater to advanced hikers. Isberg Recreation Area holds several of these trails in the neighborhood’s northern section. The East Side Upland Trail is one example, a two-mile wooded path with over 300 feet of elevation gain. While bears aren’t common in these forests, other wildlife sightings are frequent. “Moose will go anywhere and everywhere they want to,” says Heminger. “There is no stopping a moose, and even the babies aren’t afraid much of anything. They’re best to be avoided at all costs.” They’re likely down by the Chena and Tanana rivers, too, along the neighborhood’s east side. The Chena flows across Fairbanks and moves south, widening into the Tanana’s muddy water. Both waterways are frequented by kayakers and canoers, and Chena Pump Wayside is a popular spot to drop in. While this neighborhood doesn’t have any established parks, Ester Community Park is about 4 miles north. It has soccer fields and a playground, and the Ester Community Association hosts frequent events around the park’s amphitheater. Ester Fest brings music, food and vendors in August, and Independence Day brings a parade and pig roast.
The Chena River offers Chena Ridge residents serene views of the great outdoors.
Chena Ridge offers plenty of opportunities to view the Northern Lights.
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Hillside homes on the outskirts of Fairbanks
Most homes are on sizeable lots with large gravel driveways, tucked away from the main road. They’re surrounded by trees, so neighbors have some forest in between them. Small cabins are usually on the neighborhood’s south side, farther from town. They might need renovations, and their septic systems might require more maintenance. Rare listings, though, have views of the Alaska Range. They sell between $100,000 and $300,000. On the neighborhood’s north side and closer to Fairbanks, traditional two-stories have more room, and mountain views are more common. They range from $350,000 and $800,000. Homes at the top of this range are usually at the top of the hills; a property’s particular view, Heminger says, is the main determinant for its price. Energy efficiency and lot size are other factors. With one to five acres, lots are priced between $35,000 and $225,000. The average property sells after 56 days on the market, slower than the national average of 44 days.
Some homes high in the hills of Chena Ridge offer views of the vast openness of Fairbanks.
You'll find large cabins in Chena Ridge built along the Chena River with access to the water.
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Driving to Fairbanks North Star Borough Schools
Woodriver Elementary is close to town near the end of Chena Pump Road. It’s walkable from nearby homes and gets a B-minus from Niche. This school is roughly 6 miles west of Ryan Middle, which gets a C-plus. West Valley High is on the north side of town and gets an A-minus. Its career technical education courses include digital photography and engineering design.
Woodriver Elementary School in Fairbanks is home to the Wolf Pups.
Safety is a top priority at West Valley High School in Fairbanks.
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The Pump House and other spots near Fairbanks
The Pump House Restaurant & Saloon is the only restaurant in Chena Ridge, but it’s one of the city’s most popular. With mining décor and Victorian antiques, this place pays homage to the area’s history; the original pump house transported water up the ridge into Ester, but this one transports steaks to tables. Its outdoor patio has frequent live music, and with views of the Chena River, riverboats sometimes pass by full of tourists. “We’ll drop the kayaks at Pioneer Park in Downtown Fairbanks and get off at the pump house to have dinner,” says Heminger. “It’s a great time, especially in summer when it’s 80 or 90 degrees with no humidity.” Closer to town, Lemongrass Thai Restaurant serves big portions of curries, noodles and stir-fries, and it’s next to the pool tables at Red Fox Bar & Grill. Fred Meyer and Safeway are about 2 miles south, and they’re the nearest grocery stores to Chena Ridge. Department stores are on the north side of Fairbanks, toward the Bentley Mall.
Just outside of Chena Ridge is Red Fox Bar & Grill has pool and has a classic American menu.
Lemongrass Thai Restaurant is just outside of Chena Ridge and is a local favorite of Fairbanks.
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Dirt roads and snow in Chena Ridge
Chena Ridge lies on the outskirts of Fairbanks, separate from the city’s bus system and all-paved roads. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are the most common way to the navigate the neighborhood's dirt and gravel routes, but major thoroughfares are paved. Chena Pump Road leads north into town and runs along the Chena River. To the north, Chena Ridge Road runs along the crest of the hills. This latter eventually connects to state Route 3, which goes roughly 3 miles north to Ester. However, winter snow can make it difficult to drive. “The snowplows will be out here as soon as they can,” says Heminger. “But one winter we had 10 inches of snow per day, and the trucks couldn’t keep up. That’s when you see a lot of neighbors taking care of neighbors. You'll see all over Facebook, ‘My friend so-and-so is on XYZ road and needs fuel,’ and soon you’ll have half a dozen people volunteer to help them out.” For flights to the states or abroad, Fairbanks International Airport is just east of the neighborhood.
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Are you familiar with the Chena Ridge neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Chena Ridge
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
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Chena Ridge Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Chena Ridge, Ester sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Chena Ridge, Ester over the last 12 months is $400,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Evelyn ArnottGOLD STANDARD REAL ESTATE SERVICES, LLC
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