Goldstream
Neighborhood in Ester, Alaska
Fairbanks North Star Borough 99709
Rural homesteading in Interior Alaska
Most homes are custom built on sizeable, wooded lots, and driveways are dirt or gravel. That’s about all they have in common, though. Single-story cabins can be under 400 square feet; double-wall manufactured homes can be quadruple the size; and with wood-paneled exteriors, two-story estates are even bigger. While square footage is a factor in determining price, buyers in this rural market are usually more concerned with lot size, energy efficiency and septic systems. Elevation is another major determinant, as homes in the valley see colder winters than homes in the hills. “The houses are more spread out, and you have more land than in town, but it’s harder to live out there,” says Eric Tupper, a lifelong local and a Realtor with Powered By Lymburner Realty since 2017. “You might have to dig deep for a well, and a lot of people haul water.” Because each listing has different considerations, prices vary from $100,000 to $750,000. Lots are between one and 20 acres, and they’re available between $30,000 and $380,000. The average property sells after 51 days on the market, slower than the national average of 44 days. A railroad runs through the neighborhood’s west side, but its noise isn’t noticeable from most homes. Easternmost homes are a couple of miles from the Fort Knox Gold Mine, and blasts can sometimes cause a light shaking.Short drives to Fairbanks North Star Borough Schools
Pearl Creek Elementary is just south of the neighborhood, driving toward Fairbanks. Niche gives it a B-plus, and its parent-teacher association coordinates events throughout the year. Farther south into Fairbanks proper, Randy Smith Middle gets a B-minus, and nearby West Valley High gets an A-minus. Niche ranks West Valley as No. 7 for best STEM schools in the state, leading 38 others.A trail network, Peat Ponds and Moose Mountain Ski Resort
Dirt trails — some marked, some unmarked — weave through the neighborhood, and they’re used for everything from dog mushing to mountain biking. Summer hikers can try the O’Connor Ridge and Creek Loop, an almost 15-mile trail through spruce forest and hills. Peat Ponds Wildlife Area is just west of this trail, and it’s a popular spot for birding during spring and fall migration. Covering over 750 acres in the middle of the neighborhood, Moose Mountain Ski Resort is Interior Alaska’s largest alpine ski and snowboard area, and its high elevation caters to advanced alpinists. “It’s the only hill I’ve been to that buses people to the top because there’s no lift,” says Tupper. “You finish your run, hop on the bus and go back up. They cut service off at around negative 20 degrees, I think, but my cutoff is about negative five.” South-facing runs are especially sunny, and the Alaska and White mountain ranges are visible along the horizon. While they’re more touristy, outdoor attractions such as reindeer ranches, equine centers and dog sled tours are also on the neighborhood’s west side.The Turtle Club and Ivory Jacks, drive to Bentley Mall
Goldstream doesn’t have many restaurants, but it does have a few quirky ones. On the east side, The Turtle Club jokes that it’s sophisticated fine dining, but it’s a wood-paneled spot for seafood and prime rib. Its name goes back to World War II when the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Turtles was formed; this order was really just shorthand for an airline pilot drinking club. On the west side, Ivory Jacks is a liquor store, bar and restaurant rolled into one building. “People go there from all over Goldstream,” says Heminger. “It’s one of those places where they just stopped letting people smoke inside. They’ve got free parking, too. That’s a joke because, of course, every restaurant has free parking. But you’ll see that sign everywhere on the glasses and the walls.” A lengthy drive for those on the outskirts of Goldstream, the Bentley Mall has more options, and it’s the main hub for groceries. Safeway, Costco, Fred Meyer and Walmart Supercenter are all here, and department stores are mixed in. Downtown Fairbanks is about 2 miles south of this mall, and it has some of the most popular restaurants in the city.Community events near Goldstream
The American Dog Mushers Association is headquartered just south on Farmers Loop Road, and they hold popular races in the winter. The season culminates in March with the Open North American Championships, which brings mushers from across the continent. Closer to town, the Tanana Valley Farmers Market has fresh produce on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and it runs from May to September. Downtown Fairbanks hosts other events such as Golden Days and the Midnight Sun Festival.Driving on Goldstream Road and other thoroughfares
Goldstream is a big neighborhood that spans 20-plus miles from east to west. Residents need a car to get around and to access grocery stores in Fairbanks. Goldstream Road is the main thoroughfare through the neighborhood’s east side, whereas Murphy Dome Road is used in the west. These thoroughfares connect to Ballaine Road, Sheep Creek Road and state Route 2, which go south into town. The city plows main roads soon after a snowstorm, but side streets can take a few days. Four-wheel drive is recommended, but snow chains aren’t required.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Bobby Desrochers
Responds QuicklyGOLD STANDARD REAL ESTATE SERVICES, LLC
(844) 432-0533
302 Total Sales
9 in Goldstream
$35K - $737K Price Range
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Nic Williams
SUMMIT REALTY GROUP
(907) 917-4726
403 Total Sales
8 in Goldstream
$30K - $370K Price Range
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HEATHER WEBER
SOMERS SOTHEBY'S
(855) 956-2892
164 Total Sales
4 in Goldstream
$81K - $320K Price Range
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Kirk Maynard
NEXTHOME ARCTIC SUN
(844) 293-4488
75 Total Sales
1 in Goldstream
$240,000 Price
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Tracy Linton
Responds QuicklySUMMIT REALTY GROUP
(888) 546-1032
41 Total Sales
2 in Goldstream
$207K - $445K Price Range
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Todd Cook
Responds QuicklyNORTHERN PIONEER REALTY
(888) 619-0124
99 Total Sales
2 in Goldstream
$230K - $507K Price Range
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Goldstream | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 2 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 1 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 2 | 4 |
Robbery | 2 | 4 |
Burglary | 2 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 4 |
Larceny | 1 | 4 |
Crime Score | 2 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Goldstream Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Goldstream, Ester sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Goldstream, Ester over the last 12 months is $325,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
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Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
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.