The coastal lifestyle meets convenience in Homer
Homer unfolds along the southwestern coast of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. The city is anchored by the Homer Spit, a narrow piece of land extending into the Kachemak Bay, lined with shops, galleries and weathered boardwalks. “It’s known as the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World, but it offers so much more, from world-class art and food to endless outdoor recreation,” says Homer resident and Associate Broker-in-Charge Gina Pelaia with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “You’ll find artists, fishermen, entrepreneurs, scientists and outdoor enthusiasts living side-by-side.” Additionally, Homer has local shopping and highway access, bringing convenience to an otherwise rugged, natural setting.
A landscape made for recreation on land, water and ice
Outdoor adventures are a significant part of daily life in Homer. “Homer is an outdoor lover’s paradise,” Pelaia says. “Popular activities include hiking, fishing, kayaking, tide pooling and bear viewing.” Kachemak Bay State Park offers remote trails and backcountry camping with glacier views. The surrounding waters lead to Kenai Fjords National Park, a culmination of mountains, ice and beaches with marine wildlife. Bishop’s Beach is a popular spot to relax on the shores, and the Calvin & Coyle Trail winds through forests and meadows, opening up to expansive Kenai Mountain vistas. Karen Hornaday Park, located in town, includes a playground, picnic tables and baseball fields for Little League games. The park also hosts Concerts on the Lawn during the summer. Boaters can launch from the docks at the end of the Spit to reach remote cabins and campgrounds only accessible by boat.
Homes tuck into hillsides with water views
Housing in this community mainly consists of single-family cabins and ranch-style homes, many with views of the bay or set among spruce-covered hillsides. The median price hovers around $450,000, just about the national figure. New Traditional and contemporary builds, often with custom designs, may surpass $1 million. Residential areas don’t follow a traditional grid or suburban pattern. Instead, homes are typically spread out across the landscape off country roads.
A rich food culture and shopping options
Homer offers a range of restaurants, from local spots in town to destination dining accessible by boat. “Homer has a surprisingly impressive culinary scene for a small town,” Pelaia says. Residents can take a water taxi from the main harbor to the Saltry Restaurant in Halibut Cove or the Meandering Goat off China Poot Bay. Farther inland, AJ’s OldTown Steakhouse provides a fine dining experience, and Fat Olive’s specializes in wood-fired pizza. The Homer Spit has bayside restaurants, including Captain Pattie’s Fish House, known for its fresh halibut and Alaskan king crab. Stores like Ulmer's Drug and Hardware and Safeway cover everyday needs without leaving town.
Top-rated schools in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Paul Banks Elementary for prekindergarten through second grade and West Homer Elementary for third through sixth grades both score B-plus ratings on Niche. Homer Middle earns an A-minus, and Homer High has a B-plus. According to Niche, Homer High is the top high school in the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
Traditions and activities celebrate art, wildlife and recreation
Homer's events reflect its creative culture and a strong sense of community. “Whether it’s volunteering, hosting local events or sharing a meal, the people of Homer truly care about their town and each other,” Pelaia says. The annual Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival stands as Alaska’s largest wildlife viewing event, and Salmonfest combines live music with conservation education. The Winter King Salmon Tournament brings anglers out early in the season, and the Peony Celebration holds walking tours of the city’s 25 peony farms. People peruse the galleries during the First Friday art walks every month, and the Bunnell Street Arts Center provides a year-round calendar of exhibits and workshops. The Pratt Museum is the Kenai Peninsula’s only interdisciplinary museum displaying local history and art exhibits.
Traveling the peninsula by boat, car, bus or plane
Despite its remote locale, Homer is well-connected within the region. “Everything in town is fairly close, so getting around is simple and stress-free,” Pelaia says. “We also have the bus company, The Red Eye, that will transport folks to and from Anchorage.” Sterling Highway, known as Alaska Route 1, links the city to the rest of the Kenai Peninsula and to Anchorage, 220 miles northeast. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry system connects Homer to other coastal communities. Homer Airport also offers regional travel to larger cities, including a 35-minute flight to Anchorage.
