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Big Lake

Big Lake

Neighborhood in Houston, Alaska

Matanuska-Susitna Borough 99652, 99654

$322,547 Average Value
$310 Average Price per Sq Ft
37 Homes For Sale

Rural Alaskan neighborhood with a lake lifestyle

As its name suggests, life in Big Lake is centered around the water. This rural community in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has several natural lakes, including its namesake at the heart of the neighborhood. “A lot of people like to go out there for recreation. There’s a lot of activities on the lake all throughout the year,” says Andrea Roehl, a Realtor with Jack White Real Estate Mat Su. “A lot of times, people like moving out here for privacy, too.” With just 33 people per square mile, living in Big Lake offers a feeling of seclusion and isolation that many seek in the Alaskan countryside. That privacy, combined with outdoor recreation, makes this neighborhood a popular destination for those looking to get away from the nearby cities.
Custom homes in Big Lake are common on wooded lots with lake access.
Custom homes in Big Lake are common on wooded lots with lake access.
Big Lake South State Recreation Site is a great place to go fishing with family and friends.
Big Lake South State Recreation Site is a great place to go fishing with family and friends.
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Privacy and seclusion in Big Lake homes

Big Lake has a broad mix of housing styles, with most homes spanning from the 1980s to 2020s. Cabins and Craftsman houses are among the most common, but new traditional and farmhouse styles are also available. The median lot size is just under one acre, and most homes are on lots covered in dense trees, offering a sense of privacy. Lakefront homes in the neighborhood typically come with private docks, and there are several islands in Big Lake with homes that provide an extra layer of privacy and access to the water. Two and three-bedroom homes can cost between $250,000 and $750,000. Larger homes range from $1.5 million to $2.75 million. Homes in Big Lake commonly have private wells and septic tanks.
Find your perfect lakefront-home in Big Lake and enjoy the culture it provides.
Find your perfect lakefront-home in Big Lake and enjoy the culture it provides.
Craftsman-influenced homes can also be found in Big Lake.
Craftsman-influenced homes can also be found in Big Lake.
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Year-round activity on the lake

Big Lake has 67 miles of shoreline and many recreational options. Big Lake South State Recreation Site is a 22-acre park with campsites, picnic tables and a boat launch. Big Lake North State Recreation Site is on the lake’s north shore and has even more campsites and another boat launch. Both spots are also popular for fishing and swimming. While many homes in the area have private docks, residents without room to store a boat can keep it at Burkeshore Marina on the lake's north shore. The lake freezes during winter, and residents frequently go snowmachining or ice fishing. Fish Creek Park is a small green space operated by the borough that includes a salmon observation deck, playground, volleyball court and horseshoe pits. Indoor recreation is available at the Big Lake Lions Club Recreation Center, which consists of an ice hockey rink and an artificial turf surface.
Gain lake access at the Big Lake North State Recreation Site and enjoy the day on the water.
Gain lake access at the Big Lake North State Recreation Site and enjoy the day on the water.
Fish Creek Park in Big Lake offers plenty of space for everyone.
Fish Creek Park in Big Lake offers plenty of space for everyone.
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Preparing students for the future at Houston High School

Big Lake Elementary School, Houston Middle School and Houston High School each get a C-plus from Niche. The high school serves approximately 350 students and offers several career and technical education pathways, including construction, health, sports medicine and natural resources. The school also participates in the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program, a string of classes that prepare students to study science and engineering in college.
Big Lake Elementary School offers a safe and encouraging environment for all to learn in.
Big Lake Elementary School offers a safe and encouraging environment for all to learn in.
Houston Middle School offers excellent educational opportunities to the youth in the community.
Houston Middle School offers excellent educational opportunities to the youth in the community.
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Commuting around the Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Big Lake is a car-dependent neighborhood connected to nearby cities by Parks Highway. Wasilla is about 14 miles east, while Palmer is about 27 miles away. Wasilla is also home to the closest hospital, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Roehl says some residents commute into Anchorage for work, about a 57-mile drive. The number of commuters has led to changes along Parks Highway. “They’ve recently done improvements to the highway. They put in a new stop light and widened it to four lanes,” Roehl says. Those improvements have been implemented where Big Lake Road meets the highway, helping to improve the traffic flow in the area.

Local breweries and diners around Big Lake

Shopping and dining in Big Lake includes a few locally owned restaurants and a supermarket. Susitna Brewing Company opened on the lakeshore in 2022 and serves craft beer and a typical bar food menu. Locals enjoy the live music and welcoming atmosphere. Big Lake Family Restaurant is a casual diner that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Groceries are available at the local Three Bears store, which has a hardware store attached. There are also a few small convenience stores throughout the community. More shopping and dining are available in nearby Wasilla, including chains like Fred Meyer, Target and Walmart.
Big Lake residents react to a hockey game at Susitna Brewery while eating great food and enjoying live music.
Big Lake residents react to a hockey game at Susitna Brewery while eating great food and enjoying live music.
Big Lake grocery shopping is available at the local Three Bears Alaska store.
Big Lake grocery shopping is available at the local Three Bears Alaska store.
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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Peter Carpenter, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Merrill Field

87 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Big Lake US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Big Lake Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$395,000
Median Sale Price
$355,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$377,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$509,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
89
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$310

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,090
Number of Homes for Sale
37
Median Year Built
1997
Months of Supply
5.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,624
Below the national average
1,933
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,337
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
533
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
40,075

Open Houses

  • Wednesday, Jun 18
    1 - 3pm

    20414 W Lakes Blvd, Wasilla, AK 99623

    $374,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,480 Sq Ft
    • 20414 W Lakes Blvd

    Arrive on freshly paved W Lakes Blvd to the open gate of your private lake vibe! 13.5' X 50' carport with 2 matching dry storages overhead. Separate workshop has electric and small wood stove. Shed has Electric. This Very Well Built home surprises with Extra square footage and Storage space galore. Fresh paint.Dedicated subdivision lake access!

    Sheri Boss Real Estate Brokers of Alaska

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Peter Carpenter, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,130
Median Age
45
Population under 18
21.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$66,480
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$81,392

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94%
College Graduates
18.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.9%
% Population in Labor Force
47.3%
Below the national average
65.1%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

18 / 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.

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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
Big Lake