$361,045Average Value$251Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
Willow offers an Alaskan outdoors lifestyle north of Anchorage
Willow is a hidden gem in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, offering a lifestyle immersed in the Alaskan wilderness. Located along George Parks Highway about 70 miles north of Anchorage, this rural area is isolated from the more heavily populated parts of the state. It’s at least a 30-minute drive to large stores and restaurants, and people like it that way. If you live in Willow, the spacious lots, nearby rivers and scenic lakes give you plenty of options for enjoying the great outdoors.
Spacious wooded lots give you privacy and access to nature
Custom houses fill the tree-lined streets of Willow. Homes are mostly a mix of cabins and Craftsman styles with plenty of room around them. “You’ve got a lot of space. Lots are bigger, and you have more trees,” says Sheila Monson, a Willow resident and Realtor with Real Broker Wasilla. The lot sizes range from a half-acre to over 200 acres, with most falling within the 2- to 3-acre range, larger than in nearby cities like Wasilla. House prices have a wide range, between the $60,000s and the mid-$600,000s. Undeveloped lots under 1 acre range from $6,000 to the mid-$60,000s, while larger lots cost between $10,000 and the low $200,000s.
Sledding, snowmachining and fishing in the great outdoors
Exploring the Alaskan wilderness is a favorite pastime for Willow residents. “It’s peaceful and quiet. You don’t have the wind. You have colder temperatures in the winter and more snow,” Monson says. “There are hundreds and hundreds of miles of groomed trails.” These trails offer room for activities like snowmachining, dog-sledding and cross-country skiing. Summer brings hiking and biking, as well as fishing for trout and salmon in Willow Creek, the Susitna River or one of the many lakes in the community. If you want to just sit and enjoy the natural beauty, a pullout on Parks Highway offers a scenic view of Mount McKinley, still commonly referred to as Denali among locals.
How to get around Willow
Parks Highway is the main road through Willow, connecting it to larger cities nearby where you’ll find employers and essential services. Wasilla is about 28 miles away, while Anchorage is about a 72-mile drive. The drive to Anchorage typically takes a little over an hour, but Monson says people are willing to commute. The closest hospital is Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, about 35 miles away in Palmer.
Highly rated schools and community gathering spots
Students in Willow will likely attend schools in the Matanuska-Susitna School District, including Willow Elementary School and Houston High School. “The school system out here is fabulous. There are teachers on a waiting list to get into the school system to teach,” Monson says. “Typically, once teachers get in Willow, they stay for the rest of their careers. So you have teachers that are teaching generations of families.” The elementary school also serves as a community gathering spot, with an ice rink in the winter and a pickleball court in the summer. High schoolers can take career and technical education courses in topics like business, health and woodshop.
Utility services for rural homes and snow removal in Willow
Private wells and septic systems are standard in the area. You don’t need to worry about the rural location affecting your internet connection, as multiple companies offer services to Willow with competitive prices. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough provides some essential services, including snowplowing, which is important in a place that can receive over 70 inches of annual snowfall. Here's what you can expect:
School bus routes get plowed first, before collector and secondary roads.
The Borough starts plowing once 4 inches of snow have accumulated.
A 4-inch snowstorm normally takes about 48 hours to clear.
The state maintains some roads, including Parks Highway, which can take up to 18 hours to clear after a storm.
A long drive to get to groceries and supermarkets
Shopping in Willow is limited to a few convenience stores and a hardware store. Burnt Toast is a popular restaurant on Parks Highway, serving burgers, pulled pork and other sandwiches. For more shopping options, you can head about 22 miles southeast to Three Bears, a family-owned grocery and sporting goods chain. Wasilla has a Fred Meyer and Target, about 30 miles away.
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
Are you familiar with the Willow neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Willow
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Willow Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Willow, Houston sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Willow, Houston over the last 12 months is $280,000, down 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Peaceful, relaxing lakefront home on Rainbow Lake. Vaulted ceilings, high quality kitchen cabinets, beautiful quartz countertops, SS appliances including fridge, washer, and dryer. Wood stove fireplace, LVP floors, HRV system, on demand water heater, expansive lighting, gutters. Exterior finish includes lap siding & stone.
This 7.10 acre lot is generously wooded, providing plenty of trees to create a serene and natural atmosphere. Offering tranquility of nature while still being easily accessible. The property has no covenants or restrictions and is nearby access to the river.
Enjoy the peaceful cabin-like setting on the large wrap-around deck. On almost an acre, well treed lot. Home is in the middle of the Willow recreation area, close to many trails. Located just off of Long Lake Rd near Willow Lake! Kitchen & living area downstairs. All bedrooms upstairs. This property is being sold as-is. Do not miss out on this opportunity for sweat equity or investment!
One lot of many that has been Subdivided and ready for recreational use or new construction. Lot(s) boast terrific natural building material, easy access and utilities are in the area. Public Road maintained year. Total of 53 lots for sale! Calling all builders. Some of these lots have views and water frontage.
Discover this 37.38 acre of prime potential land in the growing community of Willow. This expansive parcel offers a rare opportunity for development with electric and shared well already in place. With level ground and easy access the property is ready for your vision. Whether you're looking to subdivide, build your dream estate, or create a multi-use project, the possibilities are endless.
These four lots are Parks frontage approx at mile 81. four lots of many that is Subdivided and ready for recreational use or new construction. Lot(s) boast terrific natural building material, easy access and utilities are in the area. Public Road maintained year. Total of 53 lots for sale! Calling all builders. Some of these lots have views and water frontage.
This 3.86 acre lot represents a great opportunity to own prime, versatile land in a stunning setting. Whether you envision a tranquil residential retreat or a thriving commercial enterprise, it can accommodate your dreams. A back drop of breathtaking natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Willow known for its plentiful snow is great for snow riding, with lots of trails. Near the Sheep Creek Lodge.
46 Acres has 250' feet of frontage on Goose Creek in the northwest corner of acreage. Wooded with a ton of trees. Has 1245' feet of Parks Hwy frontage. Phone and electric along Parks Hwy. Close to Talkeetna, Montana Creek, Sheep Creek, Susitna River. Lots of maps and information available. View and walk this 46 acre site today.
Nearly 4 acres, with power, amidst the many lakes of Willow, not far from Willow Lake, where the Iditarod's official restart takes place. Looking to own a quiet lot to build a private cabin or perhaps a place that offers the feeling of being secluded without being too far from town? You won't want to miss this opportunity!
Kristan ColeThe Kristan Cole Team Branch Office Keller Williams Realty - Alaska Group
120 Acres just north of Willow Creek at Mile 72. Parcel offers lots of privacy and seclusion. Electric and phone along the Parks Highway.Lots of maps and information to view. Walk and view this site today.
Halfway between Wasilla and Talkeetna, 40 Acres of Alaskan wilderness, just minutes from the highway. This mostly cleared lot is about 80% buildable land. 2024 improvements included putting in a proper road, culvert and small bridge across the creek (yes, this is the headwaters of Little Willow Creek). Once a part of a homestead, opportunity awaits for your Sled Dogs, Hunting and Fishing cabin.
Build your home or cabin on this 1.26 acre lot. Electric and gas in the area. Maintained road. Game Unit 14A. Near hunting, fishing, camping, snow machining, trails, Willow Creek Recreation Area. Short drive to Willow businesses. See Plat in Documents tab.
Looking for Lake front property? How about property on 2 lakes!!!!! 1 Of a Kind!! New subdivision on Beautiful Sunbeam Ridge. This lot offers frontage on Sunbeam and Suncrest Lakes. Both allow Floatplane Access, Natural Trout fishing, Canoeing and beautiful views!! Come pick your favorite lot!!! Hard to find property like this with Electricity and Road Access!!!
Excellent opportunity to be away from it all! Downsizing for freedom, this one-bedroom layout maximizes space, while ensuring comfort and functionality within a compact footprint. This tiny home offers a perfect blend of luxury & functionality. Fully furnished unit boasts T&G ceilings, stainless steel appliances, and with in-unit laundry. Private feel with so many great perks of living in
Scott MyersRE/MAX Dynamic Properties - Eagle River Branch
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
