$314,570Average Value$263Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes 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 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Willow, Houston over the last 12 months is $253,000, down 32% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled deep in a serene forest, lies a cleared area for a home or getaway cabin with driveway and electric. This amazing view lot of Willow Creek, surrounded by State land protects your unobstructed views of the Alaska Mountain Range. Live here and enjoy the sounds of cascading water, being surrounded by lush vegetation, and walking the plentiful trails. Come live where nature is your neighbor!
Nestled deep in a serene forest, lies a cleared area for a home or getaway cabin with driveway and electric. This amazing view lot of Willow Creek, surrounded by State land protects your unobstructed views of the Alaska Mountain Range. Live here and enjoy the sounds of cascading water, being surrounded by lush vegetation, and walking the plentiful trails. Come live where nature is your neighbor!
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.
Nestled deep in a serene forest, lies a cleared area for a home or getaway cabin with driveway and electric. This amazing view lot of Willow Creek, surrounded by State land protects your unobstructed views of the Alaska Mountain Range. Live here and enjoy the sounds of cascading water, being surrounded by lush vegetation, and walking the plentiful trails. Come live where nature is your neighbor!
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.
Outdoor getaway on the banks of the Little Susitna! With easy river access, great fishing, and tons of space these two lots have great natural views all around. Remote and tranquil with the comfort of 3 cozy cabins and easy access to Houston, Big Lake, or Wasilla for all your in town needs. This is truly an outdoorsmans retreat! One lot holds all 3 cabins and the other lot is structure
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.
Rare opportunity to own an 80-acre property in Willow, Alaska featuring multiple livable structures, a private airstrip, and convenient access near the Parks Highway. The property is anchored by a custom-built luxury post and beam home using stunning vertical timber and open beams throughout, boasting of geothermal heating system and custom Finnish Soap Stone wood offering quality craftsmanship
Rare opportunity to own your own home filled with comfort and luxury on 3.75 acres of unrestricted lakefront on Crystal Lake in Willow, Alaska, offering a unique combination of paved road access and true Alaska recreation. This property allows for year-round access by road, with the added flexibility of floatplane access directly on the lake and the ability to land a helicopter on-site. Set in a
DREAM AGAIN! Discover your perfect retreat on this private and secluded 10-acre estate, featuring high-end custom touches like maple and cherry cabinetry, granite countertops, and maple wainscoting, the kitchen and dining area boast impressive 9' ceilings and elegant and open design throughout, with separation where it matters, plus energy efficiency! Hardiplank cement siding ensures lasting
Built with high-quality, energy-efficient materials, this home is designed for longevity and low maintenance. Embrace minimalism and simplicity with this custom tiny home/cabin offers a vaulted great-room, sleeping loft, plank floors, stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, full bath with an in-unit laundry center. Rented fully furnished, pets on approval with additional pet
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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.
