$314,234Average Value$266Average Price per Sq Ft36Homes 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.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Was this overview helpful?
Agents Specializing in this Area
Wendy Bringhurst
Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group of Eagle River
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 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Willow, Houston over the last 12 months is $280,000, down 19% 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!
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.
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. Only 5 Lots Left! Calling all builders. Some of these lots have views.
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!
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. Only 5 Lots Left! Calling all builders. Some of these lots have views.
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 with electric on site Willow known for its plentiful snow is great for snow riding, with lots of trails. Near the Sheep Creek Lodge.
Back on the market! This one is ready to go quickly! 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! No
This unique Alaskan property offers a blend of comfort and equity building potential. Featuring the flexibility to finish the property as you wish and to convert the large living area into a layout that will suit your needs. The home is heated with efficient in-floor heating, a Toyo stove, and a cozy wood stove. The siding will be completed before closing. This partially finished home offers an
Teresa JervisBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Dream Makers
Exquisite Willow Estate. One of the finest! 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
EVERYTHING IS BETTER ON THE LAKE!!! The views. The peace. The solitude. The serenity. Waiting for YOU. Hearing the loons, watching the cranes... RARELY does an offering capture the essence of Alaska luxury as completely as this extraordinary 3.75-acre unrestricted lakefront retreat on Crystal Lake. With over 400 feet of private frontage, year-round paved road access, and the rare ability to
Adorable cabin style 1 bed, 1 bath home available for rent in willow on over 2.5 acres! Well maintained with a carport and W/D in unit. Tenant pays electric, trash services lawn care and snow removal. No pets. BONUS! Owner pays heat. WE DO NOT ACCEPT OR RECEIVE ZILLOW APPLICATIONS, CONTACT US DIRECTLY FOR THE CORRECT LINK TO APPLY. Adorable cabin style 1 bed, 1 bath home available for rent in
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
