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Salmon Creek

Salmon Creek

Neighborhood in Juneau, Alaska

Juneau Borough 99801

$514,302 Average Value
$340 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

Small neighborhood with salmon runs and mountain views

Named after a fish-filled stream on its east side, Salmon Creek is a picturesque neighborhood along the Glacier Highway, a few miles north of Downtown Juneau. This small area, only a few subdivisions, is surrounded by the Alaskan Boundary Ranges, and Twin Lakes make up the southern portion. Because of these landmarks, the neighborhood’s northern subdivision has some of the most desirable vistas in Juneau. “Mountainside Estates are popular because they have a nice view of the Gastineau Channel and the wetlands,” says Josh Garnick, a Southeast Alaska Realtor who was born and raised in the area. “Prices are pretty competitive, even though it gets more rain than anywhere else in the city.” Additionally, residents have some noise from the highway, and through traffic is pretty common. Salmon Creek lies between downtown and the most populated area of the city, Mendenhall Valley, about 7 miles north.

Dropping a line into Salmon Creek, Twin Lakes

The namesake Salmon Creek runs along the east side of this neighborhood, and it’s a popular fly fishing spot. Anglers compete with local seals for the daily catch from May through July, but the salmon are abundant during this time. The water follows a 7-mile uphill trail that ends at the Salmon Creek Reservoir and Dam. This hydroelectric dam used to be Juneau’s main source of power in the 20th century, but now it serves as a backup. Still, it produces 30 million kilowatt hours each year. The reservoir is much deeper than the creek, so bait fishermen can find trout here. Along the neighborhood’s south side, Twin Lakes provide kayaking and boating opportunities, and the Twin Lakes Trail goes for 2 miles along the water. Twin Lakes Park is on the east side of this path, and its Pooh Bear-themed playground has a rock climbing wall. The Blackerby Ridge Trail starts in this area, too, and it runs 7 miles into the Tongass National Forest. With over 17 million acres, this rainforest covers most of Juneau and the surrounding area; licensed hunting and dispersed camping are permitted.

Salmon Creek
Salmon Creek
Salmon Creek
Salmon Creek
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Homes with lake views, panoramas in Mountainside Estates

Most homes are two-stories built after 1980, and they have views of Twin Lakes, the Gastineau Channel or the Alaskan Boundary Ranges. They usually have a lot of windows and porches for watching the wildlife, and facades are often siding or wood. Since interiors can go over 2,000 square feet, sloping lots are sizeable; covered garages are common, and driveways are paved, unlike the dirt and gravel of Juneau’s more rural areas. Homes on the south side are along the lakes, and as elevation increases, northernmost homes are in Mountainside Estates. This subdivision makes up most of Salmon Creek, and they have panoramas of the channel and wetlands below. New construction and land are available as well. Prices depend on views and build dates, but generally, homes are between $530,000 and $700,000. Sold home prices aren’t disclosed in Alaska, so these numbers are taken from current listings for July 2024. While surrounding wilderness leads to good views, bears are known to visit this area, and trash should be locked up.

Salmon Creek
Salmon Creek
Salmon Creek
Salmon Creek
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Lemon Creek stores and Mendenhall Valley restaurants

The closest stores are about 2 miles north in Lemon Creek. One of the most popular grocery spots in Juneau, Costco offers bulk food for winter; Home Depot is right next door for construction materials. Nearby Breeze-In is a grab-and-go bakery and convenience store, and Alaskan Brewing Co. has served handcrafted beers since 1986. Driving another 2 miles up the Glacier Highway, Mendenhall Valley has more restaurants, and they’re frequented by locals. Donna’s Restaurant is a diner here with classic American food, and Sandbar is a wood-clad pub nearby. The Mendenhall and Nugget Malls offer additional department stores such as Petco and JOANN Fabric and Crafts. Downtown Juneau has even more options, but besides this district’s jobs and events, locals might avoid this busy tourist area.

Salmon Creek
Salmon Creek
Salmon Creek
Salmon Creek
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Events in Auke Bay and Downtown Juneau

Downtown Juneau has a lot of events year-round, but Auke Bay events are mostly locals. This waterside community, about 7 miles from Salmon Creek, has hosted the Golden North Salmon Derby since 1947, and it’s a three-day fishing competition in August. The largest fish were caught in 1957 and 1971, and about the size of a small sheep, they weighed in at 59 pounds. The Juneau Polar Bear Dip takes place on the shore of Auke Recreation Area, where hundreds of people jump into frigid saltwater on New Year’s Day. This unofficial tradition started in 1992, and residents have been shivering ever since. For a mix of tourists and locals, the Fourth of July Parade goes through Downtown Juneau and continues onto Douglas Island, and it’s accompanied by fireworks. The Wearable Art Extravaganza is held at Centennial Hall in September when elaborate costumes celebrate the year’s theme.

Salmon Creek
Salmon Creek
Salmon Creek
Salmon Creek
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Juneau-Borough School District in downtown, the valley

Students can start at Harborview Elementary in Downtown Juneau. This campus is about a 3-mile bus ride from Salmon Creek, but per its name, it has views of the Gastineau Channel. Niche gives it a B-minus. Thunder Mountain Middle is about 7 miles north into Mendenhall Valley, and it was converted from a high school in 2024. The school previously had an A from Niche and ranked in their top 3 public high schools for the state. Back in Downtown Juneau, Juneau-Douglas High gets an A-minus, and its campus is within walking distance of the channel. This school offers Choosing Healthy Options in Cooperative Education (CHOICE), a program for ninth through eleventh graders who need additional academic support; students collaborate with the same faculty members for three years. Funding has changed for the 2024-2025 school year, and it’s uncertain which of Juneau’s schools will remain open. Parents should check with the Juneau-Borough School District for current updates.

Riverbend Elementary School
Riverbend Elementary School
Students attend Thunder Mountain Middle School after graduating elementary school.
Students attend Thunder Mountain Middle School after graduating elementary school.
Juneau-Douglas High School is the only high school for students residing in Juneau, AK.
Juneau-Douglas High School is the only high school for students residing in Juneau, AK.
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Short commutes to Mendenhall Valley, Downtown Juneau

Salmon Creek is about 7 miles from the valley and 3 miles from downtown, so most people drive. Egan Drive and the Glacier Highway run along the south side of the neighborhood; these freeways are synonymous in most cases, but around the lakes, they become two separate roads. Capital Transit buses stop along the Glacier Highway on the north side of the lakes. This route goes to the valley and downtown, but during a summer afternoon, the bus is likely packed with tourists. Early mornings are less crowded for commuters, though. Juneau International Airport is on the south side of the valley, and its commercial planes fly to the Lower 48 and other Alaskan destinations. Barlett Regional Hospital is just south of Salmon Creek, and it’s the only hospital in Juneau. The Auke Bay Ferry Terminal is about 10 miles north, and on a similar note, it’s the only access point to the Alaskan Marine Highway. This water route connects over 30 communities in the state and runs for over 3,500 miles.

Matt Medl
Written By
Matt Medl
Photography Contributed By
Carter Rogers
Mary Desmond
Video By
Mary Desmond

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 neighborhood? Reach out to Gina Pelaia, an experienced agent in this area.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Juneau International

22 min drive

Bus

Glacier HWY And Craig Street

Bus

Glacier HWY & Juneau Pioneers Home

Bus

Glacier HWY And Wire Street (Twin Lakes Playground)

Bus

Glacier HWY And Hooter Lane (Vanderbuilt Hill)

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$529,000
Median Single Family Price
$529,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$323,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$340
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
1
Months of Supply
48.00
Median List Price
$369,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
249
Median Year Built
1985
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,709
Below the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,992
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
891
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,454

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
783
Median Age
45
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$107,777
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$121,711

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.3%
College Graduates
52.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
67''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
64°F
Annual Snowfall
84''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

20 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

4 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

29 / 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.

Reviews

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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
Salmon Creek