$383,423Average Value$254Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Finding peace and quiet in the Alaskan countryside
While the Matanuska-Susitna Valley is one of the fastest-growing areas in Alaska, there are still sections where people can find solitude in the Alaskan wilderness. One such location is Buffalo Soapstone. “Buffalo Soapstone is a little more remote. People buying there are trying to get away from the hustle and bustle. It’s also close to ATV trails and hiking trails,” says Marty Van Diest, a broker at Valley Market Real Estate in nearby Palmer. The area is extremely rural, with a few major roads and several narrow dirt roads leading to the homes. Dense pine trees make up the landscape, adding to the natural feel of the neighborhood, which is about 6.5 miles from the closest city of Palmer.
Trails and recreation areas for four seasons of activity
Buffalo Soapstone is at the foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains and offers easy access to outdoor activity. The Palmer-Moose Creek Trail is a 6-mile trail that can be used year-round. It follows an old railroad track along the Matanuska River and offers views of the water and the Chugach Mountains to the south. The trail is used for hiking, biking and horseback riding during the summer, while cross-country skiing is a popular activity in the winter. The Matanuska River, bordering the southeast of the neighborhood, is great for fishing, kayaking and white water rafting. Nearby is Hatcher Pass, a large recreation area in the Talkeetna Mountains with cross-country skiing areas, hiking trails and a historic gold mine that is open for tours. Palmer has typical city parks, such as A-Moosement Park, a small green space with a playground and picnic shelter. Sherrod Park is the place for sports, with four baseball fields and multiple soccer fields.
Secluded mountainside homes in Buffalo Soapstone
The residential areas of Buffalo Soapstone are rural, with small country roads leading through dense forest. Most lots are at least an acre, with some homes on 2 to 5 acres. The homes are often ranch-style or log cabins, with expansive decks and large windows allowing residents to enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains. Buyers can find homes built as recently as 2024, but many are from the 1980s to 2000s. Most are custom-built, so no two houses in the neighborhood look the same. Homes typically cost between $300,000 and $650,000. Buyers should know the neighborhood has a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
A quick drive to Palmer for local dining
The closest city with any shopping and dining is Palmer, about 6.5 miles from Buffalo Soapstone. Locals can start their day at Vagabond Blues, a casual café serving coffee and pastries for breakfast, plus sandwiches and salads for lunch. Palmer Alehouse is a lively grill serving standard bar food alongside 40 beers on tap. The restaurant also regularly hosts live music. Groceries are available at Carrs or Fred Meyer in Palmer, and there are stores like Target and Walmart in Wasilla, about 17 miles away.
One route through the neighborhood
Due to its remote location, Buffalo Soapstone is a car-dependent neighborhood. “It’s at the foothills of the mountains. It’s just one way in and one way out. There’s not a lot of traffic that goes through there,” says Van Diest. Glenn Highway passes through the community, offering a route to the nearby cities of Palmer and Wasilla. The highway also leads to Anchorage, about a 49-mile drive. The closest hospital to Buffalo Soapstone is Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, about 13 miles away.
Palmer schools prepare students for college and careers
Students in Buffalo Soapstone might attend Sherrod Elementary School, rated a B-plus by Niche; Palmer Middle School, rated a B-minus; and Palmer High School, rated a B. The high school serves approximately 750 students and is the only school in the district to offer the International Baccalaureate program. Students can take IB classes during their junior and senior years and earn college credit. Palmer High also has career and technical education courses in agriculture, business, electronics and welding.
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
Andrea Roehl,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Buffalo Soapstone
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Buffalo Soapstone, Palmer sell after 212 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Buffalo Soapstone, Palmer over the last 12 months is $498,889, up 32% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful, peaceful, tranquil, this well built home has the location and amenities you have been looking for! Great mountain views, close to trails, easy commute to town, fence & Generac installed.Inside you will find a seamless and clean craftsman design with vaulted ceiling and tasteful finishes. Oversized 2 car garage measuring 30 Feet deep and 28 feet wide! Covered front & side decks w/
This stunning 5 bed 3 bath home was extensively remodeled in 2022-2023 including an 874sqft finished basement, new roof, interior & exterior paint, full kitchen remodel, new flooring with in-floor heat, landscaping, 20' Connex box on a gravel pad, 80' x 40' parking pad, new septic, and a new well drilled and tied into the existing well now producing 2K gallons per day!The pictures don't doit
Amazing building lot with views of the Talkeetnas. This lot is flat and useable and is on the main drive as you head down soapstone providing paved access right to your lot.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrea Roehl,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,060
Median Age
41
Population under 18
25.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$91,826
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$115,771
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.5%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
32.7%
Advanced Degrees
10.6%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
21/ 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.
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.
