Nature meets convenience in Sterling
Sterling is a small community known for fishing and outdoor adventures along the Kenai River. “It’s a great little town, surrounded by wildlife and access to the Kenai River,” says Lisa Roberts, an Alaskan native and Realtor with Realty One Group Aurora. “Someone may choose it over other places because it’s close to the road system.” Some towns on the Kenai Peninsula only have small highways, but Alaska Route 1 cuts through Sterling, providing quicker routes to Anchorage and Soldotna. Though the area feels disconnected from the urban lifestyle and immersed in nature, locals can quickly reach big-box stores and amenities within minutes.
Outdoor adventures center around fishing, boating and camping
The Kenai River and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge anchor Sterling’s recreation scene. These spots are havens for anglers targeting sockeye and king salmon from drift boats or along the banks. The refuge also has numerous campsites and trails, ranging from lowland paths to challenging alpine routes. Morgan’s Landing State Recreation Area and the Izaak Walton State Recreation Site, located at the confluence of the Kenai and Moose rivers, offer similar activities. The Swan Lake Canoe Routes, a 60-mile network of lakes and streams, provide paddling paths for all skill levels. Trips on the canoe routes reveal sightings of moose grazing the wildflowers and striking views of the Kenai Mountain peaks and birch forests. Just across the Kenai River, the Bird Homestead Golf Course has nine holes open to the public.
Single-family properties in a natural Alaskan setting
Housing styles and prices cater to a variety of preferences in Sterling. The market consists of single-family options with ranch-style, log cabin and New Traditional architecture. Most homes sell between $200,000 and $600,000, though the smallest units can start at $60,000, and waterfront properties may exceed $1 million. Narrow gravel roads branch off the main thoroughfares and lead to residential lots. Homes often have a secluded feel beneath the towering spruce and birch trees. The CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, significantly lower than the national average of 4.
Warehouse-style shopping and seasonal dining options off the highway
The commercial development in Sterling consists of bed and breakfasts, fishing lodges and a few restaurants and stores. The community has Three Bears for everyday essentials, and Roberts says most supply shopping is done at Costco. Cook’s Corner connects to a gas station selling hot meals and convenience store items. The area has a few dining options, though Roberts says, “There aren’t a ton of year-round restaurants, so people may go into Soldotna instead.” Locally operated spots include the Bluebird Café, which serves breakfast and brunch on the weekends. The Caribou Caboose sells coffee and ice cream next to the Reindeer Hut, known for its gyros. These two businesses are open seasonally at the Moose Crossing Food Truck Park & Campground and offer outdoor seating on a covered patio.
Students enroll in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Children begin at Sterling Elementary, which scores a C-plus from Niche. Students in higher grades commute to Soldotna, and school buses are available. Skyview Middle earns a B-minus, and Soldotna High has a B. According to Niche, Soldotna High ranks as the No. 1 high school for athletics in the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Soldotna also has private schools, including the Cook Inlet Academy, a B-plus-rated school for kindergarten through 12th grade.
One major thoroughfare connects to bigger cities and healthcare
Alaska Route 1 leads to Anchorage, 137 miles northeast, and Soldotna, around 10 miles west. Kenai is about 20 miles away via Route 1 and the Kenai Spur Highway. Residents are 11 miles from Central Peninsula Hospital, the nearest healthcare center in Soldotna.
