Susitna North combines rural living and outdoor adventures
Named after the river that flows along its western edge, Susitna North offers secluded living within the boreal forest of southcentral Alaska. “It’s for people looking for a true rural lifestyle,” says Jamison Peters, a Realtor with Valley Market Real Estate, who has more than 15 years of selling experience across the Mat-Su Valley region. “It’s a getaway from the hustle and bustle, and there are a few people who homestead and live off the land or buy recreational cabins.” Beyond its quiet atmosphere, the community is defined by its access to outdoor adventures, from salmon fishing on the Susitna River to dog sledding and ATVing.
Salmon fishing, snow machining and more offer year-round recreation
Five different species of salmon call the Susitna River home. “There is some really good fishing in the area,” Peters says. Susitna Landing Boat Launch & Campground is owned by the state, offering public access onto the river, fish cleaning facilities and campsites. The area also has several freshwater lakes, where waterfront properties often feature private docks for fishing, boating and paddling. “There's lots of dog sledding and snow machining in the winter and ATVing in the summer,” Peters says. Alternatively, local companies like Susitna Sled Dog Adventures and The Reindeer Grove offer more ways to explore Mat-Su Valley’s wilderness.
Cabins and chalet-style homes dominate the market
Evergreen trees line the rural roads of Susitna North, where homebuyers will mostly find cabin and chalet-style properties. Many sit at the end of long driveways, with thick forests as a privacy buffer, while some dot the waterfront on small lakes. Build dates stretch from the late 20th century into the 2020s. “Because it's located in the valley, there is much more developable land available that is easier to build on,” Peters says. Water is primarily sourced from septic tanks, and electricity runs to the lot line. The median sales price is $115,000, less than half the figure in Talkeetna. Off-the-grid weekend cabins start at $20,000; larger homes on plots encompassing up to 80 acres can exceed $500,000. Properties in low-lying areas are at moderate risk for flooding. Matanuska-Susitna Borough’s official website offers relevant resources like flood insurance rate maps.
Coffee, craft beer and birch syrup are sold locally
Brown Bear Espresso gets long lines during the morning rush. The busy drive-up spot serves coffee and breakfast bites, including breakfast and gravy. Denali Brewing Company is another local favorite that serves house-brewed craft beers and ciders. Alaska Birch Syrup & Wild Harvest sells fresh birch syrup and jams. Visitors can also go on guided tasting tours of its sapping facility. Cubby’s Marketplace covers groceries close to home; however, Peters says most will travel to Costco in Anchorage to load up on supplies. Some 60 miles east, Wasilla has Target, Lowe's Home Improvement and other big-box retailers.
State Route 3 supports travel across the region
State Route 3 is the area’s main thoroughfare, running 15 miles north into Talkeetna and 63 miles southeast into Palmer. Anchorage is about 100 miles south, where the nearest commercial flights take off from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Sunshine Community Health Center is located in the community, on Talkeetna Spur Road. The Alaska Railroad runs two-hour 40-minute train rides from Talkeetna to Anchorage once a day from mid-May through mid-September
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District offers virtual learning
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District serves the area and receives a B-plus from Niche. Due to the area’s size and rural setting, the district partnered with Apex Learning to provide students with more learning options. The virtual platform offers classes ranging from core subjects to career and technical education courses, including marketing, animal science and wildland firefighting.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
