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Pleasant Valley

Pleasant Valley

$263,388 Average Value
$259 Average Price per Sq Ft
0 Homes For Sale

Forested community east of Fairbanks’ city lights

Pleasant Valley is a remote, spread-out community, but its people are closer than they might seem. “Everyone is neighborly but still sticks to themselves,” says Justin Heminger with Apex Realty Group, who lives in Fairbanks and has sold in this area since 2015. “You respect other people’s land, but if you need help, they’re going to take care of you. A lot of mushers live in and around that area, too, so there are tons of dog teams out practicing in the winter.” This quiet community, centered on Chena Hot Springs Road, doesn’t get much through traffic, and most residents prefer it that way. With Fairbanks about 25 miles west, there aren’t many commercial businesses other than tour guides and reindeer ranches, and neighbors are often separated by forest. The aurora often peaks between the trees from August to April, as light pollution is minimal compared to the city. The Chena River flows on the neighborhood’s southern side, and elevation increases into the northern hills. These hills lead to Two Rivers, a neighborhood to the west, and it’s often lumped in with Pleasant Valley.

Pleasant Valley has a mixture of homes within the pristine Alaskan landscape.
Pleasant Valley has a mixture of homes within the pristine Alaskan landscape.
Pleasant Valley is a tight-knit community that is also surrounded by nature.
Pleasant Valley is a tight-knit community that is also surrounded by nature.
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Homesteads and large lots in Pleasant Valley

Since Pleasant Valley is far from Fairbanks, most homes out here have to be self-sustainable. Wood stoves, water wells and septic systems are standard in many homes, and depending on their age, some need more maintenance than others. This off-grid living is often what buyers are looking for, though. Forested parcels are probably multiple acres and have separation from neighbors; some lots have room enough for a horse stable or a guest cabin. Properties are mostly on the south side of Chena Hot Springs Road, on flat ground and away from the northern hills. For a small cabin with less land, prices are between $150,000 and $250,000. Bigger homes have more acreage and sell between $280,000 and $425,000. The average property sells in 100 days, slower than the national average of 44 days, and inventory is usually limited.

For affordable options, Pleasant Valley has smaller cabins that are energy efficient.
For affordable options, Pleasant Valley has smaller cabins that are energy efficient.
Pleasant Valley has newer larger homes on large lots with trimmed landscaping.
Pleasant Valley has newer larger homes on large lots with trimmed landscaping.
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Local trail network, close to Chena River State Recreation Area

Dog mushing is one of the most common pastimes in the valley, and sled roads crisscross the neighborhood. Most teams run from January through March, during the snowiest season. Tour companies such as Last Frontier Mushing Co-op and Chena Outdoor Collective offer rides throughout the year, though. Although it’s a 15-mile drive east of the neighborhood, Chena River State Recreation Area is popular for rock climbing, mushing, four-wheeling and everything outdoors. “Every couple of miles, you can find different trails to hike or spots to camp,” Heminger says. “Our family is there pretty much all summer.” Heminger recommends the Mastodon Trail, Angel Rocks Trail and Granite Tors Trail, as these have mountain and creek views. Moose and beavers are another frequent sight in this 400-square-mile park; black bears and grizzlies mostly keep to themselves.

The Chena River State Recreation Area offers recreational opportunities, including rafting.
The Chena River State Recreation Area offers recreational opportunities, including rafting.
Pleasant Valley has marked trails for dog-sledding during the winder season.
Pleasant Valley has marked trails for dog-sledding during the winder season.
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Wagner’s Pizza Bus, Mein Diner and Pleasant Valley Store

A few miles from Chena Hot Springs Road, Wagner’s Pizza Bus is off the beaten path, but its in-demand food often sells out. The red bus is a self-contained kitchen with a stone oven, offering 30 regional styles of pizza and other quick bites. They’re even open during the subzero temperatures of winter, and patrons can wait for their order in a heated tent. Just off Chena Hot Springs Road, Mein Diner serves Old World German food such as pretzels, burgers and schnitzel. Pleasant Valley Store is near this truck, and it’s a locally owned convenience store with gas and snacks. A post office box is here, too, so residents can send and receive mail. Grocers, restaurants and shops are roughly 25 miles away in neighboring North Pole or Fairbanks.

Locals can fill up on gas and buy convenience items at the Pleasant Valley Store.
Locals can fill up on gas and buy convenience items at the Pleasant Valley Store.
Wagner's Pizza Bus is a local favorite in Pleasant Valley for pizza, including Chicago-style.
Wagner's Pizza Bus is a local favorite in Pleasant Valley for pizza, including Chicago-style.
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Events at Pleasant Valley Community Center

Serving both Two Rivers and Pleasant Valley, The Pleasant Valley Community Association coordinates weekly events at their community center. Food Bank Distribution, for instance, is every Tuesday evening, and sometimes volunteers give out over 1,000 pounds of food. Additionally, a community picnic happens on July Fourth, and the community Christmas Party is always the Saturday before Christmas. Residents can create their own events throughout the year, too.

Two Rivers School and North Pole High

Two Rivers School is between the Two Rivers and Pleasant Valley neighborhoods, and it’s the only school for miles. It has about 70 students in kindergarten through eighth grade, and it gets a B-minus from Niche. While it has fewer than 10 teachers, most of them have been there for five-plus years and are teaching in their field of study. North Pole High is likely students’ next step, and it’s roughly 25 miles southwest of Pleasant Valley. In the town of North Pole, this school has about 600 students and gets a B-minus as well.

Two Rivers School has caring teachers and staff to give attention to its students.
Two Rivers School has caring teachers and staff to give attention to its students.
North Pole High School is home to the Patriots.
North Pole High School is home to the Patriots.
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Chena Hot Springs Road and winter conditions

Four-wheel drive cars are the most common form of travel, as roads are typically dirt or gravel. Chena Hot Springs Road is paved, though, and it leads 25 miles west to Fairbanks. City snowplows can take up to 24 hours to come out here after a heavy snowstorm, and farther east toward Chena River Recreation Area, they could take up to 30 hours. A Facebook group called Chena Hot Springs Road Conditions can be checked prior to traveling. This route also connects to Nordale and Badger roads, which go south to North Pole.

Matt Medl
Written By
Matt Medl
Ling Ge
Photography Contributed By
Ling Ge
Francesco Basti
Video By
Francesco Basti

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Schools

Source:
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Transit

Airport

Fairbanks International

63 min drive

Pleasant Valley Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$372,572
Median Sale Price
$372,572
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$372,572
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
1
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$259

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
125
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
1985
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,543
Below the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
72,745

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
491
Median Age
43
Population under 18
19.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$92,499
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$148,002

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
100%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
32.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.6%
% Population in Labor Force
77.7%
Above the national average
65.1%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

4 / 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.

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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
Pleasant Valley