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Steele Creek

Steele Creek

Neighborhood in Two Rivers, Alaska

Fairbanks North Star Borough 99712

$359,121 Average Value
$199 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes For Sale

Forested, hilly community east of Fairbanks

At first glance, Steele Creek might look like an uninhabited forest. Its rolling hills, though, are home to almost 6,400 people. “It’s kind of far from Fairbanks, but people live out there for a reason. They don’t mind driving to get what they need,” says Eric Tupper, a lifelong Fairbanksian and a Realtor with Powered by Lymburner Realty since 2017. “There’s more open land, and there are fewer covenants and restrictions. A lot of people have horses out there. It’s also very popular for hay farming and dog sledding.” This spacious community stretches about 10 miles from east to west, and Chena Ridge Road is the main route through it. On the south side of this road, land levels out; on the north side, elevation increases, and gravel roads have more of an incline. “You get the best of both worlds out there because of the hills,” says Joe Rafson, a golf professional born and raised in Fairbanks. “It’s warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.”

Exploring the woods outside of town, Chena River

This area doesn’t have many established parks, so most people explore their properties and surrounding forest. Mostly unmarked trails are scattered throughout the neighborhood, and they’re used in winter for dog sledding and cross-country skiing. Birch Hill Recreation Area is on the neighborhood’s west side, and some say its ski trails are some of the best in the state. About 6 miles of these are lighted by solar power, and they’re all maintained by the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks and the city’s parks and recreation department. Just south of the neighborhood, the Chena River flows into Fairbanks, and it’s frequented for kayaking and fishing. Wildlife sightings are common along this river and throughout the neighborhood. Other natural phenomena make an appearance from August through April. “You can see the northern lights better because light pollution is substantially less than in town,” Tupper says. “Everybody has seen the pictures, but it’s a cool experience in person. You get to see them dancing and moving around the sky.”
The Birch Hill Recreation Area has open fields for sports and recreation.
The Birch Hill Recreation Area has open fields for sports and recreation.
The Gold Dredge 8 takes a look back at the mining operation for gold near the Steele Creek area.
The Gold Dredge 8 takes a look back at the mining operation for gold near the Steele Creek area.
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Chena Hot Springs Road and winter weather

Steele Creek is outside of town, disconnected from the city’s bus system and all-paved roads. Most people have four-wheel drive for the gravel roads that carve through the hills. However, Chena Hot Springs Road is paved and mostly flat. It’s the main thoroughfare to get west into town and east into the Two Rivers neighborhood. This two-lane road is marked as low priority by the city’s snowplows and can often be covered in powder after a storm; plows might take a few days to come out. Residents can check the community Facebook page, Chena Hot Springs Road Conditions, before driving. This route connects to state Route 2, which goes south into Fairbanks. From the center of the neighborhood, the drive is about 6 miles.

Homestead living and hillside views

Steele Creek’s housing is characteristic of Fairbanks, with custom-built homes on wooded lots. Properties have a lot of differences between them, but they’re usually in the cabin or traditional style. They could have one or two stories, and most yards have room for gardens or stables. Lots of properties peak out through the trees, almost hidden on long gravel or dirt driveways. On the other hand, some homes are close to the main road, and they’re usually the most budget-friendly option. On flat ground with views blocked by forest, they may have older septic systems or need renovations. These properties range from $45,000 to $275,000. Prices increase with higher elevation, as hillside homes can have clearer mountain views. They’re usually on the neighborhood’s west side. Additionally, they usually have more square footage and bigger lots. They sell between $300,000 and $600,000. The average property sells in 38 days, quicker than the national average of 44 days.
Steele Creek has energy efficient cabins suited for the long winters.
Steele Creek has energy efficient cabins suited for the long winters.
Steele Creek residents looking for more space can look for higher-priced two-story homes.
Steele Creek residents looking for more space can look for higher-priced two-story homes.
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Hot Springs Gas, Larae’s and Fairbanks shops

Hot Springs Gas is toward the middle of the neighborhood, and it’s the only commercial option around here. It sells fuel, of course, but it’s also a liquor and grocery store. While it’s roughly a 5 mile drive east, Larae’s Breads, Pies and Espresso is near the Two Rivers neighborhood. This small restaurant, in addition to serving breakfast, often hosts cookie decorating events on the weekends. More restaurants and shops are available near the Bentley Mall, about 6 miles south of the neighborhood in Fairbanks. Walmart Supercenter, Fred Meyer and Costco are all here, and department stores are mixed in. Downtown Fairbanks is more touristy, but its businesses are just south of here.
Hot Springs Gas is the main stop for locals to fill up on gas and purchase convenience items.
Hot Springs Gas is the main stop for locals to fill up on gas and purchase convenience items.
Steele Creek residents can grab a coffee and dessert at Larae's Breads, Pies and Espresso.
Steele Creek residents can grab a coffee and dessert at Larae's Breads, Pies and Espresso.
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Town drives to Fairbanks North Star Borough Schools

Weller Elementary is on the neighborhood’s east side, near the start of Chena Hot Springs Road. It gets a B from Niche. This campus is about 6 miles north of Tanana Middle, which is closer to town and gets a B-minus. Lathrop High is roughly 3 miles west and gets a B. Its football team has played in the Division II state title game since 2020; they haven’t lost to another Alaska Interior team in that time either.
Weller Elementary School serves 372 students from various neighborhoods in Fairbanks.
Weller Elementary School serves 372 students from various neighborhoods in Fairbanks.
Tanana Middle School in Fairbanks encourages students to succeed.
Tanana Middle School in Fairbanks encourages students to succeed.
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Matt Medl
Written By
Matt Medl
Ling Ge
Photography Contributed By
Ling Ge
Khalil Chisholm
Video By
Khalil Chisholm

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 area? Reach out to Nic Williams, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Fairbanks International

47 min drive

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Steele Creek Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$368,700
Median Sale Price
$360,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$360,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
97
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$199

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,048
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Median Year Built
1986
Months of Supply
1.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,926
On par with the national average
1,933
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
55,321

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,759
Median Age
40
Population under 18
23.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$125,539
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$152,663

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.1%
College Graduates
35.3%
Advanced Degrees
19.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.2%
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
Steele Creek
Nic Williams
SUMMIT REALTY GROUP
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