South Lakes

Kick back and relax in South Lakes, a Wasilla neighborhood offering budget-friendly homes with plenty of acreage, amenities, and an easy commute to Anchorage. "This is a great place for folks looking to buy land or new construction without the hefty prices," says Realtor Richelle Killian with Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group. "Prices here are more budget-friendly than in Anchorage, but you can still easily commute to the city."

Houses here offer plenty of room to spread out, with larger lots that offer plenty of elbow room. You'll find homes sitting on lots between one and two acres, making it easy to create your perfect homestead. You'll find a mix of ramblers, split levels with cabin-like lumber exteriors, and spacious new construction. Closer to the lakes, you'll also find waterfront homes with private docks so you can fish, swim or boat whenever the mood strikes. Homes prices here range from $300,000 for a rambler, around $500,000 for a split level or new construction and up to $700,000 for a home on the water. On average, the more land your home has, the pricier your new home might be.

Students attend schools within the Matunuska-Sisitna School District, including Cottonwood Creek Elementary. The school scored above average for test scores and student progress on Great Schools. Students here can participate in after-school activities like Chess Club, Math Olympiad and Science Olympiad. Teeland Middle School is rated average for test scores on Great Schools and offers students the chance to get homework and test support with the school's study hall program. The school also provides an after-school Art Adventure program, a Guitar Club and a Math Lab. Grades nine through twelve attend Colony High School, which scored above average for test scores and college readiness on Great Schools. The school provides a comprehensive college and career counseling center that schedules college visits, holds SAT prep courses and offers help with financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

One of the area's perks is your proximity to over a dozen lakes and plenty of outdoor recreation areas. Head to Wasilla Lake or Cottonwood Creek Lake for boating, kayaking and ice fishing. Newcomb Park offers public access to Wasilla Lake, where you can swim, walk along well-maintained trails, have a picnic or take kids to the colorful playground. Cottonwood Creek Park is a favorite for hiking in the area. You can hike along the forested creek, fish, forage and explore. Just make sure you bring plenty of bear spray!

While you'll find that the neighborhood is primarily forest-tucked residences, swathes of woodland and sparkling lakes, you're still reasonably well-connected to Anchorage and commercial amenities. "The neighborhood is mostly home to residents who work in Anchorage, so it's a popular place for commuters," Killian adds. "You're super close to Parks Highway, and you can use it to get to Anchorage in just over 30 minutes." Parks Highway is also where you'll find most of the area's dining and retail. Head to big box stores like Target, Fred Meyer and Petco for all the daily necessities. There are primarily fast-food restaurants here, but you'll also find local favorites like Hacienda Mexican. This colorful Mexican American restaurant is perfect for grabbing tacos and enchiladas when you don't want to cook. When you want a sweet treat, get a baker's dozen at beloved Holy Moley Donuts. For a little more, you can take Parks Highway into Downtown Wasilla, home to more locally owned restaurants, boutiques and breweries. Have a Saturday tasting at Bearpaw River Brewing Company or catch the big game at Tailgaters Sports Bar.

With its spacious new construction, convenient commuting and proximity to indoor and outdoor amenities, South Lakes is a Wasilla neighborhood you'll love to call home.

Written By

Micaela Green

Photography Contributed By

Eli Tye

Video By

Jackson Nacey