Just thought I'd throw this out there to see if anyone was familiar with the Anchorage area.I have an opportunity to move there this summer and was wondering where to live.I would be working at the airport.Any ideas about Eagle River,South Anchorage,Wasilla(although that seems a long commute),etc...Thank You...Led

Anchorage, land of many stop lights. I would try to live in the south part of town, not up around Eagle or Wasilla. If you plan on being there more than summer, it will be a long commute from those areas during winter. If you are there only during summer, there will be plenty of tourists to avoid on the roads. Spring and fall are the best commute months. I can't tell you specific neighborhoods but the Dimond Road area and greater south part of town has better access to the airport, and to the Kenai Pen. You can be at Bird Creek in minutes, and the streams that don't get talked about much in the Portage area are fairly close to. There are some nice areas right around the airport I would probably take a look at. Then again, if you don't mind some windshield time, it is much more quiet up around Wasilla/Palmer, yet has all the amenities of Anchorage close by.

I'd look at the Jewel Lk. area. It's just south of the Airport. I used to go up there to visit the inlaws and it seemed to be a nice area. I'd live there.
my .02

up around the zoo off o'maley is a nice area.stay away from spenard though

If and I probably am moving it will be permanent.The price of houses is The reason I would consider Wasilla is for the few acres that could be had.Predator how long would it take from Wasilla to the airport in the winter?The area south does look like an easy commute though.

Led, you a pilot? Just curious.

Led,

They do a pretty good job plowing up there but winter means plenty of snow guaranteed. The problem with living up north is there is no 'highway' that goes through Anchorage, only to Anchorage. When you roll in from up north, you come into the main downtown area and then drop down through town to get to International Airport Way (I think thats the name, been a while). I have made that drive in heavy snow and it took a bit. For me, that wouldn't be a big deal if it were rare, but in AK, you can bank on it every year. You might want to recon it a bit before you buy if that is an option. To directly answer your question, I believe it is about 45-60 minutes to get to the valley from the airport. Seems like it was closer to 60 min. That was with nothing on the roads.

Your absolutely correct about affordability. Houses aren't cheap in town.

Krome only on the ground.(Airline Mechanic)Also been lookin at your neck of the woods,Battle Ground

Hey there...We live at Hatchers pass,thats outside of Palmer.My wife works at the airport,It takes her about an hour and 10 mins to get to work.We would rather make the drive then live in Los Anchorage, way to many people.We also live close to some fine fishing in the valley(bird and ship creek suck).As far as snow goes we dont get that much most years,and they do a fine job of keeping the hwy and main roads plowed,but I can see why you all think we get alot,seen the news,looked like alittle snow and ice did a real number to you all down there the other day.Remember Alaska is expensive,good jobs hard to come by,and way to many people.In the summer the population doubles,the tourist act like fools,very dangerous fools!!!!Maybe there wont be that many this year(911)Please,anyone coming up this year,if you see moose, sheep or anyother wildlife please DON'T stop in the middle of the road to get a look,pull over in a safe manner!!One more thing, it's state law if you have 5 or more cars behind you must pull over and let them pass!!Sorry had to vent it's getting close to that time of year.....good luck with you move!

The cool thing about working at the airport is that you will be able to walk (it's that close) to the world's busiest float plane lake. Buddy up with some float plane pilots and you will be able to access prime fishing in no time....

Led, if you like living in close proximaty to your neighbors--5 feet, then Battle Ground is for you. Practically the only housing left is in subdivisions. Luckily I don't live in one of those. It's a rapidly growing city with relatively no expansion room. Keep that in mind for your decision. You'd be working at PDX then, I assume? Pretty crowded airport, lots of changes underway there, some already complete. But, overall, the area is okay. Lot's of fishin' opportunities nearby. Good places to eat. There's even Sandy Blvd in Portland for all those 'other' desires. DJ might know more about that. j/k Good luck on your decision.

Any where near spenard and west 25th, this will put you near Chilkoot Charlie's :p