Jul 5, 2022 | Construction, Government, News The 4-mile stretch of Knik Goose Bay Road to be upgraded (in red) runs through the most populous area in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Work begins this summer on long-awaited improvements to Knik Goose Bay (KGB) Road in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and Granite Construction gets to do the job The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) awarded Granite Construction a $54.5 million contract The company will mobilize for Phase I through July and August The work will reconstruct approximately 4 miles of the road from Centaur Avenue to West Fairview Loop expanding the corridor to a four-lane divided roadway with four-foot inside shoulders and eight-foot outside shoulders and a separated multi-use pathway on the north side stretching from the junction of the Parks Highway and Palmer-Wasilla Highway to the Goose Bay Airport approximately 20 miles away KGB was constructed on its current alignment in 1966 The corridor sees significant congestion and high collision rates due to limited capacity and a high density of driveway access It is the main arterial for the Knik-Fairview area the most populous unincorporated community in all of Alaska with 19,297 residents as of the 2020 census or more than double the population of Wasilla proper Congestion issues are expected to increase future land development in the Point MacKenzie area and continued population growth in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough generally This project is being designed to accommodate both current needs and future capacity increases “Rebuilding KGB Road has been a priority for me as governor and as a resident of the Mat-Su Valley from the day I came into office,” says Governor Mike Dunleavy “The new road will be safer with less congestion for the families living and working all along this corridor.” there will be breaks in the median between every half mile to mile KGB Road has been a designated Traffic Safety Corridor since 2009 due to elevated rates of fatal and major injury crashes Average daily traffic volumes are more than 19,000 vehicles per day near the intersection with Palmer-Wasilla Highway DOT&PF encourages travelers to exercise vigilance when traveling the KGB Road corridor May 1, 2025 | , Shifting from federal government to city government Chad Stovall joins the Anchorage Community Development Authority as Development Director May 1, 2025 | , , , Mat-Su Health Foundation awards $2.6 million in scholarships for residents pursuing health and human services training and degrees Apr 30, 2025 | , , Vitus family of fuel delivery companies secures $37 million in US Department of Agriculture loans for infrastructure expansion From the Digital Edition Spotlights The popular tourist city of Anchorage is located on the Cook Inlet in southern Alaska Anchorage is known for its rich art and music scene Pristine nature surrounds this city which also serves as the gateway to spectacular wilderness destinations Anchorage's residents enjoy a high living standard and the absence of income and sales tax The population density here is only 171 people per sq The city is also home to the Alaska Native Heritage Center which introduces visitors to the rich indigenous heritage of the state Fairbanks enjoys 70 continuous days of daylight from mid-May to mid-July Fairbanks also serves as the gateway to Denali National Park & Preserve Located on the Gastineau Channel and the Alaskan panhandle Juneau is one of Alaska's most famous cities known for its breathtaking surrounding vistas Juneau offers a never-ending supply of attractions It is also one of the least densely populated settlements in the state with only around 12 persons per square mile Juneau is a great whale-watching destination the population of Juneau swells due to the influx of workers employed in the seasonal tourism (especially the cruise ship) industry Winter also opens up winter sports opportunities like skiing in the nearby mountains Knik Fairview is a great place to build a home in Alaska This settlement covers over 84 square miles It hosts around 242 persons per square mile small-town atmosphere and recreational opportunities that Knik-Fairview offers Badger is famous as the location of Fort Wainwright a Fairbanks Army and National Guard station The settlement covers an area of 67 square miles with 289 inhabitants per square mile Located adjacent to Fairbanks and often considered a part of it College is a census-designated place with an area of about 19 square miles and a population density of 588 persons per square mile College is known for its quiet suburban atmosphere and top-graded academic institutions The University of Alaska Fairbanks Police Department and Alaska State Troopers work together to provide police protection in the region College also hosts several beautiful parks that offer much-needed recreation to its residents Meadow Lakes is a scenic settlement surrounded by majestic mountains this place occupies 79 square miles with 126 inhabitants per square mile and hiking are available for residents and visitors of Meadow Lakes and skiing are all also accessible in winter The settlement also serves as the gateway to several state parks and leisure destinations The city of Wasilla was initially the meeting point of the Old Carle Wagon Road and the Alaska Railroad nestled between Wasilla Lake and Lake Lucille It has now developed into a thriving agricultural town Wasilla has a total area of over 13 square miles and a population density of 750 inhabitants per square mile it is a thriving community with much to see and do It serves as the headquarters of the renowned Iditarod Sled Dog Race and is the busy center of the Mat-Su Valley Despite being one of Alaska's fastest-growing regions This tiny place offers some of the greatest hiking Wasilla is known for its beautiful outdoors and vibrant arts and cultural scene is a small settlement of only about 31 square miles but with a relatively high population density of 295 inhabitants per square mile Residents of Tanaina enjoy a rural lifestyle There are several parks and coffee shops in Tanaina Its public schools score above average and are generally good Kalifornsky is a small settlement spread across 70 square miles with a population density of 125 people per square mile The city is home to several parks that serve as recreational venues for the residents and tourism are among the biggest employers in Kalifornsky Despite its harsh weather and terrain that limit its population the state attracts visitors from far and wide Pristine nature surrounds its beautiful cities and towns with a plethora of outdoor activities on offer for all who visit them photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com Privacy Policy | About Our Ads There is no tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi following a preliminary magnitude 7.3 earthquake reported at 8:48 p.m. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports that based on all available data The distance and direction from the quake’s epicenter to nearby locations include the following: Anchorage, AK is a one-of-a-kind city with stunning mountain and water views There are countless things to do in the city whether you spend time hiking through Denali National Park and Preserve and along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and the Flattop Mountain Trail No wonder 288,100 people are living in Anchorage If you’re looking to buy a home in Anchorage, expect to see the median home sale price coming in at $380,000. And if you’re looking to rent an apartment, the average rent in Anchorage is $1,987 But if you’re looking for something a little more remote – we’ve got options to help you find the right area Redfin has rounded up a list of the 5 best Anchorage suburbs to consider living in – and they’re all under a 51 mile drive from the city Let’s check out the towns that made the list Knik-Fairview is the first Anchorage suburb on our list Just about a 51 mile drive away from Anchorage you won’t miss out on what the city has to offer If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to take in the views at Settlers Bay Coastal Park explore the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge The second Anchorage suburb to make our list is Wasilla About 9,100 people live in this Anchorage suburb where you can visit the The Iditarod Museum and explore the downtown Wasilla area with its shops and restaurants Taking the third spot on our list is Tanaina there’s lots of things that make Tanaina a great place to live Make sure to check out Memory Lake and enjoy the scenery and play a round of golf at Sleepy Hollow Golf if you move to Tanaina A little more expensive than Tanaina is Meadow Lakes you can spend time exploring Denali National Park in no time and visit the Museum of Alaska Transportation just outside of town About 44 miles away from downtown Anchorage is Lakes Lakes is a great option to consider moving to this year and birdwatch at Finger Lake State Recreation Site Methodology: Whether a suburb was under a 51-mile drive from downtown Anchorage. Median home sale price data and average rent price from the Redfin Data Center during December 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau Alison is part of the Content Marketing team as a Content Marketing Manager Alison has written a variety of articles ranging from home design tips to housing affordability Alison currently resides in Seattle where you can find her catching a concert or exploring farmers’ markets Her dream home is a cottage-style house with a chef’s kitchen and a cozy room to store and play vinyl records 🇨🇦 Canada Updated January 2020: By searching, you agree to the Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy REDFIN IS COMMITTED TO AND ABIDES BY THE FAIR HOUSING ACT AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ACT. READ REDFIN’S FAIR HOUSING POLICY NY Standard Operating Procedures TREC: Info About Brokerage Services, Consumer Protection Notice please call Redfin Customer Support for help at 1-844-759-7732 Earthquakes are common in Alaska’s Aleutian arc. USGS explains: The Aleutian arc extends approximately 3,000 km [2,000 miles] from the Gulf of Alaska in the east to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the west It marks the region where the Pacific plate subducts [dives below] into the mantle beneath the North America plate This subduction is responsible for the generation of the Aleutian Islands and the deep offshore Aleutian Trench The curvature of the arc results in a westward transition of relative plate motion … accompanied by westward variations in seismic activity Bottom line: Strong earthquake in Aleutian arc region of Alaska on July 26-27, 2015. This region is located on the Pacific Ocean’s so-called ring of fire – where great land plates meet and one dives beneath another – and so is subject to frequent earthquakes We invite you to visit our campaign page to discover why we need your contributions now more than ever to preview an illustration from Guy Ottewell’s great book that we're helping finalize and to learn more about EarthSky’s history “Things are always so much more peaceful when looking up.” We couldn’t agree more we apologize for the popup and greatly appreciate your support To make sure we weren't including rural destinations with very small populations only counties with more than 50,000 people were considered Here's a list of counties where the pace of life is the slowest Talladega County has a total population of 79,828 meaning there are fewer than two places to visit per 1,000 people Pictured, Talladega in Talladega County is famous for its speedway, which appeared in the Will Ferrell movie, "Talladega Nights." has a total population of 107,610 and 497 recreational establishments so there are only about four establishments for every 1,000 people Pictured, Knik-Fairview, which is in the borough, is located on Knik Arm, a waterway that connects to the Gulf of Alaska. The Knik Arm is well known for its many species of wild salmon Yuma County has 212,128 people and just 332 recreational establishments meaning there are fewer than two per 1,000 people Pictured, Yuma is on the US-Mexico border, and is also home to Yuma Territorial Prison an old Wild West-style prison turned state historic park.  Jefferson County has a total population of 68,114 but just 109 recreational establishments Pictured, Pine Bluff, which is in Jefferson County, was affected by the 2019 flood of the Arkansas River which broke a number of high-water records and became one of the costliest natural disasters in the state's history has a total population of 181,827 and has just 173 recreational establishments meaning there's fewer than one for every 1,000 people.  The Naval Air Facility El Centro serves as a training station for pilots in the US Navy.  Pueblo County has 167,529 people and just 479 recreational establishments Pictured, Pueblo has been a steel-producing city since the late 1800s, and is nicknamed "Steel City." The county has a total population of 117,027 and has just 455 recreational establishments meaning there are about four things to do per 1,000 people.  Before the United States was colonized hundreds of years ago, Windham, pictured, was primarily occupied by Algonquian peoples including the Pequot, Mohegan, Narragansett Kent County has a total population of 178,550 and just 715 recreational establishments Florida's Columbia County has a total population of 70,503 and just 149 recreational establishments — about two per 1,000 people Pictured, Lake City, which is in the county, was originally called Alpata Telophka, or Alligator Town Georgia's Liberty County has a total population of 61,497 and just 107 recreational establishments meaning there are about two per 1,000 people.  Pictured, Hinesville is home to Fort Stewart and the 3rd Infantry Division which is the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River Hawaii only has four counties and Honolulu comes bottom with about four recreational establishments per 1,000 people Still, Honolulu is the main gateway to Hawaii and a major international port Idaho's Canyon County has a total population of 223,499 and just 518 recreational establishments A field near the city of Nampa and has the highest concentration in a two-block radius in Idaho Vermilion County has a total population of 76,806 and just 170 recreational establishments Pictured, Danville in Vermilion County is home to the historic Fischer Theatre which was established in 1884 as the city's opera house Indiana's Elkhart County has a total population of 205,560 and just 517 recreational establishments meaning there are fewer than three per 1,000 people Pictured, Elkhart has been dubbed the "RV Capital of the World," and more than 80% of the world's RVs are produced there The county has a total population of 93,533 and just 270 recreational establishments Wyandotte County has a total population of 165,324 and just 443 recreational establishments — fewer than three per 1,000 people In the county, Kansas City — not to be confused with the other Kansas City, in Missouri — is home to the Kansas Speedway Kentucky's Pike County has a total population of 58,402 and 78 recreational establishments Each year, Pikeville, which is in the county, hosts a large festival called Hillbilly Days where everyone dresses up like hillbillies and they raise money for charitable causes Iberia Parish has a total population of 70,941 but just 142 recreational establishments New Iberia has a "Spanish-French-African American-Creole heritage," which can be seen in the city's culture and food Aroostook County has a total population of 67,111 and just 175 recreational establishments Presque Isle, pictured, and Aroostook County residents once built the world's largest scale model of the solar system. Maryland's Allegany County has a total population of 70,975 and just 183 recreational establishments meaning there are fewer than three things to do per 1,000 people Pictured, Cumberland is home to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad which travels through the Allegheny Mountains Hampden County has a total population of 470,406 and 1,482 recreational establishments Pictured is Springfield which was established in 1636 and was the first Springfield in the New World Joseph County has a total population of 61,043 and just 141 recreational establishments Sturgis, pictured, is in the county and has a sister city in Weisloch, Germany established as part of President Eisenhower's People-to-People program has a total population of 96,036 and just 378 recreational establishments Pictured, Elk River, which is in the county, was designated as "Energy City" for Minnesota in 1997 to be the key site of efficient and renewable energy production Jones County has a total population of 68,461 and just 124 recreational establishments Pictured, Laurel, which is in the county, is the site of the HGTV makeover show, "Home Town." Pulaski County has a total population of 52,014 and just 99 recreational establishments Pictured, St Robert is home to the Uranus Fudge Factory. Yellowstone County has a total population of 160,137 and has 798 recreational establishments meaning there are fewer than five things to do per 1,000 people It's home to Billings, which is also called the "City Beneath the Rimrocks," which are the 300-to-800-foot sandstone formations nearby Hall County has a total population of 61,607 and 167 recreational establishments Pictured, Grand Island was known as La Grand Isle by French traders and is one of the largest inland islands in the world Lyon County has a total population of 55,808 and 175 recreational establishments meaning there are about three per 1,000 people Fernley, which is in the county, was home to one of the first Amazon.com centers Hillsborough County has a total population of 55,808 and it has 175 recreational establishments Cumberland County has a total population of 150,972 and 289 recreational establishments meaning there are about two per 1,000 people Welch's Grape Juice was founded in Vineland, which is in the county Eddy County has a total population of 57,900 and 93 recreational establishments Carlsbad Caverns are famous for their incredible underground natural formations The county has a total population of 1,432,132 and has 3,738 recreational establishments which means there are fewer than three things to do per 1,000 people The Bronx, pictured, is widely regarded as the birthplace of hip hop. Columbus County has a total population of 55,655 and 78 recreational establishments Ward County has a total population of 67,744 and 257 recreational establishments meaning there are fewer than four per 1,000 people Pictured is Minot, which is in the county. It has been called the "Magic City" for its remarkable growth in a short period of time Lawrence County has a total population of 59,866 and 85 recreational establishments Ironton pictured, is short for "Iron Town," which relates to the city's long history with Iron Pottawatomie County's total population is 72,679 and it has 158 recreational establishments Pictured is Shawnee, which is about 45 minutes east of Oklahoma City. Douglas County has a total population of 110,283 and has 293 recreational establishments Pictured is Roseburg which is in the county and a part of the Umpqua River Valley in southern Oregon Northumberland County's population is 91,083 and it has 188 recreational establishments is located in the Susquehanna River Valley on the east bank of the Susquehanna River Providence County has a total population of 636,084 and has 3,186 recreational establishments meaning there are about five things to do per 1,000 people — the lowest in the state Pictured, Providence is home to Brown University. Laurens County has a total population of 66,994 and has 131 recreational establishments Pictured, Laurens is named after John Laurens who was an aid to George Washington during the Revolutionary War Lincoln County's population is 58,807 and it has 320 recreational establishments meaning there are about five per 1,000 people — the fewest in the state McMinn County has a total population of 53,285 and has 103 recreational establishments Pictured, Athens which is in the county, was named by Elijah Hurst after he read about the city in Greece Starr County's total population is 64,525 and it has no recreational establishments Pictured, Rio Grande City holds the March temperature record for the United States Box Elder County's population is 54,950 and it has 147 recreational establishments Pictured, Brigham City, which is in the county, is known for its peaches and holds Peach Days after each Labor Day Rutland County has a total population of 58,672 and 333 recreational establishments meaning there are fewer than six per 1,000 people The downtown area of Rutland is on the National Register of Historic Places Henry County has a total population of 50,953 and 101 recreational establishments Henry County sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains Franklin County's total population is 94,347 and it has 165 recreational establishments Pasco is one of the three cities that make up Washington's Tri-Cities Pasco and Kennewick are connected by the Intercity Bride Raleigh County has a total population of 74,254 and has 142 recreational establishments Pictured is Bobcock State Park in Beckley. The city was founded by Alfred Beckley who was the first Clerk of the House of Representatives and the first Librarian of Congress.  Grant County's total population is 51,554 and it has 128 recreational establishments meaning there are about two things to do per 1,000 people Pictured, Platteville is home to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville It was created by the merging of the Mining Trade School and the Normal School Natrona County's total population is 79,115 and it has 361 recreational establishments meaning there are fewer than five per 1,000 people Pictured, Casper in Natrona County has been nicknamed "Oil City" for its oil resources and booming industry, and even has a paper called Oil City News. Alaska is among the less visited destinations in the world for its freezing reputation, but it is also one of the most charming and peaceful places on Earth your trip to Alaska can be whatever you plan it to be Each city in Alaska offers a completely different experience While these suggested cities are not everyone's ideal travel destination these most charming cities in Alaska are full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences and sceneries The capital city of the last frontier, Juneau, is the second largest city in Alaska by area, located along the Gastineau Channel. It is home to some of the largest wilderness tourist attractions overlooking the Pacific Ocean Alaska's third most populous city is a land of hiking trails Juneau is the destination of most cruise ships visiting Alaska The city's main attractions include seeing the northern lights and enjoying unique calming sessions of whale watching natural fascinations include the Mendenhall Glacier the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Area and a surrounding landscape of green ash trees and glacial valleys A trip to Alaska isn’t complete without visiting one of the most popular destinations in the country and perfect city and wildlife scenery balance the city offers many lakes that add to its beauty and natural aesthetic Some of the most popular lakes in Anchorage include Jewel While some are slightly far from the heart of the city others span Anchorage’s downtown area and add a relaxing aura to the busy city center surrounded by the Chugach mountain skyline Seward is one of the most visited cities in Alaska thanks to its rich wildlife of seals Seward is famous for being home to the original beginning of the Iditarod sled trail that links historic destinations often crossed by mushing Northern breed dogs such as the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute are native trailblazers of the Iditarod trail used to transport goods and link communities by mushing them across snow trails Seward is part of the Kenai Peninsula and one of the oldest Alaskan cities Seward enjoys an amazing spacious harbor and has water streams that lead all the way to Bear Creek following in the direction of Seward's Highway 9 A popular stop for everyone entering through the inner north passage Ketchican gained its nickname of "The first city," not for its history but its position as the first city you approach on the route the city lives up to the common Alaskan stereotype of waterfront homes and mountain cabins based on the shore of stunning scenic waterways Ketchikan is one of the best destinations to get the whole Alaskan experience of rainforest landscapes Ketchikan is connected by long waterways throughout the city which is part of the inside Alaskan passage Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in Alaska and in the United States played a crucial part in global trade for Russia at the time Today the city is rich in cultural heritage and antique architecture Michael’s church located downtown Stika and the Russian bishop’s house built in 1842 With a population size similar to Ketchikan the city and borough of Sitka is the largest in the United States Sitka enjoys abundant wildlife and is Alaska’s first capital city on glacial carved mountains facing the Pacific Ocean A diverse city that balances Tlingit Culture and Russian history known for hosting the transfer ceremony when Alaska became part of the United States in 1867 Fairbanks is one of the best tourist site-seeing destinations famous for having breathtaking northern light views Fairbanks sits on the banks of the Chena River north of the Pacific border between Canada and the United States is one of Alaska’s most famous natural hot springs which sits next to the man-made attraction a natural phenomenon ring that belts across the planet’s magnetic poles Fairbanks is a tourist attraction for its nature and wildlife more than anything else located 14 miles from the town of North Pole As the second most populated city in Alaska after Anchorage The quiet city of Knik Fairview is a scenic green town and Alaska’s fourth most populated city with 20,171 residents ranking after Juneau Knik Fairview is a charming getaway from overpopulated cities and a home for naturalists who admire fresh-air forestry attractions a waterway separating the town from the charming city of Anchorage it remains part of the Anchorage Metropolitan Statistical area While the quiet town doesn’t offer much besides vast lands of green and surrounding mountains residents of the city resort to it for its affordability Girdwood is a small romantic town of cabins and snowcap skylines it's best known for its ski resorts and winter snow trails A trip to Gridwood is an activity-intensive experience for jaw-dropping trails on The North Face breathtaking summit views on Mount Alyeska and healing rainforest adventures to the Virgin Creek Falls The small Alaskan tourist attraction offers numerous zipline experiences and a gold panning quest at Crow Creek River’s gold mine is the go-to destination for the ultimate romantic trip and a therapeutic escape from your everyday busy life Due to Alaska not being a common vacation destination there are so many places to explore by yourself Alaskan adventures aren’t appealing to all travelers but those who appreciate nature and wildlife will find these charming cities chilly paradises Geological Survey (USGS) says a 6.7-magnitude earthquake has struck off in an earthquake-prone sparsely populated region off the southwest coast of Alaska The epicenter is approximately 70 miles (110 km) south-southeast of Ugashik – nearly 400 miles (600 km) southwest of Alaska’s largest city Anchorage – with the earthquake’s center estimated at 20 miles (33 km) deep The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that no tsunami was expected There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage No distant #tsunami threat from magnitude 6.8 Alaska #earthquake https://t.co/2tOlRAZzMS #PTWC — NWS PTWC (@NWS_PTWC) May 29, 2015 Details of the quake from USGS follow: Earthquakes are common on this part of Earth which is known to geologists as the Aleutian arc This large volcanic arc consists of a number of active and dormant volcanoes that have formed as a result of subduction – the movement of one great land plate on Earth beneath another the Pacific plate subducts into (dives below) Earth’s mantle beneath the North America plate This subduction is responsible for the many moderate to large earthquakes occurring each year here this region has hosted 12 large earthquakes of greater than 7.5 magnitude including magnitude-8.0 and magnitue-7.9 earthquakes in the Andreanof Islands (1986 and 1996) and a 2003 magnitude-7.8 Rat Islands earthquake Bottom line: A deep earthquake took place 3 a.m The epicenter in the earthquake-prone Aleutian arc 70 miles (110 km) south-southeast of Ugashik Open in NewsBreak|Sign inChoose your location I’ve analyzed the latest Zillow Home Value Index data and compiled this exclusive ranking of Alaska’s top 25 neighborhoods based on February 2025 home valuations The numbers reveal fascinating patterns of wealth distribution and investment potential across the state’s most sought-after communities What stands out immediately is the dramatic price acceleration in certain areas with neighborhoods like Tanaina and Knik-Fairview showing extraordinary 15-year growth trajectories exceeding 70% these premium real estate markets have demonstrated remarkable resilience and appreciation When examining the financial data across different timeframes it becomes clear that the top-tier Alaska neighborhoods have consistently outperformed national averages Let’s explore each area’s valuation journey starting with the most affordable and working our way to Alaska’s luxury property pinnacle Airport Heights has delivered impressive financial returns over the past decade and a half with property values appreciating nearly 48% since 2010 The area’s price-to-income ratio remains among the most favorable in Anchorage attracting a steady stream of first-time homebuyers and investors Located just northeast of downtown Anchorage Airport Heights offers excellent access to employment centers while maintaining a residential atmosphere Northeast has demonstrated stable investment performance with more modest but consistent gains posting a 33.57% fifteen-year appreciation rate The neighborhood’s capitalization rates have historically outperformed many Anchorage submarkets making it a favorite among rental property investors This northeast quadrant of Anchorage balances affordability with proximity to major shopping centers and employment hubs Scenic Foothills has generated remarkable capital appreciation with a 55.79% increase in property values since 2010 Recent transaction data shows accelerating momentum with nearly 20% growth in just the last five years outpacing inflation by a significant margin This eastern Anchorage neighborhood is nestled against the Chugach Mountains offering premium views and recreational access that continues to drive property demand University Area has established itself as a financial safe haven with steady 52.41% appreciation over fifteen years Investor confidence remains high with the latest five-year period delivering an attractive 17.22% return driven partly by limited housing supply in this education-anchored district Situated around the University of Alaska Anchorage this neighborhood benefits from consistent rental demand and institutional stability Knik-Fairview stands out as an investment powerhouse with a staggering 70.79% fifteen-year appreciation rate Recent market acceleration is evident in the 29.24% five-year growth figure representing one of the strongest ROI profiles in the entire state Located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough north of Anchorage this rapidly developing area combines larger lot sizes with more affordable entry points than comparable Anchorage neighborhoods Tanaina has emerged as Alaska’s top-performing mid-priced neighborhood with an exceptional 78.91% value increase since 2010 The latest five-year growth phase has been particularly robust at 36.72% indicating strong market momentum and investor confidence in this submarket This Mat-Su Borough community offers a strategic balance of relatively affordable acquisition costs coupled with outsized appreciation potential Abbott Loop presents a balanced investment profile with 46.77% appreciation over fifteen years and a respectable 14.70% return during the most recent five-year cycle The neighborhood’s price stability metrics indicate lower volatility than many comparable areas appealing to risk-averse investors seeking steady appreciation This south Anchorage district has evolved into a commercial hub while maintaining residential appeal through strategic zoning and development North Lakes has delivered exceptional financial performance with nearly 75% value appreciation since 2010 and accelerating growth of 31.37% in just the last five years The neighborhood’s price-to-rent ratios remain favorable for investors despite the significant appreciation North Lakes combines waterfront properties with affordable entry points compared to similar Anchorage water-adjacent communities Turnagain has maintained robust capital appreciation with a 49.37% increase in valuation since 2010 including 18.42% growth during the most recent market cycle The area’s premium for water-proximate properties has widened over time with Cook Inlet views commanding increasingly higher price differentials This western Anchorage neighborhood occupies a peninsula between Cook Inlet and Knik Arm offering numerous waterfront opportunities that drive its premium positioning Tudor Area presents a more conservative investment trajectory with 39.84% fifteen-year appreciation and a modest 11.89% five-year return reflecting its mature market characteristics The neighborhood maintains pricing stability with lower volatility than many Anchorage submarkets Centrally located in Anchorage along Tudor Road this area’s strategic position between downtown and midtown business districts supports its steady valuation growth Sand Lake has demonstrated strong financial resilience with 52.70% value appreciation since 2010 and a healthy 17.58% growth during the most recent five-year period Lakefront properties in the district command substantial premiums with price-per-square-foot metrics often 30-40% higher than non-waterfront homes This west Anchorage neighborhood is built around its namesake lake with premium properties enjoying water views and recreational access year-round Government Hill shows the most conservative recent growth at just 6.84% over five years though its fifteen-year performance remains solid at 42.87% The neighborhood’s proximity to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson provides strategic investment advantages with reliable demand from military personnel This historic district sits on a bluff north of downtown Anchorage offering views of Mount Susitna and Cook Inlet that support its premium positioning in the market Old Seward-Oceanview has delivered exceptional value growth of nearly 58% since 2010 with the recent five-year period maintaining strong momentum at 17.98% Properties with Turnagain Arm views command substantial premiums often 25-35% higher than comparable inland locations within the same neighborhood This south Anchorage district stretches along Turnagain Arm offering dramatic water and mountain views that drive its premium market position South Addition represents the lowest fifteen-year appreciation rate in our analysis at 25.16% indicating a more mature market with less dramatic pricing fluctuations The neighborhood’s historic character and limited buildable land create scarcity value that supports long-term price stability This historic district adjacent to downtown Anchorage features some of the city’s oldest homes and established tree-lined streets that maintain its desirability despite slower price growth Rogers Park has maintained consistent investment performance with 45.57% appreciation since 2010 and a respectable 17.15% growth over the most recent five-year period The neighborhood’s price-per-square-foot metrics typically run 10-15% higher than Anchorage averages This midtown Anchorage community is known for its tree-lined streets and well-maintained mid-century homes that command premium pricing in the local market Bayshore-Klatt has generated impressive financial returns with 54.28% appreciation over fifteen years and continued strong performance at 18.76% for the most recent five-year cycle Waterfront properties in this district frequently command 40-50% premiums over inland homes creating distinct investment submarkets within the neighborhood Located in southwest Anchorage along Cook Inlet this area offers both waterfront properties and inland homes with excellent access to major transportation corridors Girdwood has emerged as a premier investment opportunity with nearly 66% appreciation since 2010 and accelerating momentum at 28.34% growth over just the past five years The resort community’s seasonal rental potential creates additional investment returns beyond pure appreciation located about 40 miles southeast of Anchorage is home to Alyeska Resort and attracts both permanent residents and vacation property investors Bear Valley has delivered exceptional financial performance with 79.46% appreciation over fifteen years The neighborhood’s larger lot sizes command significant premiums with per-acre valuations increasing faster than overall property values Situated in south Anchorage on the slopes of the Chugach Mountains and stunning views that justify its premium positioning in the market Turnagain Arm has demonstrated strong investment fundamentals with 37.56% ten-year appreciation and continued momentum at 17.63% growth over the most recent five-year period Waterfront properties along this dramatic fjord frequently trade at 2-3 times the per-square-foot value of inland properties in surrounding areas This scenic corridor stretches southeast from Anchorage along the Seward Highway featuring dramatic tidal flats and mountain backdrops that drive premium valuations Huffman-O’Malley has maintained steady capital appreciation with 46.31% fifteen-year growth and recent acceleration to 23.65% over the past five years The neighborhood’s executive homes typically command 20-30% price premiums over comparable properties in adjacent districts Located in south Anchorage at higher elevations this upscale residential area offers larger lots and custom homes with mountain and city views Mid-Hillside presents a more conservative investment profile with 40.82% appreciation over fifteen years though recent momentum has increased to 21.70% growth in the past five years Properties with unobstructed Cook Inlet views command substantial premiums often 25-40% higher than similar homes without premier vistas This upscale south Anchorage neighborhood occupies the middle elevations of the Chugach Mountain foothills offering panoramic views and larger lot sizes South Fork has delivered strong financial returns with 51.67% appreciation since 2010 and accelerating momentum at 24.67% over just the past five years The area’s larger acreage properties have seen particularly strong demand with per-acre valuations increasing approximately 3% faster annually than overall property values Located in Eagle River northeast of Anchorage South Fork features larger lots and custom homes tucked into a mountain valley setting Rabbit Creek has experienced substantial market acceleration with nearly 29% appreciation in just the past five years compared to a more modest 41.74% fifteen-year growth rate Properties over one acre have seen particularly strong demand with lot premiums increasing faster than structure values in this exclusive submarket This prestigious south Anchorage neighborhood sits at higher elevations on the Hillside Hillside East has demonstrated impressive capital appreciation with 44.23% growth since 2010 and accelerating value increases of 28.14% in just the past five years Premium properties in this district typically trade at 2.5-3x the Anchorage median price with price-per-square-foot metrics among the highest in the state This exclusive enclave in southeast Anchorage features larger parcels on the upper elevations of the Chugach foothills offering privacy and stunning views that justify its premium position Basher reigns as Alaska’s most valuable neighborhood with median values exceeding $911,000 and robust appreciation of 43.42% over fifteen years The area’s limited inventory and large-acreage properties have created significant scarcity premiums with recent transactions frequently closing above asking price This exclusive neighborhood is tucked into the eastern edge of Anchorage along the Chugach State Park boundary and expansive natural surroundings that command Alaska’s highest residential valuations The post These are the 25 Most Expensive Neighborhoods to Buy a House In Alaska (as of April 2025) appeared first on Home Stratosphere The post 25 Worst Towns for First-Time Home Buyers in Alaska – According to Recent May 2025 Housing Data appeared first on Home Stratosphere The post 10 Secluded Towns in Southeast Georgia Provide Unique Escapes appeared first on Home Stratosphere all commentary and quotes are from interviews conducted by the author with those mentioned.] judge denied the prosecutor’s attempt to cancel a resentencing petition clearing the way for a potential release of Erik and Lyle Menendez District Attorney Nathan Hochman accused the infamous brothers of telling numerous lies and questioned their self-defense claims The post Here's What $1 Million Will Get You For a House in Alabama (May 2025 – 10 Properties) appeared first on Home Stratosphere Father Knows Best former child star Lauren Chapin will be 80 years old Chapin has faced several personal and professional challenges we’d suggest not trying to skirt the rules when it comes to bringing alcohol onto the ship if you are sailing Carnival Doing so could mean you can’t sail with the line anymore and Joyce DeWitt as roommates sharing an apartment in Santa Monica both Ritter and Sommers have since passed away The post 25 Hidden Gem Suburbs in Arizona Where Homes Still Start Under $350K in 2025 appeared first on Home Stratosphere 3 Bedroom Home with Mountain Views – See the Floor Plan Sq Ft.: 2,493 | Bedrooms: 3 | Bathrooms: 2.5 The post Introducing a 2,493 Sq 3 Bedroom Home with Mountain Views – See the Floor Plan appeared first on Home Stratosphere Some people are broke because they don't earn enough Others stay broke because they keep spending like they’re trying to prove something The post 5 of the Most Expensive Houses Currently on the Market in Texas (May 2025) appeared first on Home Stratosphere the Trump administration has promoted drilling mining and development of public lands while undercutting the science scientists and laws that protect the environmental fabric of the West The president maintains he is pursuing his agenda in the name of national security and a better life for Americans The post The 25 Most Disappointing Hip Suburbs In Alabama According To 2025 Market Data appeared first on Home Stratosphere analysis showsAn analysis by the National Alliance to End Homelessness shows that as many as 9 million people could become homeless if the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development ends rental assistance The post Explore This Spectacular North Texas Estate with Basketball Court Resort-Style Pool and 4-Car Garage appeared first on Home Stratosphere The post 10 Secluded Neighborhoods in New Jersey’s Highlands Waiting to Be Explored appeared first on Home Stratosphere the US State Department has issued urgent travel advisories to US residents about a Mexican destination that is popular with US tourists: Los Cabos / Cabo San Lucas/La Paz in Baja California Sur after court orderWASHINGTON — Millions of immigrants in the country without legal authorization are required as of Friday to register with the U.S Department of Homeland Security after a federal judge rejected advocacy groups’ request to pause the requirement The post 10 Secluded Towns Offer Sweet Escapes in Western Louisiana appeared first on Home Stratosphere Open in NewsBreak|Sign inMountain View When evaluating neighborhoods for their “hip and trendy” qualities we analyze five key criteria that collectively paint a comprehensive picture of what makes an area appealing to modern residents These criteria include Overall Hip & Trendy Score The Overall Hip & Trendy Score encompasses numerous factors including nightlife options and the general perception of “coolness” from both residents and visitors Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Alaska’s least hip and trendy neighborhoods Each metric is measured on a scale of 1-100 with higher numbers indicating better performance in that category Scenic Foothills tops our list of the least worst hip and trendy neighborhoods in Alaska with the highest overall score at 8.90 It also has the best vibrancy (67.65) and walkability (59.17) scores of any neighborhood featured here Despite these relatively strong metrics compared to other neighborhoods on this list its overall hip and trendy score of 8.90 indicates that it still falls short of Alaska’s truly hip and trendy areas The median home price in Scenic Foothills is approximately $357,722 North Lakes East offers moderate urban sophistication but struggles with low vibrancy and a relatively low young singles presence These limitations contribute to an overall hip and trendy score of 8.80 placing it second best on our list despite its significant shortcomings in key areas The median home price in North Lakes East is approximately $247,329 Turnagain shows a stark contrast between its excellent urban sophistication score (73.21) and poor walkability (4.26) While the neighborhood has good cultural amenities and a decent young singles population its limited vibrancy and car-dependent infrastructure prevent it from achieving a truly hip and trendy atmosphere The median home price in Turnagain is approximately $371,737 Kalifornsky has a good young singles presence and moderate urban sophistication but extremely low vibrancy and walkability scores This combination results in a neighborhood with some cultural amenities and a younger demographic that lacks the accessibility and street life that would make it truly hip and trendy The median home price in Kalifornsky is approximately $276,503 Meadow Lakes West scores moderately in urban sophistication but struggles with low vibrancy and very poor walkability With an overall hip and trendy score of 8.34 the neighborhood shows some promise but is significantly limited by its car-dependent infrastructure and lack of street-level energy The median home price in Meadow Lakes West is approximately $385,613 Fort Wainwright presents a unique case with a high young singles score (58.75) but extremely poor performance in all other categories This suggests a neighborhood with a younger demographic that lacks the infrastructure and amenities to support a truly vibrant community life The median home price in Fort Wainwright is approximately $221,651 Tanaina South shows moderate scores across most categories with its best performance in young singles presence the neighborhood lacks the distinctive character and energy that would elevate its hip and trendy status beyond its current score of 7.22 The median home price in Tanaina South is approximately $316,361 Buffalo Soapstone / Farm Loop has decent urban sophistication but extremely low vibrancy and walkability scores These limitations significantly impact the neighborhood’s ability to foster the spontaneous social interactions and street life that contribute to a hip and trendy atmosphere The median home price in Buffalo Soapstone / Farm Loop is approximately $490,863 Knik Heights boasts impressive urban sophistication (84.78) and a good young singles population but lacks the vibrancy and walkability that would make these assets truly accessible and engaging This disconnect results in an overall hip and trendy score of 5.81 suggesting a neighborhood with potential that remains largely unrealized The median home price in Knik Heights is approximately $477,503 Eaglewood / Parkview Terrace presents an interesting case with excellent urban sophistication (81.85) and the best walkability score (30.10) among the neighborhoods on this list its moderate vibrancy and young singles scores combined with other factors not captured in these metrics result in an overall hip and trendy score of just 5.24 The median home price in Eaglewood / Parkview Terrace is approximately $358,704 Nikiski / Salamatof struggles with very low scores across most categories With limited cultural amenities and poor pedestrian infrastructure the neighborhood offers few opportunities for the dynamic social interactions that characterize more hip and trendy areas The median home price in Nikiski / Salamatof is approximately $319,624 Newby Road / Badger East shows moderate scores across most categories but fails to excel in any particular area With an overall hip and trendy score of 5.11 the neighborhood lacks the distinctive character and energy that would make it a destination for those seeking a vibrant community experience The median home price in Newby Road / Badger East is approximately $271,792 Point MacKenzie has a good young singles score but performs poorly in all other categories The combination of low urban sophistication and car-dependency creates a neighborhood that lacks the essential elements of a hip and trendy area The median home price in Point MacKenzie is approximately $343,432 Chugiak demonstrates moderate scores in urban sophistication but is severely limited by its extremely poor walkability score of 1.37 This car-dependency significantly impacts the neighborhood’s ability to foster the street-level energy that contributes to a hip and trendy atmosphere The median home price in Chugiak is approximately $290,734 Eagle River East has the highest urban sophistication score on our list at 88.53 its low vibrancy score and limited walkability prevent these amenities from creating a truly dynamic neighborhood atmosphere resulting in an overall hip and trendy score of just 3.85 The median home price in Eagle River East is approximately $303,456 Hillside East / Mid-Hillside shows a stark contrast between metrics with an impressive urban sophistication score of 82.90 and good young singles presence but extremely poor walkability (1.94) and low vibrancy (18.28) This suggests a neighborhood with cultural amenities that are difficult to access without a car limiting spontaneous exploration and community engagement The median home price in Hillside East / Mid-Hillside is approximately $425,156 Kodiak Station presents an interesting case with a relatively high young singles score (59.47) but poor performance in other categories Its walkability score of just 1.29 is particularly problematic severely limiting the neighborhood’s potential for spontaneous social interactions and street life despite its younger demographic The median home price in Kodiak Station is approximately $235,736 Lakloey-Persinger / Dennis Manor has moderate urban sophistication but suffers from extremely low vibrancy and poor walkability scores These limitations significantly impact its overall hip and trendy rating of 2.78 as the neighborhood lacks the energy and accessibility that characterize more dynamic communities The median home price in Lakloey-Persinger / Dennis Manor is approximately $295,011 Susitna struggles across nearly all metrics with particularly low scores in urban sophistication Despite having a moderate young singles population (44.87) the lack of cultural amenities and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure results in a neighborhood that scores just 2.08 on the hip and trendy scale The median home price in Susitna is approximately $233,487 Knik Fairview East offers relatively good urban sophistication but falls short in nearly every other category With a vibrancy score of only 4.31 and walkability at 2.01 the neighborhood lacks the street life and accessibility that contribute to a hip atmosphere The median home price in Knik Fairview East is approximately $376,780 Two Rivers / Fox area has among the worst walkability scores on our list at just 0.43 Despite having decent urban sophistication and a fair young singles population it suffers from extremely low vibrancy (1.68) contributing to its poor overall hip and trendy score of 1.63 The median home price in Two Rivers / Fox is approximately $482,729 Moose Creek shows an interesting contrast with decent urban sophistication and young singles scores but a very low overall hip and trendy rating of 1.57 This suggests that while there are cultural amenities and a relatively young population the neighborhood lacks the cohesive “cool factor” that makes an area truly hip Its poor walkability continues to be a significant drawback The median home price in Moose Creek is approximately $335,620 Knik Fairview struggles with hip and trendy appeal While it has a moderate young singles population and some urban sophistication its poor walkability score of 4.00 means residents are heavily car-dependent limiting the spontaneous social interactions that contribute to a neighborhood’s vibrancy The median home price in Knik Fairview is approximately $477,149 Tanaina scores slightly better than Basher but still ranks very low on the hip and trendy scale While it has moderate urban sophistication and a presence of young singles its extremely poor walkability score (1.62) and low vibrancy (10.72) severely limit its appeal to those seeking a dynamic neighborhood experience The median home price in Tanaina is approximately $356,108 Basher ranks as the absolute worst hip and trendy neighborhood in Alaska with extremely low scores across all categories With practically non-existent urban sophistication this area lacks the essential elements that contribute to a dynamic community atmosphere The median home price in Basher is approximately $307,707 we used the following for the median home price information: Zillow Research Data Redfin Data Center Realtor.com Research American Housing Survey The post Surprising New Data Defrosts the 25 Least Trendy Neighborhoods in Alaska (as of April 2025) appeared first on Home Stratosphere best known for his big-screen debut in the critically acclaimed box office hit But she refused to reprise the role for a series of TV-reunion movies The post 16 Small American Towns Where Charming Victorian-Era Architecture Still Stands Tall appeared first on Home Stratosphere of Style – 5 Bedrooms and a Must See Floor Plan Sq Ft.: 7,300 | Bedrooms: 5 | Bathrooms: 6 The post Welcome to 7,300 Sq of Style – 5 Bedrooms and a Must See Floor Plan appeared first on Home Stratosphere These 25 Suburbs Have the Fastest-Growing Housing Markets (According to May 2025) .. These 25 Suburbs Have the Fastest-Growing Housing Markets (According to May 2025) appeared first on Home Stratosphere The post 16 Best Towns to Retire in New Jersey - New 2025 Data 2025 Reveals Hidden Gems for Senior Living appeared first on Home Stratosphere Emmy-winning actress Marcia Wallace died at only 70 years old from breast cancer complications (pneumonia and sepsis) Best known as Carol Kester from TV's classic sitcom Wallace was also known for The Simpsons animated series (Fox for which offered her vocal talents as Edna Krabapple Wallace suffered a challenging childhood littered with alcoholic parents who physically abused her she struggled for years with issues of self-esteem and weight The magnitude 4.7 earthquake that struck the Matanuska-Susitna area of Alaska Tuesday is not related to the Redoubt volcano according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) The epicenter of the earthquake was near Big Lake A M 4.6 earthquake occurred roughly 20 miles north of Anchorage at 12:13 PM today (see the Alaska Earthquake Information Center for more information) The earthquake was not related to the volcanic activity © AlaskaReport.com All Rights Reserved.