I lived in Eagle River for four great years near Alpenglow Elementary. Had a south facing living room--plenty of sun, even in the winter and my house faced the mountain. Traffic was only "bad" during really "bad" weather and then my longest commute to Anchorage was 45 minutes. Normally, 15-20. Not much different than Collierville to the AOC. If I ever go back, it's definitely Eagle River.