Bought mine about a month ago, I was in the market for 4 bed so I was looking for a little larger than what you mentioned FliFast. The two areas of South I really liked were Southport, sort of SW, and where I bought which is called Turnagain (at least by realtors), which is the very south part part of Anchorage, east of Seward highway. Not to be confused with Turnagain something else which is up by downtown and is very nice, very spendy and kind of close to the earthquake shear zone from the last big one. I would have gotten something there anyway but couldn't find anything.

Anyway, the stuff I saw in Southport was high $180s square foot (min), construction less than 10 years, quite nice really. One thing I really liked about Southport were the excellent wide bike/walking trails all through the neighborhood. On SE mostly built in 80s which means larger lots, but also older with dated interiors, possible new roof required, etc. I got little rug monkeys so I liked the bigger yards and older trees, etc of an older neighborhood. $/Sq foot was lower on that side as well, sometimes down to lower 160s. Schools in both are good with the edge towards SE--based on test scores which mean whatever it means. The high school on SW is Diamond, actually a well regarded new school, but Diamond neighborhood is pretty hoodish with a horrible reputation, deserved or not.

Hopefully this link will work, police dept there puts out nice graphics showing crime in different neighborhoods broken down by different types of crime.

http://www.muni.org/apd1/stats.cfm

I can't remember the site but you can find a few with school scores without too much trouble. Schools down south in general have pretty good reputations.

I ended up switching realtors midway though due to non-stellar performance of the first one. Was referred to Bob Stanton by a friend, he did a fantastic job. He's out fishing till the 5th, but I recommend him strongly if you're looking. Here's his website.

http://www.anchoragerealestateinfo.com/

One last thought, I was very surprised to find Anchorage is basically out of land, therefore the new construction tends to have tiny, tiny lots. I'm coming from Hawaii and I still thought they were small. I saw some new construction that was just beautiful, but you were living on top of your neighbors and looking through their windows, not my thing.

Man I'm long winded, FliFast I'd be happy to share what little knowledge I may or may not have gained from my nutso fast home hunting trip if you're interested. I'm very happy with what I bought, but by the time the trip was over I was almost ready to buy anything just to end the pain.

Thanks guys for the info. I'm headed back up there on the 10th to house hunt..maybe more questions to follow...Thanks again.
FF

ps. What's wrong with looking in your neighbors windows ???

You making that move ?

Nothing wrong with looking ... as long as you don't get caught ! ;)

Later,CC

:D

Well of course, I really don't like anyone looking in mine...no one gets to watch for free.

When I first moved to Hawaii I rented a really nice house, but they have no yards here. When my neighbors watched TV I could watch right along with them. And hear it. Drove me nuts. When I imagined living in Alaska about the last possibility I considered was the same tight lot lines they have here.

Good luck on the house hunt

I'm trying to sell a 3 BR/2.5 BA in Eagle River...It is definitely a buyer's market...there are tons of houses on the market.

When you get enough posts to send a PM, pass on some pictures of your place.

Fish

fF15freak,

I understand your position having been up there househunting. I saw one street where, I was told, one squadron had 11 houses for sale. Got to say, didn't seem too much like a buyer's market based on listed prices. Not that it makes you feel better. Clearly most military buyers like ER, there are a lot of C17 guys coming up, not to mention a rush of F22 bubbas. It may take longer than you like but I'm confident what you got will be wanted real soon.

Good luck brother.

I might be interested in your place. Do you have an MLS #, address or anything. We will be up there June 20-24.

Haz