Anchorage Real Estate
05-21-2007, 08:24 PM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2007
Position: No more APC 4 me. Quit because of moderation.
Posts: 134
Anchorage Real Estate
Is it a good time to buy in Anchorage?
Also, is it better to buy a condo / apartment somewhere or do single family properties appreciate/hold value better?
We'd really like a nice apartment downtown somewhere with a great view. Do these kind of places even exist up there? High rise apartment type places?
Thanks in advance.
Also, is it better to buy a condo / apartment somewhere or do single family properties appreciate/hold value better?
We'd really like a nice apartment downtown somewhere with a great view. Do these kind of places even exist up there? High rise apartment type places?
Thanks in advance.
05-22-2007, 03:06 AM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2006
Position: Retired
Posts: 3,717
Yup, it's a good time to buy in Anchorage right now, because you can actually see the homes as the 10 feet of snow has melted for the brief summer. But I'd not wait too long, as it will start snowing again sometime next week or the week after.
I'm only kidding of course, but wish you well in your house-hunting. It's a glorious time of year, up there, right now, and for the next 3 months. It's the best.
I'm only kidding of course, but wish you well in your house-hunting. It's a glorious time of year, up there, right now, and for the next 3 months. It's the best.
05-22-2007, 05:46 AM
#3
Line Holder
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Position: Instructor
Posts: 72
Its been awhile
Since I've lived in ANC (2 years ago). Property is expensive compared to the south. We bought a 3BR, 2BA two car GA single family home with very little property for $190K. Our house was backed up in a quite little neighborhood behind Russian Jack park. There are condos downtown that overlook the water but I think that they probably carry a serious price tag to go with them. Due to the airport location I would look in South Anchorage. The schools are generally better and the commute would be easier in the winter. BTW we sold our house for $250K. I am hoping to be back up there in two more years...employer depending
T-1
T-1
05-22-2007, 06:33 AM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: B777 Capt(retired)
Posts: 163
South ANC overpriced
Brown - Since you don't have to drive in to work everyday, I would look in the Eagle River/Chugiak area of the Municipality. You will get a larger lot and pay around 20% less than south anc. Schools are great. South ANC lots are often so small that you will have breakfast with your neighbor separated by a pane of glass. Quite a few homes are available and prices are softer than in recent years.... The"Valley" is another option but the drive to the airport gets a little long.
05-22-2007, 09:01 AM
#5
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Posts: 37
Just closed on a house up there. I bought in South Anchorage, the bottom line on prices is; newer homes are around $200-220 per sq ft, older homes go for around $180-200 per sq ft. I looked up in Eagle River and Chugiac and it is true you get for your money up there. However, I was looking in Jan-Feb and never saw the sun in Eagle River because the town is behind the mountains. I think that would get old in the winter. Also watch out for the traffic. The only way to get from Eagle River to the airport is to drive right through downtown. The traffic gets backed up pretty bad, several times it has taken me up to 30 min waiting at lights.
I'm sure there are some nice Townhomes in the area, but I did not notice any during my search. Nor did I notice any downtown.
I'm sure there are some nice Townhomes in the area, but I did not notice any during my search. Nor did I notice any downtown.
05-22-2007, 09:42 AM
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Posts: 331
what about crash pads and transportation? Is there a public transportation system that will get me to the cargo side or will i need an airport car? Are there lots of crashpads in a good area near food/stores and that type of thing? Sorry for the silly questions but I know nothing about the area and hope to hold it on the next bid...whenever that is...!!
05-22-2007, 01:51 PM
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Posts: 325
Is there a public transportation system that will get me to the cargo side or will i need an airport car? Are there lots of crashpads in a good area near food/stores and that type of thing?
Don't even think of using public trans to get to the cargo side. There is a bus that runs within a 1/4 mile of the UPS/FedEx ramps, but if you miss it,you're screwed. Also, if you are coming back in from SDF, the early AM flights will have you waiting for quite a while to get to your crashpad. Suck it up and buy a decent front wheel drive car and a spare set of studded snow tires and wheels for the winter. You WILL need them. Having a car up there is an absolute necessity. Beats sitting around the pad waiting for the call!
TH1
Don't even think of using public trans to get to the cargo side. There is a bus that runs within a 1/4 mile of the UPS/FedEx ramps, but if you miss it,you're screwed. Also, if you are coming back in from SDF, the early AM flights will have you waiting for quite a while to get to your crashpad. Suck it up and buy a decent front wheel drive car and a spare set of studded snow tires and wheels for the winter. You WILL need them. Having a car up there is an absolute necessity. Beats sitting around the pad waiting for the call!
TH1
05-22-2007, 01:54 PM
#8
On Reserve
Joined APC: May 2007
Position: USAF Fast Mover
Posts: 15
I lived in Eagle River (recently) for three years and absolutely loved it. However, if I had to commute to the airport often, the 45 minute drive would get old. I'd probably live in Anchorage if I moved back and needed to be close to the airport. If you're only commuting a couple times per week, I'd recommend Eagle River.
05-22-2007, 02:01 PM
#9
Gets Off
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Position: Nordskog Industries Field Technician
Posts: 688
Originally Posted by gcsass
what about crash pads and transportation? Is there a public transportation system that will get me to the cargo side or will i need an airport car? Are there lots of crashpads in a good area near food/stores and that type of thing? Sorry for the silly questions but I know nothing about the area and hope to hold it on the next bid...whenever that is...!!
A lot of guys don't have cars and crash at either B&Bs or local motels that provide transportation. The Puffin Inn and Inlet Towers come to mind. These are obviously better options for a line and not a reserve schedule.
Good luck coming to ANC. Unless you're senior and purple, then stay away.
05-22-2007, 02:04 PM
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: Groundlooped and liking it
Posts: 266
It is a good time to buy in the Anchorage area now. There are hundreds of houses for sale in the valley (Palmer and Wasilla) and that's helping to drive down the prices in Eagle River and Chugiak, and Anchorage as well to a lesser extent. In general commuting from the valley takes just under an hour, from Eagle River/Chugiak 35 to 40 minutes outside of rush hour. A lot more bang for your buck in ER/Chugiak. The market seems to have leveled off in the last 3 to 6 months, prices holding relatively steady and not falling any more. Only people on the south side of Eagle River or down and back in the valley don't get the sun in the dead of winter. Most places are safe. I can't imagine not having a car. In 2 weeks you'll want one to sneak off to the numerous fishing holes within an hours drive.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
