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Bear Valley

Bear Valley

Neighborhood in Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage Borough 99516

$548,444 Average Value
$332 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

Secluded residential neighborhood on the edge of Anchorage

With a name like Bear Valley, one could assume this neighborhood is far off in the remote reaches of Alaska. But this Anchorage community is surprisingly easy to get to. "It's very accessible for being on the outskirts of town. It has really beautiful views of both the mountains and the Cook Inlet, as well as the city of Anchorage," says Chris Scott, a Realtor with Jack White Real Estate who has sold multiple homes in the area. Hidden away on the hillside of the Chugach Mountains, this residential neighborhood offers an Alaskan wilderness lifestyle within a half hour of downtown Anchorage.

"Alaska-style" homes on the Chugach Mountains hillside

Located just beyond the suburbs of South Anchorage, Bear Valley is a rural neighborhood with dirt roads leading to the hillside homes. Dense pine trees are packed into the properties, adding to the wilderness feel of the community. Many of the houses in the neighborhood are what locals call "Alaska-style" homes, which have elements of Craftsman and log cabin houses, including large decks and windows to enjoy the expansive views. They are often built with wood siding, although many have metal roofs and exteriors. Newer homes in the neighborhood incorporate modern contemporary designs like different angles on the roof and stone accents. Homes built from the 1970s to 2000s typically cost between $250,000 and $700,000. Homes from the 2010s and on cost between $700,000 to $1 million. Buyers should know that Bear Valley experiences some of the strongest winds in the Anchorage area. The neighborhood also receives a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.

It is rare to find homes sitting next to each other in Bear Valley.
It is rare to find homes sitting next to each other in Bear Valley.
Bear Valley homes exhibit a certain mountain style.
Bear Valley homes exhibit a certain mountain style.
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Exploring local trails and city parks

Bear Valley is an ideal neighborhood for those who enjoy the outdoors. The Rabbit Creek Trailhead is about 7 miles from the neighborhood and is the beginning of a 4.4-mile trek. The trail is fairly easy and doesn't require much planning, but it rewards hikers with views of a mountain lake surrounded by 5,000-foot peaks. The Flattop Trailhead is also nearby and is one of Alaska's most-used trails. The hike is just 1.5 miles but has approximately 1,350 feet of elevation gain. On a clear day, hikers can enjoy views of Denali and the Aleutian Islands from Flattop Peak. Those looking for a more typical city park can visit Ray E. Storck Homestead Park on Clarks Road. This public green space has soccer and baseball fields, a playground and a picnic shelter. The soccer fields are open to members of the Alaska Radio Control Society on Sundays to fly remote-controlled planes.

Flattop Peak Trailhead in Bear Valley is a popular destination.
Flattop Peak Trailhead in Bear Valley is a popular destination.
Bear Valley residents enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.
Bear Valley residents enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.
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An easy drive to Anchorage's shopping and dining

While Bear Valley offers a secluded feeling, residents have an easy drive to shopping and dining near Huffman Road. Local coffee chain Kaladi Brothers, located on Industry Way, serves a variety of roasts and breakfast pastries. Southside Bistro is an upscale American restaurant about 7 miles from the neighborhood, serving seafood alongside an extensive wine list. Stores like Walmart and Target are about 10 miles from the neighborhood, and groceries are available at the Carrs on Huffman Park Road.

Bear Valley residents looking for a fancier meal can visit nearby Southside Bistro.
Bear Valley residents looking for a fancier meal can visit nearby Southside Bistro.
National brands are easily available to Bear Valley shoppers.
National brands are easily available to Bear Valley shoppers.
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Main roads and highways lead to Anchorage destinations

Thanks to the area's remote location, there is no public transit in Bear Valley. However, main roads make it easy to drive through the city. "Everything is no more than 30 minutes away. I always say everything is 20 minutes away in Anchorage, but for Bear Valley, it probably tacks on an extra 10 minutes"," says Dar Walden, leader of the Dar Walden Team at Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group, who has worked in the neighborhood. Rabbit Creek Road leads to Seward Highway, which offers a route to downtown, about 15 miles from the neighborhood. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and Providence Alaska Medical Center are also about 15 miles from the community.

Highly rated south Anchorage schools

Students in Bear Valley might attend Bear Valley Elementary School and Goldenview Middle School, each rated an A by Niche. South Anchorage High School, which receives an A-minus rating, serves the neighborhood and has approximately 1,300 students. The school offers several career prep programs, including courses in education, construction and hospitality, plus an Air Force JROTC program.

Many older Bear Valley students attend South Anchorage High School.
Many older Bear Valley students attend South Anchorage High School.
Bear Valley Elementary is a great choice for families with young children.
Bear Valley Elementary is a great choice for families with young children.
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Matthew Atkins
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Anthony Lindsey
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Lindsey
Peter Medawar
Video By
Peter Medawar

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brett Hull, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Merrill Field

29 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Bear Valley US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$483,450
Median Single Family Price
$677,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$332
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Months of Supply
6.00
Median List Price
$662,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-44%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
246
Median Year Built
1985
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,348
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,872
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
964
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
40,946

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brett Hull, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
673
Median Age
44
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$118,749
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$152,200

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.1%
College Graduates
60.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.2%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

9 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Bear Valley