$320,979Average Value$304Average Price per Sq Ft21Homes For Sale
Rural Alaskan neighborhood with a lake lifestyle
As its name suggests, life in Big Lake is centered around the water. This rural community in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has several natural lakes, including its namesake at the heart of the neighborhood. “A lot of people like to go out there for recreation. There’s a lot of activities on the lake all throughout the year,” says Andrea Roehl, a Realtor with Jack White Real Estate Mat Su. “A lot of times, people like moving out here for privacy, too.” With just 33 people per square mile, living in Big Lake offers a feeling of seclusion and isolation that many seek in the Alaskan countryside. That privacy, combined with outdoor recreation, makes this neighborhood a popular destination for those looking to get away from the nearby cities.
Year-round activity on the lake
Big Lake has 67 miles of shoreline and many recreational options. Big Lake South State Recreation Site is a 22-acre park with campsites, picnic tables and a boat launch. Big Lake North State Recreation Site is on the lake’s north shore and has even more campsites and another boat launch. Both spots are also popular for fishing and swimming. While many homes in the area have private docks, residents without room to store a boat can keep it at Burkeshore Marina on the lake's north shore. The lake freezes during winter, and residents frequently go snowmachining or ice fishing. Fish Creek Park is a small green space operated by the borough that includes a salmon observation deck, playground, volleyball court and horseshoe pits. Indoor recreation is available at the Big Lake Lions Club Recreation Center, which consists of an ice hockey rink and an artificial turf surface.
Privacy and seclusion in Big Lake homes
Big Lake has a broad mix of housing styles, with most homes spanning from the 1980s to 2020s. Cabins and Craftsman houses are among the most common, but new traditional and farmhouse styles are also available. The median lot size is just under one acre, and most homes are on lots covered in dense trees, offering a sense of privacy. Lakefront homes in the neighborhood typically come with private docks, and there are several islands in Big Lake with homes that provide an extra layer of privacy and access to the water. Two and three-bedroom homes can cost between $250,000 and $750,000. Larger homes range from $1.5 million to $2.75 million. Homes in Big Lake commonly have private wells and septic tanks.
Local breweries and diners around Big Lake
Shopping and dining in Big Lake includes a few locally owned restaurants and a supermarket. Susitna Brewing Company opened on the lakeshore in 2022 and serves craft beer and a typical bar food menu. Locals enjoy the live music and welcoming atmosphere. Big Lake Family Restaurant is a casual diner that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Groceries are available at the local Three Bears store, which has a hardware store attached. There are also a few small convenience stores throughout the community. More shopping and dining are available in nearby Wasilla, including chains like Fred Meyer, Target and Walmart.
Preparing students for the future at Houston High School
Big Lake Elementary School, Houston Middle School and Houston High School each get a C-plus from Niche. The high school serves approximately 350 students and offers several career and technical education pathways, including construction, health, sports medicine and natural resources. The school also participates in the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program, a string of classes that prepare students to study science and engineering in college.
Commuting around the Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Big Lake is a car-dependent neighborhood connected to nearby cities by Parks Highway. Wasilla is about 14 miles east, while Palmer is about 27 miles away. Wasilla is also home to the closest hospital, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Roehl says some residents commute into Anchorage for work, about a 57-mile drive. The number of commuters has led to changes along Parks Highway. “They’ve recently done improvements to the highway. They put in a new stop light and widened it to four lanes,” Roehl says. Those improvements have been implemented where Big Lake Road meets the highway, helping to improve the traffic flow in the area.
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
Andrea Roehl,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Big Lake North State Recreation Site
Boating
Camping
Fishing
Big Lake South State Recreation Site
Boating
Camping
Fishing
Transit
Airport
Merrill Field
87 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Big Lake
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Big Lake, Houston sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Big Lake, Houston over the last 12 months is $428,269, up 29% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Construction Luxury ADA Home on the Bluff fronting Meadow Creek. Watch salmon swim upstream while enjoying mountain views and Northern Lights right from your living room! Perched on a spacious .95 acre lot in The Oasis Condo Development; a secure, gated community with Lake and Creek access.This 2024 Built home takes full advantage of the best views around with a concrete walkway and patio
Kristan ColeThe Kristan Cole Team Branch Office Keller Williams Realty - Alaska Group
Waterfront on Big Lake! With swimmable shoreline right out your front door! Perfect for a weekend retreat, investment property or full-time lake living! This spacious unit features the primary bedroom on the main level, open concept living perfect for entertaining, beautiful soaring windows, a large deck to enjoy all day sun & gorgeous views! An oversize attached 2 CAR GAR. & detached 2 CG.If you
Breathtaking views of Sleeping Lady and Alaska sunsets. Endless hiking trails and world renown snow machining are right out your front door. This 25+ acre lot is ready to build your dream home, weekend getaway cabin or cabin rentals. The possibilities are endless! A level building area has been cleared and driveway put in. Year round maintained road access. The property extends on both sides of W
Property Id: 1562184This cozy studio apartment is ideal for individuals seeking a simple and efficient living space. It includes all essential utilities, along with trash removal and snow removal services for added convenience. The unit features in-floor heating for comfort and a private entrance for increased privacy.While the apartment shares a wall with a neighboring unit, it
NOTE- Please call only between 6am and 3pm Alaska time. At other times send an email with your contact info. $1500 / month. It's on the first floor and unfurnished on Dollar Lake on the southeast side of Big Lake. You'll pay electric, wifi and cable should you want it. Radiant floor heat is included as is use of the washers and dryers. Your electric will only be for your appliances and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrea Roehl,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,130
Median Age
45
Population under 18
21.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$66,480
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$81,392
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94%
College Graduates
18.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.9%
% Population in Labor Force
47.3%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
18/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk 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.
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.
