Farm Loop

You'll be udder-ly satisfied living in Farm Loop, a Palmer community encompassing miles of pastoral farmland against the majestic Chugach Mountains. "It's a great place to buy land and new construction, and you can still commute easily to Anchorage, which most residents do for work," says Realtor Richelle Killian with Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group.

The area has long been a bedroom community for Anchorage but has recently become a go-to for new construction without the hefty city price tag. You'll find new modern craftsman-style construction and contemporary new builds with geometric flair. There are also established ranches and split levels available in the area, typically tucked away in forest nooks. Most homes here sit on 1 to 4 acres, giving you plenty of privacy and room to spread out. You'll also find larger lots ranging from 5 to 10 acres, perfect for starting a small farm or building facilities for storage or projects. Prices here range from $350,000 for an established home and between $550,000 to $850,000 for new construction. On average, the more land your home sits on, the higher the cost may be.

Students in the area attend the Matanuska-Sisitna School District. "The community also has a fantastic school system, with very highly rated academic programs," Killian adds. Swanson Elementary School serves pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and scored an overall B-plus on its Niche Report Card. Students here benefit from the school's active music program, including an after-school ukelele club for upper grades. At Palmer Junior Middle School, which scored an overall B-minus on Niche. The school supports students with an after-school study club and offers unique activities, like Laser Craft Club and Marksmanship Club. Palmer High School, which serves grades nine through twelve, scored an overall B on Niche and a 7 out of 10 for college readiness on GreatSchools. Students can personalize their education through several academic pathways, including IT, Culinary Arts and Horticulture.

There are ample ways to get outdoors and enjoy nature here, with dozens of lakes where you can camp out during the summer and proximity to the hunting, fishing and hiking available at Chugach State Park. Walby Lake is a popular summertime swimming destination with a public access point where you can picnic, sunbathe, fish or launch a kayak. During the winter, you can also ice skate or ice fish at your leisure. Living here also puts you super close to the mighty Matanuska. This whitewater river is a go-to for rafting, floating and flyfishing. You'll want to remain aware of your surroundings while spending time here, as the forests around the river are home to moose and bears. When you want to get closer to the area's wildlife, visit The Musk Ox Farm, a local animal sanctuary home to dozens of rescued musk oxen.

The Glenn Highway runs along the neighborhood's eastern edge and 45 miles south to Anchorage. You can take the highway to commute to major employers like Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, University of Alaska-Anchorage or Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Anchorage is also where you'll find Anchorage International Airport. In the community, Wolf Lake Airport is a private airport where you can store small aircraft and fly to different areas of the state, which is necessary for those who need to get into the Alaskan bush.

The community is primarily a residential area, but it's close to so many amenities that you won't feel like you're missing out. The Glenn Highway will lead you into Downtown Palmer, where you'll find dining, retail and daily necessities like groceries on Evergreen Avenue. Grab a coffee at Elwood's Drive-Thru, have a dinner date at farm-to-table restaurant Feather and Flour or catch the summer music series at Palmer Alehouse. You can also take the Palmer-Wasilla Highway west into Wasilla to access the area's retail hub, home to big box stores and department stores. Every August, take the Glenn Highway to the Alaska State Fair, where you can camp out or enjoy carnival food, rides, games and attractions for a perfect summer day.

Offering beautiful new construction, excellent schools and proximity to so many indoor and outdoor amenities, Farm Loop is a perfect place to call home.

Written By

Micaela Green

Photography Contributed By

Eli Tye

Video By

Lucas Dyke