Tanaina

Named for the Indigenous Dena’ina Athabascan tribes who occupied the region, the Tanaina neighborhood is a beautiful blend of rich history, luxury homes and ultimate tranquility. Located in Wasilla, the fourth-largest city in Alaska, this rural community offers stunning views of the Alaskan wilderness and a serene lake as its backdrop, combined with abundant suburban amenities. In fact, Niche ranked it the No. 2 best suburb to raise a family in Alaska and No. 1 for its schools.

Tanaina offers single-family, traditional Alaskan cabins, ranch-style homes, tri-levels, elegant modern houses, lakefront homes and sprawling properties secluded from the hustle and bustle. Most homes were built in 2007, ranging from $250,000 to $900,000. However, lakefront properties or those with more land can go for up to $2 million. Properties along Memory Lake are predominantly in the Lake Pointe subdivision, but you can find more affordable homes for around $650,000 that are equally upscale in the Serendipity subdivision. Like most Alaskan neighborhoods, lots are expansive, with the smallest spanning 42,000 square feet, going up to 160 acres. Filled with garden beds, large decks and landscaped patios with firepits, yards offer endless possibilities to entertain, garden or admire wildlife roaming through the neighborhood. Homes boast arctic entryways and spacious multi-car garages for boats, RVS and your other Alaskan toys. Most homes come equipped with triple-paned windows for energy efficiency and thermal insulation, not to mention chalet-style designs – letting in natural light and offering spectacular views of the mountains and Northern Lights. Whether you want to be secluded and surrounded by trees, near the water, or close to city life and schools, the neighborhood boasts homes for every lifestyle. While Tanaina residents enjoy their peace and quiet, the neighborhood is only four miles from downtown Wasilla via the major Parks Highway and seven miles from Wasilla Airport, one of the largest employers.

Served by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, local students attend Tanaina Elementary, Teeland Middle and Wasilla High School. Tanaina Elementary received an overall B from Niche, and Teeland earned an A-minus. The elementary school offers culture nights, a before and after-school program through the Mat-Su YMCA and an annual back-to-school carnival. Achieving an overall B-plus from Niche, Wasilla High holds baseball and cross-country titles and provides a Road Warriors Car Club, Clay Target Team and Science Olympiad.

With the picturesque Memory Lake right within the neighborhood, residents can take a canoe out to paddle around, ice skate in winter, cast a fishing line out to reel in Arctic char, salmon and rainbow trout, or stroll the boat dock and admire the blanket of evergreens and mountain backdrop mirrored in the lake. The neighborhood is also home to Sleepy Hollow Golf Course, a 9-hole course Sleepy Hollow Golf Course to practice their swing amidst the stunning Chugach Mountains backdrop. The course also hosts Monday Night Football parties, an annual trick-or-treat trail, community education programs and golf camps for residents. While there, enjoy a hot slice at The Headless Horseman, where you can help support their mission to employ those with disabilities. Outdoor enthusiasts will also love The Alcantra Sports Complex. Just two miles away, you can play a round of disc golf, hike the looped trail, or practice your game on its baseball or soccer fields.

Locals also love dining at Triple A’s Soulfood, where you can fill up on gumbo, chicken wings, oxtails and classic comfort sides. While Carr’s, the nearest grocery store, is about four miles outside Tanaina along Alaska Route 3, several general stores are within a two-mile drive for necessities.

While Tanaina may be slightly remote and off the beaten path, it has a strong sense of community. The Tanaina Community Council hosts annual holiday celebrations, fundraisers for improvement projects and other events.

A tranquil Alaskan lifestyle awaits in Tanaina.

Written By

Amy David

Photography Contributed By

Eli Tye

Video By

Mallory Nolte