Campbell Park - Anchorage, AK

Like the rest of Anchorage, Campbell Park has a relatively short history. The center of the city was not established until the early 1900s, and true expansion into the outlying areas -- including Campbell Park -- did not happen until decades later. The neighborhood was growing steadily in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and when the University of Alaska Anchorage moved into the Consortium Library Building in 1973, expansion accelerated. Campbell Park was officially created in 1982 and named for legendary 1700s-era explorer Sir Joseph Campbell.

Residential areas comprise most of Campbell Park, so locals head to the nearby universities or downtown for museums and theater. Families in the neighborhood look forward to National Trails Day at the Campbell Creek Science Center to the southeast.

As a largely residential neighborhood, Campbell Park does not have many restaurants or nightlife options. If you're in the mood for upscale food, head downtown; if you prefer a quick bite, check out the establishments located along Tudor Road. Most restaurants in the area are casual and reasonably priced.

On a cold Alaskan night, warm up with a spicy meal at Namaste Shangri-La, which serves Himalayan fusion cuisine. Run by a Nepalese couple, the restaurant specializes in fresh, fluffy naan, and homemade curries. Try the chicken tikka masala and the chicken korma. Finish your meal with a spicy chai tea.

Residents who live on the southern side of Campbell Park often order pizza-to-go from Lalo's Pizza Take Out on Lake Otis Parkway. Locals love the fresh-tasting pies and the consistent quality. Satisfy your appetite with a Chef's Mistake pizza and don't miss out on the creamy house potato salad.

Excitement-seeking residents of Campbell Park head west of the Old Seward Highway for lively nightlife options and upscale cocktail bars. If you feel like grabbing a drink closer to home, stop in to the ultra-casual Blue Fox Cocktail Lounge to enjoy a game of darts with your Black Butte beer. The lounge is the only local live music venue; stop in on weekends to hear bands from Anchorage and the surrounding Alaskan communities.

Because Campbell Park is well-connected to the Anchorage public bus network and outdoor trail system, residents have numerous transportation options. Many residents opt to travel by car, particularly during the winter months. You can find free street parking in residential areas and near the businesses on Tudor Road, but pay attention to plowing schedules in the winter. Highway 1 runs along the western edge of the neighborhood, providing quick access to Anchorage and the rest of Alaska.

If you don't have a car, the Anchorage People Mover bus lines 1 and 2 travel north and south through the center of the neighborhood's residential area along Lake Otis Parkway. On the far western side of Campbell Park, line 60 provides a quick connection to the downtown areas.

Active residents of Campbell Creek opt to use non-motorized transportation during the warmer months. For outdoor exercise, bike or walk through the neighborhood on the paved Campbell Creek Trail, which runs across the northern section and into the areas to the east. Many residents use the safe and well-traveled trail to commute to the two universities and two major medical centers to the north. Residents feel safe biking in the neighborhood, although most streets do not have bike lanes.

Forested land takes up approximately half of the Campbell Park neighborhood, providing residents with easy outdoor access. The forest extends up from Far North Bicentennial Park in the neighborhoods to the southeast. In addition to the popular Campbell Creek Trail, residents enjoy the peace and quiet of the Old Rondy Trail.

Two other major parks in the neighborhood provide recreational opportunities for residents. In the summer, bring your inner tube to kid-friendly Campbell Park and launch into Campbell Creek. Warm evenings and weekends find the park filled with picnickers. If you have small children, don't miss the playground at Bancroft Park. It features safe equipment for children between 3 and 5 years old. During Little League season, the park comes to life with regular baseball games. Fitness fans enjoy both parks for their easy access to the Campbell Creek Trail. If you have pets, the closest off-leash areas are located in University Lake Park to the north and Far North Bicentennial Park to the southeast.

In comparison to the city of Anchorage as a whole, Campbell Park offers a lower overall cost of living, partially due to the reasonably-priced food and entertainment options. The cost of living hovers around $57,000 per year, while the average for the city of Anchorage stays closer to $73,000. An average apartment in Campbell Park rents for $1,185 per month. Properties in the area feature a nearly even split between renters and owners.

Shopping options are limited in Campbell Park, but a few stores provide residents with the essentials. Mainstream clothing stores, upscale shops, and full-fledged clothing shopping sit a short drive away in downtown Anchorage. Most of the stores in the neighborhood gather around Tudor Street along the northern border.

Residents of Campbell Park stock up on rugged outdoor gear and work clothing at the family-owned Silva Saddle Western Wear, a small store that also sells a selection of casual clothing. If you're a hunter or an avid outdoors person, enjoy a conversation with the knowledgeable and experienced staff at Great Northern Guns. A welcoming, cabin-like atmosphere and a wide selection make the store a favorite with locals.

The closest major grocery store sits northwest of the neighborhood. Residents who shop at Fred Meyer on Northern Lights Boulevard enjoy the store's large produce selection and friendly staff.