Huffman/O' Malley - Anchorage, AK

Originally a company town for the Alaska Railroad, Anchorage gradually evolved into a location comprised of military bases and facilities. Following World War II, the area underwent a significant population boost as military presence and resource development increased in Alaska. Both industries drew residents and their families to the Anchorage bowl. The southern suburb of Huffman/O’Malley saw its largest boom in residents and housing between 1960 and 1980.

The Alaska Zoo on O’Malley Road makes up for the lack of museums or a prominent art scene, while nearby festivals like the Bear Paw Festival in Eagle River enrich the neighborhood with annual activities. The Alaska State Fair, just a short hour's drive north to Palmer, reigns as the most popular of these events.

For a quiet neighborhood with mostly residential properties, the Huffman/O’Malley area packs in plenty of flavor along the strip of land that runs between Old Seward Highway and Seward Highway. The hands-down best of these restaurants is Southside Bistro on Huffman Park Drive. This upscale establishment features a diverse wine list and fresh seafood, though locals say the flavor of the Scandinavian duck will leave you speechless. Start with the scallops submerged in a tomato cream sauce before chowing down on delicate pieces of filet mignon. Prices add up quickly, but one bite of the silky flourless chocolate cake will have you handing over your credit card in no time.

For a more affordable and low-key meal, head to Southside Grill on Old Seward Highway for breakfast or lunch. The classic diner environment and simple food draw customers in, but pancakes so fluffy and sweet they don’t need syrup keep them coming back. If it’s too late for coffee and French toast, order the Spanish skillet for a zesty blend of peppers and onions over melted cheddar cheese, all atop a pair of fried eggs. Stay through breakfast and grab your lunch to go for a day of meals that won’t disappoint.

Grab an afternoon drink at Firetap for the best of O’Malley’s local brews. This brewhouse, just off O’Malley Road, proudly serves 36 tap handles of Alaskan beer in addition to local and imported drinks by the bottle. Locals suggest the Moose’s Tooth apple beer or a bloody mary with Firetap’s smoked-salmon vodka. No matter which drink you choose, you can’t go wrong, although locals say it’s best to skip dinner here unless you order the reputed calzone. The prices, selection and unique liquors make Firetap best for drinks, especially on nights when live bands light up the small interior stage.

Timeout Lounge, just north of Huffman/O’Malley on Old Seward Highway brings live bands to perform as well. Locals can also partake in holiday celebrations and karaoke at this popular dive bar.

Transportation options in the neighborhood are dictated by a combination of distance, weather and availability. Residents most typically drive, reserving walking for parks or short neighborhood strolls. Nearly 75 percent of residents choose driving as their primary means of transportation, while another 13 percent carpool. The roughly 19 restaurants and businesses located in the neighborhood require a car to access, which means free parking is easy to find.

Use Uber to schedule rides ahead of time, or call Alaska Yellow Cab to arrange your trip. Bicycles venture almost as many places as cars, as several trails, dedicated lanes and bike-friendly roads lace the neighborhood and its surrounding area. In addition to the Seward Highway, the Walter J. Hickel Parkway runs from O’Malley Road to the heart of Anchorage, though residents must take Alaska-1 for any significant distances north or south.

While its location slightly west of Alaska’s vast Chucgach State Park makes the Huffman/O’Malley neighborhood almost a park itself, there are no designated green spaces within the neighborhood boundaries. Less than a mile west off Seward highways lies the McHugh Creek area of the state park. Winding trails make this a prime location for joggers, especially since the paths twist along picturesque hills with water views and a curtain of mountains as far as you can see. Locals say the park signs get confusing, so print a map before heading out with children or pets. Regular patrons of this park advise first-time visitors to check out the waterfall connected to the $5 parking lot before heading into the woods.

For an easier walk with equally beautiful sites, head south to the Potter Marsh Wildlife Boardwalk on 154th Avenue. This breathtaking spot lets you soak in the best of nature without worrying about losing your way on the hiking trails. The boardwalk extends 1,550 feet into the marsh and across watery openings where locals say you can glimpse bald eagles and geese. Both dogs on leashes and children are welcome, although regulars say keeping quiet is key to a peaceful saunter into the marsh.

Living amid the scenic landscapes and exceptional schools in Huffman/O’Malley comes with a high price tag. In general, the cost of living is nearly 17 percent higher than Anchorage’s average. The typical costs of goods remain comparable to other areas in the city; real estate accounts for the largest price differential. Over 90 percent of the neighborhood’s residents own their homes. The 9 percent of residents who rent face steep competition and pricey monthly payments that start around $1,400. Very few one-bedroom apartments and apartment communities are found in the area, so two-bedroom condos or homes represent the smallest homes generally available. Families looking to rent a standard three-bedroom, two-bath home may pay up to $3,000 a month, especially on streets connected to Huffman Road.

Along the neighborhood's northernmost boundary on Dimond Boulevard sits a cluster of department stores and chain grocery vendors. While residents love access to big-name retailers like Costco and Forever 21, they still find value in locally owned shops.

Located right outside the neighborhood on Center Drive, Posh Boutique caters to women in search of unique high-end fashion choices that fit all occasions. Several other local businesses speckle the area, including Birch Tree Baby on Taiga Drive and the Vine and Branches bookstore on Huffman Road.

Residents purchase groceries from Carr's on Huffman Road or visit the South Anchorage farmers' market off Dimond Boulevard for fresh produce and Alaskan meat. Adjacent to Carr's, the Dimond Center regional shopping mall allows locals to peruse offerings in a wide variety of stores at one location. An ice skating rink inside this mall gives locals and daring families an exciting pastime to enjoy.

Though several of these options technically lie outside the Huffman/O'Malley neighborhood's boundaries, basic needs can be met within the neighborhood by the stretch of commercial properties that line Huffman Road to the west of Seward Highway. Aside from the grocery store, a Walgreens Pharmacy and UPS Store supply the Huffman/O'Malley area with close-by services.