Northeast Anchorage - Anchorage, AK

Until the 1970s, Northeast Anchorage featured little more than a few scattered houses and a gravel extraction site. City officials later transformed the gravel pit into Cheney Lake. Construction in the neighborhood began in earnest in the 1970s and continued into the 1980s, transforming the area into a bustling residential area. With the proximity of the universities to the south, the neighborhood has long been home to a diverse group of residents. In the early 2000s, the transformation of the nearby Elmendorf Air Force Base into the Elmendorf-Richardson Joint Base drew a new crowd of residents to the area.

Aside from the occasional school production, most Northeast Anchorage residents get their culture in the theaters of downtown Anchorage or the University of Alaska Anchorage to the south. The neighborhood does not contain any museums. The Northeast Community Council hosts neighborhood picnics and occasional family events throughout the year.

Dining options in Northeast Anchorage tend toward mid-priced American cuisine, with a few international options thrown in for good measure. Most restaurants in Northeast Anchorage gather along both sides of Muldoon Road between DeBarr Road on the south and Glenn Highway on the north.

Start your day with a classic diner breakfast at Flo's Pancake House, a favorite among locals. Don't be afraid to joke with the friendly staff while you sip a mug of the restaurant's delicious coffee and ponder whether to get reindeer sausage or bacon with your skillet meal.

Take advantage of Alaska's ready supply of fresh fish with a visit to local favorite Samurai Sushi. With a group of friends, try one of the spectacular sushi boats. If you prefer an individual entree, opt for the Potato Roll and the Crunch Roll. On a cold day, head to Paris Bakery and Cafe to warm up with a bowl of the daily soup and a hot French dip. Leave room for one of the restaurant's pear and almond croissants or peach tarts. For dinner, the Anchorage Dispatch News recommends the escargot appetizer and the Scallops Madame St. Jacques.

Northeast Anchorage does not house the city's best nightlife, but a couple of local establishments provide quick drinks in a casual atmosphere. On the weekends, hit the country-themed Last Frontier Bar for line dancing and people-watching. The Firetap Alehouse north of Glenn Highway serves drinks in the bar area. Enjoy a plate of nachos while you sip on a pint of the restaurant's signature beer, the Red Hot Momma. For live music, residents head to downtown Anchorage.

Although many residents of Northeast Anchorage rely on cars, the neighborhood also offers public transportation links and easy biking opportunities. If you plan to drive, Muldoon Road, Boniface Parkway and Turpin Street provide fast access to Highway 1. Plentiful free parking options cluster around the schools, parks and businesses in the neighborhoods.

Six different lines of the Anchorage People Mover bus system cross through the neighborhood, allowing easy connections to any location in Anchorage. Call in advance for cabs, making sure to leave ample time before your departure. Uber is not available in Anchorage.

Residents enjoy safe biking and walking on the network of paths that criss-cross through the neighborhood. Although smaller residential streets do not include bike lanes, the path system enables fast bike commuting. From Northeast Anchorage, you can easily reach the University of Alaska Anchorage, the Far North Bicentennial Park and the greater Anchorage trail system.

Residents of Northeast Anchorage are spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor recreational opportunities. Local families frequent Centennial Park, Creekside Park and Ira Walker Park. Residents on the western edge of town live within walking distance of the expansive Russian Jack Springs Park, which also features the closest off-leash dog area. Residents can use all parks in the neighborhood free of charge.

Load up the kids and the fishing poles, and head to Cheney Lake Park to fish for salmon and rainbow trout in the manmade lake. The park also features a play area and boating options during the summer months. In the winter, residents look forward to the park's lighted ice skating area. Fitness fans frequent Nunaka Valley Park, which houses tennis courts, skijoring trails, volleyball courts and a playground.

Costs in Northeast Anchorage fall around the middle of the city's spectrum, making the neighborhood a welcoming choice for residents with a variety of budgets. The average cost of living, including food and entertainment, in Northeast Anchorage sits close to $58,000 per year, lower than Anchorage's citywide average of $73,000. In comparison to the rest of Anchorage, the main cost savings come in the form of cheaper housing. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,200, with lower-priced units readily available. If you are looking to buy a house, bargains are plentiful in Northeast Anchorage.

Large national chain outlets make up most of the shopping options in Northeast Anchorage. Most of the stores in the area line Muldoon Road. For clothing stores and upscale shopping outlets, residents head to Northway Mall or downtown Anchorage. Get ready for hunting season with a camouflage field jacket and a durable ammo can from 907 Surplus on Boniface Parkway.

Grab a cup of coffee from The Grind inside the large Fred Meyer on Debarr Road while you shop for pantry staples and produce. The Walgreens next door sells prescription medications and health-related products, and the nearby Walmart provides residents with inexpensive groceries and household items. If you prefer a personal shopping experience, head to Mom & Pop's Grocery for inexpensive cigarettes and convenience-store fare. The neighborhood does not host a farmers' market.