Wasilla vs. Palmer vs. closer to ANC (Anchorage, Hope: renting, condos)

[HeadingNorthAgain]

We are relocating to the Anchorage area for work. We have lived there before... in Eagle River in the late 90s. We are considering the Wasilla/Palmer area, but we have some concerns.

I would love some opinions and feedback, pros and cons, on living in the valley. Just to know, commuting to ANC is not needed for work, so we aren't really concerned about commute time, traffic or drive time issues. We have small children so we were considering some of the growing developments. I know the area is growing but I'm not sure Wasilla has the city parks, kid opportunities and family activities. I didn't spend a ton of time there, but I did quickly learn that the people are amazingly friendly. Also, is being close to the Knik Arm a concern with water levels rising?

On Palmer, we think it is a BEAUTIFUL area and has a great sense of community and feel to it, but I am concerned about the wind. Can we expect a 5 to 10 mph wind on a good day if we live there? I know wind storms are normal a few times a year in the entire area, but I was told that if you see mountains (and you do in three directions in beautiful Palmer), you will have wind from the glaciers.

Thank you for your honest feedback on this. We are really struggling with this decision.

[Rance]

I'm not to keen on the area. But this may help until someone else stops in.

Palmer: http://www.travelalaska.com/Regions/...geTitle=Palmer

Wasilla: http://www.travelalaska.com/Regions/...eTitle=Wasilla

[Dr.VanNostrum]

why would you want to comute when you can live in anchorage? palmer is not as cheap up there as it use to be. the glen highway gets really bad during when it snows. it's not worth it. gas prices will keep going up. i should know, i'm in the oil industry.

[Alaskan_Adventurer]

Van, he stated that commuting is not an issue. In that case, either Wasilla or Palmer would be great for you. The area is definitely booming due to the high cost of living in Anchorage. From what I hear the schools are about average. They just built a new high school for Palmer, and that has helped out a lot. Tons of new construction in Palmer/Wasilla(Wasilla a little more). The whole valley is beautiful with mountains in every direction. I know quite a few people who live out there, and the only concern they have is the commute in winter. Are you planning on buying a home or renting? If you are renting, then Anchorage would work for you. If buying, I would suggest the valley. Hope this helps.

[northgoinsouth]

Originally Posted by HeadingNorthAgain

We are relocating to the Anchorage area for work. We have lived there before... in Eagle River in the late 90s. We are considering the Wasilla/Palmer area, but we have some concerns.

I would love some opinions and feedback, pros and cons, on living in the valley. Just to know, commuting to ANC is not needed for work, so we aren't really concerned about commute time, traffic or drive time issues. We have small children so we were considering some of the growing developments. I know the area is growing but I'm not sure Wasilla has the city parks, kid opportunities and family activities. I didn't spend a ton of time there, but I did quickly learn that the people are amazingly friendly. Also, is being close to the Knik Arm a concern with water levels rising?

On Palmer, we think it is a BEAUTIFUL area and has a great sense of community and feel to it, but I am concerned about the wind. Can we expect a 5 to 10 mph wind on a good day if we live there? I know wind storms are normal a few times a year in the entire area, but I was told that if you see mountains (and you do in three directions in beautiful Palmer), you will have wind from the glaciers.

Thank you for your honest feedback on this. We are really struggling with this decision.

I have lived in Palmer for over 30 years and can tell you honestly that living in Palmer is much more preferable then in Wasilla. Yes, it is true that you have to deal with the wind, but even that is not as bad as you might think. Palmer is still a very small town, where you will know everyone that your child goes to class with. Palmer is a very family oriented town and believes that family and community go hand in hand.

Wasilla is nothing but strip malls, 0 lot line homes and condos, and not one ounce of charm.

If you do move to Palmer you would be better off to look at existing homes. The new developments are nice, but the houses are so close to each other. There is a very nice neighborhood close to Palmer High school and there is also one next to Colony high and middle schools both offer established neighborhoods.

Here are a few links to help you with your search.

www.frontiersman.com (local valley newpaper)

http://www.cityofpalmer.org

http://www.co.mat-su.ak.us (borough web site, Palmer and Wasilla are part of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough)