Anchorage

Anchorage became a thriving town due to the railroad hub moving from Seward to Anchorage to gain easier access to the gold fields around the Fairbanks and the coal fields of the Matanuska Valley. Anchorage began as a tent city for railroad workers centered around the rail yards of Ship Creek.  The Anchorage economy began to take shape as a substantial port community. To this day aproximately 90% of all consumer goods, staples, food, building materials, vehicles ect. still enter Alaska through the Port of Anchorage.

As it happened, World War II brought the military to Alaska as a line of defense against the enemy powers. Fort Richardson and Elmendorf AFB were built in the 1940s which has and will be a positive influence on the local economy.

Not too long after the earth quake, which nearly left the City of Anchorage in ruin, oil was discovered in Prudhoe Bay! The oil boom in Alaska brought more individuals and families to Alaska looking for work during the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Today, the oil industry supplies 15% of the oil consumed in the U.S. Even though the 'pipeline days' are over there are still plenty of high paying jobs in the Alaskan oil industry with companies like Chevron, BP, Conoco Phillips, ENI, and many other oil companies.

Many people enjoy living in Anchorage because the urban conveniences (i.e. shopping, night life, fine dining, and entertainment) mix flawlessly with the natural Alaskan wildlife. The Municipality of Anchorage as well as the State of Alaska strive for a balance of natural scenery with many parks, greenbelts, and scenic areas for all Alaskans to enjoy. With over 200 parks and 250+ miles of dedicated trails for hiking, biking, and other outdoor recreational activities, the opportunities for fun are endless!
Here are some of the parks and greenbelts in Anchorage:
Campbell Park
The Coastal Trail
Kincaid Park
John's Park
Chugach State Park/Flat Top
Winner Creek Trail (Alyeska, Girdwood)
Hillside Park/Ski Area
Bicentennial Park
West Chester Lagoon
University Lake Park (leash free dog area)
Russian Jack Springs Park (leash free dog area)
Goose Lake
For a full view of the Trail and Park systems Click HERE, you can save it to your computer for easy access or this map is available to purchase from the Anchorage Civic Center.

Great outdoor sports aren't the only things to make Anchorage unique to any other place in the world. We have an incredible arts and entertainment scene, professional sports, some of the most amazing dining, and of course the people. What most people experience, especially when they 'transplant' from the Lower 48, is the sense of family and community. Very few people have all their family including extended family in Anchorage or Alaska, so friends and neighbors, coworkers and employers become family in this community.  

Municipality of Anchorage- the muni does an excellent job providing information about our community, upcoming events, and details about local tax rates and upcoming issues in the legilastive realm. You can also find information about registering your vehicle, voting, and getting your drivers license.
Anchorage School District- Anchorage schools are some of the best in the country and the district combines information from the local school and feedback from the community and parents on their website. If you are planning on enrolling your school in private or public education, perhaps special needs schools, start your research here. You can find details on all of the school including report cards and contact information for the school adminstrators.
Anchorage Economy-
Anchorage Economic Development Conference- The AEDC is an incredible group of economists and business people who keep a pulse on the community of Anchorage and the economy. They are a great source for me and for my clients to uncover new opportunities, understand where Anchorage is heading, and how much we are growing month-to-month and year-to-year. This is a great site to add to your favorites on your computer to find out how great Anchorage is for riding out a recession!
Anchorage Chamber of Commerce-
Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau-
Alaska Railroad-
Alaska Native Heritage Culture Center-