Dear Readers….

Published by Anchorage Daily News 2.12.25

By Connie Yoshimura

First, let me apologize for some sloppy copy and proof editing that appeared in my last column. Late winter and early spring is a very busy time in residential land development and particularly this year as we plan for 23 new Cedar Park acre homesites in Palmer; a new 13 one acre plus lots in a Hillside community called Panoramic Ridge; a contemporary 10 unit condo project named Rail Crossing with two, three and four bedrooms in Spenard and some additional work in Holtan Hills in Girdwood, Alaska. Having given you my excuses, there really aren’t any that satisfies you or me, as writing is, has been, and always will be my first love. But, as my long term lender once said to me over a sushi lunch, creating new home communities is also very creative. So be it. And for those who might wonder, there is no AI in this column.

We are introducing a new design for our ad which I hope you will find easier to read thanks to our graphic designer, Emily Laurin. We have also moved our position to A2 so that it will be easier to find us not buried in the sports section, al- though I must confess I do like football because it requires strength, strategy and a bit of luck. Recently, I was asked why I continue to run a full page real estate ad in the ADN when none of my competi- tors use print. My answer is I believe in supporting journalism that takes the time to verify its sources, even though I might not agree with everything they choose to print. I also believe in supporting local businesses.

So back to real estate. I applaud the Anchorage Assembly, and particularly Meg Zalatel and Anna Brawley, for their tireless efforts in bringing reality to the table for our need for more housing in Anchorage. Whether it’s changes to the multi-family design standards, loosening the regulations for Planned Unit Developments or the rezoning of R1 to R2, allowing for just one additional housing unit on single family lots, the Anchorage Assembly and the current administration, has recognized that without more housing Anchorage will soon lose its favored city status for the arts, commerce and desirability in Alaska. Trails and open space are not enough to keep a population growing. More housing and good schools are what families want.

Today, the average sold price of an Anchorage home is $519,370. That com- pares to $443,748 in the Mat-Su Borough. I know my Anchorage readers are probably tired of me writing about the Mat-Su and I confess I am equally tired of making the drive to and from our Mat-Su branch once or twice a week but the reality is the Mat-Su and the MOA are all part of the south central census district based upon transportation. And I have to remind my- self that it’s a lot less hassle than driving on the 405 in Los Angeles. Anchorage has 13 single family homes for sale between $500,000 and $549,000. The Mat- Su has 32. Anchorage has a total of 163 single family homes for sale. The Mat-Su has twice the number with 331. Anchor- age can’t build housing fast enough to catch the Mat-Su with their never ending supply of land while Anchorage is forced to build up which, while it accommodates young professionals and short term residents, doesn’t fill up our classrooms.

The first time home buyer is now 38, is single and the majority are female. In 2025, Anchorage families will continue to struggle to find their own backyard for their children to play in.