Southside Neighborhood
South Anchorage is a vibrant and growing community known for its welcoming atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and convenient amenities. Nestled between the breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains and the Cook Inlet, the Southside offers a perfect balance of suburban comfort with easy access to the heart of Anchorage.
The area is home to spacious homes, quiet neighborhoods, and excellent schools, making it ideal for families, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. South Anchorage is also known for its close-knit community, with residents enjoying a slower pace of life while still being just a short drive away from all the city’s conveniences.
Attractions
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Alaska Zoo- Located in South Anchorage, the Alaska Zoo is home to local wildlife such as bears, wolves, and moose, as well as exotic species. It’s a great place for families to explore and learn about Alaska’s wildlife.
- Rilke Schule Charter School Park- A local park with playgrounds, green spaces, and sports fields, perfect for a day out with kids or a casual family picnic.
- Ice Skating at the South Anchorage Sports Park– In the winter months, enjoy ice skating and other ice-related activities at this popular recreational area.
Outdoors
- Flattop Mountain– A popular hiking destination, Flattop offers a relatively easy hike with rewarding panoramic views of Anchorage and the surrounding mountains. It’s especially stunning during sunrise and sunset.
- Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing– A scenic coastal spot with breathtaking views of the water and mountains. It’s great for a picnic, watching wildlife, or enjoying a peaceful walk along the shores of Cook Inlet.
- Hilltop Ski Area– Offers a fun and accessible place for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert.
Shopping
- Dimond Center Mall- Offers a wide range of stores, from national retailers like Macy’s and JCPenney to local shops showcasing Alaskan goods.
- Anchorage Farmers Market– During the summer months, the Anchorage Farmers Market in South Anchorage offers fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and unique goods from Alaskan artisans.
- Motley Moo Creamery– Alaskan made super-premium ice cream.
Average Home Value: $608,567
Zip Code: 99516
Whitney Wigren
Occupation: FBI Intelligence
Industry: Government
Age: 37
Born and Raised: Hillside and South Anchorage
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Current Profession: FBI Intelligence
Currently Reside: Bayshore
I choose Anchorage because: I Choose Anchorage because: of wonderful schools, community, cost of living, and outdoor adventures in our backyards.
Ralphie Quepons
Occupation: Owner/Operator, European Car Service and Owner, Rafelito's Taqueria
Industry: Manufacturing
Age: 47
Born and Raised: Tijuana Baja California & Anchorage
Ethnicity: Mexican
Current Profession: Owner/operator "European Car Service"
Currently Reside: Klatt
I choose Anchorage because: I Choose Anchorage because: of the demand for service on German cars.
Nate Seymour
Occupation: Principal of Pacwest Consulting Group
Industry: Construction and Real Estate
Age: 38
Born and Raised: Southside
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Current Profession: Owner, Pacwest Consulting Group Construction and Real Estate Risk Management
Currently Reside: Southport/Girdwood
I choose Anchorage because: I Choose Anchorage because: Anchorage will always be home for me. After spending 12 years working out of state, I'm very excited to move home and be able to provide my expertise to help other local Alaskans in construction and real estate industries. Anchorage and Alaska as a whole have a lot to offer from a professional career standpoint. We are excited to raise our three sons here in Anchorage. The close proximity to outdoor recreation year-round is something we enjoy.
Miljan Durdev
Occupation: Contractor and Owner of Dreamhome Construction, Food Vendor
Industry: Construction
Age: 39
Born and Raised: Serbia
Ethnicity: Serbian
Current Profession: Owner of Dream Home Construction, Boardwalk, Apolon LLC
Currently Reside: Arctic and Dimond
I choose Anchorage because: I Choose Anchorage because: there are lots of opportunities and good people!
Lorena Blair
Occupation: Student Success Coach, Migrant Education
Industry: Indigenous and Public Education
Age: 39
Born and Raised: Anchorage, AK
Ethnicity: Caucasian, Aleut, Tsimshian, and Mojave
Current Profession: Student Success Coach
Currently Reside: Abbott Loop
I choose Anchorage because: I Choose Anchorage because: this is where I was born and raised. My whole family is still here, and we are very close. I also love working for ASD and contributing to my community. It's great to be close to the outdoors. I love being involved with my culture, community, and sports teams in the Anchorage area.
Kiana Trupp
Occupation: Real Estate Agent, Social Media and Marketing Partner
Industry: Professional & Business Services
Age: 22
Born and Raised: South Anchorage
Ethnicity: Alaska Native and Canadian
Current Profession: Realtor at Real Broker of Alaska, barista & social media manager for BB’s Coffee
Currently Reside: South Anchorage
I choose Anchorage because: I Choose Anchorage because: I love the people, community, energy, opportunities, and connections.
Jizel Mendoza
Occupation: Family Support Specialist
Industry: Professional & Business Services
Age: 36
Born and Raised: Airport Heights
Ethnicity: Dominican
Current Profession: Family Support Specialist, Help Me Grow Alaska (non-profit)
Currently Reside: Southside
I choose Anchorage because: I Choose Anchorage because: I currently live in Anchorage and have been living here for 4 years after relocating from New Jersey in 2020. I grew up on the East side of town and have a passion for helping the youth in that district. My children are very involved in the South District, and it would be my honor to contribute back to the community that has poured so much into my children by advocating for them as well.
Garrett Potter
Occupation: Business Development Manager at Calista Corporation
Industry: Oil & Gas
Age: 35
Born and Raised: West Anchorage
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Current Profession: Business Development & Risk Manager at Nordic-Calista
Currently Reside: Southside
I choose Anchorage because: I Choose Anchorage because: it provides access to amazing outdoor activities as well as excellent opportunities for those in oil & gas careers.
Danika Baldwin
Occupation: Content creator, social influencer
Industry: Information, Professional & Business Services
Age: 36
Born and Raised: California and Anchorage
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Currently Reside: Southside
I choose Anchorage because: I Choose Anchorage Because: of the community, a wide array of activities and things to do, great restaurants, and its central location.
Cynthia Romo
Occupation: Spanish Immersion Teacher at Government Hill Elementary, ASD
Industry: Public Education
Age: 29
Born and Raised: Anchorage, Alaska and Jalostotitlan, Mexico
Ethnicity: Mexican, Hispanic
Currently Reside: Southside
I choose Anchorage because: I Choose Anchorage because: it’s the best place to live. Anchorage is diverse and unique. Everyone here is friendly. Anchorage is secluded but you have everything you need. Anchorage has everything in one place nature, city life, and diversity. We have so many cultures and languages. Anchorage has a lot to offer.
Carrie Jokiel
Occupation: President & Owner of ChemTrack Alaska
Industry: Environmental and Construction Services
Age: 46
Born and Raised: Upper Hillside
Ethnicity: German
Current Profession: President ChemTrack Alaska
Currently Reside: Upper hillside
I choose Anchorage because: I Choose Anchorage Because: it has the ability to make a big impact.
Beki Toussaint
Occupation: Education Program Director for a non-profit
Industry: Education
Age: 38
Born and Raised: Colorado
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Current Profession: Education Program Director for Non Profit
Currently Reside: Abbott Loop
I choose Anchorage because: I Choose Anchorage because: people create "extended" families, which is great if you're far from family. Also, there is great access to outdoor activities.