This year, America's Promise Alliance named Anchorage as one of its 100 Best Communities for Young People.  This is the fifth time Anchorage has won this recognition.  America's Promise Alliance uses this competition to highlight cities all around the United States who show their belief in the youth of their community by reducing the high school drop-out rate and providing support and services to meet the needs of their young people. Anchorage really does believe that the children are our future and can provide a perspective that the adults of our community should hear.  That's why the city encourages young people to talk to their government leaders about concerns and issues that are important to them, either in writing or in person.  Middle and high school students are invited to talk ... 10/18/2011

The Alaska Experience Theatre in downtown Anchorage will be hold its very first Halloween Film Festival every Tuesday through Saturday throughout October.  Movies to be shown range from the fun, family-friendly 'Goonies' to the uber-scary "The Exorcist".  Tickets for each show are just $5.  October 5-8, 2011 - 'Aliens'October 12-18, 2011 - 'Stanley Kubrick's The Shining'October 19-25, 2011 - 'The Exorcist'October 26-31, 2011 - 'The Goonies' Show times for each movie will be 4pm, 7pm and 9:30pm every Tuesday through Saturday.  The 7pm and 9:30pm showings are for adults only (ages 21+).  Each movie will be shown on the Alaska Experience Theatre's newly remodeled 40 foot screen.  For more info on the 2011 Halloween Film Festival, please call 907-272-9076. If you love scary movies, attend o... 10/04/2011

This Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11/01.  The people of Anchorage will be joining in with millions of other American citizens to remember what happened that day as well as celebrate the strength of the American spirit.  If you are looking for a way to remember those we lost, there are several September 11th memorials happening around Anchorage. Never Forget Fundraiser - Jodhpur Rd, 8am-6pm.  All proceeds received from the sales of hotdogs and sodas during the local motocross races in Anchorage on September 11th will go towards the Alaska Fallen Firefighters Memorial.  Please go out and support these guys. Freedom Flag Run - North Star Speed Way (2151 Jensen Circle, Wasilla), 10am-4pm.  Owners of classic cars, street rods, muscle cars, etc. are invited to partici... 09/09/2011

Searching for the best in Anchorage real estate? The Reed Moore Group Real Estate Experts is comprised of a team of local real estate professionals committed to selling some of the most desired homes in Anchorage & Mat-Su Valley. Selling Anchorage real estate is the mission of RMG Real Estate Experts. Anchorage Alaska is home to nealy 300,000 residents making it Alaska's largest city. It also has over 40% of the state's population. Because Anchorage is such a mecca for Alaska natives and transplants alike, the economy is spurrned on by jobs in the military,  local and federal government, tourism, liquidations, and resource extraction. Tourists and locals can easily head south to popular fishing locations on the Kenai Peninsula or north to locations such as Denali National Park and Fairb... 09/05/2011

Stop Renting!  Buy an Anchorage home now!  Anchorage home prices continue to be more affordable, interest rates remain low and inventory levels are still good.  But why should you own an Anchorage home instead of renting one?  I'm glad you asked.  Here are a few things to consider when deciding to stop renting and start buying: How long will you be in your Anchorage home?  The longer you wish to reside in a specific area, the more likely you should buy a home.  When you're a homeowner, the money you pay in your monthly mortgage goes towards paying down your principal, giving you ownership.  When you rent, you don't own any of the property you live in.  So, if you plan on staying in one area for at least a few years, owning a home makes good fiscal sense. How much of a downpayment can yo... 08/23/2011

The Alaska Wildlife Alliance will be holding its 5th Annual Alaska Run Wild Fun Run in Anchorage on Saturday, August 13, 2011.  You don't have to be a conditioned athlete to run the 5K event.  Walkers are encouraged to join in on the fun as well.  The Alaska Run Wild Fun Run in Anchorage will begin at 10am in Westchester Lagoon (U St & W 15th Ave).  The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 15 and under who pre-register and $25 for adults and $20 for kids who sign up on race day.  Pre-registration is available until August 12th by emailing events@akwildlife.org, calling 907-276-8014 or 907-349-2711 or clicking this link to register online.  Participants can pick up their race bibs from 8:30-9:30am on the day of the race. This is a flat course that begins at Westchester Lagoon, tr... 08/09/2011

Tips for House Hunting As a real estate professional, we understand that when it comes to deciding on the right home, it can get a bit frustrating. We can provide you with all the resources and knowledge but deciding on which house you will decide to call your home lies on your hands. Here are some tips to help you make every minute worth it when you are house hunting. 1. Location counts. Location is crucial. How far are you really willing to commute to your place of employment? How good are the local schools, shopping centers, public transportation, seniors’ services and other public amenities? Will your new home be next to a vacant lot or a commercial property? 2. Make a list. Do you know what you need and want in your home? You'll save yourself many hours of shopping if you make a li... 08/08/2011

Vanna | Keller Williams Realty | (907) 720-4663 7100 Briarwood Street, Anchorage, AK Great Industrial Property Industrial offered at $650,000 Year Built 1985 Sq Footage Unspecified Floors 0 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 19,515 sqft Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION 100' X 60' metal building. 12 X 12' doors w/ 1 in front and 3 at rear. 600' of office space, 2 bathrooms. Three phase power in the area. BTV all information. Easy to show. Vanna Siackhasone Keller Williams Realty www.HomesByVanna.com see additional photos below ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Contact info: Vanna Keller Williams Realty (907) 720-4663 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Aug 2, 2011, 11:51am PDT 08/02/2011

Vanna | Keller Williams Realty | (907) 720-4663 4027 Sycamore Loop, Anchorage, AK Immaculate Two Story Home 3BR/2+1BA Single Family House offered at $256,900 Year Built 1997 Sq Footage 1,640 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 2,788 sqft HOA/Maint $60 per month DESCRIPTION Immaculate two-story home backing to a large greenbelt. Features include, New hot water heater southern exp., fenced yard & views of the mountains. Open kitchen offers a breakfast bar and pantry. Vaulted ceilings, Master suite w/ private bath and Walk-in closet,& loft. All bedrooms are on the top floor. Alarm System. Home is Handicap Accessible w/ chair lift(on SBOS).*Home Inspection&Repairs comp. Vanna Siackhasone Keller Williams Realty www.HomesByVanna.com see additional ph... 08/02/2011

Vanna | Keller Williams Realty | (907) 720-4663 3808 GALACTICA Drive, Anchorage, AK Spacious Two Story Home 4BR/3BA Single Family House offered at $239,000 Year Built 1987 Sq Footage 2,040 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 5,335 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Great opportunity to own this spacious home with a big, open kitchen with solid surface countertops, a family room and a fenced yard. With 4 bedrooms and 3 baths this is a great home for any family. ***SHORT SALE LISTING- GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR BUYERS-OFFERED BELOW MARKET VALUE-CURRENTLY TAKING BACK UP OFFERS!!!*** Vanna Siackhasone Keller Williams Realty www.HomesByVanna.com see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Fireplace - Hardwood floor - Family room - Dishwasher - S... 08/02/2011

A Summer Stroll-Downtown Anchorage Alaska, known for the cold, dark winters is worth the while when summer arrives. When the days are bright and sunny there are various activities located in downtown Anchorage that will be sure to entertain adults, children and will sure impress the tourists. From live bands that brings rhythm to adults and children by offering free music in the park, food, that will be sure to keep everyone full as they explore.   On the weekends, during the summer, there is a local flea market that will offer a variety of Alaskan culture. There are fresh produce, different types of food and of course a taste of Alaskan Native wardrobe. Alaska never forgets about the visitors. There are plenty of convenient souvenir shops, restaurants and shops as you enjoy the beautif... 08/01/2011

10 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional   With so much information readily available online, it almost seems quite simple to buy or sell a home on your own without representation. Some do OK, many don't. So if you've wondered the same thing, here are 10 reasons why you might want to consider hiring a professional real estate professional. 1. Education & Experience Hiring a real estate professional will lessen the stress to need to know everything about buying and selling real estate. For the most part, they all cost about the same and finding the right person for you is usually the trick.   2. Agents are Servers Agents will make arrangements for property showings and visits without the stress for you need to be there. If you're a buyer of new homes, your agent will help you with i... 08/01/2011

The Advantages of Owning a Home               Did you know that owning a home can be as affordable as renting? It is more affordable than we set ourselves to believe. The advantages of owning a home are evident for many reasons, you can pay the same, or even less. Also, there are great incentives that really help define owning a home instead renting.  You are investing in a home that is yours, to do as you please and the monthly mortgage payment you make monthly will in return benefit you and your family instead your landlords.   Here are some factors to consider when deciding to purchase a home.   Build equity — your wealth will increase as you gain more home equity Gain tax advantages — mortgage interest is tax deductible as per IRS code Stabilize your payments — monthly payments are ... 07/28/2011

Independence Day is almost here.  In fact, next Monday is July 4, 2011.  That means that the skies will soon be lighting up and your ears will be ringing from the booming of the fireworks.  Celebrate July 4th in Anchorage with the 4th of July Parade and Festival being held in downtown Anchorage. Beginning at 8am at Delaney Park (W 10 Ave & A St), the 11th Annual Anchorage July 4th Celebration will feature more than 50 local vendors, family-friendly entertainment and the biggest parade in the state.  The Totem Ocean Trailer Express will be sponsoring this year's pancake breakfast.  All proceeds will benefit the local Salvation Army.  After you enjoy your breakfast, watch the annual Anchorage July 4th Parade at 11am.  Listen to the traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence by... 06/28/2011

Want some of the best homes in Anchorage? Gary Cox offers excellent buyers representation and superior service in all Anchorage real estate. The latest from Gary includes this 4 bedroom 3 bath home in Anchorage for $319,000. This home has been remarkably cared for. Exceptional condition with upgrades make this a great value for a nearly 2200sq' home. Step out onto fantastic southern facing deck with a hottub and fantastic landscaping. Sq.Ft.:2196 Acres: 0.19 Garage Capacity:2.00 Year Built: 1976 Elementary:Susitna Middle School:Begich High School:Bartlett Amenities Include: - Fenced Yard- Landscaping- Private Yard- Cable Tv- Deck/patio- Paved Driveway- Road Service Area- Dsl/cable Available- Fire Service Area- Garage Door Opener- Shed- View- Microwave (b/i)- Br/ba On Main Level- Carpet-... 06/08/2011

Are you a parent trying to find a fun, healthy way for your child to spend summer?  How about Summer Fun Camp in Anchorage?  The Alaska Club is dedicated to helping Alaskans be fit and healthy.  They are offering their Summer Fun Camp for kids ages 5 to 12 every Monday through Friday beginning May 23, 2011 and ending August 12, 2011 from 9am to 4pm.  There are two locations in the Anchorage area to serve as many kids as possible: 5201 E Tudor Rd (Alaska Club East) and 10931 O'Malley Centre Dr (Alaska Club South).  The only restriction for the five-year-olds is that they were enrolled in school during the 2010-2011 school year. Each week brings a new, fun activity for the kids at both facilities.  The Anchorage Summer Fun Camps are set up to keep your child actively involved in learning ... 05/17/2011

This Saturday, May 7, 2011, will mark the 42nd year for the Anchorage Walk & Roll for Hope.  Bicycle, rollerblade, run or walk to help raise money and awareness for Alaskans with disabilities.  Come to the West Delaney Park Strip (P St & 9th Ave) in Anchorage, AK from 8am to 1pm.  There is a 15k for the more ambitious participants and a 5k for those that want to join in but aren't able to go a longer distance. The Anchorage Walk & Roll for Hope is sponsored by Hope Community Resources, a local organization that provides support and services to disabled Alaskan citizens via eight offices throughout the state.  Some of the services offered by Hope Community Resources include helping disabled Alaskan residents become productive members of the community by teaching them skills for employmen... 05/03/2011

The Alaska Heart Institute will be the presenting sponsor for the largest foot race in the state at the 2011 Heart Run in Anchorage.  Meant to be a fun family event to raise money for the American Heart Association, the Heart Run is open to kids and adults for a 3K or 5K run/walk.  If you register by April 23, 2011, participation fees are only $5 per kid, $20 per adult or $45 per family (2 adults and up to 3 children).  For those who register after the April 23rd deadline, fees raise to $15 per child, $25 per adult and $65 per family. There are three different events you can sign up for: the 5K timed event, the 5K untimed event and the 3K untimed event.  The 5K timed event begins at 9:30am at the University of Alaska Anchorage Campus' Art Building.  All participants in the timed event ... 04/19/2011

The 100 Days of Downtown Dining in Anchorage event is coming to a close at the end of April.  This fun, free event was created to get Anchorage locals out to patronize some of Anchorage's fantastic restaurants located in the downtown area. To participate in the 100 Days of Downtown Dining, all you have to do is visit one of the fine dining establishments listed below, ask for a game card and receive a sticker for dining there.  If you add 6 stickers to your game card, you will win a $10 dining certificate to use later, add 12 stickers and win a $25 dining certificate and add 20 stickers (which will fill up your game card completely) to win two $25 dining certificates. At the end of April, make sure to send your game cards to the Anchorage Downtown Partnership offices at 333 W 4th Ave #3... 04/05/2011

Frostbite Footrace, Snowshoe Softball, Snow Sculptures and Dog Races...OH MY! So perhaps our brains are frozen because of what we Alaskans do in the 'spring' months. This particular set of pictures is from out outing in Anchorage last weekend. The temperature was about oh...ZERO and we bundled up in attempt to defeat cabin fever. Fur Rendezvous was always a favorite holiday as a kid. I remember bundling up as a family and spending all weekend in our snowsuits, mittens, boots, scarves and the like just to watch the dog races and see the snow sculptures. I even one a prize for a ceramic mouse I entered in the craft festival about 32 years ago.    Past years favorites: Snow sculpturesCarnivalArts and Crafts Show Some of the new favorites Running of the reindeerSnowshoe softballFrostbite fo... 03/02/2011