The Most Diverse Place In America Is Located In This Tiny Alaskan Neighborhood
In a 2016 article published by CNN, the Mountain View Drive neighborhood in Anchorage was rated as the most diverse place to live in the United States of America. For many, this was quite alarming simply due to how largely uninhabited Alaska is compared to the lower 48. However, recent international immigration and the nearby military base have created somewhat of a cultural melting pot in the area. The distinctive demographics in this unique neighborhood in Alaska leave many feeling very proud of their roots and the place that they call home.
Mountain View has become a wonderful little community that has much to offer. Read along as you discover all of the things you can see and do in this diverse neighborhood close to downtown Anchorage, Alaska.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Nestled on the east side of Alaska's largest city of Anchorage is the most diverse neighborhood in America: Mountain View.
This area sits right next to the Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson (otherwise known as JBER), the largest military facility for active duty members and their families in the state of Alaska.
As you pull into the Mountain View area of town off the busy Merrill Field Corridor, you'll notice an airfield off to the right where many locals keep their small bush planes.
Upon driving in and through the neighborhood, it is almost guaranteed that a constant flood of traffic will be cycling through the motions right alongside you.
Probably more so than anything else, you won't be able to ignore the stunning mountain views that shine brightly from almost every square inch of the diverse neighborhood. These factors make this spot one of the most interesting places in Alaska.
Similar to what you'll find at the Hispanic Cultural Center, brightly colored murals can be found throughout the neighborhood on the sides of buildings, in alleyways and sporadically lining the streets.
A Hawaiian businessman recently opened a new restaurant on the main street called West Berlin. Schnitzels and sauerkraut attract lots of folks from the military base who have spent time on active duty in Germany.
Jamicos Pizzeria offers authentic and totally flavorful Italian + American dishes that never disappoint. Anchorage, Alaska’s restaurant scene is diverse and delicious, and all of these restaurants contribute to all of the great food locals can eat all the time.
Loko Moko offers delicious Polynesian food while the New Asian Market offers authentic spices and supplies to cook a traditional meal at home. Even places like Talofa Samoa Sewing & Fabrics bring local culture into their business model.
Even the local grocery store known as the 'Red Apple' is stocked with an assortment of international supplies from soups and spices to fully prepared meals.
Every square inch of Mountain View truly is as diverse as it comes, and the locals could not be more proud of the place that they call home. Anchorage is one of the most unique towns in Alaska, if not the entire United States of America!
Have you ever visited this unique neighborhood in Alaska? What did you think? Have you visited any of these great restaurants? Let us know in the comments below!
What aspect do you love about Mountain View the most? Is it the views? The friendly neighbors? The convenience to the rest of Anchorage? We want to know!
While it’s not as expensive as the bit cities of San Fransisco, New York City, and Honolulu, there are many areas of Alaska that are quite expensive to live in. The up side is that your salaries usually increase, too. If you’re living out in the bush, and must purchase food and sundries locally, prices can be exorbitant. Many folks who live outside of Anchorage drive in to stock up on groceries monthly. Everything in Alaska is trucked, flown, or barged in, and the extra shipping costs really do add up. The average median price for a one bedroom apartment in Anchorage, Alaska is $1,200.00.
How much is a gallon of milk in Alaska?
You’ll find the prices of groceries to vary all across the state, depending on how they arrived into town. Anchorage usually has the cheapest prices, as well as no sales tax, so a run of the mill gallon of milk will be $3.99. Once you leave the biggest city in Alaska, you’ll find prices to rise steeply. You may even find yourself paying $30.00 or $40.00 for a container of laundry detergent! This is because of the price of jet fuel, as many small towns and villages are only accessible by plane. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Anchorage averages about $13.70. In Fairbanks, that same meal will cost you $20.00. Transportation costs truly add up!
Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
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