Houston, AK

Houston is a quiet Mat-Su Valley town located about an hour's drive north of Anchorage along the Parks Highway. Home to roughly 2,000 residents, it offers a relaxed, rural lifestyle with plenty of breathing room, wooded lots, and scenic mountain views. It originally started as a small stop along the Alaska Railroad, but today it serves as an appealing spot for anyone wanting affordable land and peaceful living within commuting distance of Wasilla and Palmer.

ATTRBob Keefer / CC BY 2.0

Outdoor recreation is the main draw here, especially along the Little Susitna River, which runs right past town and is famous for its salmon runs. Residents spend summers fishing, kayaking on lakes like Prator Lake, and camping at the local riverside parks. In the winter, the area transforms into a hub for snowmachining, dog mushing, and cross-country skiing along miles of interconnected trails. It is a scenic, laid-back community that makes it easy to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness right out your back door.