North Lakes, AK
North Lakes is a suburban census-designated place in Alaska's Matanuska-Susitna Borough, part of the Anchorage metropolitan area. It is a community of lakes, known for its residential character and access to outdoor recreation.
About the city
Official status and administrative affiliation
North Lakes is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, one of the fastest-growing regions in Alaska . As a CDP, it is a statistical entity defined for the census and has no separate municipal government . It is part of the Anchorage, Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area, functioning as a suburban community within commuting distance of Alaska's largest city . It was first designated as a CDP prior to the 2020 census after the former Lakes CDP was split . The region is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Chugach and Talkeetna mountain ranges, numerous rivers and lakes, and as a gateway to outdoor adventures like fishing, hiking, and skiing.
Date of foundation and age
North Lakes is a very new administrative designation, first recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2020 . The community itself, however, has developed over time as part of the growth of the Wasilla-Palmer area.
Geographical position and coordinates
The community is located in the Matanuska Valley in South Central Alaska . Its precise coordinates are 61.6191° N latitude and -149.311° W longitude .
- Position: It is situated approximately 33 miles (53 km) northeast of Anchorage and about 6 miles (10 km) west of Palmer . It lies northeast of the city of Wasilla and is bordered to the south by the South Lakes CDP .
- Water bodies: The CDP's name comes from the chain of lakes within its boundaries. Along its southern border lie Wasilla Lake, Cottonwood Lake, and Finger Lake . At the northeast shore of Finger Lake is the Finger Lake State Recreation Site .
- Elevation: The central elevation of the community is approximately 360 feet (110 meters) above sea level .
Type of city and economic specialization
North Lakes is primarily a residential community and a bedroom community for the nearby cities of Wasilla, Palmer, and Anchorage . Its economy is therefore closely linked to these larger job centers. A significant part of its area is developed with housing . The numerous lakes provide opportunities for recreation and tourism, with boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation being key local activities, highlighted by the Finger Lake State Recreation Site .
Population and demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of North Lakes was 9,450, making it the second most populated CDP in the borough and the fourth largest in the state . By July 2024, the estimated population had grown to 9,967 .
- Population class: With a population approaching 10,000, it is a moderately sized community, though it is classified as a CDP rather than an incorporated city.
- Demographics: The population density is relatively high for Alaska at 644 people per square mile . The community is predominantly white, with significant minority populations including those of American Indian and Asian descent . It is characterized by family households, with an average household size of 2.84 .
"Visiting card" of the city (briefly)
North Lakes is a serene Alaskan community where life revolves around its namesake waters. It offers a quiet, residential lifestyle with unparalleled access to outdoor recreation—from boating and fishing on its chain of lakes to its position as a peaceful basecamp for exploring the broader Matanuska Valley and the adventures of the Last Frontier.
Geography
Water bodies (rivers, lakes, waterfalls)
The defining geographical feature of North Lakes is its abundance of water. The CDP is named for a chain of lakes that dot the landscape.
- Wasilla Lake: A large lake located along the community's southern border, shared with the city of Wasilla. It is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and water sports.
- Cottonwood Lake: Another significant lake on the southern edge of North Lakes, known for its recreational opportunities and residential surroundings .
- Finger Lake: Located to the southeast, this lake is a key landmark. Its northeast shore is home to the Finger Lake State Recreation Site, a public access point for boating, fishing, picnicking, and enjoying the water .
Climate and weather
Climate type and general characteristics
North Lakes has a subarctic climate, which is characteristic of South Central Alaska . This climate features cool, short summers and long, cold, and snowy winters.
Average monthly temperatures
- Summer: The average temperature in the summer is around 50°F (10°C) . Daytime highs can be considerably warmer, while nights are cool.
- Winter: Winter temperatures average around -20°F (-29°C) . Extreme cold snaps can bring even lower temperatures.
Precipitation and humidity
- Rainfall: The area receives an average of 17 inches (43 cm) of precipitation annually . Other sources note that North Lakes receives about 38 inches of rainfall, which likely includes the liquid equivalent of snowfall .
- Snowfall: Winters bring significant snow, with seasonal totals ranging from 10 to 20 inches (25-51 cm), though actual accumulation can vary greatly depending on the specific weather patterns of a given year .
Seasonality and the best time to visit
The best time to visit North Lakes depends heavily on the desired activities.
- Summer (June-August): This is the most popular time for visitors, offering the warmest weather and the famous long daylight hours of an Alaskan summer . It is the ideal season for boating, fishing on the lakes, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.
- Winter (November-March): This season offers a completely different experience. With cold temperatures, significant snowfall, and very short days , it is a time for winter sports like snowmachining, cross-country skiing, and potentially viewing the Northern Lights.
- Spring and Fall: These are transitional seasons with unpredictable weather, ranging from mild to cold, and can be less reliable for planning specific outdoor activities but offer beautiful scenery and fewer crowds.
Specific weather phenomena
The most notable climatic features are the extremes of daylight. The area experiences very long days in the summer months, with near 24-hour daylight, and conversely, very short days during the winter when the sun is above the horizon for only a few hours .
Landmarks
[Finger Lake State Recreation Site]
The primary public landmark and recreational hub in North Lakes is the Finger Lake State Recreation Site .
- Location: Located on the northeast shore of Finger Lake, within the North Lakes CDP .
- Activities: This site provides public access to the lake for a variety of activities, including boating (with a boat launch), fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. It is a central gathering place for residents and visitors to enjoy the community's defining natural feature.
[Chain of Lakes]
The collective chain of lakes—including Wasilla Lake, Cottonwood Lake, and Finger Lake—are themselves the area's most significant landmarks . They define the character and name of the community, offering scenic views from numerous homes and providing a continuous ribbon of water and green space through the developed area.
[Residential Character]
As a residential CDP, North Lakes' landscape is also defined by its suburban development. The area is noted for having a "strongly developed" residential character, with homes spread across the landscape between the lakes . This blend of modern Alaskan suburban life intertwined with pristine natural water bodies is a key part of the community's identity.
Transport
Nearest airport(s)
North Lakes does not have its own commercial airport. Residents and visitors rely on airports in the surrounding area.
- Major Airport: The primary air gateway is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). Located about 40 miles (53 km) southwest, it is the main international and regional airport for South Central Alaska, offering numerous flights to the Lower 48 and other parts of Alaska .
- Regional Airports: Smaller general aviation airports are located in nearby Wasilla and Palmer, serving private pilots and chartered flights.
Major roads and highways
The main transportation artery in the region is the George Parks Highway, which connects Anchorage to Wasilla, Palmer, and Fairbanks. North Lakes is easily accessible from this highway via local roads in the Wasilla and Palmer areas. The community's layout is served by a network of local roads connecting the residential areas to the lakes and the main highways.
Public transportation
Public transportation options within the North Lakes CDP itself are limited, typical of a low-density suburban area. However, as part of the Anchorage metropolitan area, residents have access to regional services. The primary public transit provider is Valley Transit, which operates bus routes serving the greater Matanuska-Susitna Borough, including connections between Wasilla, Palmer, and other hubs. Residents would likely need to drive or use a park-and-ride to access these services.
Water transport
The lakes within the CDP are used extensively for private watercraft. Boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular activities, effectively making the chain of lakes a local water transport network for recreation, though not for commercial or commuter purposes. Public boat launches, such as the one at Finger Lake State Recreation Site, facilitate this .