Alaska's Wealthiest Suburb In 2025 Is Filled With Small-Town Charm And Nearby State Parks

Southcentral Alaska is one of those rare places where untamed wilderness sits right next to everyday life. The state may be known for its dramatic landscapes and remote, rugged national parks, but you can't get the full Last Frontier experience without spending some time in the state's small towns. One such place worth a visit is Gateway, Alaska. 

Although Forbes notes that it's the wealthiest suburb in the state — the median household income is about $137,000 and the median home value around $436,000 — Gateway's vibe isn't ostentatious. Instead of flawless lawns and flashy luxury stores, this community features gravel roads, locally owned restaurants, and easy access to nearby state parks.

Gateway is tucked into the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, a scenic region that serves as a gateway to endless outdoor recreation and surreal beauty. While visiting, you can book a hotel in Palmer or Wasilla or enjoy the Alaskan experience by renting a rustic cabin closer to the mountains. The nearest major airport is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, about 45 miles from Gateway. Although it's a little bit of a drive, the views along the Glenn Highway between Anchorage and Gateway are stunning and make the time spent in the car part of the experience.

There's something undeniably endearing about the tight-knit communities and cozy comforts of small towns. Alaska's small towns take that charm to another level, and Gateway is a good example. Gateway is home to about 6,700 people, and while it may not have a traditional downtown or a bustling shopping scene, it makes up for that with roadside coffee huts and family-run eateries. 

Alaskan towns typically have more coffee huts than conventional brick-and-mortar coffee shops, and Gateway is no exception. When you need a pick-me-up, you can hop between coffee huts such as Xtra Cup Coffee Co., Blondies Coffee Co., and Perkup Espresso – all good for fueling up before a day of adventures. If you're looking for some more substantial grub, try one of Gateway's delicious restaurants. RW's Hamburger House is a solid option for a classic cheeseburger, and the Chicken Coop is praised for its chicken dishes. There are also a couple of other options: A pizza place (Pioneer Pizza) and an Asian restaurant (May Asian Cuisine).

Gateway itself is a fairly quiet community, but there are plenty of things to do in the surrounding area. To get a glimpse of some native Alaskan animals, check out the Musk Ox Farm, a nonprofit farm in nearby Palmer. It offers walking tours, workshops, events, and a gift shop where you can buy products made of qiviut (soft wool produced by musk oxen). You can also head over to other neighboring towns like Wasilla to enjoy some craft beer at one of the local breweries, or for events like the Friday Fling Market. And while you're here, don't forget to soak up the gorgeous Alaskan views all around.

The best part about Gateway is that you don't have to go far to find Alaska's natural beauty. There are several state recreation areas and parks nearby. The closest one is Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area, just south of Palmer — a short drive from Gateway. This park is popular for fishing in its many stocked lakes, home to grayling and trout. No motorized boats are allowed, but it's a paradise for people who want to spend the day paddling around the serene lakes. There are also over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails weaving between the lakes, plus tent and RV campsites, making it easy to escape into nature without straying far from town.

Another popular spot near Gateway is the Finger Lake State Recreation Area. Sitting on the northwest edge of Gateway, this 69-acre park is an ideal summer getaway. It has 24 quiet campsites, many picnic areas, and a boat launch. While motorized boats are allowed (with restrictions), kayaking, paddleboarding, and quiet lake activities are popular, especially given the peaceful coves and scenic surroundings. And just like the Matanuska Lakes, Finger Lake has excellent fishing — anglers can catch rainbow trout, arctic char, and grayling in summer or winter.

If you'd rather wander the mountains, 23 miles north of Gateway is Hatcher Pass, a mountain playground in the Talkeetna Mountains. The drive through Hatcher Pass gives you a front-row seat to breathtaking views of Alaska's snow-doused backcountry. And while you're there, be sure to go to Independence Mine State Historical Park. Stop by the visitor center to learn the history of this abandoned gold-mining camp, hike up Gold Mint Trail, or try your hand at panning for gold.