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.

Nestled on the east side of Alaska's largest city of Anchorage is the most diverse neighborhood in America: Mountain View.
Courtney Stanley
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.
Courtney Stanley
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.
Courtney Stanley
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.
Courtney Stanley
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.
Courtney Stanley
There is truly no denying the beauty that surrounds this neighborhood.
Flickr - Wonderlane
As you drive through the neighborhood, the winter months coat everything in sight with a snowy, crisp demeanor.
Courtney Stanley
Apart of the 'main drag' off the side of the road you'll see a trailer park nestled in between towering trees with mountain views in the background.
Courtney Stanley
The neighborhood boasts an assortment of both seasoned older buildings and sparkling new ones.
Courtney Stanley
There are also very nice shopping centers with diversified findings such as Polynesian Floral, Island Style Hair Design, storage facilities and more.
Courtney Stanley
As you drive the main drag, a mixture of residential and commercial structures will stick out and catch your eye.
Courtney Stanley
We noticed a couple of pawn shops right away, within a mile of one another.
Courtney Stanley
There are also a couple of smoke shops in prime commercial locations.
Courtney Stanley
From strip malls to stand alone buildings, the 'main drag' on Mountain View certainly doesn't lack options.
Courtney Stanley
As with many neighborhoods in Anchorage and all across Alaska, there are a couple of liquor stores on Mountain View.
Courtney Stanley

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You'll notice that a steady flow of traffic can always be found throughout this busy, bustling east Anchorage neighborhood.
Courtney Stanley
What is most impressive about this area is the brilliant mix of cultures that collide right before your very eyes.
Courtney Stanley
This Hispanic Cultural Center offers Latinos a place to connect with others that share their culture.
Courtney Stanley
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.
Courtney Stanley
Even bright colored paintings or 'graffiti' can be found around bus stops in the neighborhood.
Courtney Stanley
New immigration to Alaska has brought many refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Cuba, Iran and Bhutan to Mountain View.
Courtney Stanley
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.
Courtney Stanley
The diversity of the military base nearby coupled with international immigration makes Mountain View a melting pot for culture miscellany.
Courtney Stanley
The island influence is so prominent on Mountain View that even the coffee shops such as Kiki's Island Espresso can withstand tough economical times.
Courtney Stanley
Hula Hands offers a flavorful infusion of traditional Hawaiian cuisine.
Courtney Stanley
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.
Courtney Stanley
There are also American staples in the area such a McDonald's, Domino's Pizza, and more.
Courtney Stanley
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.
Courtney Stanley
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.
Courtney Stanley
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!
Courtney Stanley

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!

If you thought that was interesting, check out these 13 poorest cities in Alaska. Also, you’re sure to love these 20 reasons why Alaska offers the best quality of life in the world.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Unique Neighborhood In Alaska

Megan McDonald | July 23, 2020

Is it expensive to live in Alaska?

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! 

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Mountain View, Anchorage, AK, USA