📍 About A11 & Anchorage
A11 Anchorage Approach serves the largest city in Alaska and is located at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Anchorage offers a mix of urban convenience and spectacular natural beauty, with a unique lifestyle for those who enjoy the outdoors and community living.
🏡 Where to Live
- Downtown Anchorage: Close to the airport and nightlife, scenic coastal views.
- South Anchorage: Suburban, good schools, family-friendly neighborhoods.
- Hillside: Upscale homes with mountain views and quiet surroundings.
- Midtown: Centrally located, mix of rentals and homes, convenient commute.
- Eagle River: Suburb ~20 minutes away, mountain views, great for families.
🚗 Commute Times to A11 (ANC)
- 5–15 min: Midtown, Downtown, Spenard
- 15–30 min: South Anchorage, Hillside
- 30–45 min: Eagle River (weather-dependent)
🎓 School Districts
- Anchorage School District – Largest in Alaska, includes gifted and charter schools.
- Eagle River schools – Part of Anchorage district but smaller and quieter campuses.
❄️ Outdoor Activities
- Skiing: Alyeska Resort (Girdwood), Hilltop Ski Area
- Hiking & Trails: Flattop Mountain, Kincaid Park, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
- Wildlife: Moose, bald eagles, bear sightings near town!
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Ted Stevens Anchorage Intl (ANC): Main commercial airport
- Merrill Field (MRI): General aviation airport in east Anchorage
- Lake Hood Seaplane Base: World’s busiest seaplane base
💡 Tips for Newcomers
- Weather: Be prepared for winter driving and long dark seasons (October–March)
- Sunlight: Consider blackout curtains for summer and daylight lamps in winter
- Gear: Invest in quality outerwear, boots, and vehicle block heater
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Training: Expect to rotate between tower and approach operations
- Shifts: Be ready for swing and mid shifts during winter operations
- Community: Anchorage ATC has a close-knit team – social events are common