Sarah Palin, former Alaska governor and vice-presidential candidate, owns several impressive homes across the United States. From her rustic Wasilla residence to her desert estate in Scottsdale, let’s explore the real estate portfolio of this political figure. Her properties reflect her journey from small-town mayor to national political figure. Is Sarah Palin a Democrat or a Republican? She is a well-known member of the Republican Party, and her real estate choices reflect both practicality and conservative investment strategies.
Like many high-profile individuals, such as Mark Cuban, Palin has invested in properties that balance privacy with impressive amenities.
Sarah Palin’s Wasilla Residence
The Palin family home sits in Wasilla, Alaska, just off the highway past the Best Western hotel. You access it through a dirt driveway that runs parallel to the main road. This secluded property offers the family privacy from curious visitors and media attention.
You can’t see much of Sarah Palin House from the road. The extra-long driveway keeps the home far from public view, and trees partially hide it from sight. Only the right corner of the roof might be visible to passersby. This privacy enclave design serves both aesthetic and security purposes.
Lucille Lake sits on the property, creating a beautiful backdrop for the Wasilla residence. The lake provides both scenic views and recreational opportunities for the family. The waterfront setting adds value to the property while maintaining the rustic architectural feel typical of Alaskan homes.
Multiple “No Trespassing” signs protect the property from uninvited guests. These security features became necessary after Palin gained national fame during the 2008 presidential campaign. The family-friendly layout inside remains private, with media scrutiny largely kept at bay through these measures.
This home served as the backdrop for parts of the reality TV show “Sarah Palin’s Alaska.” The property captures the essence of Alaskan living with its wilderness proximity and off-grid living possibilities. Moose sightings near the property aren’t uncommon, adding to its authentic Alaskan appeal.
The First Scottsdale Mansion (2011-2016)
In 2011, the Palins purchased their first Scottsdale home for $1.75 million. They made this purchase through a Delaware LLC called Safari Investments, which Sarah Palin later confirmed she was part of. This method provided some privacy for the high-profile acquisition.
The property impressed with its 7,900-square-foot structure featuring six bedrooms. Located on five acres near Pinnacle Peak, the mansion offered both space and mountain views. The Scottsdale property stood in stark contrast to their more modest Alaskan home.
The Palins didn’t just buy the property – they improved it. They added a lighted sports court with a full-size basketball court, showing their active lifestyle priorities. They also installed a putting green with artificial turf, creating resort-like amenities on their desert estate.
After owning the home for five years, they sold it in 2016 for $2.275 million to Scott S. Hill. This sale represented a $525,000 profit on their investment. Richard Barker of Keller Williams Arizona Realty handled the listing, finding a buyer who appreciated the custom upgrades.
The first Scottsdale mansion purchase sparked speculation about whether Palin planned to move from Alaska to Arizona. However, she maintained that Alaska remained her primary residence. The Arizona property served as both an investment and a vacation destination for the family, similar to how Howard Stern maintains multiple properties across different states.
The Custom-Built Scottsdale Estate
In 2015, Safari Investments purchased land in the McDowell Mountains for $937,000. This 2.18-acre lot would become the site of an even more ambitious real estate project. The glass-walled design would take advantage of the stunning mountain landscape.
Construction began on a 7,660-square-foot custom-built home with four bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms. The architectural blueprints called for an open floor plan with numerous luxury features. However, the home was sold while still under construction in 2018.
The incomplete home sold for an impressive $6.2 million to Canadian buyers. These buyers spent an additional $1 million to complete the construction, bringing their total investment to $7.2 million. The custom-built home showcased beamed ceilings, hardwood and tile floors, and large dual-pane wood windows bringing natural light into the space.
Luxury amenities abounded in this property. Three fireplaces offered warmth and ambiance throughout the home. An elevator provided convenient access between floors. The massive 10-car garage addressed the needs of serious automobile collectors. Outside, a heated pool, hot tub, and covered patio with a fire pit created perfect entertainment spaces.
Patrick Bailey and Ryan Bailey of Platinum Living Realty served as listing agents for this property. Andrew Bloom of The BVO Luxury Group at Keller Williams Arizona Realty represented the buyer in the transaction. The sale ranked among the highest in Scottsdale, reflecting the growing demand for luxury properties in the area.
Real Estate Investment
Sarah Palin explained her Arizona investments during a 2011 Fox News interview. She stated that Safari Investments LLC bought properties “because not only are we good investors and it’s a buyers’ market, but we like to fly out once in a while.” This statement clarified her investment rationale during what was indeed a buyer’s market following the housing crisis.
Her husband, Todd Palin, played a role in these real estate decisions. What happened to Todd Palin? In 2020, Sarah and Todd Palin filed for divorce after 31 years of marriage, citing “incompatibility of temperament.” Despite the separation, their earlier investments were a joint effort. The couple maintained that despite their Arizona purchases, they hadn’t moved from Alaska. The real estate speculation proved profitable, with significant returns on both Scottsdale properties.
Even their daughter, Bristo, participated in Arizona real estate investments. In 2011, Bristol bought a home in Pinal County for $172,000, selling it the following year for $175,000. While this represented a modest profit, it demonstrated the family’s broader investment strategy.
The Palins’ real estate activities extended beyond personal use. The properties served as investment vehicles, political retreats, and potential fundraising venues. Safari Investments LLC provided a business structure for these activities while offering some privacy protection.
Financial outcomes proved positive. Their first Scottsdale mansion yielded a $525,000 profit. The second property’s land cost $937,000, with the unfinished home selling for $6.2 million – representing significant potential returns before accounting for construction costs.
Real Estate Portfolio
Sarah Palin’s real estate holdings showcase strategic investments across different markets. Her Wasilla property maintains her Alaska roots and connection to her political beginnings. Meanwhile, her Arizona investments capitalized on opportunities in the luxury real estate market.
Her portfolio demonstrates diversity in both geography and property types. From the rustic architecture of Alaska to the luxury amenities of Arizona, Palin’s homes reflect different aspects of American living. This range shows financial savvy beyond her political career.
So, where does Sarah Palin live now? Despite past speculation, she still considers Alaska her primary residence, particularly her secluded home in Wasilla. The combination of her Alaska and previous Arizona properties created a real estate portfolio worth millions. Her investments proved financially rewarding while providing the family with varied living options. This approach to real estate investment is common among celebrities and political figures like Reese Witherspoon, who also maintains properties in multiple locations.
FAQ
Why did Sarah Palin resign as governor of Alaska?
Sarah Palin resigned in 2009, citing mounting legal fees and media pressure as distractions from her duties. She believed stepping down would allow the state to progress without what she called “politics as usual” getting in the way.
Why did Sarah Palin invest in Arizona properties?
Sarah Palin invested in Arizona real estate because she considered it a good buyer’s market at the time. She also mentioned wanting a place to “fly out once in a while,” suggesting vacation or temporary residence purposes. The investments also proved profitable, with significant returns on both Scottsdale properties.
Did Sarah Palin move from Alaska to Arizona?
No, Sarah Palin disputed claims that she moved from Alaska. She maintained Alaska as her primary residence despite purchasing properties in Arizona. The Arizona homes served as investments and occasional getaways rather than permanent relocations.
How many homes has Sarah Palin owned?
Based on available information, Sarah Palin has owned at least three properties: her Wasilla, Alaska home and two Scottsdale, Arizona properties. Her daughter, Bristo,l also briefly owned an Arizona property, showing the family’s broader investment strategy.
What profit did Sarah Palin make from her real estate investments?
On her first Scottsdale property, Sarah Palin made approximately $525,000 profit, selling for $2.275 million after purchasing it for $1.75 million. For the second property, she bought the land for $937,000, and the unfinished property sold for $6.2 million, representing a significant return before accounting for construction costs.
Can visitors see Sarah Palin’s Wasilla house?
Visitors cannot access Sarah Palin’s Wasilla property. The home has multiple “No Trespassing” signs, an extra-long driveway keeping it far from the road, and partial tree coverage for privacy. While you might glimpse a corner of the roof from the road, the property remains private and secure from public access.
