Finding a community that aligns with modern lifestyle preferences requires consideration of multiple factors. Our comprehensive analysis evaluates Alaskan towns based on 5 key criteria: Overall Hip & Trendy Score, Urban Sophistication, Vibrancy, Walkability, and Young Singles Score. The Overall Hip & Trendy Score incorporates numerous elements including local culture, dining scenes, artistic communities, innovation hubs, and demographic diversity.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Alaska’s most vibrant and trendy towns.
Here’s the list.
25. Houston
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 26.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.26
- Vibrancy Score: 7.23
- Walkability: 4.19
- Young Singles Score: 36.14
Houston has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 26.25, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 10.26 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 7.23, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 4.19 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 36.14 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Houston is currently $275,000.
24. Utqiagvik
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 26.72
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.43
- Vibrancy Score: 15.75
- Walkability: 15.15
- Young Singles Score: 61.16
Utqiagvik has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 26.72, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 25.43 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 15.75, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 15.15 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 61.16 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Utqiagvik is currently $272,000.
23. Thorne Bay – Kake
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 26.89
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 21.97
- Vibrancy Score: 0.61
- Walkability: 1.55
- Young Singles Score: 43.69
Thorne Bay – Kake has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 26.89, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 21.97 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 0.61, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 1.55 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 43.69 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Thorne Bay – Kake is currently $275,000.
22. Nenana – Tanana
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 29.29
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 8.99
- Vibrancy Score: 3.37
- Walkability: 3.41
- Young Singles Score: 46.95
Nenana – Tanana has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 29.29, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 8.99 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 3.37, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 3.41 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 46.95 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Nenana – Tanana is currently $275,000.
21. Salcha
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 31.27
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 57.08
- Vibrancy Score: 0.3
- Walkability: 1.85
- Young Singles Score: 25.22
Salcha has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 31.27, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 57.08 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 0.3, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 1.85 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 25.22 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Salcha is currently $275,000.
20. Cordova
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 34.33
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 46.58
- Vibrancy Score: 4.1
- Walkability: 4.21
- Young Singles Score: 50.55
Cordova has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 34.33, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 46.58 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 4.1, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 4.21 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 50.55 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Cordova is currently $289,000.
19. McGrath – Holy Cross
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 34.67
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.3
- Vibrancy Score: 2.07
- Walkability: 1.39
- Young Singles Score: 39.53
McGrath – Holy Cross has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 34.67, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 3.3 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 2.07, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 1.39 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 39.53 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in McGrath – Holy Cross is currently $275,000.
18. Seldovia
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 35.78
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 46.65
- Vibrancy Score: 1.06
- Walkability: 2.96
- Young Singles Score: 41.1
Seldovia has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 35.78, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 46.65 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 1.06, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 2.96 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 41.1 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Seldovia is currently $275,000.
17. Soldotna
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 36.62
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 44.97
- Vibrancy Score: 38.21
- Walkability: 13.89
- Young Singles Score: 54.34
Soldotna has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 36.62, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 44.97 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 38.21, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 13.89 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 54.34 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Soldotna is currently $325,000.
16. Wrangell
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 36.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.96
- Vibrancy Score: 11
- Walkability: 7.78
- Young Singles Score: 47.48
Wrangell has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 36.88, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 25.96 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 11, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 7.78 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 47.48 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Wrangell is currently $268,000.
15. Fairbanks
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 36.96
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 38.65
- Vibrancy Score: 48.61
- Walkability: 26.84
- Young Singles Score: 54.66
Fairbanks has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 36.96, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 38.65 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 48.61, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 26.84 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 54.66 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Fairbanks is currently $310,000.
14. Homer
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 40.59
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 53.36
- Vibrancy Score: 15.66
- Walkability: 6.19
- Young Singles Score: 45.89
Homer has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 40.59, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 53.36 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 15.66, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 6.19 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 45.89 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Homer is currently $359,000.
13. Ketchikan
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 41.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.59
- Vibrancy Score: 32.24
- Walkability: 28.24
- Young Singles Score: 43.66
Ketchikan has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 41.31, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 54.59 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 32.24, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 28.24 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 43.66 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Ketchikan is currently $357,000.
12. Anchorage
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 45.15
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 55.97
- Vibrancy Score: 57.62
- Walkability: 45.36
- Young Singles Score: 55.72
Anchorage has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 45.15, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 55.97 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 57.62, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 45.36 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 55.72 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Anchorage is currently $375,000.
11. Anchor Point – Ninilchik
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 46.19
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 22.23
- Vibrancy Score: 1.18
- Walkability: 1.32
- Young Singles Score: 26.04
Anchor Point – Ninilchik has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 46.19, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 22.23 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 1.18, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 1.32 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 26.04 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Anchor Point – Ninilchik is currently $275,000.
10. Skagway
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 48.28
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 40.66
- Vibrancy Score: 13.4
- Walkability: 10.55
- Young Singles Score: 68.33
Skagway has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 48.28, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 40.66 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 13.4, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 10.55 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 68.33 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Skagway is currently $295,000.
9. Sitka
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 48.82
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 56.24
- Vibrancy Score: 29.96
- Walkability: 21.51
- Young Singles Score: 55.15
Sitka has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 48.82, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 56.24 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 29.96, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 21.51 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 55.15 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Sitka is currently $385,000.
8. Juneau
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 55.54
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 60.38
- Vibrancy Score: 29.84
- Walkability: 17.88
- Young Singles Score: 58.55
Juneau has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 55.54, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 60.38 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 29.84, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 17.88 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 58.55 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Juneau is currently $450,000.
7. Tyonek
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 55.78
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.54
- Vibrancy Score: 8.4
- Walkability: 2.85
- Young Singles Score: 44.4
Tyonek has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 55.78, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 1.54 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 8.4, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 2.85 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 44.4 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Tyonek is currently $275,000.
6. Seward
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 56.06
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 50.56
- Vibrancy Score: 1.61
- Walkability: 6.34
- Young Singles Score: 55.04
Seward has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 56.06, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 50.56 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 1.61, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 6.34 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 55.04 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Seward is currently $308,000.
5. Trapper Creek – Skwentna
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 57.51
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 24.38
- Vibrancy Score: 0.32
- Walkability: 2.05
- Young Singles Score: 27.28
Trapper Creek – Skwentna has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 57.51, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 24.38 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 0.32, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 2.05 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 27.28 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Trapper Creek – Skwentna is currently $275,000.
4. Haines
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 59.3
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.78
- Vibrancy Score: 0.42
- Walkability: 4.05
- Young Singles Score: 47.44
Haines has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 59.3, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 47.78 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 0.42, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 4.05 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 47.44 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Haines is currently $275,000.
3. Glennallen
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 62.56
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.2
- Vibrancy Score: 0.24
- Walkability: 3.36
- Young Singles Score: 48.8
Glennallen has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 62.56, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 41.2 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 0.24, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 3.36 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 48.8 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Glennallen is currently $275,000.
2. Gustavus – Hoonah
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 72.51
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 38.08
- Vibrancy Score: 3.15
- Walkability: 5.23
- Young Singles Score: 56.65
Gustavus – Hoonah has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 72.51, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 38.08 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 3.15, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 5.23 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 56.65 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Gustavus – Hoonah is currently $275,000.
1. Hyder
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 75.6
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 56.15
- Vibrancy Score: 0.19
- Walkability: 5.6
- Young Singles Score: 22.64
Hyder has an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 75.6, showing its appeal to modern residents.
Its Urban Sophistication score of 56.15 indicates the level of cultural amenities available.
With a Vibrancy Score of 0.19, the town offers a dynamic atmosphere.
The Walkability score of 5.6 reflects how pedestrian-friendly the area is.
Its Young Singles Score of 22.64 shows the town’s appeal to younger residents.
The median home price in Hyder is currently $275,000.
Definition of Terms:
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: A comprehensive metric measuring a town’s appeal to modern residents, incorporating factors like cultural offerings, dining scenes, nightlife, contemporary amenities, and innovative spirit.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Measures the availability and quality of museums, galleries, theaters, music venues, and educational institutions that contribute to a town’s cultural fabric.
- Vibrancy Score: Evaluates the energy and activity level of a community, including events, festivals, downtown activity, and overall community engagement.
- Walkability: Assesses how pedestrian-friendly a town is, considering factors like sidewalk quality, street design, proximity of amenities, and pedestrian safety features.
- Young Singles Score: Reflects a town’s attractiveness to young, unmarried individuals based on social opportunities, dating scene, employment prospects, and lifestyle amenities targeting this demographic.
References
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
