Finding the perfect neighborhood for retirement involves evaluating multiple factors that contribute to quality of life. Our comprehensive analysis examines five key criteria: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication (cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendly ratings. Each neighborhood has been evaluated based on these metrics to help you identify the ideal location for your retirement years in Alaska.
The Overall Retirement Score encompasses numerous factors including safety, healthcare access, community engagement opportunities, and senior-friendly environments. Every score presented in this analysis is derived from real-world data and resident surveys, providing an authentic representation of each neighborhood’s characteristics and appeal. Here’s the list.
25. Willow
- Overall Retirement Score: 73.76
- Walkability: 0.49
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.14
- Vibrant Score: 4.88
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Willow offers a peaceful retirement option with a moderate Overall Retirement Score of 73.76. While its walkability rating is quite low at 0.49 and there’s no public transit infrastructure, residents enjoy a very quiet environment with a score of 95.59. The area has modest urban sophistication at 31.14 and minimal vibrancy at 4.88. The median home price in Willow is approximately $235,000, making it an affordable option for retirees seeking a tranquil Alaskan retreat.
24. Anchor Point – Ninilchik
- Overall Retirement Score: 77.18
- Walkability: 1.32
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 22.23
- Vibrant Score: 1.18
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Anchor Point and Ninilchik combine to offer a retirement destination with a respectable Overall Retirement Score of 77.18. The area scores exceptionally high on the quiet index at 97.48, perfect for retirees seeking peaceful surroundings. With minimal walkability at 1.32 and low urban sophistication at 22.23, this area caters to those who prefer rural living over city amenities. The vibrant score is just 1.18, and there’s no public transit. The median home price in this area is approximately $265,000.
23. Glennallen
- Overall Retirement Score: 77.32
- Walkability: 3.36
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.20
- Vibrant Score: 0.24
- Transit-Friendly: 13.58
Glennallen offers retirees a solid Overall Retirement Score of 77.32. While its walkability is limited at 3.36, it offers some transit options with a Transit-Friendly score of 13.58. The area has moderate urban sophistication at 41.20 and scores well for quietness at 83.73. With virtually no vibrant activity at 0.24, this is ideal for those seeking a more subdued lifestyle. The median home price in Glennallen is around $185,000, making it one of the more affordable options on our list.
22. Sutton
- Overall Retirement Score: 78.30
- Walkability: 0.35
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 6.91
- Vibrant Score: 6.60
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Sutton provides a retirement option with a good Overall Retirement Score of 78.30. This area scores exceptionally high for quietness at 95.68, though it offers minimal walkability at just 0.35 and very low urban sophistication at 6.91. The vibrant score is modest at 6.60, and there are no public transit options. For retirees looking for privacy and seclusion, Sutton represents an attractive option. The median home price in Sutton is approximately $230,000.
21. Trapper Creek – Skwentna
- Overall Retirement Score: 79.38
- Walkability: 2.05
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 24.38
- Vibrant Score: 0.32
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Trapper Creek and Skwentna offer retirees a solid Overall Retirement Score of 79.38. This area boasts one of the highest quiet index scores at 99.40, making it perfect for those seeking peace and solitude. Walkability is limited at 2.05, and urban sophistication is modest at 24.38. There’s very little vibrancy at 0.32 and no public transit options. The median home price in this area is approximately $195,000, offering good value for those seeking an extremely quiet retirement location.
20. Nenana – Tanana
- Overall Retirement Score: 79.70
- Walkability: 3.41
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 8.99
- Vibrant Score: 3.37
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Nenana and Tanana provide retirees with a good Overall Retirement Score of 79.70. The area offers limited walkability at 3.41 and very low urban sophistication at 8.99. The quiet index is high at 84.72, while the vibrant score is minimal at 3.37. There are no public transit options. For retirees seeking a simpler lifestyle with fewer urban distractions, this area presents an appealing option. The median home price in this region is approximately $157,000, making it one of the most affordable options on our list.
19. Naknek – King Salmon
- Overall Retirement Score: 79.85
- Walkability: 3.37
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 43.11
- Vibrant Score: 9.59
- Transit-Friendly: 16.95
Naknek and King Salmon offer retirees a strong Overall Retirement Score of 79.85. The area provides some public transit options with a score of 16.95, though walkability is limited at 3.37. Urban sophistication is moderate at 43.11, and the vibrant score is modest at 9.59. The area scores well for quietness at 84.78. This is a good option for retirees who want some amenities while maintaining a relatively peaceful environment. The median home price in this area is approximately $225,000.
18. Yakutat
- Overall Retirement Score: 85.97
- Walkability: 3.78
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.61
- Vibrant Score: 6.02
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Yakutat offers retirees an excellent Overall Retirement Score of 85.97. While walkability is limited at 3.78 and urban sophistication is low at 10.61, the area provides a good balance of quiet living (scoring 71.64) with minimal vibrancy at 6.02. There are no public transit options. For retirees looking for a coastal Alaskan experience with a strong overall retirement environment, Yakutat is an excellent choice. The median home price in Yakutat is approximately $280,000.
17. Valdez – Whittier
- Overall Retirement Score: 87.94
- Walkability: 1.72
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.42
- Vibrant Score: 4.13
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Valdez and Whittier offer retirees an impressive Overall Retirement Score of 87.94. The area provides moderate urban sophistication at 41.42, though walkability is limited at 1.72. The quiet index is good at 71.86, with minimal vibrancy at 4.13. There are no public transit options. This coastal area offers spectacular scenery and a strong retirement environment. The median home price in this region is approximately $255,000.
16. Sitka
- Overall Retirement Score: 88.01
- Walkability: 21.51
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 56.24
- Vibrant Score: 29.96
- Transit-Friendly: 12.41
Sitka stands out with an excellent Overall Retirement Score of 88.01 and the highest walkability on our list at 21.51. The area offers good urban sophistication at 56.24 and the highest vibrant score on our list at 29.96. There are some transit options with a score of 12.41. The quiet index is still respectable at 72.23, making Sitka an excellent choice for retirees who want a more active lifestyle with access to amenities. The median home price in Sitka is approximately $390,000, reflecting its popularity and amenities.
15. Ester
- Overall Retirement Score: 88.47
- Walkability: 0.61
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 36.53
- Vibrant Score: 1.38
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Ester offers retirees an outstanding Overall Retirement Score of 88.47. While walkability is very limited at 0.61 and the vibrant score is low at 1.38, the area provides moderate urban sophistication at 36.53 and good quietness at 84.17. There are no public transit options. This area is perfect for retirees seeking a peaceful environment with moderate cultural amenities. The median home price in Ester is approximately $275,000.
14. Sterling
- Overall Retirement Score: 88.58
- Walkability: 0.51
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 42.41
- Vibrant Score: 2.77
- Transit-Friendly: 11.52
Sterling provides retirees with an excellent Overall Retirement Score of 88.58. The area scores extremely high for quietness at 96.13 and offers moderate urban sophistication at 42.41. While walkability is minimal at 0.51, there are some transit options with a score of 11.52. The vibrant score is low at 2.77. This is an ideal area for retirees seeking peace and quiet with some cultural amenities. The median home price in Sterling is approximately $250,000.
13. Salcha
- Overall Retirement Score: 89.33
- Walkability: 1.85
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 57.08
- Vibrant Score: 0.30
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Salcha boasts an excellent Overall Retirement Score of 89.33. The area offers one of the highest urban sophistication scores at 57.08, despite limited walkability at 1.85. The quiet index is exceptional at 99.35, making it one of the quietest areas on our list. There’s virtually no vibrancy at 0.30 and no public transit options. For retirees seeking a quiet environment with surprisingly good cultural amenities, Salcha is an excellent choice. The median home price in Salcha is approximately $269,000.
12. Cordova
- Overall Retirement Score: 90.15
- Walkability: 4.21
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 46.58
- Vibrant Score: 4.10
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Cordova offers retirees an outstanding Overall Retirement Score of 90.15. The area provides moderate urban sophistication at 46.58 and scores well for quietness at 90.88. Walkability is limited at 4.21, and the vibrant score is modest at 4.10. There are no public transit options. This coastal community provides an excellent retirement environment with good cultural amenities in a peaceful setting. The median home price in Cordova is approximately $295,000.
11. Seldovia
- Overall Retirement Score: 90.62
- Walkability: 2.96
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 46.65
- Vibrant Score: 1.06
- Transit-Friendly: 21.40
Seldovia provides retirees with an excellent Overall Retirement Score of 90.62. The area offers the second-highest transit-friendly score on our list at 21.40, despite limited walkability at 2.96. Urban sophistication is good at 46.65, and the quiet index is outstanding at 94.89. There’s minimal vibrancy at 1.06. For retirees seeking a peaceful environment with good cultural amenities and some transit options, Seldovia is an excellent choice. The median home price in Seldovia is approximately $240,000.
10. Homer
- Overall Retirement Score: 91.29
- Walkability: 6.19
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 53.36
- Vibrant Score: 15.66
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Homer offers retirees an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 91.29. The area provides good walkability at 6.19 compared to other Alaskan towns and excellent urban sophistication at 53.36. The vibrant score is relatively high at 15.66, while still maintaining a good quiet index at 79.60. There are no public transit options. This beautiful coastal community provides an excellent balance of amenities and peaceful living. The median home price in Homer is approximately $350,000, reflecting its popularity and amenities.
9. Seward
- Overall Retirement Score: 92.13
- Walkability: 6.34
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 50.56
- Vibrant Score: 1.61
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Seward boasts an outstanding Overall Retirement Score of 92.13. The area offers good walkability at 6.34 compared to other Alaskan communities and excellent urban sophistication at 50.56. The quiet index is strong at 84.92, while the vibrant score is minimal at 1.61. There are no public transit options. This scenic coastal town provides an excellent retirement environment with good amenities in a peaceful setting. The median home price in Seward is approximately $320,000.
8. Petersburg
- Overall Retirement Score: 92.25
- Walkability: 13.50
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 51.64
- Vibrant Score: 9.96
- Transit-Friendly: 18.74
Petersburg provides retirees with an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 92.25. The area offers the second-best walkability on our list at 13.50 and excellent urban sophistication at 51.64. The vibrant score is moderate at 9.96, and there are good transit options with a score of 18.74. The quiet index is outstanding at 95.64. This island community offers an excellent balance of amenities and peaceful living. The median home price in Petersburg is approximately $275,000.
7. Gustavus – Hoonah
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.21
- Walkability: 5.23
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 38.08
- Vibrant Score: 3.15
- Transit-Friendly: 24.59
Gustavus and Hoonah offer retirees an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 93.21. The area provides the highest transit-friendly score on our list at 24.59 and moderate walkability at 5.23. Urban sophistication is good at 38.08, and the quiet index is outstanding at 97.74. The vibrant score is modest at 3.15. This region offers an excellent retirement environment with good transit options in an extremely peaceful setting. The median home price in this area is approximately $235,000.
6. Thorne Bay – Kake
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.41
- Walkability: 1.55
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 21.97
- Vibrant Score: 0.61
- Transit-Friendly: 16.70
Thorne Bay and Kake provide retirees with an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 93.41. While walkability is limited at 1.55 and urban sophistication is modest at 21.97, the area offers good transit options with a score of 16.70. The quiet index is outstanding at 94.60, and there’s minimal vibrancy at 0.61. This region is perfect for retirees seeking a peaceful environment with some transit options. The median home price in this area is approximately $230,000.
5. Cooper Landing – Hope
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.37
- Walkability: 2.39
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 71.45
- Vibrant Score: 4.00
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Cooper Landing and Hope boast an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 95.37. The area offers the highest urban sophistication score on our list at 71.45, despite limited walkability at 2.39. The quiet index is outstanding at 95.10, and the vibrant score is modest at 4.00. There are no public transit options. This region provides an exceptional retirement environment with outstanding cultural amenities in a very peaceful setting. The median home price in this area is approximately $310,000.
4. Healy – Cantwell
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.53
- Walkability: 1.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.74
- Vibrant Score: 1.08
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Healy and Cantwell offer retirees an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 95.53. While walkability is limited at 1.88 and urban sophistication is moderate at 31.74, the area provides a good quiet index at 83.27. There’s minimal vibrancy at 1.08 and no public transit options. This region provides an excellent retirement environment in a peaceful setting near Denali National Park. The median home price in this area is approximately $265,000.
3. Hyder
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.83
- Walkability: 5.60
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 56.15
- Vibrant Score: 0.19
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Hyder boasts an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 95.83. The area offers excellent urban sophistication at 56.15 and moderate walkability at 5.60. The quiet index is phenomenal at 99.67, making it one of the quietest areas on our list. There’s virtually no vibrancy at 0.19 and no public transit options. This unique border town provides an exceptional retirement environment with surprisingly good cultural amenities in an extremely peaceful setting. The median home price in Hyder is approximately $180,000, making it one of the most affordable options on our list.
2. Wrangell
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.21
- Walkability: 7.78
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.96
- Vibrant Score: 11.00
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Wrangell offers retirees an outstanding Overall Retirement Score of 97.21. The area provides good walkability at 7.78 compared to other Alaskan communities and moderate urban sophistication at 25.96. The quiet index is excellent at 91.92, and the vibrant score is moderate at 11.00. There are no public transit options. This island community provides an exceptional retirement environment in a peaceful setting. The median home price in Wrangell is approximately $240,000.
1. Haines
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.98
- Walkability: 4.05
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.78
- Vibrant Score: 0.42
- Transit-Friendly: 0
Haines tops our list with an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 98.98. The area offers excellent urban sophistication at 47.78 and moderate walkability at 4.05. The quiet index is strong at 84.52, with minimal vibrancy at 0.42. There are no public transit options. This scenic community provides the best overall retirement environment in Alaska with good cultural amenities in a peaceful setting. The median home price in Haines is approximately $330,000, offering excellent value for the top retirement location in Alaska.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score – A comprehensive rating that evaluates how suitable an area is for retirees, considering factors like safety, healthcare access, community amenities, cost of living, and activities for seniors. Higher scores indicate more retirement-friendly locations.
- Walkability – Measures how easily residents can navigate the area on foot, considering sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and proximity of amenities. Higher scores indicate better pedestrian accessibility.
- Urban Sophistication – Evaluates the availability of cultural amenities such as museums, theaters, restaurants, and educational opportunities. Higher scores indicate more cultural and intellectual offerings.
- Vibrant Score – Reflects the energy and activity level of a neighborhood, including nightlife, events, and social opportunities. Higher scores indicate more lively communities.
- Transit-Friendly – Measures the accessibility and availability of public transportation options. Higher scores indicate better public transit infrastructure.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
