Finding the perfect place to live as a young single in Alaska requires looking at multiple factors that affect daily life and social opportunities. Our comprehensive analysis evaluates towns across 6 criteria that matter most to young singles: Overall Young Singles Score, Hip & Trendy rating, Vibrancy Score, Car Friendliness, Cycling-Friendliness, and Transit-Friendliness. Together, these metrics provide a holistic view of how well each location serves the needs of single residents.
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 suitable towns for young singles. The Overall Young Singles Score encompasses numerous factors including dating pool size, social opportunities, entertainment options, and community engagement possibilities.
Here’s the list.
25. Wasilla
- Overall Young Singles Score: 40.00
- Hip & Trendy: 90.00
- Vibrancy Score: 73.00
- Car Friendly: 76.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 41.00
- Transit-Friendly: 15.00
Wasilla offers young singles a vibrant community with exceptional hip and trendy establishments, though its overall singles score is the lowest on our list. The town excels in car friendliness, making personal transportation convenient. With a median home price of $386,091, Wasilla provides modern amenities amid Alaska’s stunning natural landscape.
24. Meadow Lakes
- Overall Young Singles Score: 50.50
- Hip & Trendy: 67.00
- Vibrancy Score: 57.50
- Car Friendly: 68.50
- Cycling-Friendly: 73.50
- Transit-Friendly: 34.50
Meadow Lakes stands out for its excellent cycling infrastructure, making it perfect for active singles who enjoy outdoor recreation. With balanced scores across most categories and a median home price of $342,664, it offers a moderately priced option with good accessibility for those who prefer non-motorized transportation.
23. Moose Pass
- Overall Young Singles Score: 53.00
- Hip & Trendy: 60.33
- Vibrancy Score: 43.00
- Car Friendly: 56.33
- Cycling-Friendly: 42.33
- Transit-Friendly: 45.00
Moose Pass offers young singles a balanced community with decent transit options for an Alaskan town. While not scoring exceptionally high in any single category, it provides a well-rounded experience with moderate accessibility across transportation methods. The median home price of $277,063 makes it one of the more affordable options on our list.
22. Delta Junction
- Overall Young Singles Score: 54.50
- Hip & Trendy: 84.50
- Vibrancy Score: 99.00
- Car Friendly: 68.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 28.50
- Transit-Friendly: 41.50
Delta Junction boasts the highest vibrancy score on our list and excellent hip and trendy credentials. This makes it an exciting destination for singles looking for cultural engagement and entertainment. With a median home price of $329,481 and good car accessibility, it offers vibrant living at a reasonable price point, though cycling infrastructure lags behind other options.
21. Willow
- Overall Young Singles Score: 55.33
- Hip & Trendy: 60.33
- Vibrancy Score: 65.00
- Car Friendly: 57.33
- Cycling-Friendly: 41.33
- Transit-Friendly: 35.67
Willow provides young singles with a balanced lifestyle option at one of the most affordable price points on our list, with a median home price of $221,442. The town offers decent vibrancy and hip amenities without exceptional scores in any particular category, making it a solid middle-ground choice for those seeking value.
20. Homer
- Overall Young Singles Score: 56.00
- Hip & Trendy: 46.50
- Vibrancy Score: 57.50
- Car Friendly: 73.50
- Cycling-Friendly: 62.00
- Transit-Friendly: 41.00
Homer shines with good car infrastructure and cycling options, offering young singles excellent transportation flexibility. While its hip and trendy score is lower than many competitors, the town provides balanced vibrancy with reasonable transit options. The median home price of $394,741 reflects its desirability among Alaska’s coastal communities.
19. Salcha
- Overall Young Singles Score: 60.33
- Hip & Trendy: 52.00
- Vibrancy Score: 71.00
- Car Friendly: 83.33
- Cycling-Friendly: 44.33
- Transit-Friendly: 46.33
Salcha stands out for its exceptional car-friendly infrastructure and good vibrancy score. Young singles will appreciate the excellent driving conditions and reasonable transit options. With the lowest median home price on our list at $213,478, Salcha offers outstanding value for budget-conscious singles who still want good accessibility and community energy.
18. Seward
- Overall Young Singles Score: 61.00
- Hip & Trendy: 68.50
- Vibrancy Score: 35.00
- Car Friendly: 47.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 53.50
- Transit-Friendly: 51.50
Seward offers young singles a balanced transportation profile with the best transit-friendly score among the lower-ranked towns. While its vibrancy score is modest, it compensates with good hip and trendy establishments. With a median home price of $357,548, Seward provides oceanside living with reasonable accessibility across multiple transportation modes.
17. Kodiak
- Overall Young Singles Score: 62.00
- Hip & Trendy: 71.67
- Vibrancy Score: 56.67
- Car Friendly: 59.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 39.67
- Transit-Friendly: 39.67
Kodiak delivers a solid experience for young singles with strong hip and trendy credentials and decent vibrancy. The island community offers balanced transportation options across all modes. With a median home price of $444,911, Kodiak represents island living at a premium, but with the cultural amenities to justify the investment.
16. Kachemak City
- Overall Young Singles Score: 65.33
- Hip & Trendy: 84.33
- Vibrancy Score: 61.33
- Car Friendly: 59.67
- Cycling-Friendly: 74.00
- Transit-Friendly: 39.67
Kachemak City presents an excellent option for young singles who value cycling and cultural amenities, with strong scores in both hip & trendy and cycling-friendly categories. The town offers good vibrancy and car accessibility with a higher median home price of $482,946 that reflects its desirability and quality of life.
15. Saxman
- Overall Young Singles Score: 67.50
- Hip & Trendy: 73.50
- Vibrancy Score: 73.50
- Car Friendly: 59.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 42.50
- Transit-Friendly: 58.00
Saxman excels in multiple categories important to young singles, with strong scores in hip & trendy establishments, community vibrancy, and transit-friendliness. This well-rounded profile makes it ideal for those seeking cultural engagement with good transportation options. The median home price of $290,915 offers solid value given the town’s balanced amenities.
14. Palmer
- Overall Young Singles Score: 68.50
- Hip & Trendy: 61.00
- Vibrancy Score: 52.00
- Car Friendly: 53.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 56.50
- Transit-Friendly: 46.50
Palmer provides young singles with a harmonious balance across all measured categories without exceptional performance in any single area. This makes it ideal for those seeking a well-rounded community experience with reasonable transportation options. The median home price of $384,647 reflects its balanced appeal and desirable location.
13. Kasilof
- Overall Young Singles Score: 70.50
- Hip & Trendy: 83.50
- Vibrancy Score: 81.50
- Car Friendly: 63.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 36.00
- Transit-Friendly: 40.00
Kasilof stands out for its exceptional cultural offerings with outstanding scores in both hip & trendy establishments and community vibrancy. Young singles will find an energetic social scene with good car accessibility, though cycling options are more limited. The median home price of $299,374 offers excellent value considering the town’s cultural strengths.
12. Diamond Ridge
- Overall Young Singles Score: 73.33
- Hip & Trendy: 59.67
- Vibrancy Score: 59.00
- Car Friendly: 59.67
- Cycling-Friendly: 47.00
- Transit-Friendly: 44.67
Diamond Ridge offers young singles consistently solid scores across all categories, making it an exceptionally balanced choice. Without dramatic highs or lows in any one area, it provides reliable accessibility and moderate cultural engagement. The median home price of $342,908 represents fair value for this well-rounded community experience.
11. Anchor Point
- Overall Young Singles Score: 73.50
- Hip & Trendy: 64.00
- Vibrancy Score: 39.50
- Car Friendly: 47.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 36.50
- Transit-Friendly: 43.50
Anchor Point delivers a strong overall experience for young singles despite more modest scores in specific categories. Its balanced profile makes it a good choice for those who value overall singles-friendliness over particular amenities. With a median home price of $263,505, it offers good value for singles seeking an accessible community.
10. Chugiak
- Overall Young Singles Score: 75.00
- Hip & Trendy: 36.00
- Vibrancy Score: 96.00
- Car Friendly: 12.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 58.00
- Transit-Friendly: 36.00
Chugiak offers a unique profile with the second-highest vibrancy score on our list, making it an exciting place for community engagement. However, young singles should note the limited car infrastructure, which is offset somewhat by decent cycling options. With a median home price of $483,252, Chugiak commands a premium for its dynamic community energy despite transportation limitations.
9. Wrangell
- Overall Young Singles Score: 76.00
- Hip & Trendy: 82.00
- Vibrancy Score: 68.50
- Car Friendly: 39.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 40.50
- Transit-Friendly: 21.00
Wrangell delivers exceptional cultural amenities with an outstanding hip & trendy score and strong community vibrancy. Young singles will enjoy the social and entertainment options, though transportation infrastructure is less developed. The median home price of $310,283 offers good value for a town with such strong cultural credentials.
8. Cooper Landing
- Overall Young Singles Score: 78.00
- Hip & Trendy: 40.00
- Vibrancy Score: 43.00
- Car Friendly: 56.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 72.50
- Transit-Friendly: 40.50
Cooper Landing stands out with excellent cycling infrastructure, making it ideal for active young singles who enjoy outdoor recreation. While its cultural scores are more modest, the overall singles-friendliness is impressive. The higher median home price of $467,012 reflects its desirability and natural setting among Alaska’s scenic landscapes.
7. Barrow
- Overall Young Singles Score: 80.00
- Hip & Trendy: 57.00
- Vibrancy Score: 97.00
- Car Friendly: 43.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 52.00
- Transit-Friendly: 46.00
Barrow offers young singles the highest vibrancy score on our list, creating an energetic community atmosphere that’s hard to match. With strong overall singles-friendliness and balanced transportation options, it provides a well-rounded experience in Alaska’s northernmost town. The median home price of $297,676 represents excellent value given its exceptional community dynamics.
6. Ketchikan
- Overall Young Singles Score: 81.50
- Hip & Trendy: 73.00
- Vibrancy Score: 67.00
- Car Friendly: 73.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 79.50
- Transit-Friendly: 43.00
Ketchikan excels across nearly all categories, with particularly impressive scores in cycling-friendliness, car accessibility, and hip & trendy establishments. This balanced excellence makes it a premier destination for young singles seeking a well-rounded community. The median home price of $385,428 reflects the town’s comprehensive appeal and quality of life.
5. Soldotna
- Overall Young Singles Score: 84.00
- Hip & Trendy: 32.00
- Vibrancy Score: 20.00
- Car Friendly: 39.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 75.00
- Transit-Friendly: 13.00
Soldotna boasts an excellent overall singles score and strong cycling infrastructure, though its cultural and transit metrics are more modest. Young singles who prioritize outdoor activities and cycling will find it particularly appealing. With a median home price of $355,910, Soldotna offers good value for those who value its specific strengths.
4. Fox River
- Overall Young Singles Score: 87.67
- Hip & Trendy: 69.33
- Vibrancy Score: 42.67
- Car Friendly: 53.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 65.33
- Transit-Friendly: 13.33
Fox River enters our top five with an outstanding overall singles score and good cycling options. Its hip & trendy score is solid, though transit options are limited. The median home price of $236,966 makes it one of the most affordable top-tier options, offering exceptional value for young singles seeking a supportive community environment.
3. North Pole
- Overall Young Singles Score: 88.50
- Hip & Trendy: 65.50
- Vibrancy Score: 41.00
- Car Friendly: 55.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 70.50
- Transit-Friendly: 18.00
North Pole claims our third spot with an exceptional overall singles score and excellent cycling infrastructure. Young singles will appreciate the good hip & trendy options and reasonable car accessibility, though transit options are limited. The median home price of $308,363 offers good value for a top-three community.
2. Hope
- Overall Young Singles Score: 97.00
- Hip & Trendy: 75.00
- Vibrancy Score: 40.00
- Car Friendly: 17.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 84.00
- Transit-Friendly: 11.00
Hope secures our second position with a near-perfect overall singles score and the second-best cycling infrastructure on our list. Young singles will enjoy excellent hip & trendy establishments, though should note the limited car and transit options. With a median home price of $265,653, Hope offers remarkable value for one of Alaska’s premier singles destinations.
1. Sterling
- Overall Young Singles Score: 97.00
- Hip & Trendy: 86.00
- Vibrancy Score: 35.00
- Car Friendly: 91.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 25.00
- Transit-Friendly: 36.00
Sterling tops our list as Alaska’s best town for young singles, with a perfect overall singles score and the best combination of strengths. It offers the highest hip & trendy rating and exceptional car accessibility, though cycling options are more limited. With a median home price of $350,810, Sterling provides outstanding value as the premier destination for young singles in Alaska.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Young Singles Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates the overall appeal of a town for young singles, including factors such as dating pool size, social opportunities, nightlife, recreational options, and community engagement possibilities.
- Hip & Trendy: Measures the concentration and quality of contemporary establishments including cafes, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and cultural venues that appeal to younger demographics. This factor is crucial as it indicates where young singles can socialize and build connections.
- Vibrancy Score: Assesses the energy and activity level of a community, including events, festivals, cultural happenings, and general social dynamism. This metric helps young singles identify communities with active social scenes and engagement opportunities.
- Car Friendly: Evaluates road quality, parking availability, traffic conditions, and general automotive accessibility. This metric is included because transportation accessibility directly impacts social mobility and access to amenities.
- Cycling-Friendly: Measures the quality and extent of cycling infrastructure, including dedicated lanes, trails, bike parking, and overall cycling culture. This criterion is relevant as many young singles prefer eco-friendly transportation and active lifestyles.
- Transit-Friendly: Assesses the availability, reliability, and coverage of public transportation options. This factor is important as good transit systems provide accessibility without the expense of car ownership, a consideration for many young singles.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
Realtor.com Local Housing Market Index
U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
