When evaluating the livability of Alaskan towns, we examined six key criteria to provide a comprehensive assessment. Our analysis includes Overall Walkability, Retirement Score, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, Cycling-Friendly, and Transit-Friendly metrics. These scores represent a detailed snapshot of what each community offers residents seeking an active, connected lifestyle in America’s last frontier.
The Overall Walkability Score has many criteria baked into it, measuring proximity to amenities, pedestrian infrastructure, safety, and accessibility. Every score is based on real world data and resident surveys. It is not made up. Our six criteria together paint a complete picture of mobility and lifestyle quality in these communities.
Here’s the list.
25. Yakutat
- Overall Walkability: 3.78
- Retirement Score: 85.97
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.61
- Vibrant Score: 6.02
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Yakutat offers the most distinctive walkability experience in Alaska with a score of 3.78, combined with excellent retirement appeal despite limited cultural amenities and vibrancy. This remote community where the Gulf of Alaska meets the Wrangell-St. Elias mountains offers a unique blend of Tlingit heritage, world-class surfing, and wilderness access. The median home price in Yakutat is approximately $210,000.
24. Haines
- Overall Walkability: 4.05
- Retirement Score: 98.98
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.78
- Vibrant Score: 0.42
- Cycling-Friendly: 7.59
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Haines combines a walkability score of 4.05 with Alaska’s highest retirement appeal rating. The town offers strong cultural amenities despite minimal vibrancy and limited cycling infrastructure. Haines’ spectacular setting and cultural attractions like the Alaska Bald Eagle Preserve create a unique Southeast Alaska experience with a compact, walkable downtown. The median home price in Haines is approximately $295,000.
23. Houston
- Overall Walkability: 4.19
- Retirement Score: 47.44
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.26
- Vibrant Score: 7.23
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Houston maintains a walkability score of 4.19 with moderate retirement appeal but limited cultural amenities and vibrancy. While cycling and transit infrastructure data aren’t available, Houston’s semi-rural development patterns reflect its position in Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Valley. The community offers affordable housing within commuting distance of Anchorage. The median home price in Houston is approximately $185,000.
22. Cordova
- Overall Walkability: 4.21
- Retirement Score: 90.15
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 46.58
- Vibrant Score: 4.10
- Cycling-Friendly: 25.20
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Cordova offers a walkability score of 4.21 with excellent retirement appeal and strong cultural amenities despite its isolation. The town provides decent cycling infrastructure and minimal vibrancy in this roadless community accessible only by boat or plane. Cordova’s fishing heritage and spectacular setting in Prince William Sound create a distinctive coastal Alaska experience. The median home price in Cordova is around $255,000.
21. Nome
- Overall Walkability: 4.71
- Retirement Score: 44.19
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 48.03
- Vibrant Score: 19.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 40.86
- Transit-Friendly: 30.67
Nome combines a walkability score of 4.71 with moderate retirement appeal and strong cultural amenities for its remote location. The town offers surprisingly good cycling infrastructure and the best transit options among smaller Alaskan communities. Nome’s gold rush history and position as a regional hub for Northwest Alaska create a unique Arctic community experience. The median home price in Nome is approximately $215,000.
20. Sand Point – King Cove
- Overall Walkability: 4.81
- Retirement Score: 65.23
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 24.60
- Vibrant Score: 5.42
- Cycling-Friendly: 18.72
- Transit-Friendly: 17.09
These Aleutian communities average a walkability score of 4.81 with good retirement potential and modest cultural offerings. Despite limited vibrancy, they provide surprising cycling and transit infrastructure for their remote island locations. The fishing industry shapes daily life in these communities where Aleut heritage remains strong. The median home price in these communities is approximately $175,000.
19. Gustavus – Hoonah
- Overall Walkability: 5.23
- Retirement Score: 93.21
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 38.08
- Vibrant Score: 3.15
- Cycling-Friendly: 44.37
- Transit-Friendly: 24.59
These neighboring communities average a walkability score of 5.23 while offering exceptional retirement appeal and surprising transit options for remote locations. With strong cycling infrastructure and moderate cultural amenities despite low vibrancy, these communities provide unique access to Glacier Bay National Park and traditional Tlingit culture. The median home price in this area is approximately $235,000.
18. Hyder
- Overall Walkability: 5.60
- Retirement Score: 95.83
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 56.15
- Vibrant Score: 0.19
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Alaska’s easternmost town, Hyder scores 5.60 for walkability with outstanding retirement appeal and surprisingly strong cultural amenities for its remote location. While vibrancy is minimal and formal cycling and transit infrastructure aren’t available, Hyder’s unique position on the Canadian border creates a distinctive community experience. The median home price in Hyder is approximately $125,000.
17. Homer
- Overall Walkability: 6.19
- Retirement Score: 91.29
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 53.36
- Vibrant Score: 15.66
- Cycling-Friendly: 12.22
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Known as Alaska’s “halibut fishing capital,” Homer offers a walkability score of 6.19 with excellent retirement appeal and strong cultural amenities. The town provides modest cycling infrastructure despite limited formal transit options. Homer’s artistic community and stunning Kachemak Bay setting create a unique environment with distinctive walkable areas like the famous Homer Spit. The median home price in Homer is approximately $345,000.
16. Seward
- Overall Walkability: 6.34
- Retirement Score: 92.13
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 50.56
- Vibrant Score: 1.61
- Cycling-Friendly: 65.85
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Seward scores 6.34 for walkability while excelling in retirement appeal and offering strong cycling infrastructure. The town provides good cultural amenities despite low vibrancy scores and limited formal transit. Seward’s scenic harbor and access to Kenai Fjords National Park create a distinctive coastal Alaska experience with a compact, walkable downtown. The median home price in Seward is around $325,000.
15. Wasilla
- Overall Walkability: 7.61
- Retirement Score: 36.73
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 36.47
- Vibrant Score: 25.91
- Cycling-Friendly: 2.85
- Transit-Friendly: 7.92
Wasilla combines a walkability score of 7.61 with modest ratings across retirement appeal, cultural offerings, and vibrancy. The town’s limited cycling infrastructure and minimal transit options reflect its development patterns. As one of Alaska’s fastest-growing communities, Wasilla balances suburban amenities with access to wilderness recreation. The median home price in Wasilla is approximately $305,000.
14. Wrangell
- Overall Walkability: 7.78
- Retirement Score: 97.21
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.96
- Vibrant Score: 11.00
- Cycling-Friendly: 17.54
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Wrangell offers a walkability score of 7.78 with one of Alaska’s highest retirement appeal ratings. While cultural amenities and vibrancy scores are modest, the town provides some cycling infrastructure despite limited formal transit options. Wrangell’s rich indigenous heritage and small-town atmosphere create a unique Southeast Alaska experience. The median home price in Wrangell is around $220,000.
13. Kodiak
- Overall Walkability: 9.70
- Retirement Score: 53.34
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 34.97
- Vibrant Score: 33.94
- Cycling-Friendly: 5.63
- Transit-Friendly: 6.43
Kodiak Island’s largest community scores 9.70 for walkability with balanced ratings across retirement appeal, cultural amenities, and vibrancy. While cycling and transit infrastructure are limited, Kodiak’s maritime economy and Russian heritage create a distinctive environment with unique walkable areas. The median home price in Kodiak is approximately $310,000.
12. North Pole
- Overall Walkability: 10.37
- Retirement Score: 36.78
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 44.79
- Vibrant Score: 18.93
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 4.07
North Pole maintains a walkability score of 10.37 with modest retirement appeal but surprisingly good cultural amenities for its size. While cycling infrastructure data isn’t available, the town has minimal transit options. North Pole’s Christmas-themed identity creates a unique community character despite challenging winter walking conditions. The median home price in North Pole is around $265,000.
11. Skagway
- Overall Walkability: 10.55
- Retirement Score: 57.49
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 40.66
- Vibrant Score: 13.40
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Historic Skagway offers a walkability score of 10.55, with its Gold Rush-era downtown preserving a uniquely walkable core. The town balances moderate retirement appeal with decent cultural amenities, though formal cycling and transit infrastructure data isn’t available. Skagway’s seasonal tourism economy influences its year-round walkability patterns. The median home price in Skagway is approximately $350,000.
10. Petersburg
- Overall Walkability: 13.50
- Retirement Score: 92.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 51.64
- Vibrant Score: 9.96
- Cycling-Friendly: 35.93
- Transit-Friendly: 18.74
Petersburg combines a walkability score of 13.50 with exceptional retirement appeal and strong cultural offerings for its size. The town’s Norwegian heritage is evident in its architecture and festivals. While vibrancy scores are modest, Petersburg offers surprisingly good cycling infrastructure and reasonable transit options for a small Alaskan community. The median home price in Petersburg is around $240,000.
9. Soldotna
- Overall Walkability: 13.89
- Retirement Score: 55.14
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 44.97
- Vibrant Score: 38.21
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 14.63
Soldotna offers a walkability score of 13.89 with balanced retirement appeal and solid cultural amenities. The town enjoys good vibrancy for its size and limited transit options, though cycling infrastructure data is unavailable. Known for world-class fishing opportunities, Soldotna’s seasonal tourism supports amenities unusual for its population. The median home price in Soldotna is approximately $275,000.
8. Metlakatla
- Overall Walkability: 14.39
- Retirement Score: 39.61
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.28
- Vibrant Score: 13.62
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Alaska’s only federal Indian reservation, Metlakatla scores 14.39 for walkability with moderate urban sophistication and modest retirement appeal. The community’s small size and island location make formal cycling and transit infrastructure unnecessary for many residents. Metlakatla’s unique cultural heritage and relatively mild climate create a distinctive living experience. The median home price in Metlakatla is approximately $180,000.
7. Palmer
- Overall Walkability: 14.80
- Retirement Score: 57.32
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 58.20
- Vibrant Score: 24.03
- Cycling-Friendly: 5.63
- Transit-Friendly: 10.10
Palmer offers a walkability score of 14.80, complemented by strong urban sophistication and moderate retirement appeal. Though cycling infrastructure and transit options are limited, Palmer’s well-designed downtown grid and agricultural heritage create a unique small-town experience within commuting distance of Anchorage. The median home price in Palmer is around $315,000.
6. Utqiagvik
- Overall Walkability: 15.15
- Retirement Score: 25.74
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.43
- Vibrant Score: 15.75
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
America’s northernmost community, Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow) offers a walkability score of 15.15 despite extreme Arctic conditions. The town has modest ratings for retirement appeal, urban sophistication, and vibrancy, reflecting its remote location. While cycling and transit data aren’t available, Utqiagvik’s compact layout makes it surprisingly walkable during warmer months. The median home price in Utqiagvik is approximately $230,000.
5. Juneau
- Overall Walkability: 17.88
- Retirement Score: 62.03
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 60.38
- Vibrant Score: 29.84
- Cycling-Friendly: 13.01
- Transit-Friendly: 26.44
Alaska’s capital offers a walkability score of 17.88 and the highest urban sophistication rating among all ranked towns. Juneau balances good retirement potential with decent transit options, though its challenging topography limits cycling infrastructure. As a governmental and cultural center, Juneau provides amenities uncommon for its size. The median home price in Juneau is approximately $435,000.
4. Sitka
- Overall Walkability: 21.51
- Retirement Score: 88.01
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 56.24
- Vibrant Score: 29.96
- Cycling-Friendly: 74.14
- Transit-Friendly: 12.41
Sitka combines a solid walkability score of 21.51 with Alaska’s best cycling infrastructure at 74.14. The town excels in retirement appeal and cultural sophistication, reflecting its rich Russian and Tlingit heritage. While transit options are limited, Sitka’s compact historical center and spectacular natural setting make it uniquely appealing for active residents. The median home price in Sitka is around $390,000.
3. Fairbanks
- Overall Walkability: 26.84
- Retirement Score: 45.78
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 38.65
- Vibrant Score: 48.61
- Cycling-Friendly: 22.30
- Transit-Friendly: 21.20
Fairbanks ranks third in Alaska for walkability with a score of 26.84 and maintains a strong vibrancy score of 48.61. The city balances moderate retirement appeal with decent cultural amenities, while offering relatively strong cycling and transit options for an Alaskan community. Despite extreme winter temperatures, Fairbanks maintains functional pedestrian infrastructure year-round. The median home price in Fairbanks is approximately $280,000.
2. Ketchikan
- Overall Walkability: 28.24
- Retirement Score: 71.06
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.59
- Vibrant Score: 32.24
- Cycling-Friendly: 1.28
- Transit-Friendly: 26.13
Ketchikan offers the second-highest walkability score in Alaska at 28.24, balanced with impressive retirement appeal and cultural amenities. Though its cycling infrastructure is minimal, the town provides good public transit options and moderate vibrancy. As a popular cruise destination, Ketchikan blends walkable historic areas with natural beauty. The median home price in Ketchikan is around $345,000.
1. Anchorage
- Overall Walkability: 45.36
- Retirement Score: 35.82
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 55.97
- Vibrant Score: 57.62
- Cycling-Friendly: 18.90
- Transit-Friendly: 29.90
Anchorage stands out with Alaska’s highest walkability score at 45.36, offering good urban sophistication and the highest vibrancy score among all ranked towns. While its retirement score is moderate, the city provides decent transit options unusual for Alaska. Despite challenging winter conditions, Anchorage maintains reasonable cycling infrastructure. The median home price in Anchorage is approximately $375,000.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Walkability: Measures how feasible and pleasant it is to travel on foot within a community, considering factors like infrastructure, safety, proximity to amenities, pedestrian-friendly design, and connectivity.
- Retirement Score: Indicates how suitable a community is for retirees, factoring in healthcare access, climate, cost of living, recreational opportunities, and services for seniors.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Evaluates access to cultural attractions like museums, theaters, restaurants, galleries, and educational institutions that enhance quality of life.
- Vibrant Score: Measures the energy and activity level of a community, including nightlife, events, population diversity, and economic vitality.
- Cycling-Friendly: Assesses infrastructure and conditions for cyclists, including dedicated lanes, trails, and safety measures. This criterion connects with walkability as communities that support multiple transportation modes typically offer more comprehensive mobility options.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates public transportation availability, frequency, reliability, and coverage. Like cycling infrastructure, transit options complement walkability by providing alternative transportation that reduces car dependency and supports more connected, accessible communities.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
Alaska Real Estate Association
