When evaluating the hip and trendy status of Alaska’s towns, we look at five key criteria that determine the overall desirability for those seeking vibrant, walkable communities with strong cultural amenities and social scenes. These criteria include the Overall Hip & Trendy Score, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrancy Score, Walkability, and Young Singles Score. The Overall Hip & Trendy Score encompasses many factors including nightlife options, dining variety, cultural events, and general atmosphere that attracts younger residents and visitors.
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 least hip and trendy towns. The scores are presented on a scale of 1-100, with higher numbers indicating better performance in each category.
Here’s the list.
25. Wasilla
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 9.76
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 36.47
- Vibrancy Score: 25.91
- Walkability: 7.61
- Young Singles Score: 43.40
Wasilla ranks as the 25th worst hip and trendy town in Alaska with an Overall Hip & Trendy Score of 9.76 out of 100. While it has a moderate Urban Sophistication score of 36.47, indicating some cultural amenities, its Vibrancy Score of 25.91 and poor Walkability score of 7.61 significantly impact its overall ranking. The Young Singles Score of 43.40 suggests a moderate presence of young adults. The median home price in Wasilla is approximately $345,000.
24. Kenai
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 9.71
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 28.91
- Vibrancy Score: 16.56
- Walkability: 2.44
- Young Singles Score: 41.67
Kenai scores 9.71 on the Hip & Trendy index, placing it 24th on our list. The town has limited cultural amenities with an Urban Sophistication score of 28.91, and a very low Walkability score of just 2.44. Its Vibrancy Score of 16.56 indicates minimal nightlife and entertainment options. While the Young Singles Score of 41.67 is moderate, the overall environment isn’t particularly appealing to young professionals. The median home price in Kenai is approximately $295,000.
23. Healy – Cantwell
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 9.53
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.74
- Vibrancy Score: 1.08
- Walkability: 1.88
- Young Singles Score: 40.54
The Healy-Cantwell area has a Hip & Trendy Score of 9.53, ranking it 23rd. While its Urban Sophistication score of 31.74 is relatively decent for a rural area, it has an extremely low Vibrancy Score of just 1.08, one of the lowest in the state. With a Walkability score of only 1.88, the area is heavily car-dependent. Despite these limitations, it maintains a moderate Young Singles Score of 40.54, likely due to seasonal employment in the nearby Denali National Park. The median home price in the Healy-Cantwell area is approximately $257,000.
22. Togiak – Manokotak
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 8.79
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.91
- Vibrancy Score: 5.91
- Walkability: 1.11
- Young Singles Score: 43.99
The Togiak-Manokotak area comes in at 22nd with a Hip & Trendy Score of 8.79. This remote area has very low scores in Urban Sophistication (9.91), Vibrancy (5.91), and Walkability (1.11), reflecting its isolated location and limited infrastructure. However, it maintains a moderate Young Singles Score of 43.99, likely reflecting the younger demographic profile of many rural Alaska Native communities. The median home price in the Togiak-Manokotak area is approximately $185,000.
21. Tok
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 8.20
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.27
- Vibrancy Score: 3.52
- Walkability: 1.62
- Young Singles Score: 31.61
Tok ranks 21st with a Hip & Trendy Score of 8.20. As a highway junction town, it scores poorly across all metrics with an Urban Sophistication score of just 5.27, a low Vibrancy Score of 3.52, and poor Walkability at 1.62. The Young Singles Score of 31.61 is among the lower scores in our ranking. The median home price in Tok is approximately $215,000.
20. Unalakleet
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 7.80
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 6.74
- Vibrancy Score: 4.85
- Walkability: 1.87
- Young Singles Score: 48.77
Unalakleet ranks 20th with a Hip & Trendy Score of 7.80. This remote coastal village has very low Urban Sophistication (6.74) and Vibrancy (4.85) scores, with limited Walkability (1.87). However, its relatively high Young Singles Score of 48.77 suggests a younger population. The median home price in Unalakleet is approximately $178,000.
19. Adak
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 7.76
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 20.33
- Vibrancy Score: 4.27
- Walkability: 3.09
- Young Singles Score: 55.35
Adak, located in the remote Aleutian Islands, ranks 19th with a Hip & Trendy Score of 7.76. Once a military base, it now has limited cultural amenities with an Urban Sophistication score of 20.33 and a very low Vibrancy Score of 4.27. Its Walkability score is only 3.09, but it maintains a surprisingly high Young Singles Score of 55.35, possibly due to seasonal fishing industry workers. The median home price in Adak is approximately $125,000, reflecting its remote location and limited amenities.
18. North Pole
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 7.67
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 44.79
- Vibrancy Score: 18.93
- Walkability: 10.37
- Young Singles Score: 45.66
North Pole ranks 18th with a Hip & Trendy Score of 7.67. Despite its famous name, this Fairbanks suburb scores relatively low in hipness, though it does have a decent Urban Sophistication score of 44.79 and a moderate Vibrancy Score of 18.93. Its Walkability score of 10.37 is higher than many rural communities, and its Young Singles Score of 45.66 indicates a moderate presence of young adults. The median home price in North Pole is approximately $275,000.
17. Naknek – King Salmon
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 7.64
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 43.11
- Vibrancy Score: 9.59
- Walkability: 3.37
- Young Singles Score: 64.56
The Naknek-King Salmon area ranks 17th with a Hip & Trendy Score of 7.64. This fishing hub has a surprisingly high Urban Sophistication score of 43.11, though its Vibrancy Score is low at 9.59 and Walkability is poor at 3.37. Its standout feature is a high Young Singles Score of 64.56, likely due to the seasonal influx of fishing industry workers. The median home price in the Naknek-King Salmon area is approximately $235,000.
16. Dillingham
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 6.99
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 39.42
- Vibrancy Score: 9.05
- Walkability: 3.10
- Young Singles Score: 63.80
Dillingham ranks 16th with a Hip & Trendy Score of 6.99. As a regional hub for Southwest Alaska, it achieves a moderate Urban Sophistication score of 39.42, though its Vibrancy Score remains low at 9.05 and Walkability is poor at 3.10. Like other fishing communities, it has a high Young Singles Score of 63.80, reflecting the demographic profile of seasonal workers. The median home price in Dillingham is approximately $267,000.
15. Big Lake
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 5.66
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 21.17
- Vibrancy Score: 13.28
- Walkability: 1.26
- Young Singles Score: 44.88
Big Lake ranks 15th with a Hip & Trendy Score of 5.66. This recreational lake community near Wasilla has low scores across all metrics, with an Urban Sophistication score of 21.17, a Vibrancy Score of 13.28, and extremely poor Walkability at 1.26. The Young Singles Score is moderate at 44.88. The median home price in Big Lake is approximately $285,000.
14. Kotzebue
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 5.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.56
- Vibrancy Score: 20.38
- Walkability: 1.41
- Young Singles Score: 59.53
Kotzebue ranks 14th with a Hip & Trendy Score of 5.25. As an Arctic regional hub, it achieves a moderate Urban Sophistication score of 31.56 and Vibrancy Score of 20.38, though Walkability is very low at 1.41. It has a high Young Singles Score of 59.53, reflecting the demographic profile of this predominantly Alaska Native community. The median home price in Kotzebue is approximately $225,000.
13. Unalaska
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 4.55
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.35
- Vibrancy Score: 6.27
- Walkability: 2.01
- Young Singles Score: 50.17
Unalaska ranks 13th with a Hip & Trendy Score of 4.55. This remote Aleutian Islands fishing port has a moderate Urban Sophistication score of 25.35, though its Vibrancy Score is low at 6.27 and Walkability is poor at 2.01. It maintains a high Young Singles Score of 50.17, reflecting the demographic profile of seasonal fishing industry workers. The median home price in Unalaska is approximately $325,000, relatively high for its location due to the lucrative fishing industry.
12. Old Harbor
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 4.39
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 48.53
- Vibrancy Score: 1.61
- Walkability: 1.39
- Young Singles Score: 36.53
Old Harbor ranks 12th with a Hip & Trendy Score of 4.39. Surprisingly, this small community on Kodiak Island has a high Urban Sophistication score of 48.53, possibly reflecting strong traditional cultural elements, though its Vibrancy Score is very low at 1.61 and Walkability is poor at 1.39. The Young Singles Score is moderate at 36.53. The median home price in Old Harbor is approximately $195,000.
11. Bethel
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 4.20
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 23.46
- Vibrancy Score: 15.87
- Walkability: 0.90
- Young Singles Score: 65.04
Bethel ranks 11th with a Hip & Trendy Score of 4.20. As Western Alaska’s largest hub community, it has a moderate Urban Sophistication score of 23.46 and Vibrancy Score of 15.87, though its Walkability is extremely poor at 0.90. Its standout feature is a very high Young Singles Score of 65.04, reflecting the demographic profile of this predominantly Yup’ik community and regional service center. The median home price in Bethel is approximately $299,000.
10. Aniak – Lower Kalskag
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 4.14
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 1.64
- Vibrancy Score: 2.30
- Walkability: 0.32
- Young Singles Score: 44.58
The Aniak-Lower Kalskag area ranks 10th from the bottom with a Hip & Trendy Score of 4.14. This remote area on the Kuskokwim River has extremely low Urban Sophistication (1.64), Vibrancy (2.30), and the lowest Walkability score on our list at just 0.32. It maintains a moderate Young Singles Score of 44.58. The median home price in the Aniak-Lower Kalskag area is approximately $175,000.
9. Kwethluk
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 4.00
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 2.54
- Vibrancy Score: 5.51
- Walkability: 1.44
- Young Singles Score: 38.83
Kwethluk ranks 9th from the bottom with a Hip & Trendy Score of 4.00. This Yup’ik village near Bethel has very low Urban Sophistication (2.54), Vibrancy (5.51), and Walkability (1.44) scores. Its Young Singles Score is moderate at 38.83. The median home price in Kwethluk is approximately $165,000.
8. Delta Junction
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 3.81
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 35.81
- Vibrancy Score: 1.62
- Walkability: 0.38
- Young Singles Score: 43.10
Delta Junction ranks 8th from the bottom with a Hip & Trendy Score of 3.81. This highway junction town has a surprisingly decent Urban Sophistication score of 35.81, likely due to its proximity to military facilities, but it scores extremely poorly on Vibrancy (1.62) and Walkability (0.38). Its Young Singles Score is moderate at 43.10, potentially influenced by military personnel from nearby Fort Greely. The median home price in Delta Junction is approximately $230,000.
7. Yakutat
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 3.52
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.61
- Vibrancy Score: 6.02
- Walkability: 3.78
- Young Singles Score: 48.64
Yakutat ranks 7th from the bottom with a Hip & Trendy Score of 3.52. This remote coastal community has low Urban Sophistication (10.61) and Vibrancy (6.02) scores, with poor Walkability (3.78). It maintains a relatively high Young Singles Score of 48.64, potentially due to its popularity with seasonal fishing and surfing enthusiasts. The median home price in Yakutat is approximately $210,000.
6. Willow
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 3.37
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.14
- Vibrancy Score: 4.88
- Walkability: 0.49
- Young Singles Score: 28.92
Willow ranks 6th from the bottom with a Hip & Trendy Score of 3.37. This rural community north of Wasilla has a surprisingly decent Urban Sophistication score of 31.14, but very low scores for Vibrancy (4.88) and Walkability (0.49). It has one of the lowest Young Singles Scores on our list at 28.92, reflecting its appeal to families and retirees rather than young professionals. The median home price in Willow is approximately $229,000.
5. Hooper Bay – Chevak
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 2.49
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 2.02
- Vibrancy Score: 4.87
- Walkability: 1.11
- Young Singles Score: 41.53
The Hooper Bay-Chevak area ranks 5th from the bottom with a Hip & Trendy Score of 2.49. These remote Cup’ik communities have extremely low Urban Sophistication (2.02), Vibrancy (4.87), and Walkability (1.11) scores. They maintain a moderate Young Singles Score of 41.53. The median home price in the Hooper Bay-Chevak area is approximately $155,000.
4. Selawik – Noorvik
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 2.20
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 8.88
- Vibrancy Score: 4.80
- Walkability: 1.13
- Young Singles Score: 40.27
The Selawik-Noorvik area ranks 4th from the bottom with a Hip & Trendy Score of 2.20. These remote Iñupiat communities have very low Urban Sophistication (8.88), Vibrancy (4.80), and Walkability (1.13) scores. They maintain a moderate Young Singles Score of 40.27. The median home price in the Selawik-Noorvik area is approximately $145,000.
3. Metlakatla
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 2.15
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.28
- Vibrancy Score: 13.62
- Walkability: 14.39
- Young Singles Score: 31.32
Metlakatla ranks 3rd from the bottom with a Hip & Trendy Score of 2.15. This unique community on Annette Island, Alaska’s only federal Indian reservation, has a moderate Urban Sophistication score of 31.28, potentially reflecting its rich cultural heritage. Its Vibrancy Score (13.62) is moderate compared to other communities at the bottom of our list, and it has the highest Walkability score (14.39) among our bottom 10 communities. Its Young Singles Score is relatively low at 31.32. The median home price in Metlakatla is approximately $189,000.
2. Point Hope – Wainwright
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 0.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.58
- Vibrancy Score: 5.64
- Walkability: 1.47
- Young Singles Score: 41.52
The Point Hope-Wainwright area ranks 2nd from the bottom with a Hip & Trendy Score of just 0.88. These remote Arctic coastal communities have low Urban Sophistication (10.58), Vibrancy (5.64), and Walkability (1.47) scores. They maintain a moderate Young Singles Score of 41.52. The median home price in the Point Hope-Wainwright area is approximately $165,000.
1. Prudhoe Bay
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 0.16
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.87
- Vibrancy Score: 3.68
- Walkability: 0.40
- Young Singles Score: 24.78
Prudhoe Bay ranks as Alaska’s least hip and trendy town with an almost non-existent Hip & Trendy Score of 0.16. This oil industry hub on the Arctic coast has the lowest scores across nearly all metrics, with minimal Urban Sophistication (0.87), very low Vibrancy (3.68), poor Walkability (0.40), and the second-lowest Young Singles Score (24.78) on our list. As an industrial area rather than a true residential community, Prudhoe Bay was never designed for trendiness or urban amenities. The “median home price” concept doesn’t really apply to Prudhoe Bay as it’s primarily composed of industrial facilities and worker accommodations rather than traditional residential housing.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: A composite metric that evaluates a town’s appeal to trend-conscious residents, encompassing factors like cultural offerings, nightlife options, dining variety, modern amenities, and the general atmosphere that attracts younger residents and visitors.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Measures the availability and quality of cultural attractions including museums, art galleries, theaters, music venues, and other establishments that contribute to a town’s cultural vibrancy. This criterion is included because culturally rich environments tend to attract creative individuals who contribute to a community’s hip factor.
- Vibrancy Score: Assesses the energy and activity level of a town, including nightlife, festivals, events, and general street life. This metric is crucial as vibrant communities create the social environments where trends emerge and thrive.
- Walkability: Evaluates how easily residents can navigate the town on foot, considering factors like sidewalk infrastructure, pedestrian safety, and the proximity of amenities. Walkability is included because walkable neighborhoods foster the casual interactions and street-level engagement that characterize trendy districts.
- Young Singles Score: Measures the proportion of young, unmarried adults in the population. This demographic often drives trends and contributes to a town’s hip atmosphere, making it an essential indicator of a community’s potential trendiness.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
Alaska Real Estate Market Trends
