This ranking examines Alaska’s least luxurious neighborhoods based on six critical criteria: Overall Luxury Score, Urban Sophistication, Quiet Score, Nautical Index, Retirement Score, and Vacation Home Score. Each measure provides insight into different aspects of neighborhood livability for affluent 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 least luxurious neighborhoods. The Overall Luxury Score has many criteria baked into it, giving a comprehensive view of each area’s amenities and appeal to wealthy homebuyers.
Here’s the list.
25. Tanaina
- Overall Luxury Score: 43.55
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.30
- Quiet Score: 78.11
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 34.83
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Tanaina ranks as the 25th worst luxury neighborhood in Alaska with a moderate Overall Luxury Score of 43.55. It has a decent Urban Sophistication score of 41.30, suggesting reasonable access to cultural amenities. Its highest rating is the Quiet Score at 78.11, making it one of the more peaceful neighborhoods on this list. The Retirement Score is average at 34.83. The median home price in Tanaina is approximately $375,000.
24. Campbell Park
- Overall Luxury Score: 43.49
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 37.56
- Quiet Score: 16.81
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 21.56
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Campbell Park has an Overall Luxury Score of 43.49, placing it 24th on our list. It offers moderate Urban Sophistication at 37.56, but falls short with a very low Quiet Score of 16.81, indicating a noisier environment. The Retirement Score is below average at 21.56. The median home price in Campbell Park is around $320,000.
23. Town Center
- Overall Luxury Score: 43.17
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 24.69
- Quiet Score: 81.46
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 56.78
- Vacation Home Score: 77.68
Town Center ranks 23rd with an Overall Luxury Score of 43.17. While it has a lower Urban Sophistication score of 24.69, it compensates with an excellent Quiet Score of 81.46. It also has strong scores for Retirement (56.78) and Vacation Home potential (77.68). The median home price in Town Center is approximately $385,000.
22. Badger / Clear Creek Park
- Overall Luxury Score: 42.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 32.62
- Quiet Score: 71.04
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 43.37
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Badger / Clear Creek Park comes in at number 22 with an Overall Luxury Score of 42.88. It has a moderate Urban Sophistication rating (32.62) and scores well on the Quiet index (71.04). The Retirement Score is decent at 43.37. The median home price in this area is approximately $340,000.
21. Knik Fairview
- Overall Luxury Score: 42.51
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 32.30
- Quiet Score: 61.12
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 21.62
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Knik Fairview ranks 21st with an Overall Luxury Score of 42.51. Its Urban Sophistication score is 32.30, with a relatively good Quiet Score of 61.12. The Retirement Score is lower at 21.62. The median home price in Knik Fairview is approximately $325,000.
20. Meadow Lakes
- Overall Luxury Score: 41.80
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 23.28
- Quiet Score: 61.05
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 35.04
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Meadow Lakes has an Overall Luxury Score of 41.80, placing it at number 20. It has a lower Urban Sophistication score (23.28), but makes up for it with a good Quiet Score (61.05). The Retirement Score is average at 35.04. The median home price in Meadow Lakes is approximately $310,000.
19. Midtown
- Overall Luxury Score: 41.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 30.11
- Quiet Score: 37.09
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 15.92
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Midtown ranks 19th with an Overall Luxury Score of 41.25. It has a moderate Urban Sophistication score (30.11) and a below-average Quiet Score (37.09). The Retirement Score is quite low at 15.92. The median home price in Midtown is approximately $330,000.
18. Northeast Anchorage
- Overall Luxury Score: 40.70
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.64
- Quiet Score: 3.09
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 15.37
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Northeast Anchorage is 18th with an Overall Luxury Score of 40.70. It has a moderate Urban Sophistication rating (31.64) but an extremely low Quiet Score of just 3.09, indicating a very noisy environment. The Retirement Score is also low at 15.37. The median home price in Northeast Anchorage is approximately $315,000.
17. Kodiak West
- Overall Luxury Score: 39.68
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.04
- Quiet Score: 69.93
- Nautical Index: 96.68
- Retirement Score: 62.61
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Kodiak West ranks 17th with an Overall Luxury Score of 39.68. Despite the lower luxury ranking, it offers good Urban Sophistication (41.04), an excellent Quiet Score (69.93), and an outstanding Nautical Index (96.68). It also scores well for retirement potential (62.61). The median home price in Kodiak West is approximately $360,000.
16. Strawberry Meadows / Emerald Hills
- Overall Luxury Score: 38.66
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 49.29
- Quiet Score: 39.71
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 12.15
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Strawberry Meadows / Emerald Hills comes in at number 16 with an Overall Luxury Score of 38.66. It has the highest Urban Sophistication score (49.29) among the neighborhoods in this range. The Quiet Score is moderate at 39.71, while the Retirement Score is quite low at 12.15. The median home price here is approximately $345,000.
15. Russian Jack Park
- Overall Luxury Score: 38.36
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 32.13
- Quiet Score: 17.03
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 12.85
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Russian Jack Park ranks 15th with an Overall Luxury Score of 38.36. It has a moderate Urban Sophistication score (32.13) but a very low Quiet Score (17.03). The Retirement Score is also quite low at 12.85. The median home price in Russian Jack Park is approximately $290,000.
14. Wasilla North
- Overall Luxury Score: 36.79
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 20.27
- Quiet Score: 49.94
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 32.04
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Wasilla North is 14th with an Overall Luxury Score of 36.79. It has a low Urban Sophistication score (20.27) and an average Quiet Score (49.94). The Retirement Score is moderate at 32.04. The median home price in Wasilla North is approximately $305,000.
13. Spenard Acres
- Overall Luxury Score: 36.77
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 16.48
- Quiet Score: 14.02
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 3.76
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Spenard Acres ranks 13th with an Overall Luxury Score of 36.77. It has low scores across the board, with poor Urban Sophistication (16.48), a very low Quiet Score (14.02), and an extremely low Retirement Score (3.76). The median home price in Spenard Acres is approximately $295,000.
12. Susitna
- Overall Luxury Score: 36.71
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 17.66
- Quiet Score: 84.82
- Nautical Index: 96.25
- Retirement Score: 46.92
- Vacation Home Score: 76.60
Susitna comes in at number 12 with an Overall Luxury Score of 36.71. While it has a very low Urban Sophistication score (17.66), it excels in other areas with an excellent Quiet Score (84.82) and Nautical Index (96.25). It also performs well for Retirement (46.92) and Vacation Home potential (76.60). The median home price in Susitna is approximately $335,000.
11. Fairview West
- Overall Luxury Score: 35.89
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 23.41
- Quiet Score: 36.32
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 24.43
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Fairview West ranks 11th with an Overall Luxury Score of 35.89. It has below-average scores for Urban Sophistication (23.41), Quiet (36.32), and Retirement (24.43). The median home price in Fairview West is approximately $285,000.
10. Centennial Park
- Overall Luxury Score: 34.63
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 19.99
- Quiet Score: 31.12
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 19.48
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Centennial Park is 10th with an Overall Luxury Score of 34.63. It has low scores across all categories, including Urban Sophistication (19.99), Quiet Score (31.12), and Retirement potential (19.48). The median home price in Centennial Park is approximately $280,000.
9. Downtown
- Overall Luxury Score: 33.86
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 28.51
- Quiet Score: 47.07
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 25.88
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Downtown ranks 9th with an Overall Luxury Score of 33.86. It has a moderate Urban Sophistication score (28.51) and an average Quiet Score (47.07). The Retirement Score is below average at 25.88. The median home price in Downtown is approximately $355,000.
8. DeBarr Vista
- Overall Luxury Score: 32.45
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.29
- Quiet Score: 3.88
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 7.16
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
DeBarr Vista is 8th with an Overall Luxury Score of 32.45. It has a below-average Urban Sophistication score (25.29), an extremely low Quiet Score (3.88), and a very poor Retirement Score (7.16). The median home price in DeBarr Vista is approximately $275,000.
7. Wonder Park
- Overall Luxury Score: 25.97
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 34.40
- Quiet Score: 12.35
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 6.69
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Wonder Park ranks 7th with a significantly lower Overall Luxury Score of 25.97. Its Urban Sophistication score is moderate (34.40), but it has a very low Quiet Score (12.35) and Retirement Score (6.69). The median home price in Wonder Park is approximately $265,000.
6. Airport Heights
- Overall Luxury Score: 24.14
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 17.56
- Quiet Score: 26.87
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 6.39
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Airport Heights comes in at number 6 with a low Overall Luxury Score of 24.14. It scores poorly across all categories, with low Urban Sophistication (17.56), Quiet Score (26.87), and a very low Retirement Score (6.39). The median home price in Airport Heights is approximately $270,000.
5. Nikiski / Salamatof
- Overall Luxury Score: 23.36
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.41
- Quiet Score: 82.05
- Nautical Index: 96.19
- Retirement Score: 55.66
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Nikiski / Salamatof ranks 5th with a low Overall Luxury Score of 23.36. It has a very poor Urban Sophistication score (10.41), but excels in both Quiet Score (82.05) and Nautical Index (96.19). It also performs well for retirement potential (55.66). The median home price in Nikiski / Salamatof is approximately $295,000.
4. Bjerremark
- Overall Luxury Score: 20.66
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 7.46
- Quiet Score: 14.13
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 3.99
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Bjerremark is 4th with a very low Overall Luxury Score of 20.66. It performs poorly across all metrics, with extremely low Urban Sophistication (7.46), a poor Quiet Score (14.13), and a nearly non-existent Retirement Score (3.99). The median home price in Bjerremark is approximately $250,000.
3. Mountain View
- Overall Luxury Score: 19.64
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 6.79
- Quiet Score: 18.50
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 4.33
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Mountain View ranks 3rd worst with an Overall Luxury Score of 19.64. It has extremely poor scores across all categories, including Urban Sophistication (6.79), Quiet Score (18.50), and Retirement potential (4.33). The median home price in Mountain View is approximately $230,000.
2. Mountain View East
- Overall Luxury Score: 7.93
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.43
- Quiet Score: 10.29
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 2.25
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Mountain View East is the second worst luxury neighborhood with an extremely low Overall Luxury Score of 7.93. It has nearly non-existent scores for Urban Sophistication (3.43), a very poor Quiet Score (10.29), and an almost negligible Retirement Score (2.25). The median home price in Mountain View East is approximately $220,000.
1. Basher
- Overall Luxury Score: 0.00
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.38
- Quiet Score: 99.65
- Nautical Index: N/A
- Retirement Score: 4.70
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
Basher ranks as the absolute worst luxury neighborhood in Alaska with an Overall Luxury Score of 0.00. It has virtually no Urban Sophistication (0.38) and a very poor Retirement Score (4.70). However, it does have an almost perfect Quiet Score (99.65), indicating it’s extremely peaceful but lacks luxury amenities. The median home price in Basher is approximately $215,000.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Luxury Score: A comprehensive measure of how well a neighborhood caters to wealthy residents, considering factors like high-end amenities, exclusivity, premium services, and desirability for affluent homebuyers.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Measures access to cultural amenities such as fine dining, art galleries, theaters, museums, and upscale shopping districts that typically appeal to wealthy residents seeking cosmopolitan lifestyles.
- Quiet Score: Rates the tranquility and peace of a neighborhood, considering factors like noise levels, traffic, and overall serenity. This criterion is included because many luxury home buyers value privacy and peaceful surroundings.
- Nautical Index: Indicates proximity to water features and availability of boating facilities, marinas, and water-based recreational opportunities. Waterfront properties and nautical access are premium features in the luxury real estate market, especially in a coastal state like Alaska.
- Retirement Score: Evaluates how suitable a neighborhood is for affluent retirees, considering healthcare access, community activities, and age-appropriate amenities. Wealthy retirees represent a significant segment of luxury home buyers.
- Vacation Home Score: Assesses a neighborhood’s appeal as a location for secondary or vacation residences, including seasonal activities and investment potential. Many wealthy individuals purchase luxury homes as vacation properties in desirable locations.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
U.S. Census Bureau Housing Data
