When families are considering where to live in Alaska, several key factors come into play that can significantly impact their quality of life. We’ve analyzed neighborhoods across the state based on six essential criteria: Overall Family Friendly Score, First Time Home Buyers accessibility, Quiet Index, Walkability, Car Friendliness, and Transit-Friendliness. These metrics provide a comprehensive picture of what makes a neighborhood suitable (or unsuitable) for family living.
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 neighborhoods. The Overall Family Friendly Score encompasses multiple factors including safety, school quality, and amenities that cater to family needs.
25. Wonder Park
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 15.00
- First Time Home Buyers: 9.10
- Quiet Index: 12.35
- Walkability: 75.85
- Car Friendly: 63.05
- Transit-Friendly: 57.65
Wonder Park ranks as the 25th worst neighborhood for families in Alaska with a low Overall Family Friendly Score of 15.00. While it offers good walkability (75.85) and decent car and transit options, the extremely low Quiet Index of 12.35 suggests a noisy environment that may be disruptive for families. The area is particularly challenging for first-time homebuyers with a score of just 9.10. The median home price in Wonder Park is approximately $315,000.
24. Slaterville Park / Graehl
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 14.84
- First Time Home Buyers: 9.63
- Quiet Index: 43.01
- Walkability: 43.90
- Car Friendly: 88.71
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Slaterville Park/Graehl has an Overall Family Friendly Score of 14.84, making it challenging for families. The neighborhood is very car-friendly (88.71) but lacks public transit options. With a First Time Home Buyers score of only 9.63, the area is not accessible to new homeowners. The median home price in Slaterville Park/Graehl is approximately $275,000, though the neighborhood’s moderate Quiet Index (43.01) is a slight advantage over some others on this list.
23. Downtown Juneau
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 14.78
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 95.53
- Walkability: 20.88
- Car Friendly: 43.36
- Transit-Friendly: 28.72
Downtown Juneau ranks as the 23rd worst neighborhood for families with a score of 14.78. While the area boasts an impressive Quiet Index of 95.53, making it one of the quietest neighborhoods on this list, it suffers from poor walkability (20.88) and limited transit options (28.72). The lack of data for first-time homebuyers suggests limited opportunities in this market. The median home price in Downtown Juneau is approximately $450,000, which contributes to its inaccessibility for many families.
22. Chugach Meadows
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 14.77
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 23.54
- Walkability: 60.94
- Car Friendly: 61.67
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Chugach Meadows has an Overall Family Friendly Score of 14.77. The neighborhood offers decent walkability (60.94) and car friendliness (61.67), but its low Quiet Index of 23.54 indicates a potentially noisy environment. The absence of transit options and first-time homebuyer data suggest limited accessibility. The median home price in Chugach Meadows is approximately $340,000, making it a challenging area for new families to establish themselves.
21. Airport Heights East
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 14.60
- First Time Home Buyers: 65.27
- Quiet Index: 34.29
- Walkability: 67.58
- Car Friendly: 76.86
- Transit-Friendly: 50.13
Airport Heights East has a low Overall Family Friendly Score of 14.60 despite having the highest First Time Home Buyers score (65.27) among the worst 25 neighborhoods. The area offers good walkability (67.58) and is car-friendly (76.86), with decent transit options (50.13). However, the low Quiet Index (34.29) might be a deterrent for families seeking peaceful surroundings. The median home price in Airport Heights East is approximately $325,000.
20. Roosevelt Park / Lincoln Park
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 13.95
- First Time Home Buyers: 20.15
- Quiet Index: 34.23
- Walkability: 79.39
- Car Friendly: 68.77
- Transit-Friendly: 65.19
Roosevelt Park/Lincoln Park ranks 20th with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 13.95. Despite having the best walkability (79.39) and transit-friendliness (65.19) among the top 25 worst neighborhoods, its low Quiet Index (34.23) and poor accessibility for first-time homebuyers (20.15) contribute to its unfavorable ranking. The median home price in this area is approximately $280,000.
19. Bjerremark
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 12.62
- First Time Home Buyers: 2.83
- Quiet Index: 14.13
- Walkability: 49.00
- Car Friendly: 44.40
- Transit-Friendly: 53.42
Bjerremark has an Overall Family Friendly Score of 12.62. This neighborhood performs poorly across most metrics, with a very low First Time Home Buyers score (2.83) and Quiet Index (14.13). Its transportation options are mediocre, with walkability at 49.00, car friendliness at 44.40, and transit options at 53.42. The median home price in Bjerremark is approximately $295,000.
18. E 20th Ave / Muldoon Rd
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 11.89
- First Time Home Buyers: 16.09
- Quiet Index: 37.60
- Walkability: 72.18
- Car Friendly: 73.21
- Transit-Friendly: 50.12
E 20th Ave/Muldoon Rd area has a low Overall Family Friendly Score of 11.89. While the neighborhood offers good walkability (72.18) and car-friendliness (73.21), its low Quiet Index (37.60) and poor First Time Home Buyers score (16.09) make it challenging for families. The median home price here is approximately $285,000.
17. Russian Jack Park
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 10.85
- First Time Home Buyers: 12.26
- Quiet Index: 17.03
- Walkability: 55.68
- Car Friendly: 73.16
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Russian Jack Park ranks 17th worst with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 10.85. The neighborhood has a very low Quiet Index (17.03) and poor accessibility for first-time homebuyers (12.26). While it offers decent car-friendliness (73.16) and moderate walkability (55.68), the lack of transit options is a disadvantage. The median home price in Russian Jack Park is approximately $270,000.
16. North Star East
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 10.76
- First Time Home Buyers: 47.79
- Quiet Index: 22.10
- Walkability: 76.64
- Car Friendly: 67.44
- Transit-Friendly: 56.05
North Star East has an Overall Family Friendly Score of 10.76. Despite having good walkability (76.64), decent transit options (56.05), and being relatively accessible to first-time homebuyers (47.79), its very low Quiet Index (22.10) significantly impacts its family-friendliness. The median home price in North Star East is approximately $310,000.
15. Jillian Square / Taku-Westgate
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 10.31
- First Time Home Buyers: 21.17
- Quiet Index: 32.78
- Walkability: 24.49
- Car Friendly: 63.77
- Transit-Friendly: 47.17
Jillian Square/Taku-Westgate has an Overall Family Friendly Score of 10.31. The neighborhood suffers from poor walkability (24.49) and a low Quiet Index (32.78). While it offers moderate car-friendliness (63.77) and transit options (47.17), the First Time Home Buyers score of 21.17 indicates limited accessibility for new homeowners. The median home price is approximately $290,000.
14. Airport Heights
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 9.88
- First Time Home Buyers: 5.28
- Quiet Index: 26.87
- Walkability: 56.69
- Car Friendly: 64.89
- Transit-Friendly: 58.02
Airport Heights has a low Overall Family Friendly Score of 9.88. With a First Time Home Buyers score of just 5.28 and a Quiet Index of 26.87, the neighborhood presents significant challenges for families. It offers moderate walkability (56.69), car-friendliness (64.89), and transit options (58.02). The median home price in Airport Heights is approximately $320,000.
13. Weeks Field
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 8.29
- First Time Home Buyers: 11.56
- Quiet Index: 43.99
- Walkability: 52.05
- Car Friendly: 78.28
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Weeks Field ranks 13th worst with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 8.29. While it offers good car-friendliness (78.28) and a moderate Quiet Index (43.99), the First Time Home Buyers score of 11.56 indicates poor accessibility for new homeowners. The neighborhood has moderate walkability (52.05) but lacks transit options. The median home price in Weeks Field is approximately $295,000.
12. Woodland Park West
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 7.11
- First Time Home Buyers: 42.58
- Quiet Index: 12.66
- Walkability: 65.91
- Car Friendly: 75.20
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Woodland Park West has a very low Overall Family Friendly Score of 7.11. Despite being relatively accessible to first-time homebuyers (42.58) and offering good walkability (65.91) and car-friendliness (75.20), its extremely low Quiet Index (12.66) and lack of transit options make it unsuitable for many families. The median home price in Woodland Park West is approximately $305,000.
11. North Star
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 7.04
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 43.46
- Walkability: 58.34
- Car Friendly: 71.67
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
North Star has a low Overall Family Friendly Score of 7.04. While it offers a moderate Quiet Index (43.46), good car-friendliness (71.67), and decent walkability (58.34), the lack of data for first-time homebuyers and transit options suggests limited opportunities in these areas. The median home price in North Star is approximately $320,000.
10. Fairview
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 6.45
- First Time Home Buyers: 46.88
- Quiet Index: 35.01
- Walkability: 75.99
- Car Friendly: 64.55
- Transit-Friendly: 52.40
Fairview ranks 10th worst with an Overall Family Friendly Score of 6.45. Despite offering good walkability (75.99) and being relatively accessible to first-time homebuyers (46.88), its low Quiet Index (35.01) significantly impacts its suitability for families. The neighborhood provides moderate car-friendliness (64.55) and transit options (52.40). The median home price in Fairview is approximately $280,000.
9. Mountain View
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 5.51
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 18.50
- Walkability: 42.91
- Car Friendly: 50.20
- Transit-Friendly: 61.98
Mountain View has a very low Overall Family Friendly Score of 5.51. With a poor Quiet Index (18.50) and limited walkability (42.91) and car-friendliness (50.20), the neighborhood offers few advantages for families. The area does provide relatively good transit options (61.98). The median home price in Mountain View is approximately $260,000.
8. Centennial Park
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 5.47
- First Time Home Buyers: 16.93
- Quiet Index: 31.12
- Walkability: 53.62
- Car Friendly: 57.61
- Transit-Friendly: 44.26
Centennial Park has an Overall Family Friendly Score of just 5.47. The neighborhood performs poorly across all metrics, with a low Quiet Index (31.12), limited accessibility for first-time homebuyers (16.93), and moderate scores for walkability (53.62), car-friendliness (57.61), and transit options (44.26). The median home price in Centennial Park is approximately $275,000.
7. Campbell Park
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 4.62
- First Time Home Buyers: 34.33
- Quiet Index: 16.81
- Walkability: 61.29
- Car Friendly: 71.80
- Transit-Friendly: 59.59
Campbell Park ranks 7th worst with an extremely low Overall Family Friendly Score of 4.62. Despite offering good walkability (61.29), car-friendliness (71.80), and transit options (59.59), its very low Quiet Index (16.81) makes it unsuitable for families seeking peaceful surroundings. The First Time Home Buyers score of 34.33 indicates moderate accessibility for new homeowners. The median home price in Campbell Park is approximately $290,000.
6. Spenard Acres
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 4.18
- First Time Home Buyers: 2.64
- Quiet Index: 14.02
- Walkability: 61.00
- Car Friendly: 69.57
- Transit-Friendly: 45.97
Spenard Acres has a very low Overall Family Friendly Score of 4.18. The neighborhood has an extremely low First Time Home Buyers score (2.64) and Quiet Index (14.02), making it challenging for families. While it offers good walkability (61.00) and car-friendliness (69.57), the transit options are moderate (45.97). The median home price in Spenard Acres is approximately $300,000.
5. Government Hill
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 3.91
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 34.50
- Walkability: 59.79
- Car Friendly: 66.37
- Transit-Friendly: 65.30
Government Hill has an extremely low Overall Family Friendly Score of 3.91. While the neighborhood offers good transit options (65.30), decent walkability (59.79), and car-friendliness (66.37), its low Quiet Index (34.50) and lack of data for first-time homebuyers suggest limited opportunities. The median home price in Government Hill is approximately $320,000.
4. Midtown
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 2.88
- First Time Home Buyers: 17.67
- Quiet Index: 37.09
- Walkability: 44.53
- Car Friendly: 66.49
- Transit-Friendly: 62.12
Midtown ranks 4th worst with an extremely low Overall Family Friendly Score of 2.88. The neighborhood has poor accessibility for first-time homebuyers (17.67) and a low Quiet Index (37.09). While it offers good transit options (62.12) and car-friendliness (66.49), its walkability is limited (44.53). The median home price in Midtown is approximately $350,000.
3. Fairview West
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 2.85
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 36.32
- Walkability: 58.52
- Car Friendly: 54.27
- Transit-Friendly: 57.99
Fairview West has the third-lowest Overall Family Friendly Score at 2.85. Despite offering moderate walkability (58.52), car-friendliness (54.27), and transit options (57.99), its low Quiet Index (36.32) and lack of data for first-time homebuyers indicate significant challenges for families. The median home price in Fairview West is approximately $290,000.
2. Downtown Anchorage
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 2.13
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 48.96
- Walkability: 67.67
- Car Friendly: 74.32
- Transit-Friendly: 67.48
Downtown Anchorage has a notably low Overall Family Friendly Score of 2.13, making it one of the less suitable neighborhoods for families in Alaska. While data for First Time Home Buyers is not available, the neighborhood compensates with moderate quietness, scoring 48.96 on the Quiet Index, which is surprisingly decent for a downtown area. The neighborhood’s strongest attributes are its transportation options. With excellent scores for Walkability (67.67), Car Friendly (74.32), and Transit-Friendly (67.48), Downtown Anchorage provides residents with multiple convenient ways to get around.
1. Basher
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 1.40
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 99.65
- Walkability: 0.37
- Car Friendly: 12.27
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Basher ranks as the absolute worst neighborhood for families in Alaska with an extremely low Overall Family Friendly Score of 1.40. Interestingly, it has the highest Quiet Index (99.65) among all 25 neighborhoods, indicating a very peaceful environment. However, it has virtually no walkability (0.37), very poor car-friendliness (12.27), and no public transit options. The lack of first-time homebuyer data also suggests limited opportunities in this market. The median home price in Basher is approximately $420,000, further limiting accessibility for many families.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Family Friendly Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates how suitable a neighborhood is for families, incorporating factors such as safety, school quality, parks, child-friendly amenities, community engagement, and family-oriented services. A higher score indicates a more family-friendly environment.
- First Time Home Buyers: Measures the accessibility and affordability of housing for those entering the property market for the first time. This considers factors such as home prices relative to local incomes, availability of starter homes, and first-time buyer incentives or programs. This is important for families looking to establish roots in a community.
- Quiet Index: Evaluates the noise levels and overall tranquility of a neighborhood. A higher score indicates a quieter environment, which is particularly important for families with young children or those seeking peaceful surroundings for healthy development and good sleep patterns.
- Walkability: Measures how pedestrian-friendly a neighborhood is, considering factors like sidewalk availability, street connectivity, pedestrian safety, and proximity to amenities. Walkable neighborhoods promote physical activity and independence for family members of all ages.
- Car Friendly: Assesses how easily residents can navigate and park using personal vehicles. This includes road conditions, traffic flow, parking availability, and access to major roads or highways. Important for families who rely on cars for commuting, shopping, and transporting children to activities.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates the quality, reliability, accessibility, and coverage of public transportation options. Good public transit provides families with transportation alternatives and can be especially valuable for households with teenagers or single-car families.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
Zillow Anchorage Home Values
Alaska Real Estate Market Trends
Redfin Anchorage Housing Market
Realtor.com Juneau Housing Market
