Finding the right place to purchase your first home is a decision that involves numerous factors beyond just the price tag. Our comprehensive analysis examines 8 criteria that significantly impact the livability and value of a location for first-time homebuyers in Alaska. These criteria include Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score, Family Friendly Score, Vacation Home Score, Walkability, Car Friendly Score, Cycling-Friendly Score, Vibrancy Score, and Transit-Friendly Score.
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 challenging towns for new homeowners. The Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score has many criteria baked into it, providing a holistic view of each location’s suitability for those entering the housing market.
Here’s the list.
25. Fort Yukon – Central
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 1.92
- Family Friendly Score: 38.45
- Vacation Home Score: 48.98
- Walkability: 1.89
- Car Friendly: 24.59
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 1.40
- Transit-Friendly: 23.07
The Fort Yukon-Central area ranks as the 25th worst location for first-time home buyers in Alaska with a score of just 1.92. The area struggles with extremely poor walkability (1.89), very poor car-friendliness (24.59), virtually non-existent vibrancy (1.40), and below-average family-friendliness (38.45). While it does offer moderate vacation home potential (48.98) and some public transit options (23.07), the complete absence of cycling infrastructure further restricts mobility. The median home price in the Fort Yukon-Central area is approximately $149,000, which is the most affordable on our list but still difficult to justify given the extreme quality-of-life limitations.
24. Selawik – Noorvik
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 1.84
- Family Friendly Score: 62.13
- Vacation Home Score: 48.62
- Walkability: 1.13
- Car Friendly: 14.79
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 4.80
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
The Selawik-Noorvik area ranks as the 24th worst location for first-time home buyers with a very low score of 1.84. While the area offers good family-friendliness (62.13) and moderate vacation home potential (48.62), it suffers from extremely poor walkability (1.13), very poor car-friendliness (14.79), and minimal vibrancy (4.80). The complete absence of cycling infrastructure and public transit severely limits transportation options. The median home price in the Selawik-Noorvik area is approximately $155,000, which is among the most affordable on this list but still challenging given the extreme infrastructure limitations.
23. Kwethluk
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 1.62
- Family Friendly Score: 66.23
- Vacation Home Score: 0.00
- Walkability: 1.44
- Car Friendly: 39.15
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 5.51
- Transit-Friendly: 16.25
Kwethluk ranks as the 23rd worst town for first-time home buyers with a very low score of 1.62. Despite its good family-friendliness (66.23), the town suffers from extremely poor walkability (1.44), below-average car-friendliness (39.15), and very limited vibrancy (5.51). While it does offer some public transit options (16.25), the complete absence of cycling infrastructure and vacation home potential further restrict its appeal. The median home price in Kwethluk is approximately $175,000, which creates a notable financial challenge given the significant infrastructure limitations.
22. McGrath – Holy Cross
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 1.53
- Family Friendly Score: 38.71
- Vacation Home Score: 46.63
- Walkability: 1.39
- Car Friendly: 13.80
- Cycling-Friendly: 14.74
- Vibrancy Score: 2.07
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
The McGrath-Holy Cross area ranks as the 22nd worst location for first-time home buyers with a very low score of 1.53. The area struggles with extremely poor walkability (1.39), very poor car-friendliness (13.80), minimal vibrancy (2.07), and below-average family-friendliness (38.71). While it offers moderate vacation home potential (46.63) and minimal cycling options (14.74), the complete absence of public transit further restricts mobility. The median home price in the McGrath-Holy Cross area is approximately $168,000, which is among the most affordable on this list but still challenging given the severe infrastructure limitations.
21. Prudhoe Bay
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 1.08
- Family Friendly Score: 14.16
- Vacation Home Score: 0.00
- Walkability: 0.40
- Car Friendly: 14.22
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 3.68
- Transit-Friendly: 24.55
Prudhoe Bay ranks as the 21st worst town for first-time home buyers with a minimal score of 1.08. The town presents severe challenges across almost all categories, with extremely poor family-friendliness (14.16), virtually non-existent walkability (0.40), very poor car-friendliness (14.22), and minimal vibrancy (3.68). While it does offer some public transit options (24.55), the complete absence of cycling infrastructure and vacation home potential further limits its appeal. The median home price in Prudhoe Bay is approximately $205,000, which is relatively low compared to other Alaska locations but still difficult to justify given the extreme quality-of-life limitations.
20. Wrangell
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 56.53
- Vacation Home Score: 91.39
- Walkability: 7.78
- Car Friendly: 67.42
- Cycling-Friendly: 17.54
- Vibrancy Score: 11.00
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Wrangell presents challenges for first-time home buyers with its overall score of 0.00, ranking as the 20th worst town. While the town offers excellent vacation home potential (91.39), good car-friendliness (67.42), and moderate family-friendliness (56.53), it suffers from poor walkability (7.78), limited cycling options (17.54), and low vibrancy (11.00). The complete absence of public transit further restricts mobility options. The median home price in Wrangell is approximately $298,000, which creates a notable financial barrier given the infrastructure limitations faced by residents.
19. Skagway
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 34.21
- Vacation Home Score: 90.77
- Walkability: 10.55
- Car Friendly: 41.74
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 13.40
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Skagway ranks as the 19th worst town for first-time home buyers with an overall score of 0.00. While it offers excellent vacation home potential (90.77), the town struggles with poor walkability (10.55), below-average family-friendliness (34.21), moderate car-friendliness (41.74), and limited vibrancy (13.40). The complete absence of cycling infrastructure and public transit options severely restricts transportation alternatives. The median home price in Skagway is approximately $380,000, which is quite high given the significant lifestyle limitations for year-round residents.
18. Sitka
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 55.27
- Vacation Home Score: 0.00
- Walkability: 21.51
- Car Friendly: 64.12
- Cycling-Friendly: 74.14
- Vibrancy Score: 29.96
- Transit-Friendly: 12.41
Sitka presents a mixed profile for first-time home buyers with its overall score of 0.00, ranking as the 18th worst town. The town stands out with excellent cycling infrastructure (74.14), the highest among all communities on this list, along with good car-friendliness (64.12), decent walkability (21.51), and moderate vibrancy (29.96). However, it offers limited public transit options (12.41) and moderate family-friendliness (55.27). The median home price in Sitka is approximately $425,000, which is among the highest in Alaska, creating a significant barrier for first-time buyers despite its better transportation infrastructure.
17. Hyder
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 44.12
- Vacation Home Score: 94.60
- Walkability: 5.60
- Car Friendly: 13.14
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 0.19
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Hyder ranks as the 17th worst town for first-time home buyers with an overall score of 0.00. While it offers exceptional vacation home potential (94.60), the town suffers from extremely poor car-friendliness (13.14), poor walkability (5.60), virtually non-existent vibrancy (0.19), and moderate family-friendliness (44.12). The complete absence of cycling infrastructure and public transit severely limits transportation options. The median home price in Hyder is approximately $175,000, which is among the most affordable on this list but still challenging to justify given the extreme lifestyle limitations.
16. Craig – Klawock
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 51.47
- Vacation Home Score: 0.00
- Walkability: 2.84
- Car Friendly: 60.84
- Cycling-Friendly: 7.17
- Vibrancy Score: 10.91
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
The Craig-Klawock area ranks as the 16th worst location for first-time home buyers with an overall score of 0.00. The area offers moderate family-friendliness (51.47) and good car-friendliness (60.84), but suffers from very poor walkability (2.84), minimal cycling options (7.17), and limited vibrancy (10.91). The complete absence of public transit further restricts mobility for residents. The median home price in the Craig-Klawock area is approximately $290,000, which creates a notable financial barrier given the significant infrastructure limitations.
15. Kotzebue
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 16.66
- Vacation Home Score: 0.00
- Walkability: 1.41
- Car Friendly: 23.15
- Cycling-Friendly: 1.42
- Vibrancy Score: 20.38
- Transit-Friendly: 67.35
Kotzebue presents significant challenges for first-time home buyers with its overall score of 0.00, ranking as the 15th worst town. The town’s standout feature is its excellent public transit score (67.35), the highest among all communities on this list. However, it struggles with extremely poor family-friendliness (16.66), walkability (1.41), car-friendliness (23.15), and minimal cycling infrastructure (1.42). The median home price in Kotzebue is approximately $260,000, which is difficult to justify given the severe limitations in most quality-of-life categories.
14. Nome
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 31.24
- Vacation Home Score: 79.17
- Walkability: 4.71
- Car Friendly: 44.52
- Cycling-Friendly: 40.86
- Vibrancy Score: 19.00
- Transit-Friendly: 30.67
Nome ranks as the 14th worst town for first-time home buyers with an overall score of 0.00. While it offers good vacation home potential (79.17) and the best cycling infrastructure (40.86) among the zero-scoring communities, along with decent public transit options (30.67), the town struggles with poor walkability (4.71), below-average family-friendliness (31.24), and limited vibrancy (19.00). The median home price in Nome is approximately $285,000, which creates a notable financial barrier given the town’s mixed amenities profile.
13. Old Harbor
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 71.83
- Vacation Home Score: 91.61
- Walkability: 1.39
- Car Friendly: 48.43
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 1.61
- Transit-Friendly: 8.62
Old Harbor presents significant challenges for first-time home buyers with its overall score of 0.00, ranking as the 13th worst town. Despite excellent scores for family-friendliness (71.83) and vacation home potential (91.61), the town suffers from extremely poor walkability (1.39) and vibrancy (1.61). It offers moderate car-friendliness (48.43) and minimal public transit options (8.62), but the complete absence of cycling infrastructure further limits transportation alternatives. The median home price in Old Harbor is approximately $215,000, which is more affordable than many locations on this list but still difficult to justify given the severe infrastructure limitations.
12. Ketchikan
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 53.35
- Vacation Home Score: 17.96
- Walkability: 28.24
- Car Friendly: 62.38
- Cycling-Friendly: 1.28
- Vibrancy Score: 32.24
- Transit-Friendly: 26.13
Ketchikan ranks as the 12th worst town for first-time home buyers with an overall score of 0.00. The town offers the best walkability (28.24) and vibrancy (32.24) among the zero-scoring communities, along with decent public transit options (26.13) and good car-friendliness (62.38). However, it struggles with limited vacation home potential (17.96) and virtually non-existent cycling infrastructure (1.28). The median home price in Ketchikan is approximately $410,000, which creates a significant barrier for first-time buyers despite some of its better amenities compared to other towns on this list.
11. Homer
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 71.37
- Vacation Home Score: 64.65
- Walkability: 6.19
- Car Friendly: 67.44
- Cycling-Friendly: 12.22
- Vibrancy Score: 15.66
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Homer presents challenges for first-time home buyers with its overall score of 0.00, ranking as the 11th worst town. The town offers good scores for family-friendliness (71.37) and car-friendliness (67.44), along with decent vacation home potential (64.65). However, it suffers from poor walkability (6.19), limited cycling options (12.22), and modest vibrancy (15.66). The complete lack of public transit further restricts mobility options. The median home price in Homer is approximately $365,000, which is quite high given the infrastructure limitations faced by residents.
10. Sterling
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 68.87
- Vacation Home Score: 88.04
- Walkability: 0.51
- Car Friendly: 64.67
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 2.77
- Transit-Friendly: 11.52
Sterling ranks as the 10th worst town for first-time home buyers with an overall score of 0.00. While the town offers good family-friendliness (68.87) and vacation home potential (88.04), it suffers from extremely poor walkability (0.51) and very limited vibrancy (2.77). Though it provides good car-friendliness (64.67) and minimal public transit options (11.52), the complete lack of cycling infrastructure restricts transportation alternatives. The median home price in Sterling is approximately $269,000, which is more affordable than many locations on this list but still difficult to justify given the significant lifestyle limitations.
9. Cooper Landing – Hope
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 79.92
- Vacation Home Score: 95.85
- Walkability: 2.39
- Car Friendly: 51.66
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 4.00
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Cooper Landing-Hope area ranks as the 9th worst location for first-time home buyers with an overall score of 0.00. Despite excellent scores for family-friendliness (79.92) and vacation homes (95.85), the area suffers from very poor walkability (2.39) and limited vibrancy (4.00). While offering moderate car-friendliness (51.66), the complete absence of cycling infrastructure and public transit severely limits transportation options. The median home price in the Cooper Landing-Hope area is approximately $375,000, which is quite high given the significant infrastructure limitations for year-round living.
8. Juneau
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 35.82
- Vacation Home Score: 0.00
- Walkability: 17.88
- Car Friendly: 65.93
- Cycling-Friendly: 13.01
- Vibrancy Score: 29.84
- Transit-Friendly: 26.44
Despite being Alaska’s capital, Juneau presents significant challenges for first-time home buyers with its overall score of 0.00, ranking as the 8th worst town. The city offers better walkability (17.88) and vibrancy (29.84) than many others on this list, along with decent public transit options (26.44) and car-friendliness (65.93). However, it struggles with below-average family-friendliness (35.82) and limited cycling infrastructure (13.01). The median home price in Juneau is approximately $450,000, which is among the highest in Alaska, creating a significant barrier for first-time buyers despite some of its urban amenities.
7. Haines
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 78.30
- Vacation Home Score: 97.84
- Walkability: 4.05
- Car Friendly: 52.72
- Cycling-Friendly: 7.59
- Vibrancy Score: 0.42
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Haines ranks as the 7th worst town for first-time home buyers with an overall score of 0.00. Despite its excellent scores for vacation homes (97.84) and family-friendliness (78.30), the town suffers from extremely low walkability (4.05) and virtually non-existent vibrancy (0.42). While it offers moderate car-friendliness (52.72) and minimal cycling options (7.59), the complete lack of public transit creates significant mobility challenges. The median home price in Haines is approximately $345,000, which is particularly high given its severe limitations for everyday living.
6. Ketchikan
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 53.35
- Vacation Home Score: 17.96
- Walkability: 28.24
- Car Friendly: 62.38
- Cycling-Friendly: 1.28
- Vibrancy Score: 32.24
- Transit-Friendly: 26.13
Ketchikan ranks as the 6th worst town for first-time home buyers with an overall score of 0.00. The town offers the best walkability (28.24) and vibrancy (32.24) among the zero-scoring communities, along with decent public transit options (26.13) and good car-friendliness (62.38). However, it struggles with limited vacation home potential (17.96) and virtually non-existent cycling infrastructure (1.28). The median home price in Ketchikan is approximately $410,000, which creates a significant barrier for first-time buyers despite some of its better amenities compared to other towns on this list.
5. Ester
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 48.90
- Vacation Home Score: 0.00
- Walkability: 0.61
- Car Friendly: 76.29
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 1.38
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Ester ranks as the 5th worst town for first-time home buyers with an overall score of 0.00. While it offers good car-friendliness (76.29) and moderate family-friendliness (48.90), the town suffers from extremely poor walkability (0.61) and vibrancy (1.38). The complete absence of cycling infrastructure and public transit options severely limits transportation alternatives. The median home price in Ester is approximately $322,000, which is high given the significant lifestyle limitations for new residents.
4. Dillingham
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 46.28
- Vacation Home Score: 0.00
- Walkability: 3.10
- Car Friendly: 41.40
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 9.05
- Transit-Friendly: 14.93
Dillingham earns its place as the 4th worst town for first-time home buyers with an overall score of 0.00. The town shows mediocre family-friendliness (46.28) and car-friendliness (41.40), while suffering from very poor walkability (3.10). Though it does offer some public transit options (14.93) and modest vibrancy (9.05), the complete lack of cycling infrastructure and vacation home potential make it a challenging location for new homeowners. The median home price in Dillingham is approximately $279,000, which is difficult to justify given the limited amenities and opportunities.
3. Cordova
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 63.35
- Vacation Home Score: 93.19
- Walkability: 4.21
- Car Friendly: 66.67
- Cycling-Friendly: 25.20
- Vibrancy Score: 4.10
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Cordova ranks as the 3rd worst town for first-time home buyers with an overall score of 0.00. Despite its high vacation home score (93.19) and good family-friendliness (63.35), the town suffers from extremely low walkability (4.21) and vibrancy (4.10). While it performs relatively well for car-friendliness (66.67) and has modest cycling infrastructure (25.20), the complete lack of public transit options remains a significant disadvantage. The median home price in Cordova is approximately $320,000, which is high considering its numerous limitations for new homeowners.
2. Bethel
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 30.83
- Vacation Home Score: 0.00
- Walkability: 0.90
- Car Friendly: 39.88
- Cycling-Friendly: 2.19
- Vibrancy Score: 15.87
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Bethel ranks as the 2nd worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska with an overall score of 0.00. The town struggles with extremely poor walkability (0.90) and has below-average scores for family-friendliness (30.83) and car-friendliness (39.88). While it does offer slightly better vibrancy (15.87) than some other towns on this list, the lack of public transportation and minimal cycling infrastructure (2.19) create significant mobility challenges. The median home price in Bethel is approximately $299,000, which is difficult to justify given the limited amenities.
1. Unalaska
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: 0.00
- Family Friendly Score: 44.41
- Vacation Home Score: 0.00
- Walkability: 2.01
- Car Friendly: 51.85
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 6.27
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Unalaska presents the most significant challenges for first-time home buyers with its rock-bottom score of 0.00, ranking as the absolute worst town in Alaska. While the town offers moderate family-friendliness at 44.41, it has extremely low walkability (2.01) and vibrancy (6.27). Despite being reasonably car-friendly, the complete absence of cycling infrastructure and public transit options severely limits transportation alternatives. The median home price in Unalaska is approximately $338,000, which is quite high considering the limited amenities and infrastructure.
Definition of terms:
- Overall First-Time Home Buyers Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates how suitable a location is for those purchasing their first home, incorporating affordability, appreciation potential, amenities, and long-term value.
- Family Friendly Score: Measures how well a community supports families, considering factors like school quality, safety, access to parks, family-oriented amenities, and community programs.
- Vacation Home Score: Assesses a location’s suitability for second or vacation homes, factoring in tourism potential, seasonal activities, natural amenities, and rental income possibilities.
- Walkability: Evaluates how feasible it is to accomplish daily tasks and access amenities on foot, considering sidewalk infrastructure, proximity of services, and pedestrian safety.
- Car Friendly: Measures how well a community accommodates automobile transportation, including road quality, parking availability, traffic conditions, and access to services by car.
- Cycling-Friendly: Assesses the quality of cycling infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes, trails, safety measures, and community support for cyclists.
- Vibrancy Score: Evaluates the energy and activity level of a community, including cultural offerings, dining options, entertainment, events, and overall community engagement.
- Transit-Friendly: Measures the availability, reliability, coverage, and convenience of public transportation options in a community.
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
