Buying your first home is a major life milestone, and picking the right town can make all the difference. We analyzed 8 critical criteria to help determine which towns in Alaska are the most challenging for first-time home buyers. These criteria include: Overall First Time Home Buyers Score, Family Friendly Score, Vacation Home Score, Walkability, Car Friendly, Cycling-Friendly, Vibrancy Score, and Transit-Friendly. The “Overall First Time Home Buyers Score” reflects a combination of multiple factors relevant to affordability, accessibility, and livability.
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 first-time home buyers.
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
Fort Yukon – Central ranks as the 25th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska with an overall score of 1.92. The town scores poorly in walkability (1.89) and vibrancy (1.40), while having moderate scores for family friendliness (38.45) and vacation home density (48.98). The car-friendly rating is low at 24.59, and transit options are limited with a score of 23.07. Cycling infrastructure data is unavailable.
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
Selawik – Noorvik has an overall first-time home buyer score of just 1.84, making it the 24th worst town in Alaska for new homeowners. While it scores relatively well for family friendliness (62.13), it has extremely poor walkability (1.13) and car-friendly (14.79) scores. The town has limited vibrancy (4.80) and no data available for cycling infrastructure or transit options.
23. Kwethluk
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 1.62
- Family Friendly Score: 66.23
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- 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 an overall score of 1.62. Despite having a decent family-friendly score (66.23), the town struggles with very poor walkability (1.44) and limited transit options (16.25). The car-friendly score is moderate at 39.15, but the vibrancy score remains low at 5.51. No data is available regarding vacation home density or cycling infrastructure.
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
McGrath – Holy Cross has an overall first-time home buyer score of 1.53, ranking it 22nd worst in Alaska. The town scores poorly across most metrics, with low walkability (1.39), poor car infrastructure (13.80), minimal cycling options (14.74), and very low vibrancy (2.07). The family-friendly rating is also below average at 38.71, while the vacation home score sits at 46.63. No data is available for transit options.
21. Prudhoe Bay
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 1.08
- Family Friendly Score: 14.16
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- 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 an extremely low overall score of 1.08. The town performs poorly across all metrics, particularly in family friendliness (14.16) and walkability (a near-zero 0.40). The car-friendly score is very low at 14.22, and vibrancy is minimal at 3.68. The transit-friendly score of 24.55 is the town’s highest rating, though still low. No data is available regarding vacation homes or cycling infrastructure.
20. Wrangell
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- 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 ranks as the 20th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska, though its overall score is not available. The town has a very high vacation home score (91.39), which likely contributes to housing affordability challenges. While its car-friendly score is decent at 67.42, walkability is poor (7.78), cycling infrastructure is limited (17.54), and vibrancy is low (11.00). The family-friendly score is moderate at 56.53, but no data is available for transit options.
19. Unalaska
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- Family Friendly Score: 44.41
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 2.01
- Car Friendly: 51.85
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 6.27
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Unalaska is ranked as the 19th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. While its overall score is not available, the town has very poor walkability (2.01) and low vibrancy (6.27). The car-friendly score is moderate at 51.85, and the family-friendly score is below average at 44.41. No data is available for vacation home density, cycling infrastructure, or transit options.
18. Sterling
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- 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 18th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. Though its overall score is not available, the town has extremely poor walkability (0.51) and very low vibrancy (2.77). Transit options are limited (11.52), though the car-friendly score is moderate at 64.67. The town scores well for family friendliness (68.87) but has a high vacation home density (88.04), which may limit options for new buyers. No data is available for cycling infrastructure.
17. Skagway
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- 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 is the 17th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. While its overall score is not available, the town has a very high vacation home score (90.77), which likely contributes to housing affordability challenges. Walkability is poor (10.55), and the car-friendly score is moderate (41.74). The town scores poorly for family friendliness (34.21) and has limited vibrancy (13.40). No data is available for cycling infrastructure or transit options.
16. Sitka
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- Family Friendly Score: 55.27
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 21.51
- Car Friendly: 64.12
- Cycling-Friendly: 74.14
- Vibrancy Score: 29.96
- Transit-Friendly: 12.41
Sitka ranks as the 16th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. Though its overall score is not available, the town has the best walkability (21.51) and vibrancy (29.96) scores among the bottom 25 towns. It also has good cycling infrastructure (74.14) and a decent car-friendly score (64.12). However, transit options are limited (12.41), and the family-friendly score is moderate at 55.27. No data is available regarding vacation home density.
15. Old Harbor
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- 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 is the 15th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. While its overall score is not available, the town has extremely poor walkability (1.39) and very low vibrancy (1.61). Transit options are limited (8.62), and the car-friendly score is moderate (48.43). The town scores well for family friendliness (71.83) but has a very high vacation home density (91.61), which may limit options for new buyers. No data is available for cycling infrastructure.
14. Nome
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- 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 in Alaska. Though its overall score is not available, the town has poor walkability (4.71) and low vibrancy (19.00). The car-friendly score is moderate (44.52), and cycling infrastructure is reasonable (40.86). The town scores poorly for family friendliness (31.24) and has a high vacation home density (79.17), which may limit options for new buyers. Transit options are somewhat better than other towns on this list (30.67).
13. Kotzebue
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- Family Friendly Score: 16.66
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 1.41
- Car Friendly: 23.15
- Cycling-Friendly: 1.42
- Vibrancy Score: 20.38
- Transit-Friendly: 67.35
Kotzebue is the 13th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. While its overall score is not available, the town has very poor walkability (1.41), minimal cycling infrastructure (1.42), and a low car-friendly score (23.15). The town scores very poorly for family friendliness (16.66) but has a relatively good transit-friendly score (67.35), the highest among towns on this list. The vibrancy score is moderate at 20.38. No data is available regarding vacation home density.
12. Ketchikan
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- 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 in Alaska. Though its overall score is not available, the town has the best walkability (28.24) and vibrancy (32.24) scores among the bottom 25 towns. It has a decent car-friendly score (62.38) and moderate transit options (26.13). The family-friendly score is moderate (53.35), and the vacation home score is relatively low (17.96), which is favorable for new buyers. However, cycling infrastructure is almost non-existent (1.28).
11. Juneau
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- Family Friendly Score: 35.82
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 17.88
- Car Friendly: 65.93
- Cycling-Friendly: 13.01
- Vibrancy Score: 29.84
- Transit-Friendly: 26.44
Juneau is the 11th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. While its overall score is not available, the town has moderate walkability (17.88) and vibrancy (29.84) compared to other towns on this list. It has a good car-friendly score (65.93) and moderate transit options (26.44). The family-friendly score is below average (35.82), and cycling infrastructure is limited (13.01). No data is available regarding vacation home density.
10. Hyder
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- 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 10th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. Though its overall score is not available, the town has extremely poor vibrancy (0.19), the lowest among all towns on this list. Walkability is poor (5.60), and the car-friendly score is very low (13.14). The family-friendly score is below average (44.12), and the vacation home score is extremely high (94.60), which likely contributes to housing affordability challenges. No data is available for cycling infrastructure or transit options.
9. Homer
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- 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 is the 9th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. While its overall score is not available, the town scores well for family friendliness (71.37) and car infrastructure (67.44). However, walkability is poor (6.19), cycling infrastructure is limited (12.22), and vibrancy is low (15.66). The vacation home score is moderately high (64.65), which may affect housing availability for new buyers. No data is available for transit options.
8. Haines
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- 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 8th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. Though its overall score is not available, the town has an extremely high vacation home score (97.84), the highest among all towns on this list, which likely creates significant challenges for new buyers. Walkability is poor (4.05), cycling infrastructure is minimal (7.59), and vibrancy is nearly non-existent (0.42). The car-friendly score is moderate (52.72), and the town scores very well for family friendliness (78.30). No data is available for transit options.
7. Ester
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- Family Friendly Score: 48.90
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 0.61
- Car Friendly: 76.29
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 1.38
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Ester is the 7th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. While its overall score is not available, the town has extremely poor walkability (0.61) and very low vibrancy (1.38). However, it has the best car-friendly score (76.29) among all towns on this list. The family-friendly score is moderate (48.90). No data is available regarding vacation home density, cycling infrastructure, or transit options.
6. Eielson Air Force Base
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- Family Friendly Score: 40.33
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 0.57
- Car Friendly: 75.57
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 9.25
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Eielson Air Force Base ranks as the 6th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. Though its overall score is not available, the town has extremely poor walkability (0.57) and low vibrancy (9.25). However, it has a very good car-friendly score (75.57). The family-friendly score is below average (40.33). No data is available regarding vacation home density, cycling infrastructure, or transit options.
5. Dillingham
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- Family Friendly Score: 46.28
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 3.10
- Car Friendly: 41.40
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 9.05
- Transit-Friendly: 14.93
Dillingham is the 5th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. While its overall score is not available, the town has poor walkability (3.10), low vibrancy (9.05), and limited transit options (14.93). The car-friendly score is moderate (41.40). The family-friendly score is below average (46.28). No data is available regarding vacation home density or cycling infrastructure.
4. Craig – Klawock
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- Family Friendly Score: 51.47
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 2.84
- Car Friendly: 60.84
- Cycling-Friendly: 7.17
- Vibrancy Score: 10.91
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Craig – Klawock ranks as the 4th worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. Though its overall score is not available, the town has poor walkability (2.84), minimal cycling infrastructure (7.17), and low vibrancy (10.91). The car-friendly score is moderate (60.84), and the family-friendly score is also moderate (51.47). No data is available regarding vacation home density or transit options.
3. Cordova
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- 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 is the 3rd worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. While its overall score is not available, the town has a very high vacation home score (93.19), which likely creates significant challenges for new buyers. Walkability is poor (4.21), and vibrancy is very low (4.10). The car-friendly score is good (66.67), and cycling infrastructure is limited (25.20). The town scores well for family friendliness (63.35). No data is available for transit options.
2. Cooper Landing – Hope
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- 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 ranks as the 2nd worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. Though its overall score is not available, the town has an extremely high vacation home score (95.85), which likely creates significant challenges for new buyers. Walkability is poor (2.39), and vibrancy is very low (4.00). The car-friendly score is moderate (51.66). Notably, the town scores very well for family friendliness (79.92), the highest among all towns on this list. No data is available for cycling infrastructure or transit options.
1. Bethel
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: N/A
- Family Friendly Score: 30.83
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 0.90
- Car Friendly: 39.88
- Cycling-Friendly: 2.19
- Vibrancy Score: 15.87
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Bethel is ranked as the absolute worst town for first-time home buyers in Alaska. While its overall score is not available, the town has extremely poor walkability (0.90) and minimal cycling infrastructure (2.19). The car-friendly score is below average (39.88), and the family-friendly score is poor (30.83). The vibrancy score is low at 15.87. No data is available regarding vacation home density or transit options.
Definition of terms:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: A composite index measuring affordability, livability, and accessibility for new buyers.
- Family Friendly Score: Indicates how suitable the area is for families, based on amenities, safety, and schools.
- Vacation Home Score: Reflects the density and market influence of vacation homes, which can drive up prices and reduce inventory for locals.
- Walkability: Measures how easy it is to access services, shops, and parks on foot—important for convenience and lifestyle.
- Car Friendly: Indicates the ease of car travel, parking availability, and road infrastructure—critical in rural or spread-out areas.
- Cycling-Friendly: Looks at infrastructure and safety for bicyclists, offering insight into green commuting and recreation.
- Vibrancy Score: Captures how lively and socially rich the area is—based on entertainment, dining, and cultural activity.
- Transit-Friendly: Rates access to public transit options, which is especially valuable for non-drivers and reducing transportation costs.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
