Alaska’s neighborhoods vary widely in their vibrancy and livability factors. Our comprehensive evaluation examines six key criteria that contribute to neighborhood vibrancy: Overall Vibrancy, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Hip & Trendy, Young Singles, Car Friendly, and Walkability. These metrics provide a multi-dimensional view of what makes a neighborhood dynamic and accessible.
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 vibrant areas. The Overall Vibrancy Score incorporates numerous factors beyond the individual metrics shown, giving a comprehensive picture of each neighborhood’s vitality.
Here’s the list.
25. Newby Road / Badger East
- Overall Vibrancy: 13.37
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.13
- Hip & Trendy: 5.11
- Young Singles: 43.88
- Car Friendly: 91.65
- Walkability: 7.06
Newby Road/Badger East ranks as the least problematic of Alaska’s 25 worst vibrant neighborhoods with a score of 13.37. It features moderate urban sophistication (41.13) and a fair young singles population (43.88). The neighborhood has excellent car-friendliness (91.65) but very low hip & trendy ratings (5.11) and poor walkability (7.06), though its walkability is slightly better than many other neighborhoods on this list.
24. Meadow Lakes West
- Overall Vibrancy: 13.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 40.00
- Hip & Trendy: 8.34
- Young Singles: 38.59
- Car Friendly: 72.26
- Walkability: 2.70
Meadow Lakes West has a vibrancy score of 13.31 with moderate urban sophistication (40.00) and good car-friendliness (72.26). The neighborhood has low ratings for hip & trendy (8.34) and walkability (2.70). The young singles population is moderate (38.59).
23. Bear Valley / Glen Alps
- Overall Vibrancy: 13.00
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 87.56
- Hip & Trendy: 9.21
- Young Singles: 45.90
- Car Friendly: 81.94
- Walkability: 2.18
Bear Valley/Glen Alps has a vibrancy score of 13.00 with excellent urban sophistication (87.56) and car-friendliness (81.94). The neighborhood has a low hip & trendy rating (9.21), a moderate young singles population (45.90), and poor walkability (2.18).
22. Clover Pass / Mud Bay
- Overall Vibrancy: 12.66
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 66.22
- Hip & Trendy: 14.69
- Young Singles: 34.13
- Car Friendly: 71.50
- Walkability: 15.34
Clover Pass/Mud Bay has a vibrancy score of 12.66 with good urban sophistication (66.22) and car-friendliness (71.50). The neighborhood has a low hip & trendy rating (14.69) and young singles population (34.13), but notably better walkability (15.34) than most areas in this ranking, though still relatively low overall.
21. Eklutna Valley
- Overall Vibrancy: 11.77
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 75.88
- Hip & Trendy: 24.14
- Young Singles: 49.27
- Car Friendly: 88.89
- Walkability: 2.85
Eklutna Valley has a vibrancy score of 11.77 with high urban sophistication (75.88) and excellent car-friendliness (88.89). The neighborhood has a modest hip & trendy rating (24.14) and a moderate young singles population (49.27), but poor walkability (2.85).
20. Tanaina
- Overall Vibrancy: 10.72
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.30
- Hip & Trendy: 0.99
- Young Singles: 35.65
- Car Friendly: 75.97
- Walkability: 1.62
Tanaina has a vibrancy score of 10.72 with moderate urban sophistication (41.30) but an extremely low hip & trendy rating (0.99). The neighborhood is very car-friendly (75.97) but has poor walkability (1.62). The young singles population is moderate-to-low (35.65).
19. Fort Wainwright
- Overall Vibrancy: 10.69
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.15
- Hip & Trendy: 7.65
- Young Singles: 58.75
- Car Friendly: 58.48
- Walkability: 0.63
Fort Wainwright has a vibrancy score of 10.69 with very low urban sophistication (9.15) and hip & trendy (7.65) ratings. As a military installation, it has a high young singles population (58.75) and moderate car-friendliness (58.48), but extremely poor walkability (0.63).
18. Diamond Ridge
- Overall Vibrancy: 8.07
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 59.00
- Hip & Trendy: 19.58
- Young Singles: 46.24
- Car Friendly: 69.73
- Walkability: 1.12
Diamond Ridge has a vibrancy score of 8.07 with moderate urban sophistication (59.00) but low hip & trendy ratings (19.58). The neighborhood is quite car-friendly (69.73) but has very poor walkability (1.12). The young singles population is moderate (46.24).
17. Douglas
- Overall Vibrancy: 7.20
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 64.82
- Hip & Trendy: 62.18
- Young Singles: 71.72
- Car Friendly: 60.47
- Walkability: 7.66
Douglas has a vibrancy score of 7.20 despite strong ratings in urban sophistication (64.82), hip & trendy (62.18), and young singles (71.72). The neighborhood is moderately car-friendly (60.47) and has slightly better walkability (7.66) than most neighborhoods in this ranking, though still poor overall. The contrast between these positive attributes and the low overall vibrancy score suggests other factors may be negatively impacting the area.
16. Susitna
- Overall Vibrancy: 7.09
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 17.66
- Hip & Trendy: 2.08
- Young Singles: 44.87
- Car Friendly: 79.70
- Walkability: 1.51
Susitna has a vibrancy score of 7.09 with poor urban sophistication (17.66) and extremely low ratings for hip & trendy (2.08) and walkability (1.51). The neighborhood is very car-friendly (79.70) and has a moderate young singles population (44.87).
15. Butte / Lazy Mountain
- Overall Vibrancy: 6.30
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 55.96
- Hip & Trendy: 12.13
- Young Singles: 39.93
- Car Friendly: 76.35
- Walkability: 3.42
Butte/Lazy Mountain has a vibrancy score of 6.30 with moderate urban sophistication (55.96) but a low hip & trendy rating (12.13). The neighborhood is very car-friendly (76.35) but has poor walkability (3.42). The young singles metric is moderate (39.93).
14. Point MacKenzie
- Overall Vibrancy: 6.29
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 23.57
- Hip & Trendy: 4.53
- Young Singles: 51.16
- Car Friendly: 69.25
- Walkability: 1.03
Point MacKenzie has a vibrancy score of 6.29 with low urban sophistication (23.57) and very poor ratings for hip & trendy (4.53) and walkability (1.03). The neighborhood does have a good young singles population (51.16) and is quite car-friendly (69.25).
13. Unalaska
- Overall Vibrancy: 6.16
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 26.91
- Hip & Trendy: 21.96
- Young Singles: 47.18
- Car Friendly: 48.29
- Walkability: 3.30
Unalaska has a vibrancy score of 6.16 with low ratings in urban sophistication (26.91) and hip & trendy (21.96). The neighborhood has moderate scores for young singles (47.18) and car-friendliness (48.29), with poor walkability (3.30).
12. Back Loop
- Overall Vibrancy: 5.93
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 63.65
- Hip & Trendy: 55.90
- Young Singles: 60.04
- Car Friendly: 73.87
- Walkability: 2.86
Back Loop has a vibrancy score of 5.93 despite strong ratings in urban sophistication (63.65), hip & trendy (55.90), and young singles (60.04). The neighborhood is very car-friendly (73.87) but suffers from poor walkability (2.86). This suggests that while the area has appealing characteristics, lack of walkability significantly impacts its overall vibrancy.
11. Kalifornsky
- Overall Vibrancy: 5.30
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 49.96
- Hip & Trendy: 8.45
- Young Singles: 49.39
- Car Friendly: 79.78
- Walkability: 3.07
Kalifornsky has a vibrancy score of 5.30 with moderate urban sophistication (49.96) and a decent young singles population (49.39). The neighborhood is very car-friendly (79.78) but scores poorly on hip & trendy (8.45) and walkability (3.07).
10. Nikiski / Salamatof
- Overall Vibrancy: 4.83
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.41
- Hip & Trendy: 5.19
- Young Singles: 31.31
- Car Friendly: 85.62
- Walkability: 1.31
Nikiski/Salamatof has a vibrancy score of 4.83 with very poor ratings in urban sophistication (10.41), hip & trendy (5.19), and walkability (1.31). However, the neighborhood is extremely car-friendly (85.62), suggesting a suburban or rural character. The young singles population is relatively low (31.31).
9. Knik Fairview East
- Overall Vibrancy: 4.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.84
- Hip & Trendy: 1.81
- Young Singles: 33.72
- Car Friendly: 69.59
- Walkability: 2.01
Knik Fairview East has a vibrancy score of 4.31 with moderate urban sophistication (54.84) and good car-friendliness (69.59). The neighborhood scores extremely low on hip & trendy (1.81) and walkability (2.01). The young singles metric (33.72) indicates a relatively low presence of younger residents.
8. Lakloey-Persinger / Dennis Manor
- Overall Vibrancy: 4.27
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 46.39
- Hip & Trendy: 2.78
- Young Singles: 36.30
- Car Friendly: 68.97
- Walkability: 5.21
Lakloey-Persinger/Dennis Manor has a vibrancy score of 4.27 with moderate urban sophistication (46.39) and car-friendliness (68.97). The neighborhood scores very poorly on hip & trendy (2.78) and walkability (5.21), though slightly better than some other neighborhoods in the ranking. The young singles population is moderate (36.30).
7. Buffalo Soapstone / Farm Loop
- Overall Vibrancy: 3.85
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 59.86
- Hip & Trendy: 6.09
- Young Singles: 40.30
- Car Friendly: 76.80
- Walkability: 3.12
Buffalo Soapstone/Farm Loop has a low vibrancy score of 3.85 despite a decent urban sophistication rating (59.86). The area is very car-friendly (76.80) but scores extremely low on hip & trendy (6.09) and walkability (3.12). The young singles metric (40.30) suggests a moderate presence of younger residents.
6. Baranof / Chatham
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.85
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 48.82
- Hip & Trendy: 25.73
- Young Singles: 53.15
- Car Friendly: 69.06
- Walkability: 1.68
Baranof/Chatham has a low vibrancy rating of 2.85 with moderate urban sophistication (48.82) and a fair young singles population (53.15). The neighborhood is quite car-friendly (69.06) but suffers from poor walkability (1.68) and a relatively low hip & trendy score (25.73).
5. Loring
- Overall Vibrancy: 2.68
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 44.65
- Hip & Trendy: 57.84
- Young Singles: 29.40
- Car Friendly: 40.08
- Walkability: 3.01
Loring has a low vibrancy score of 2.68 but demonstrates a relatively high hip & trendy rating (57.84) compared to other low-vibrancy neighborhoods. The area has moderate urban sophistication (44.65) but poor walkability (3.01) and only moderate car-friendliness (40.08). The young singles population is relatively low (29.40), indicating the neighborhood may appeal more to other demographic groups.
4. Two Rivers / Fox
- Overall Vibrancy: 1.68
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.73
- Hip & Trendy: 1.63
- Young Singles: 46.14
- Car Friendly: 68.51
- Walkability: 0.43
Two Rivers/Fox shows a very low vibrancy score of 1.68 with an extremely low hip & trendy rating (1.63) and nearly non-existent walkability (0.43). The neighborhood does have moderate urban sophistication (54.73) and is relatively car-friendly (68.51). The young singles metric (46.14) suggests a moderate presence of younger residents despite the area’s low vibrancy.
3. Fritz Creek / Fox River
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.86
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 57.03
- Hip & Trendy: 43.44
- Young Singles: 37.92
- Car Friendly: 66.57
- Walkability: 1.81
Fritz Creek/Fox River shows a vibrant score of just 0.86 despite moderate ratings in urban sophistication (57.03) and hip & trendy (43.44). This area is relatively car-friendly (66.57) but has extremely poor walkability (1.81). The neighborhood has a modest young singles population (37.92), suggesting it’s not particularly attractive to younger demographics.
2. South Fork
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.85
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 80.67
- Hip & Trendy: 21.90
- Young Singles: 58.70
- Car Friendly: 79.82
- Walkability: 0.78
South Fork presents an interesting contrast with a very low overall vibrancy score of 0.85, yet surprisingly high urban sophistication (80.67) and car-friendliness (79.82). The neighborhood attracts a moderate young single population (58.70) but suffers from extremely poor walkability (0.78). The low vibrancy score despite some strong metrics suggests other factors may be negatively impacting the neighborhood’s overall livability.
1. Basher
- Overall Vibrancy: 0.19
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.38
- Hip & Trendy: 0.70
- Young Singles: N/A
- Car Friendly: 12.27
- Walkability: 0.37
Basher ranks as the absolute worst neighborhood for vibrancy in Alaska with an extremely low score of just 0.19. The area shows alarmingly low scores across all metrics, particularly in urban sophistication (0.38) and walkability (0.37). Even its car-friendliness is relatively low at 12.27, suggesting limited transportation options overall. The neighborhood’s near-zero vibrancy score makes it Alaska’s least lively area by a significant margin.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Vibrancy: A comprehensive score measuring the energy, activity, and liveliness of a neighborhood. This incorporates multiple factors including diversity, amenities, entertainment options, and general neighborhood atmosphere.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Measures the availability and quality of cultural institutions, restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues that contribute to a sophisticated urban lifestyle.
- Hip & Trendy: Indicates how fashionable and current a neighborhood is, including factors like trendy shops, cafes, and nightlife that appeal to style-conscious residents.
- Young Singles: Reflects the percentage of young, unmarried residents, which often correlates with neighborhoods that offer social opportunities and lifestyle amenities appealing to this demographic.
- Car Friendly: Measures how easily residents can navigate and park within the neighborhood by car, including road quality, parking availability, and traffic flow.
- Walkability: Assesses how feasible it is to accomplish daily tasks on foot, including factors like sidewalk presence, pedestrian safety, and proximity of essential services.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
