When evaluating livability in Alaska’s neighborhoods, several key factors come into play. Our comprehensive analysis examines six distinct criteria: Overall Walkability, Retirement Score, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, Cycling-Friendly, and Transit-Friendly ratings. The Overall Walkability Score encompasses multiple elements including pedestrian infrastructure, proximity to amenities, safety features, and street connectivity – providing a holistic view of how pedestrian-friendly an area truly is.
It’s important to note that all scores presented are derived from real-world data and resident surveys, offering authentic perspectives rather than speculative assessments. Each of these six criteria contributes to understanding the complete picture of neighborhood accessibility and livability for various lifestyle needs. Here’s the list.
25. Back Loop
- Overall Walkability: 2.86
- Retirement Score: 82.90
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 63.65
- Vibrant Score: 5.93
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 25.06
Back Loop ranks as the 25th worst neighborhood for walkability in Alaska with a score of just 2.86 out of 100. Despite its poor walkability, it scores quite well for retirement living at 82.90 and offers decent urban sophistication at 63.65. The neighborhood lacks cycling infrastructure data but does provide some transit options with a score of 25.06. The area’s vibrant score is very low at 5.93, indicating limited entertainment and social gathering options. Median home prices in Back Loop are typically higher than the Alaska average due to its relatively higher retirement appeal.
24. Eklutna Valley
- Overall Walkability: 2.85
- Retirement Score: 69.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 75.88
- Vibrant Score: 11.77
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 2.75
Eklutna Valley scores nearly identically to Back Loop in walkability at 2.85, though it offers surprisingly strong urban sophistication at 75.88. The neighborhood has almost no public transit infrastructure with a score of just 2.75, and cycling data is unavailable. Despite the low walkability, its decent retirement score of 69.88 suggests it appeals to those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The vibrant score remains low at 11.77, indicating limited social and entertainment options. Median home prices in Eklutna Valley tend to be moderate compared to other Alaskan neighborhoods.
23. Meadow Lakes
- Overall Walkability: 2.83
- Retirement Score: 35.04
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 23.28
- Vibrant Score: 27.38
- Cycling-Friendly: 21.76
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Meadow Lakes ranks 23rd worst for walkability with a score of 2.83. This neighborhood scores relatively low across most metrics, with a retirement score of just 35.04 and limited urban amenities at 23.28. It does offer some cycling options with a score of 21.76, though public transit data is unavailable. The neighborhood has a somewhat better vibrant score of 27.38 compared to other areas on this list, suggesting more social activity. Median home prices in Meadow Lakes are generally affordable compared to the Alaska average, making it accessible for first-time homebuyers despite its infrastructure limitations.
22. Meadow Lakes West
- Overall Walkability: 2.70
- Retirement Score: 40.73
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 40.00
- Vibrant Score: 13.31
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 0.03
Meadow Lakes West, adjacent to Meadow Lakes, shows similarly poor walkability at 2.70. The neighborhood has virtually nonexistent public transit with a score of just 0.03, and no cycling infrastructure data available. It does perform somewhat better in urban sophistication at 40.00 compared to its eastern counterpart. The retirement score of 40.73 and vibrant score of 13.31 are both below average. Median home prices in Meadow Lakes West are typically in the lower range for Alaska, reflecting its limited amenities and poor connectivity.
21. Chena Ridge
- Overall Walkability: 2.69
- Retirement Score: 80.07
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 59.83
- Vibrant Score: 18.35
- Cycling-Friendly: 37.61
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Chena Ridge ranks 21st worst for walkability with a score of 2.69. Despite this, it offers strong retirement appeal with a score of 80.07 and decent urban sophistication at 59.83. The neighborhood provides some cycling options with a score of 37.61, though public transit data is unavailable. Its vibrant score remains low at 18.35. Median home prices in Chena Ridge tend to be higher than the Alaska average, likely due to its appeal to retirees and its proximity to natural scenery despite limited walkability.
20. Musk Ox / University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Overall Walkability: 2.23
- Retirement Score: 96.86
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 56.57
- Vibrant Score: 31.49
- Cycling-Friendly: 48.96
- Transit-Friendly: 22.91
The Musk Ox / University of Alaska Fairbanks area has poor walkability at 2.23, but excels in retirement appeal with an impressive score of 96.86. The university presence contributes to its moderate urban sophistication score of 56.57 and relatively higher vibrant score of 31.49. This neighborhood offers the best cycling infrastructure on our list at 48.96 and some transit options at 22.91. Median home prices near the university tend to be moderate, with rental properties being common due to the student population.
19. Bear Valley / Glen Alps
- Overall Walkability: 2.18
- Retirement Score: 92.46
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 87.56
- Vibrant Score: 13.00
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Bear Valley / Glen Alps ranks 19th worst for walkability at 2.18, yet scores exceptionally well for both retirement living (92.46) and urban sophistication (87.56). This unusual combination suggests a neighborhood with excellent amenities that are simply not within walking distance. The area lacks both cycling and public transit data, and scores poorly for vibrancy at just 13.00. Median home prices in Bear Valley / Glen Alps are among the highest in Alaska, likely due to its desirable location and amenities despite poor connectivity.
18. Knik Fairview East
- Overall Walkability: 2.01
- Retirement Score: 50.21
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.84
- Vibrant Score: 4.31
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 16.73
Knik Fairview East has a very low walkability score of 2.01. The neighborhood performs moderately for retirement at 50.21 and urban sophistication at 54.84. Its vibrant score is among the lowest on our list at just 4.31, indicating very limited social and entertainment options. The area offers some transit options with a score of 16.73, but lacks cycling infrastructure data. Median home prices in Knik Fairview East are typically below the Alaska average, making it relatively affordable despite limited amenities.
17. Hillside East / Mid-Hillside
- Overall Walkability: 1.94
- Retirement Score: 92.43
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 82.90
- Vibrant Score: 18.28
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Hillside East / Mid-Hillside has very poor walkability at 1.94, yet scores exceptionally well for retirement living (92.43) and urban sophistication (82.90). Like Bear Valley / Glen Alps, this suggests a neighborhood with excellent amenities that simply aren’t accessible on foot. The area lacks both cycling and public transit infrastructure data. Its vibrant score is low at 18.28. Median home prices in the Hillside areas are typically among the highest in Anchorage and Alaska, reflecting the desirable nature of these neighborhoods despite their poor walkability.
16. Fritz Creek / Fox River
- Overall Walkability: 1.81
- Retirement Score: 93.00
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 57.03
- Vibrant Score: 0.86
- Cycling-Friendly: 5.51
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fritz Creek / Fox River scores very poorly for walkability at 1.81. The area has an excellent retirement score of 93.00 and moderate urban sophistication at 57.03. Most notably, it has the second-lowest vibrant score on our list at just 0.86, indicating almost no social or entertainment options. The neighborhood offers minimal cycling infrastructure with a score of 5.51 and no public transit data. Median home prices in Fritz Creek / Fox River tend to be moderate, with the area appealing primarily to those seeking quiet retirement living away from urban centers.
15. Girdwood
- Overall Walkability: 1.71
- Retirement Score: 98.89
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 67.97
- Vibrant Score: 15.38
- Cycling-Friendly: 62.77
- Transit-Friendly: 8.77
Girdwood ranks 15th worst for walkability at 1.71, but has the second-highest retirement score on our list at an impressive 98.89. Known as a ski resort town, it offers strong cycling options with a score of 62.77, good urban sophistication at 67.97, but limited public transit at 8.77. The vibrant score of 15.38 is surprisingly low given its resort status. Median home prices in Girdwood are typically higher than the Alaska average, reflecting its popularity as a vacation destination and retirement community despite poor day-to-day walkability.
14. Baranof / Chatham
- Overall Walkability: 1.68
- Retirement Score: 90.44
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 48.82
- Vibrant Score: 2.85
- Cycling-Friendly: 96.18
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Baranof / Chatham has poor walkability at 1.68 but boasts the highest cycling-friendly score on our list at an exceptional 96.18. The area scores very well for retirement living at 90.44 but has very limited vibrancy at just 2.85. Urban sophistication is moderate at 48.82, and public transit data is unavailable. This unique combination suggests an area popular with outdoor enthusiasts and retirees. Median home prices in the Baranof / Chatham area vary widely, with waterfront properties commanding premium prices despite the area’s limited walkability.
13. Tanaina
- Overall Walkability: 1.62
- Retirement Score: 34.83
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.30
- Vibrant Score: 10.72
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 1.36
Tanaina scores poorly across most metrics, with walkability at just 1.62, a below-average retirement score of 34.83, and moderate urban sophistication at 41.30. The neighborhood has virtually no public transit with a score of 1.36, no cycling infrastructure data, and limited vibrancy at 10.72. Median home prices in Tanaina tend to be in the moderate range for Alaska, with the area primarily serving as a residential community with limited amenities or connectivity.
12. North Lakeview / Van Horn Industrial Park
- Overall Walkability: 1.52
- Retirement Score: 95.54
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 49.91
- Vibrant Score: 31.76
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
North Lakeview / Van Horn Industrial Park has very poor walkability at 1.52, yet scores exceptionally well for retirement at 95.54. The area has the third-highest vibrant score on our list at 31.76, suggesting more social and entertainment options than most neighborhoods with poor walkability. Urban sophistication is moderate at 49.91, while both cycling and transit data are unavailable. Median home prices in this area are typically below the Alaska average due to its industrial character, despite its surprisingly strong retirement score.
11. Susitna
- Overall Walkability: 1.51
- Retirement Score: 46.92
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 17.66
- Vibrant Score: 7.09
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Susitna ranks 11th worst for walkability with a score of 1.51. The neighborhood scores below average for retirement living at 46.92 and has very low urban sophistication at 17.66. Its vibrant score is poor at just 7.09, and both cycling and transit data are unavailable. This rural area offers few amenities but is known for its natural beauty. Median home prices in Susitna tend to be lower than the Alaska average, reflecting its limited infrastructure and connectivity.
10. Chugiak
- Overall Walkability: 1.37
- Retirement Score: 95.08
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.14
- Vibrant Score: 21.71
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 2.45
Chugiak has very poor walkability at 1.37 but scores exceptionally well for retirement living at 95.08. The area offers moderate urban sophistication at 47.14 and a somewhat better vibrant score than many others on this list at 21.71. Public transit is virtually nonexistent with a score of just 2.45, and cycling infrastructure data is unavailable. Median home prices in Chugiak tend to be moderate to high for Alaska, appealing primarily to those seeking a retirement community with a balance of natural surroundings and some amenities.
9. Nikiski / Salamatof
- Overall Walkability: 1.31
- Retirement Score: 55.66
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.41
- Vibrant Score: 4.83
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Nikiski / Salamatof ranks 9th worst for walkability at 1.31. The neighborhood has very low scores for urban sophistication (10.41) and vibrancy (4.83), indicating limited amenities and social options. Its retirement score is moderate at 55.66, while both cycling and transit data are unavailable. The area is primarily industrial and residential. Median home prices in Nikiski / Salamatof are typically below the Alaska average, reflecting its limited amenities and industrial character.
8. Kodiak Station
- Overall Walkability: 1.29
- Retirement Score: 24.65
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 27.84
- Vibrant Score: 19.75
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Kodiak Station has very poor walkability at 1.29 and the second-lowest retirement score on our list at just 24.65. The area scores low across all available metrics, with limited urban sophistication at 27.84 and low vibrancy at 19.75. Both cycling and transit data are unavailable. This military installation area prioritizes functionality over walkability. Median home prices in Kodiak Station are typically determined by military housing allowances rather than market forces, with limited housing options available to the general public.
7. Diamond Ridge
- Overall Walkability: 1.12
- Retirement Score: 86.46
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 59.00
- Vibrant Score: 8.07
- Cycling-Friendly: 7.00
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Diamond Ridge ranks 7th worst for walkability with a score of just 1.12. Despite this, it scores well for retirement living at 86.46 and offers decent urban sophistication at 59.00. The neighborhood has minimal cycling infrastructure with a score of 7.00, no transit data available, and low vibrancy at 8.07. Median home prices in Diamond Ridge tend to be moderate to high for Alaska, with the area appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle with decent amenities despite poor walkability.
6. Point MacKenzie
- Overall Walkability: 1.03
- Retirement Score: 47.07
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 23.57
- Vibrant Score: 6.29
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 15.16
Point MacKenzie ranks 6th worst for walkability at just 1.03. The neighborhood scores poorly across most metrics, with below-average retirement appeal at 47.07, low urban sophistication at 23.57, and very limited vibrancy at 6.29. It does offer some transit options with a score of 15.16, though cycling data is unavailable. This primarily rural and industrial area offers limited amenities. Median home prices in Point MacKenzie are typically below the Alaska average, reflecting its limited amenities and infrastructure.
5. Town Center
- Overall Walkability: 1.00
- Retirement Score: 56.78
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 24.69
- Vibrant Score: 19.47
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Town Center has a very poor walkability score of exactly 1.00 despite its name suggesting a central location. The neighborhood offers moderate retirement appeal at 56.78, limited urban sophistication at 24.69, and below-average vibrancy at 19.47. Both cycling and transit data are unavailable. This neighborhood’s name is somewhat misleading given its limited amenities and connectivity. Median home prices in Town Center tend to be moderate compared to other Alaskan neighborhoods, reflecting its limited infrastructure despite its central-sounding name.
4. South Fork
- Overall Walkability: 0.78
- Retirement Score: 87.61
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 80.67
- Vibrant Score: 0.85
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
South Fork ranks 4th worst for walkability with an extremely low score of 0.78. Despite this, it scores very well for retirement living at 87.61 and offers excellent urban sophistication at 80.67. Most notably, it has the third-lowest vibrant score on our list at just 0.85, indicating almost no social or entertainment options. Both cycling and transit data are unavailable. This unique combination suggests an upscale residential area with good amenities that simply aren’t within walking distance. Median home prices in South Fork tend to be above the Alaska average, appealing to those seeking quiet luxury who aren’t concerned with walkability.
3. Fort Wainwright
- Overall Walkability: 0.63
- Retirement Score: 18.79
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.15
- Vibrant Score: 10.69
- Cycling-Friendly: 27.09
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fort Wainwright ranks 3rd worst for walkability with a very poor score of 0.63. This military installation area has the lowest urban sophistication score on our list at just 9.15 and the third-lowest retirement score at 18.79. The neighborhood does offer some cycling options with a score of 27.09, though transit data is unavailable. Its vibrant score is low at 10.69. Like Kodiak Station, median home prices in Fort Wainwright are typically determined by military housing allowances rather than market forces, with limited housing options available to the general public.
2. Two Rivers / Fox
- Overall Walkability: 0.43
- Retirement Score: 57.72
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.73
- Vibrant Score: 1.68
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 10.32
Two Rivers / Fox ranks 2nd worst for walkability in Alaska with an extremely low score of 0.43. The area offers moderate retirement appeal at 57.72 and urban sophistication at 54.73, but has very limited vibrancy at just 1.68. The neighborhood provides minimal transit options with a score of 10.32, while cycling data is unavailable. This primarily rural area prioritizes space and privacy over connectivity. Median home prices in Two Rivers / Fox tend to be below the Alaska average, reflecting its very limited walkability despite moderate amenities.
1. Basher
- Overall Walkability: 0.37
- Retirement Score: 4.70
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.38
- Vibrant Score: 0.19
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Basher ranks as the absolute worst neighborhood for walkability in Alaska with an extremely low score of just 0.37 out of 100. The area scores poorly across all available metrics, with the lowest retirement score on our list at 4.70, the second-lowest urban sophistication at 0.38, and the lowest vibrant score at a mere 0.19. Both cycling and transit data are unavailable. This remote area offers extreme privacy but virtually no amenities or connectivity. Median home prices in Basher tend to be lower than the Alaska average due to its extremely limited infrastructure and amenities, appealing primarily to those seeking isolation.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Walkability: A comprehensive measure of how pedestrian-friendly an area is, considering factors such as pedestrian infrastructure, proximity to amenities, safety features for walkers, intersection density, and block length.
- Retirement Score: An assessment of how suitable a neighborhood is for retirees, considering factors like quietness, safety, access to healthcare, community engagement opportunities, and age-appropriate amenities.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): A measure of access to cultural institutions, fine dining, arts venues, educational opportunities, and overall neighborhood prestige and refinement.
- Vibrant Score: An indicator of neighborhood energy and social activity, including nightlife, community events, street life, dining options, and overall social engagement opportunities.
- Cycling-Friendly: An assessment of bicycle infrastructure, including dedicated lanes, trails, safety features, and overall bikeability. This metric is included alongside walkability as both reflect human-powered mobility options that contribute to healthier, more sustainable communities.
- Transit-Friendly: A measure of public transportation access, frequency, reliability, and coverage. Like cycling metrics, transit scores are relevant to walkability assessments as they determine how well residents can connect to the broader community without relying on private vehicles.
References
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
