When evaluating the livability of Alaskan towns, we examined six key criteria to provide a comprehensive assessment.
Every score is based on real world data and resident surveys.
It is not made up.
Home Stratosphere | Leaflet
Our six criteria together paint a complete picture of mobility and lifestyle quality in these communities.
The median home price in Yakutat is approximately $210,000.
Haines
Haines combines a walkability score of 4.05 with Alaskas highest retirement appeal rating.
The town offers strong cultural amenities despite minimal vibrancy and limited cycling infrastructure.
The median home price in Haines is approximately $295,000.
Houston
Houston maintains a walkability score of 4.19 with moderate retirement appeal but limited cultural amenities and vibrancy.
The community offers affordable housing within commuting distance of Anchorage.
The median home price in Houston is approximately $185,000.
Cordova
Cordova offers a walkability score of 4.21 with excellent retirement appeal and strong cultural amenities despite its isolation.
The town provides decent cycling infrastructure and minimal vibrancy in this roadless community accessible only by boat or plane.
Cordovas fishing heritage and spectacular setting in Prince William Sound create a distinctive coastal Alaska experience.
The median home price in Cordova is around $255,000.
The town offers surprisingly good cycling infrastructure and the best transit options among smaller Alaskan communities.
Nomes gold rush history and position as a regional hub for Northwest Alaska create a unique Arctic community experience.
The median home price in Nome is approximately $215,000.
Despite limited vibrancy, they provide surprising cycling and transit infrastructure for their remote island locations.
The fishing industry shapes daily life in these communities where Aleut heritage remains strong.
The median home price in these communities is approximately $175,000.
The median home price in this area is approximately $235,000.
The median home price in Hyder is approximately $125,000.
The town provides modest cycling infrastructure despite limited formal transit options.
The median home price in Homer is approximately $345,000.
Seward
Seward scores 6.34 for walkability while excelling in retirement appeal and offering strong cycling infrastructure.
The town provides good cultural amenities despite low vibrancy scores and limited formal transit.
The median home price in Seward is around $325,000.
The towns limited cycling infrastructure and minimal transit options reflect its development patterns.
As one of Alaskas fastest-growing communities, Wasilla balances suburban amenities with access to wilderness recreation.
The median home price in Wasilla is approximately $305,000.
Wrangell
Wrangell offers a walkability score of 7.78 with one of Alaskas highest retirement appeal ratings.
Wrangells rich indigenous heritage and small-town atmosphere create a unique Southeast Alaska experience.
The median home price in Wrangell is around $220,000.
The median home price in Kodiak is approximately $310,000.
While cycling infrastructure data isnt available, the town has minimal transit options.
North Poles Christmas-themed identity creates a unique community character despite challenging winter walking conditions.
The median home price in North Pole is around $265,000.
Skagways seasonal tourism economy influences its year-round walkability patterns.
The median home price in Skagway is approximately $350,000.
Petersburg
Petersburg combines a walkability score of 13.50 with exceptional retirement appeal and strong cultural offerings for its size.
The towns Norwegian heritage is evident in its architecture and festivals.
The median home price in Petersburg is around $240,000.
Soldotna
Soldotna offers a walkability score of 13.89 with balanced retirement appeal and solid cultural amenities.
The town enjoys good vibrancy for its size and limited transit options, though cycling infrastructure data is unavailable.
Known for world-class fishing opportunities, Soldotnas seasonal tourism supports amenities unusual for its population.
The median home price in Soldotna is approximately $275,000.
The communitys small size and island location make formal cycling and transit infrastructure unnecessary for many residents.
Metlakatlas unique cultural heritage and relatively mild climate create a distinctive living experience.
The median home price in Metlakatla is approximately $180,000.
Palmer
Palmer offers a walkability score of 14.80, complemented by strong urban sophistication and moderate retirement appeal.
The median home price in Palmer is around $315,000.
The town has modest ratings for retirement appeal, urban sophistication, and vibrancy, reflecting its remote location.
While cycling and transit data arent available, Utqiagviks compact layout makes it surprisingly walkable during warmer months.
The median home price in Utqiagvik is approximately $230,000.
Juneau
Alaskas capital offers a walkability score of 17.88 and the highest urban sophistication rating among all ranked towns.
Juneau balances good retirement potential with decent transit options, though its challenging topography limits cycling infrastructure.
As a governmental and cultural center, Juneau provides amenities uncommon for its size.
The median home price in Juneau is approximately $435,000.
Sitka
Sitka combines a solid walkability score of 21.51 with Alaskas best cycling infrastructure at 74.14.
The town excels in retirement appeal and cultural sophistication, reflecting its rich Russian and Tlingit heritage.
The median home price in Sitka is around $390,000.
Despite extreme winter temperatures, Fairbanks maintains functional pedestrian infrastructure year-round.
The median home price in Fairbanks is approximately $280,000.
Though its cycling infrastructure is minimal, the town provides good public transit options and moderate vibrancy.
As a popular cruise destination, Ketchikan blends walkable historic areas with natural beauty.
The median home price in Ketchikan is around $345,000.
While its retirement score is moderate, the city provides decent transit options unusual for Alaska.
Despite challenging winter conditions, Anchorage maintains reasonable cycling infrastructure.
The median home price in Anchorage is approximately $375,000.
