When considering where to live in Alaska, walkability can be a crucial factor for many residents. Our comprehensive analysis uses six key criteria to evaluate the livability of neighborhoods from a pedestrian perspective. These criteria include Overall Walkability, Retirement Score, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, Cycling-Friendly rating, and Transit-Friendly rating. Each measure provides insight into different aspects of neighborhood accessibility and convenience.
The Overall Walkability Score incorporates numerous factors including proximity to amenities, pedestrian infrastructure, safety, and street connectivity. Every score in our analysis is derived from real-world data and resident surveys, providing an authentic representation of life in these neighborhoods. Here’s the list.
25. Scenic Foothills
- Overall Walkability: 59.17
- Retirement Score: 35.53
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 69.66
- Vibrant Score: 67.65
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 44.31
Scenic Foothills offers a balanced lifestyle with strong urban sophistication and vibrancy scores. While its walkability rating places it at the beginning of our list, residents enjoy good cultural amenities and moderate transit options. The neighborhood lacks cycling infrastructure data but compensates with its other qualities. The median home price in Scenic Foothills reflects its appeal as a residential area with access to urban conveniences.
24. Government Hill
- Overall Walkability: 59.79
- Retirement Score: 15.15
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 39.78
- Vibrant Score: 61.00
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 65.30
Government Hill stands out with excellent transit options, scoring 65.30 in transit-friendliness. While its retirement score is relatively low, this suggests a neighborhood that may appeal more to working professionals and younger residents. Its moderate vibrancy and urban sophistication scores contribute to its overall walkability rating of 59.79. The median home price in Government Hill offers value considering its proximity to transit options.
23. Chugach Meadows
- Overall Walkability: 60.94
- Retirement Score: 22.89
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 56.26
- Vibrant Score: 87.14
- Cycling-Friendly: 8.97
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Chugach Meadows excels in vibrancy with an impressive score of 87.14, making it one of the more dynamic neighborhoods on our list. While cycling infrastructure is limited and transit data is unavailable, residents enjoy moderate urban sophistication and walkability. The neighborhood offers a lively atmosphere, contributing to its appeal despite some infrastructure limitations. The median home price in Chugach Meadows reflects its desirability for those seeking a vibrant community.
22. Spenard Acres
- Overall Walkability: 61.00
- Retirement Score: 3.76
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 16.48
- Vibrant Score: 97.15
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 45.97
Spenard Acres boasts the highest vibrancy score among all neighborhoods at an outstanding 97.15, indicating a bustling, energetic community. While its retirement and urban sophistication scores are quite low, the neighborhood offers moderate transit options and overall walkability. This neighborhood clearly appeals to those seeking an active, lively atmosphere rather than quiet retirement living. The median home price in Spenard Acres balances affordability with access to an energetic community environment.
21. Abbott Loop
- Overall Walkability: 61.02
- Retirement Score: 18.33
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 74.05
- Vibrant Score: 52.88
- Cycling-Friendly: 9.85
- Transit-Friendly: 47.35
Abbott Loop offers strong urban sophistication with a score of 74.05, suggesting excellent access to cultural amenities. While cycling infrastructure is limited, the neighborhood provides moderate transit options and overall walkability. The balance of urban amenities with moderate vibrancy makes this a versatile neighborhood suitable for various lifestyles. The median home price in Abbott Loop reflects its appeal to those valuing cultural access in a walkable setting.
20. Campbell Park
- Overall Walkability: 61.29
- Retirement Score: 21.56
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 37.56
- Vibrant Score: 78.54
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 59.59
Campbell Park combines good vibrancy (78.54) with solid transit options (59.59), creating a neighborhood that’s both lively and accessible. While urban sophistication is moderate and cycling data is unavailable, the walkability score demonstrates decent pedestrian infrastructure. The neighborhood offers a balance of transportation options and community energy. The median home price in Campbell Park provides good value for access to these amenities.
19. Hamilton Acres
- Overall Walkability: 61.94
- Retirement Score: 17.39
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 60.44
- Vibrant Score: 69.28
- Cycling-Friendly: 34.55
- Transit-Friendly: 41.64
Hamilton Acres offers a well-rounded profile with good scores across urban sophistication and vibrancy. It’s one of the more balanced neighborhoods on our list, with moderate cycling and transit options complementing its walkability. While not especially retirement-oriented, the neighborhood provides decent amenities for general living. The median home price in Hamilton Acres reflects this balanced approach to neighborhood development.
18. University Area East
- Overall Walkability: 62.32
- Retirement Score: 39.46
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 73.80
- Vibrant Score: 58.66
- Cycling-Friendly: 31.80
- Transit-Friendly: 45.17
University Area East excels in urban sophistication with a score of 73.80, likely reflecting its proximity to educational institutions and associated cultural amenities. The neighborhood offers a balance of moderate retirement suitability, cycling options, and transit availability. Its well-rounded profile makes it suitable for academic professionals and students. The median home price in University Area East balances accessibility with its rich cultural environment.
17. Woodland Park West
- Overall Walkability: 65.91
- Retirement Score: 32.64
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 55.90
- Vibrant Score: 77.74
- Cycling-Friendly: 44.23
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Woodland Park West offers a strong vibrancy score (77.74) and the best cycling infrastructure among neighborhoods in this section of the list. With decent urban sophistication and moderate retirement appeal, it provides a good balance of amenities. While transit data is unavailable, the neighborhood’s high walkability score of 65.91 compensates for this gap. The median home price in Woodland Park West reflects its appeal to active residents who value walkable and cycling-friendly environments.
16. Independence Park
- Overall Walkability: 66.51
- Retirement Score: 27.70
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 52.26
- Vibrant Score: 93.65
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 41.36
Independence Park stands out with an exceptional vibrancy score of 93.65, making it one of the most dynamic neighborhoods on our list. With moderate urban sophistication and transit options, the community offers a lively atmosphere for residents. While cycling data and retirement scores are not particularly high, the overall walkability rating of 66.51 indicates good pedestrian infrastructure. The median home price in Independence Park offers value for those seeking an energetic community environment.
15. Northeast Anchorage
- Overall Walkability: 67.06
- Retirement Score: 15.37
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.64
- Vibrant Score: 80.21
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 22.86
Northeast Anchorage features an impressive vibrancy score of 80.21, offering residents an energetic community atmosphere. While urban sophistication is moderate and transit options are limited, the neighborhood’s walkability score of 67.06 demonstrates good pedestrian access. This area likely appeals more to younger residents than retirees, given its low retirement score. The median home price in Northeast Anchorage balances affordability with access to a vibrant community environment.
14. Airport Heights East
- Overall Walkability: 67.58
- Retirement Score: 43.10
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 66.13
- Vibrant Score: 69.48
- Cycling-Friendly: 64.84
- Transit-Friendly: 50.13
Airport Heights East offers one of the most balanced profiles of all neighborhoods on our list, with strong scores across all categories. It particularly excels in cycling-friendliness (64.84) and urban sophistication (66.13), while providing good transit options and vibrancy. With a moderate retirement score, this neighborhood appeals to diverse age groups and lifestyles. The median home price in Airport Heights East reflects its well-rounded appeal and excellent infrastructure across multiple transportation modes.
13. Downtown
- Overall Walkability: 68.10
- Retirement Score: 25.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 28.51
- Vibrant Score: 91.35
- Cycling-Friendly: 62.89
- Transit-Friendly: 58.71
Downtown stands out with an exceptional vibrancy score of 91.35 and strong cycling and transit options. While urban sophistication is surprisingly moderate, the area compensates with excellent accessibility across multiple transportation modes. The walkability score of 68.10 reflects good pedestrian infrastructure in this central area. The median home price in Downtown balances urban convenience with the energy of a central business district.
12. Bonibrook / Nunaka Valley
- Overall Walkability: 69.03
- Retirement Score: 34.22
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 82.47
- Vibrant Score: 75.55
- Cycling-Friendly: 30.09
- Transit-Friendly: 48.99
Bonibrook / Nunaka Valley excels in urban sophistication with an impressive score of 82.47, indicating excellent access to cultural amenities. The neighborhood also offers good vibrancy and moderate transit options, with some cycling infrastructure available. With a walkability score of 69.03, residents enjoy above-average pedestrian accessibility. The median home price in this culturally rich area reflects its appeal to those valuing walkable access to sophisticated amenities.
11. South Addition
- Overall Walkability: 69.58
- Retirement Score: 93.56
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 90.98
- Vibrant Score: 89.21
- Cycling-Friendly: 58.07
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
South Addition boasts some of the highest scores across multiple categories, making it exceptionally well-rounded. With an outstanding retirement score (93.56), excellent urban sophistication (90.98), and impressive vibrancy (89.21), this neighborhood offers a premium living experience. Good cycling infrastructure further enhances its appeal, despite lacking transit data. The median home price in South Addition likely reflects these exceptional qualities, making it a premium destination for those seeking a sophisticated, vibrant, and retirement-friendly community.
10. Mountain View East
- Overall Walkability: 70.06
- Retirement Score: 2.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 3.43
- Vibrant Score: 36.05
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 51.08
Mountain View East presents an interesting profile with a strong walkability score of 70.06 despite having very low ratings in retirement appeal, urban sophistication, and moderate vibrancy. The neighborhood appears to prioritize functional pedestrian infrastructure and decent transit options over cultural amenities. This suggests a practical, accessible community that may appeal to residents valuing straightforward convenience over luxury features. The median home price in Mountain View East likely reflects this practical orientation.
9. Campbell Park West
- Overall Walkability: 71.26
- Retirement Score: 24.86
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 64.28
- Vibrant Score: 80.65
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 26.21
Campbell Park West combines excellent walkability with impressive vibrancy (80.65) and strong urban sophistication (64.28). While transit options are somewhat limited and cycling data is unavailable, pedestrian access stands out with a score of 71.26. The neighborhood offers a good balance of cultural amenities and community energy, though it may not be ideal for retirement living. The median home price in Campbell Park West reflects its appeal as a vibrant, walkable community with good cultural access.
8. DeBarr Vista
- Overall Walkability: 71.76
- Retirement Score: 7.16
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.29
- Vibrant Score: 96.40
- Cycling-Friendly: 8.63
- Transit-Friendly: 18.31
DeBarr Vista offers an exceptional vibrancy score of 96.40, one of the highest on our list, paired with excellent walkability at 71.76. While retirement appeal, urban sophistication, cycling infrastructure, and transit options are all relatively low, the neighborhood clearly excels in creating an energetic, dynamic community atmosphere with good pedestrian access. The median home price in DeBarr Vista likely reflects its appeal to those seeking an active, vibrant neighborhood environment.
7. E 20th Ave / Muldoon Rd
- Overall Walkability: 72.18
- Retirement Score: 42.48
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 61.19
- Vibrant Score: 86.05
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 50.12
E 20th Ave / Muldoon Rd area offers an impressive combination of high walkability (72.18), excellent vibrancy (86.05), and good urban sophistication (61.19). With a moderate retirement score and decent transit options, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded living experience. While cycling data is unavailable, the strong scores in other categories make this a versatile, accessible community. The median home price in this area balances value with excellent neighborhood amenities and infrastructure.
6. Cambrian Park
- Overall Walkability: 73.22
- Retirement Score: 17.36
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 66.72
- Vibrant Score: 41.90
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 45.81
Cambrian Park offers excellent walkability (73.22) and strong urban sophistication (66.72), paired with moderate transit options. While vibrancy is relatively modest and cycling data is unavailable, the neighborhood excels in pedestrian access and cultural amenities. This combination may appeal particularly to professionals and those who value easy walking access to sophisticated amenities. The median home price in Cambrian Park reflects its strong infrastructure and cultural access despite moderate vibrancy.
5. Columbia Park
- Overall Walkability: 73.89
- Retirement Score: 22.27
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 83.97
- Vibrant Score: 88.11
- Cycling-Friendly: 14.48
- Transit-Friendly: 25.08
Columbia Park excels with outstanding scores in urban sophistication (83.97) and vibrancy (88.11), paired with excellent walkability (73.89). Despite limited cycling infrastructure and moderate transit options, the neighborhood offers a premium experience in terms of cultural amenities and community energy. The low retirement score suggests an area that appeals more to working professionals and younger residents. The median home price in Columbia Park likely reflects its exceptional cultural and community attributes.
4. Wonder Park
- Overall Walkability: 75.85
- Retirement Score: 6.69
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 34.40
- Vibrant Score: 92.71
- Cycling-Friendly: 31.54
- Transit-Friendly: 57.65
Wonder Park offers exceptional walkability (75.85) and an outstanding vibrancy score (92.71), complemented by good transit options. While urban sophistication is moderate and retirement appeal is low, the neighborhood provides excellent pedestrian infrastructure and community energy. The moderate cycling options further enhance accessibility. The median home price in Wonder Park likely balances value with its excellent walkability and vibrant atmosphere, appealing particularly to those seeking an energetic community.
3. Fairview
- Overall Walkability: 75.99
- Retirement Score: 59.69
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 57.97
- Vibrant Score: 39.94
- Cycling-Friendly: 10.39
- Transit-Friendly: 52.40
Fairview offers excellent walkability (75.99) paired with the best retirement score (59.69) among the top five neighborhoods. With good urban sophistication and transit options, the area provides a balanced lifestyle that may appeal to older residents seeking walkable convenience. While vibrancy is moderate and cycling infrastructure is limited, the neighborhood’s pedestrian accessibility stands out. The median home price in Fairview reflects its appeal across demographic groups, particularly those valuing walkable convenience in a less frenetic environment.
2. North Star East
- Overall Walkability: 76.64
- Retirement Score: 31.23
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 55.91
- Vibrant Score: 36.29
- Cycling-Friendly: 41.13
- Transit-Friendly: 56.05
North Star East claims the second-highest walkability score in Alaska at 76.64, complemented by strong transit options and decent cycling infrastructure. The neighborhood offers moderate urban sophistication with a balanced approach to community development. While vibrancy is relatively modest, the area excels in practical accessibility across multiple transportation modes. The median home price in North Star East reflects its premium pedestrian infrastructure and balanced lifestyle options.
1. Roosevelt Park / Lincoln Park
- Overall Walkability: 79.39
- Retirement Score: 15.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 58.88
- Vibrant Score: 92.43
- Cycling-Friendly: 26.39
- Transit-Friendly: 65.19
Roosevelt Park / Lincoln Park takes the crown as Alaska’s most walkable neighborhood with an impressive score of 79.39. This exceptional pedestrian accessibility is paired with the highest transit-friendly rating (65.19) among top neighborhoods and an outstanding vibrancy score (92.43). While not particularly retirement-oriented, the neighborhood offers good urban sophistication and moderate cycling options. The median home price in Roosevelt Park / Lincoln Park likely reflects its status as the premier walkable community in Alaska, offering an energetic atmosphere with excellent transportation options.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Walkability: Measures the pedestrian-friendliness of a neighborhood based on proximity to amenities, street connectivity, pedestrian infrastructure, safety features, and terrain considerations.
- Retirement Score: Evaluates how suitable a neighborhood is for retirees based on healthcare access, community services, quiet surroundings, and senior-friendly amenities.
- Urban Sophistication: Assesses access to cultural amenities including museums, theaters, fine dining, art galleries, educational institutions, and specialty shops.
- Vibrant Score: Measures the energy and activity level of a neighborhood, including nightlife, community events, population density, and general atmosphere.
- Cycling-Friendly: Rates the infrastructure and safety features for cyclists. This metric is included as cycling offers an important alternative mobility option that complements walkability, expanding residents’ car-free transportation range beyond walking distances.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates public transportation access, frequency, and connectivity. Like cycling infrastructure, good transit options extend the effective range of walkable neighborhoods, allowing residents to access distant areas without depending on personal vehicles.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
Alaska Real Estate Association
Zillow Anchorage Home Values
Alaska Housing Market Report
Redfin Anchorage Market Analysis
Realtor.com Anchorage Market Overview