Badger and Anchorage are some of the best places to live in Alaska in 2025. Beyond its unmatched beauty, Alaska is the 4th largest oil-producing state. Plus, with 25,000 new job openings and a just 4.9% unemployment rate, Alaska has everything to offer.
But there’s so much more to Alaska than just its economy and landscapes. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly communities, adventure in the wild, or a strong local culture, Alaska has it all. Let’s find the city that perfectly matches your requirements.
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Best Places to Live in Alaska in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the top cities to live in Alaska. We’ve evaluated each city based on community well-being, affordability, and housing trends. If you’re considering Alaska real estate, these locations offer strong home values and a great quality of life.
| # City | Median House Price | Median Income | Cost of living | Liveability Score | Crime Score | Improvement in Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Badger | $309K | $109K | 20.5% ⬇️ | 57 | 15 | 5⬆️ |
| 2. Anchorage | $393K | $115K | 21.7% ⬆️ | 77 | 5 | 1⬇️ |
| 3. Kodiak | $445K | $96K | 20.2% ⬆️ | 65 | 32 | 7⬆️ |
| 4. Sitka | $510K | $108K | 21.4% ⬆️ | 85 | 42 | 1⬆️ |
| 5. Ketchikan | $385K | $95K | 21.4% ⬆️ | 76 | 8 | 3⬆️ |
| 6. Homer | $395K | $97K | 20.2% ⬆️ | 70 | 34 | 1⬆️ |
| 7. Palmer | $385K | $83K | 20.2% ⬆️ | 73 | 29 | 2⬆️ |
| 8. Fairbanks | $289K | $81K | 20.5% ⬆️ | 56 | 3 | 6⬇️ |
| 9. Wasilla | $386K | $96K | 20.2% ⬆️ | 60 | 4 | 5⬇️ |
| 10. Juneau | $490K | $114K | 22.9% ⬆️ | 82 | 7 | 7⬇️ |
10 Best Places to Live in Alaska
Here’s our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in the Last Frontier State:
1. Badger
- Median House Price: $309K
- Cost of Living: 20.5%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 15% of U.S. cities.
- Unemployment: 6.6%
- Walkability Score: 3; Car-dependent.
Badger is a suburb in Fairbanks. It is near Fairbanks’ educational institutions, including the University of Alaska. Which makes it appealing for folks who prioritize education. This makes it the best place to live in Alaska for young adults.
The healthcare system in Badger is also exceptionally good, where 90.1% of the population has health coverage. Besides, the city’s beauty and the surrounding landscape makes it great for outdoor activities year-round. Hiking, fishing, and snowmobiling are popular among locals.
2. Anchorage
- Median House Price: $393K
- Cost of Living: 21.7%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 5% of U.S. cities.
- Unemployment: 5.2%
- Walkability Score: 31; Car-dependent.
Known as the ‘Gateway to Alaska’, Anchorage is the largest city in the state. It is located near the Chugach State Park and the Cook Inlet in southern Alaska. However, in addition to its urban amenities, the utility costs in the city are 21.7% higher than the state average.
Moreover, the city has a expanding economy. Major employers include Providence Health & Services, and Alaska Airlines. Plus, Anchorage is home to The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), which makes it one of the best cities to live in alaska for young adults.
3. Kodiak
Median House Price: $445K
Cost of Living: 20.2%⬆️ than the national average.
Crime Score: Safer than 32% of U.S. cities.
Unemployment: 4.8%
Walkability Score: 0; Car-dependent.
Kodiak, located on Kodiak Island, is well-known for its crab fishing industry. The living cost in the city is 20.2% higher than the national average. Despite high costs, the quality of life is excellent due to its scenic location and local economy.
Plus, Kodiak offers a strong sense of community and access to outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It also has a quality education system and healthcare facilities, everything combined makes it one of the best places to live in alaska for families.
4. Sitka
Median House Price: $510K
Cost of Living: 21.4%⬆️ than the national average.
Crime Score: Safer than 42% of U.S. cities.
Unemployment: 5%
Walkability Score: 71; Very walkable.
Sitka is a beautiful coastal city located on Baranof Island and part of the Tongass National Forest. It is home to some of the most prestigious universities. These include the University of Alaska Southeast, Sitka Campus, and Sheldon Jackson College.
Moreover, the city is 42% safer than the rest of the country. The average is $107,896, significantly higher than the national average of $65,729. These factors make Sitka one of the best places to live in Alaska for Young adults.
5. Ketchikan
Median House Price: $385K
Cost of Living: 21.4%⬆️ than the national average.
Crime Score: Safer than 8% of U.S. cities.
Unemployment: 5.1%
Walkability Score: 72; Very walkable.
Ketchikan is renowned globally as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’. It offers a cost of living 21.4% higher than the other Alaskan cities. The city has a strong economy driven by fishing, tourism, which makes it one of the best cities to live in Alaska for retirees.
Ketchikan is a scenic spot surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, which offers access to several outdoor activities. The city also has a rich culture, with popular attractions like the Totem Heritage Center and the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.
6. Homer
Median House Price: $395K
Cost of Living: 20.2%⬆️ than the national average.
Crime Score: Safer than 34% of U.S. cities.
Unemployment: 9%
Walkability Score: 1; Car-dependent.
Homer is located on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula in South Central Alaska. It is 20.2% more affordable to live in than in other Alaskan cities. Serene beauti, affordable housing and desent seafty score make it the best place to live in alaska for retirement.
Moreover, popular attractions in the city are the Pratt Museum, Homer Spit Trail, and the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. Plus, the city also boasts great healthcare with renowned hospitals like the South Peninsula Hospital, and many other clinics.
7. Palmer
Median House Price: $385K
Cost of Living: 20.2%⬆️ than the national average.
Crime Score: Safer than 29% of U.S. cities.
Unemployment: 9.6%
Walkability Score: 42; Car-dependent.
Palmer is located in the Matanuska Valley and is known for its agricultural heritage. Apart from this the city is also known for its scenic landscape. Plus the city offers a laidback lifestyle which makes it one of the best cities to live in Alaska for retirees.
Additionally, Palmer hosts the Alaska State Fair, which attracts visitors from all over the state. It has a tight-knit community that hosts events like Friday Fling and Colony Christmas each year. Palmer is perfect for those who enjoy a rural lifestyle with access to modern amenities.
8. Fairbanks
Median House Price: $289K
Cost of Living: 20.5%⬆️ than the national average.
Crime Score: Safer than 3% of U.S. cities.
Unemployment: 7%
Walkability Score: 32; Car-dependent.
The median home price in Fairbanks is $289K, significantly lower than the state average, plus the unemployment rate is just 3.5%. The city’s economy is backed by major employers, like the Fort Wainwright Army Base, and the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.
Fairbanks retains a rich heritage from the early 20th-century gold rush era. Attractions like the Gold Dredge 8 and Pioneer Park make it fairly popular amongst visitors. A robust economy, and esy acess to modern amanities make it one of the best cities to live in Alaska.
9. Wasilla
Median House Price: $386K
Cost of Living: 20.2%⬆️ than the national average.
Crime Score: Safer than 4% of U.S. cities.
Unemployment: 9.7%
Walkability Score: 21; Car-dependent.
Situated in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Wasilla is the 8th largest city in Alaska. The housing costs are 20.2% above the national average. Plus well-known businesses like Walmart, Home Depot, and Target makes it one of the best places to live in Alaska for families.
Moreover, the city is also famous for its picturesque location. Some of the famous spots include the nearby Chugach Mountains and the Knik River. Wasilla combines outdoor beauty, recreation, and community spirit with modern amenities.
10. Juneau
Median House Price: $490K
Cost of Living: 22.9%⬆️ than the national average.
Crime Score: Safer than 7% of U.S. cities.
Unemployment: 4.5%
Walkability Score: 84; Very walkable.
Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, is located in the southeastern part of the state. It offers a great blend of an urban lifestyle and outdoor adventures. Home to the Mendenhall Glacier and Tongass National Forest, its whale-watching tours also make it popular amongst tourists.
The economy thrives on tourism, fishing, and government jobs. Top employers include the Bartlett Regional Hospital and the University of Alaska Southeast. A robust economy and abundance of jobs make it one of the great places to live in Alaska for young adults.
Best Places to Live in Alaska Based on Demographics
We have researched the best places for single families, young professionals, and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities, and healthcare facilities.
| Demographic | #1 | #2 | #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Families | Fairbanks | Kodiak | Wasilla |
| Young Professionals | Badger | Anchorage | Sitka |
| Retirees | Homer | Palmer | Ketchikan |
Is Alaska a Good Place to Live?
Alaska is one of the best places to live in the US due to its tax benefits and cozy cold weather. The city has a booming job market and opportunities for young adults. Apart from this, it has an affordable healthcare system and excellent educational institutions.
Whether you’re drawn to the city life of Anchorage or the coastal beauty of Juneau, Alaska offers diverse lifestyles. Explore listings, compare prices, and make offers online with just a few clicks on Houzeo, Alaska’s best home buying website.
Research Methodology
This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on eight parameters. We’ve linked the resources used in our study of the top places to visit in Alaska:
- Zillow[1]: Median House Price
- Zipatlas[2]: Population, Median Income, Expenses, Unemployment Rate
- Salary[3]: Cost of Living
- Areavibes[4]: Livability Score
- Neighborhoodscout[5]: Crime Index Score
The total score for each city combines a weighted score for its rank. Here’s the weightage: population (10%), home price (20%), income (20%), expenses (15%), unemployment (15%), cost of living (10%), crime index (5%), and well-being (5%).
Additionally, we have listed the good places to live in Alaska for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
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