Anchorage is a large city located in the state of Alaska. The city has a population of 299,321 residents. The median age of all Anchorage residents is 33, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. 73% of the people in Anchorage (over the age of 15) are married and 55% have kids under the age of eighteen. Knowing that, it’s safe to say that this area could be a great place for other families to lay down roots.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Anchorage, Alaska. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Anchorage, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, education and more.
Anchorage, AK receives 78/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #5 in Alaska and #2,153 in the USA. Clearly, Anchorage is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Anchorage also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Anchorage has higher than average grades for the following: education (B-), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Anchorage. The following was graded with a discouraging score: crime (F) and cost of living (F).
Conveniently located amenities and interesting attractions are a great way to continuously enjoy Anchorage on a regular basis. Knowing that there are an abundance of amenities and things to do can ensure that you always have access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, Alaska Native Heritage Center, and Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.
For individuals considering a relocation, job opportunities often take center stage as a crucial factor. Your chances of finding new employment in Anchorage is actually far better than most areas. With a low unemployment rate of 0.18%, you are likely to see an increase of job options, higher wages, improved workforce productivity and higher economic growth.
Finding affordable real estate and apartments for rent in Anchorage can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Anchorage is real estate affordability. The median home price for Anchorage homes is $298,000, which is 15.9% higher than the Alaska average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Anchorage, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 5.7% higher than the Alaska average.
| Statistic | Anchorage | Alaska | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.0% | 68.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.4% | 12.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.5% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.1% | 1.0% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.6% | 7.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.5% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
| Walk | Bike | Compact | Car | S.U.V. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | |||||
| Duration | |||||
| Cost/Month |
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