When evaluating neighborhoods for their “hip and trendy” qualities, we analyze five key criteria that collectively paint a comprehensive picture of what makes an area appealing to modern residents. These criteria include Overall Hip & Trendy Score, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrancy Score, Walkability, and Young Singles Score. The Overall Hip & Trendy Score encompasses numerous factors including nightlife options, creative businesses, artistic venues, craft food and beverage establishments, and the general perception of “coolness” from both residents and visitors.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Alaska’s least hip and trendy neighborhoods. Each metric is measured on a scale of 1-100, with higher numbers indicating better performance in that category.
Here’s the list.
25. Scenic Foothills
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 8.90
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 69.66
- Vibrancy Score: 67.65
- Walkability: 59.17
- Young Singles Score: 46.08
Scenic Foothills tops our list of the least worst hip and trendy neighborhoods in Alaska with the highest overall score at 8.90. It also has the best vibrancy (67.65) and walkability (59.17) scores of any neighborhood featured here, along with strong urban sophistication. Despite these relatively strong metrics compared to other neighborhoods on this list, its overall hip and trendy score of 8.90 indicates that it still falls short of Alaska’s truly hip and trendy areas. The median home price in Scenic Foothills is approximately $357,722.
24. North Lakes East
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 8.80
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.09
- Vibrancy Score: 13.43
- Walkability: 6.01
- Young Singles Score: 34.19
North Lakes East offers moderate urban sophistication but struggles with low vibrancy, poor walkability, and a relatively low young singles presence. These limitations contribute to an overall hip and trendy score of 8.80, placing it second best on our list despite its significant shortcomings in key areas. The median home price in North Lakes East is approximately $247,329.
23. Turnagain
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 8.67
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 73.21
- Vibrancy Score: 32.09
- Walkability: 4.26
- Young Singles Score: 48.79
Turnagain shows a stark contrast between its excellent urban sophistication score (73.21) and poor walkability (4.26). While the neighborhood has good cultural amenities and a decent young singles population, its limited vibrancy and car-dependent infrastructure prevent it from achieving a truly hip and trendy atmosphere. The median home price in Turnagain is approximately $371,737.
22. Kalifornsky
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 8.45
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 49.96
- Vibrancy Score: 5.30
- Walkability: 3.07
- Young Singles Score: 49.39
Kalifornsky has a good young singles presence and moderate urban sophistication, but extremely low vibrancy and walkability scores. This combination results in a neighborhood with some cultural amenities and a younger demographic that lacks the accessibility and street life that would make it truly hip and trendy. The median home price in Kalifornsky is approximately $276,503.
21. Meadow Lakes West
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 8.34
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 40.00
- Vibrancy Score: 13.31
- Walkability: 2.70
- Young Singles Score: 38.59
Meadow Lakes West scores moderately in urban sophistication but struggles with low vibrancy and very poor walkability. With an overall hip and trendy score of 8.34, the neighborhood shows some promise but is significantly limited by its car-dependent infrastructure and lack of street-level energy. The median home price in Meadow Lakes West is approximately $385,613.
20. Fort Wainwright
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 7.65
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.15
- Vibrancy Score: 10.69
- Walkability: 0.63
- Young Singles Score: 58.75
Fort Wainwright presents a unique case with a high young singles score (58.75) but extremely poor performance in all other categories, particularly walkability at just 0.63. This suggests a neighborhood with a younger demographic that lacks the infrastructure and amenities to support a truly vibrant community life. The median home price in Fort Wainwright is approximately $221,651.
19. Tanaina South
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 7.22
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 37.56
- Vibrancy Score: 23.78
- Walkability: 11.74
- Young Singles Score: 47.24
Tanaina South shows moderate scores across most categories, with its best performance in young singles presence. However, with limited urban sophistication, moderate vibrancy, and poor walkability, the neighborhood lacks the distinctive character and energy that would elevate its hip and trendy status beyond its current score of 7.22. The median home price in Tanaina South is approximately $316,361.
18. Buffalo Soapstone / Farm Loop
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 6.09
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 59.86
- Vibrancy Score: 3.85
- Walkability: 3.12
- Young Singles Score: 40.30
Buffalo Soapstone / Farm Loop has decent urban sophistication but extremely low vibrancy and walkability scores. These limitations significantly impact the neighborhood’s ability to foster the spontaneous social interactions and street life that contribute to a hip and trendy atmosphere, resulting in an overall score of 6.09. The median home price in Buffalo Soapstone / Farm Loop is approximately $490,863.
17. Knik Heights
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 5.81
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 84.78
- Vibrancy Score: 22.10
- Walkability: 10.83
- Young Singles Score: 48.30
Knik Heights boasts impressive urban sophistication (84.78) and a good young singles population, but lacks the vibrancy and walkability that would make these assets truly accessible and engaging. This disconnect results in an overall hip and trendy score of 5.81, suggesting a neighborhood with potential that remains largely unrealized. The median home price in Knik Heights is approximately $477,503.
16. Eaglewood / Parkview Terrace
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 5.24
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 81.85
- Vibrancy Score: 28.44
- Walkability: 30.10
- Young Singles Score: 43.59
Eaglewood / Parkview Terrace presents an interesting case with excellent urban sophistication (81.85) and the best walkability score (30.10) among the neighborhoods on this list. However, its moderate vibrancy and young singles scores, combined with other factors not captured in these metrics, result in an overall hip and trendy score of just 5.24. The median home price in Eaglewood / Parkview Terrace is approximately $358,704.
15. Nikiski / Salamatof
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 5.19
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.41
- Vibrancy Score: 4.83
- Walkability: 1.31
- Young Singles Score: 31.31
Nikiski / Salamatof struggles with very low scores across most categories, particularly in urban sophistication, vibrancy, and walkability. With limited cultural amenities and poor pedestrian infrastructure, the neighborhood offers few opportunities for the dynamic social interactions that characterize more hip and trendy areas. The median home price in Nikiski / Salamatof is approximately $319,624.
14. Newby Road / Badger East
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 5.11
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.13
- Vibrancy Score: 13.37
- Walkability: 7.06
- Young Singles Score: 43.88
Newby Road / Badger East shows moderate scores across most categories but fails to excel in any particular area. With an overall hip and trendy score of 5.11, the neighborhood lacks the distinctive character and energy that would make it a destination for those seeking a vibrant community experience. The median home price in Newby Road / Badger East is approximately $271,792.
13. Point MacKenzie
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 4.53
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 23.57
- Vibrancy Score: 6.29
- Walkability: 1.03
- Young Singles Score: 51.16
Point MacKenzie has a good young singles score but performs poorly in all other categories, particularly walkability at just 1.03. The combination of low urban sophistication, minimal vibrancy, and car-dependency creates a neighborhood that, despite having a younger population, lacks the essential elements of a hip and trendy area. The median home price in Point MacKenzie is approximately $343,432.
12. Chugiak
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 4.48
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.14
- Vibrancy Score: 21.71
- Walkability: 1.37
- Young Singles Score: 47.21
Chugiak demonstrates moderate scores in urban sophistication, vibrancy, and young singles presence, but is severely limited by its extremely poor walkability score of 1.37. This car-dependency significantly impacts the neighborhood’s ability to foster the street-level energy that contributes to a hip and trendy atmosphere. The median home price in Chugiak is approximately $290,734.
11. Eagle River East
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 3.85
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 88.53
- Vibrancy Score: 22.05
- Walkability: 14.82
- Young Singles Score: 48.00
Eagle River East has the highest urban sophistication score on our list at 88.53, indicating excellent cultural amenities. However, its low vibrancy score and limited walkability prevent these amenities from creating a truly dynamic neighborhood atmosphere, resulting in an overall hip and trendy score of just 3.85. The median home price in Eagle River East is approximately $303,456.
10. Hillside East / Mid-Hillside
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 3.35
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 82.90
- Vibrancy Score: 18.28
- Walkability: 1.94
- Young Singles Score: 51.89
Hillside East / Mid-Hillside shows a stark contrast between metrics with an impressive urban sophistication score of 82.90 and good young singles presence, but extremely poor walkability (1.94) and low vibrancy (18.28). This suggests a neighborhood with cultural amenities that are difficult to access without a car, limiting spontaneous exploration and community engagement. The median home price in Hillside East / Mid-Hillside is approximately $425,156.
9. Kodiak Station
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 3.28
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 27.84
- Vibrancy Score: 19.75
- Walkability: 1.29
- Young Singles Score: 59.47
Kodiak Station presents an interesting case with a relatively high young singles score (59.47) but poor performance in other categories. Its walkability score of just 1.29 is particularly problematic, severely limiting the neighborhood’s potential for spontaneous social interactions and street life despite its younger demographic. The median home price in Kodiak Station is approximately $235,736.
8. Lakloey-Persinger / Dennis Manor
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 2.78
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 46.39
- Vibrancy Score: 4.27
- Walkability: 5.21
- Young Singles Score: 36.30
Lakloey-Persinger / Dennis Manor has moderate urban sophistication but suffers from extremely low vibrancy and poor walkability scores. These limitations significantly impact its overall hip and trendy rating of 2.78, as the neighborhood lacks the energy and accessibility that characterize more dynamic communities. The median home price in Lakloey-Persinger / Dennis Manor is approximately $295,011.
7. Susitna
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 2.08
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 17.66
- Vibrancy Score: 7.09
- Walkability: 1.51
- Young Singles Score: 44.87
Susitna struggles across nearly all metrics with particularly low scores in urban sophistication, vibrancy, and walkability. Despite having a moderate young singles population (44.87), the lack of cultural amenities and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure results in a neighborhood that scores just 2.08 on the hip and trendy scale. The median home price in Susitna is approximately $233,487.
6. Knik Fairview East
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.81
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.84
- Vibrancy Score: 4.31
- Walkability: 2.01
- Young Singles Score: 33.72
Knik Fairview East offers relatively good urban sophistication but falls short in nearly every other category. With a vibrancy score of only 4.31 and walkability at 2.01, the neighborhood lacks the street life and accessibility that contribute to a hip atmosphere. The median home price in Knik Fairview East is approximately $376,780.
5. Two Rivers / Fox
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.63
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.73
- Vibrancy Score: 1.68
- Walkability: 0.43
- Young Singles Score: 46.14
Two Rivers / Fox area has among the worst walkability scores on our list at just 0.43, making it almost entirely car-dependent. Despite having decent urban sophistication and a fair young singles population, it suffers from extremely low vibrancy (1.68), contributing to its poor overall hip and trendy score of 1.63. The median home price in Two Rivers / Fox is approximately $482,729.
4. Moose Creek
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.57
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 56.17
- Vibrancy Score: 18.65
- Walkability: 6.22
- Young Singles Score: 50.16
Moose Creek shows an interesting contrast with decent urban sophistication and young singles scores but a very low overall hip and trendy rating of 1.57. This suggests that while there are cultural amenities and a relatively young population, the neighborhood lacks the cohesive “cool factor” that makes an area truly hip. Its poor walkability continues to be a significant drawback. The median home price in Moose Creek is approximately $335,620.
3. Knik Fairview
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 1.37
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 32.30
- Vibrancy Score: 21.05
- Walkability: 4.00
- Young Singles Score: 39.94
Knik Fairview struggles with hip and trendy appeal, scoring just 1.37 overall. While it has a moderate young singles population and some urban sophistication, its poor walkability score of 4.00 means residents are heavily car-dependent, limiting the spontaneous social interactions that contribute to a neighborhood’s vibrancy. The median home price in Knik Fairview is approximately $477,149.
2. Tanaina
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 0.99
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.30
- Vibrancy Score: 10.72
- Walkability: 1.62
- Young Singles Score: 35.65
Tanaina scores slightly better than Basher but still ranks very low on the hip and trendy scale. While it has moderate urban sophistication and a presence of young singles, its extremely poor walkability score (1.62) and low vibrancy (10.72) severely limit its appeal to those seeking a dynamic neighborhood experience. The median home price in Tanaina is approximately $356,108.
1. Basher
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: 0.70
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 0.38
- Vibrancy Score: 0.19
- Walkability: 0.37
- Young Singles Score: N/A
Basher ranks as the absolute worst hip and trendy neighborhood in Alaska with extremely low scores across all categories. With practically non-existent urban sophistication, minimal vibrancy, and almost no walkability, this area lacks the essential elements that contribute to a dynamic community atmosphere. The median home price in Basher is approximately $307,707.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Hip & Trendy Score: A comprehensive measure capturing the “coolness factor” of a neighborhood, including nightlife quality, creative businesses density, artistic venues, craft food and beverage establishments, and general perception among residents and visitors.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Measures the availability and quality of museums, theaters, galleries, music venues, bookstores, and other cultural institutions that provide intellectual and artistic stimulation to residents.
- Vibrancy Score: Evaluates the energy and activity level of a neighborhood, including street life, seasonal events, community gatherings, and the general sense of dynamism throughout different times of day.
- Walkability: Assesses how easily residents can access amenities, services, and entertainment on foot, which is crucial for spontaneous exploration and community engagement that define hip neighborhoods.
- Young Singles Score: Reflects the concentration of unmarried residents aged 25-40, who often drive demand for trendy establishments and contribute to a neighborhood’s youthful energy and evolving character.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
Zillow Research Data
Redfin Data Center
Realtor.com Research
American Housing Survey