Anchorage, Alaska, is a city that uniquely blends the rugged beauty of the wilderness with the amenities of urban living. Located in the south-central part of the state, Anchorage neighborhoods offer residents stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and fishing. Despite its remote location, Anchorage is a bustling city with a diverse cultural scene, vibrant local businesses, and a strong sense of community. The city serves as a hub for travelers exploring the vast landscapes of Alaska, while also providing a comfortable and dynamic living environment for its residents.
The Anchorage neighborhood map is an essential tool for anyone looking to navigate the city's diverse communities. Anchorage neighborhoods vary widely, from the downtown area's urban vibe to the quieter, more suburban neighborhoods on the city's outskirts. The map highlights neighborhoods with higher livability scores in green, showcasing areas with excellent amenities, safety, and overall quality of life. Neighborhoods with lower scores are marked in red, helping users identify areas where challenges such as higher crime rates or fewer amenities might impact the overall living experience.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | North Star | 3,691 | 1.34 | 77 |
| 2 | South Addition | 4,016 | 2.14 | 77 |
| 3 | Downtown | 1,304 | 1.77 | 75 |
| 4 | Rogers Park | 4,117 | 2.43 | 74 |
| 5 | University Area | 10,255 | 6.92 | 68 |
The best Anchorage neighborhoods are those that score high on livability metrics, including access to local amenities, low crime rates, and strong community ties. These neighborhoods often offer a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and modern conveniences, making them ideal for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a high quality of life. Whether you're drawn to a neighborhood with stunning views of the Chugach Mountains or one that offers easy access to downtown Anchorage's cultural and business districts, the best neighborhoods provide a balanced and fulfilling living experience.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Glen Alps | n/a | 3.04 | 37 |
| 2 | Old Seward-Oceanview | 6,100 | 5.14 | 47 |
| 3 | Basher | 168 | 9 | 47 |
| 4 | South Fork | 227 | 31.51 | 48 |
| 5 | Mid-Hillside | 4,261 | 12.41 | 49 |
The worst Anchorage neighborhoods tend to score lower on livability scales due to factors such as higher crime rates, limited access to amenities, and economic challenges. These areas may struggle with issues like underfunded schools and a lack of community resources, making them less desirable places to live. While each neighborhood in Anchorage has its unique appeal, those classified among the worst Anchorage neighborhoods often face significant hurdles that impact their overall quality of life, and potential residents should consider these aspects carefully when choosing where to live in the city.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Northeast | 29,207 | 12.45 | 66 |
| 2 | Eagle River | 26,608 | 11.75 | 65 |
| 3 | Abbott Loop | 24,649 | 18 | 50 |
| 4 | Sand Lake | 21,940 | 18.41 | 50 |
| 5 | Taku-Campbell | 12,918 | 11.89 | 64 |
| 6 | Russian Jack Park | 12,502 | 4.85 | 62 |
| 7 | Eagle River Valley | 11,556 | 37.84 | 53 |
| 8 | Spenard | 11,168 | 5.92 | 55 |
| 9 | University Area | 10,255 | 6.92 | 68 |
| 10 | Huffman-O'malley | 10,122 | 13.15 | 57 |
Located in south-central Alaska, Anchorage is the largest city in the state. Anchorage has a population of around 300,000 and is known for its cultural sites. The city is full of interesting activities to take part in. From museums to ice spas, Anchorage can prove to be an exciting place to live. Of course, that's not the only thing to look for in the city. Anchorage's education system tests higher than average, and housing and employment is plentiful. Overall, the city is quite livable. It has countless local amenities, a high-income per capita, and has a stable housing market.
Huffman-O'malley is a neighborhood of Anchorage and is located about 10 miles south of the major part of the city. When it comes to livability, Huffman-O'malley is ranked as one of the top neighborhoods to live in all of Alaska. It is a quaint neighborhood with a low crime rate and a fair amount of amenities. Within the neighborhood, you will find a liberal amount of schools and restaurants, grocery stores, and a shopping center. If you are into art, there is even an art gallery! While the average home value is high and unemployment is low, the cost of living in Huffman-O'malley is marginally higher than Anchorage itself. The neighborhood costs about 4% more to live in. Despite this, the median rent of Huffman-O'malley is about $400 per month which is much lower than the main part of the city. Huffman-O'malley is, to put it simply, a decent place to live. It has a high average income, low crime, good education, and a thriving housing market.
Mid-Hillside is located approximately 11 miles south-east of Anchorage. This mean you would have about a 20 minute commute to and from the city (depending on traffic). When it comes to amenities, the neighborhood is a bit lacking. The closest grocery store is in Huffman-O'malley, which is about 3 miles away. But where Mid-Hillside lacks on the grocery front, it makes up for it by having the Alaska Zoo in very close proximity! Now the cost of living in Mid-Hillside is a bit higher than average. It is 2% higher than Huffman-O'malley and 6% higher than Anchorage itself, but it has strong education and housing. In fact, the high-school graduation rate is 11% higher than Anchorage! Average household income is, of course, high (about $150,000 per year) and crime-rates are marginally lower than Anchorage.
Rabbit Creek is about 14 miles south of Anchorage. There are not many restaurants, only one school, and the nearest grocery store is a drive away, but the neighborhood makes up for it by providing excellent education, employment rates, and housing. The median income is about $150,000, about 90% higher than Anchorage and the home values are also much higher at about 70%. When it comes to education, the graduation rate is greater than Anchorage, so while it is farther away, you will still have access to proper education. Rabbit Creek is a bit more secluded, but it can still hold its own against the other neighborhoods and even Anchorage itself.