Lakes, Alaska is a small city with a population of 9,219 residents. According to the most recent Census, 82% of Lakes residents are White, 5% American Indian and Alaskan and 2% Asian. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Lakes entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 30 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Lakes, Alaska could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Lakes and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Alaska and national averages.
Using data and statistics Lakes has received a livability score of 56 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 24th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the national average, this city has a score which ranks among the lowest in the nation, and it is not considered a very livable city. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Lakes ranks very well for employment (A) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Lakes. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F), crime (F), cost of living (F) and education (D).
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Lakes 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 Lakes is real estate affordability. The median home price for Lakes homes is $444,674, which is 3.8% lower than the Alaska average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Lakes, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 12.2% lower than the Alaska average.
| Statistic | Lakes | Alaska | National |
| Average one way commute | 30min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.7% | 68.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 14.2% | 12.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 1.0% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 7.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.5% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
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