Where to avoid in Anchorage? - r/AskAlaska (2024)

FAQs

What areas to avoid in Anchorage, Alaska? ›

Anchorage is a pedestrian-friendly grid of streets, with numbered avenues running east to west, and lettered streets running north to south. In a few compact blocks, you'll find restaurants, brewpubs, coffee shops, tour companies, visitor information, and shops.

Anchorage was the third-worst metro area in the nation for violent crime, while Fairbanks was the third-worst for property crime. Anchorage also had the highest rate of rape among all metro areas in the country, and Fairbanks has the nation's highest rate of larceny theft.

Downtown Spenard

Downtown Spenard is the most walkable neighborhood in Anchorage, with a Walk Score of 87. Known for its vibrant arts scene, residents and visitors alike can explore the area and take advantage of its walkable layout. Notable attractions include the Bear Tooth Theatrepub and the Spenard Farmers Market.

1. Haines. Alaska's safest city is located in the northern part of the panhandle near Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. With only three reported violent crimes and 16 nonviolent crimes, it's easy to see how Haines makes the top of the list.

Most properties are situated in a few distinct areas of town; Downtown, Midtown, U-med district, or South Anchorage. Downtown hotels are convenient for walking to shops and restaurants, as well as The Alaska Railroad Depot. Midtown hotels on Spenard are the closest to the airport - only about 5-minutes away.

If you love to step out of your hotel and walk to a variety of local restaurants, shops, or nearby trails, pick a hotel in downtown. Other areas are more suburban. While Midtown hotels do have restaurants within walking distance of hotels, the choice is more limited.

3 Safety Tips for a Visit to Anchorage

Give them plenty of space, never approach wild animals, and remember to make noise (talk, sing, clap, or pack bells) while exploring local parks and trails: It's the best way to warn animals of your presence, and avoid startling a browsing bull or bruin.

Yes, Anchorage taxi services are usually very reliable and well monitored. As most taxis in Anchorage AK are privately owned, if you do experience any problems during your journey, we recommend calling the company directly (you can usually see the phone number and the company name on the side of the taxi).

Is Anchorage a friendly city? ›

Pro: Friendly community and welcoming atmosphere

Anchorage is a city that is renowned for its friendly community and welcoming atmosphere.

Fairbanks is more expensive to fly into than Anchorage. This is because there are more flights and Anchorage has a larger airport. And often, flights to Fairbanks (FAI) will first stop in Anchorage (ANC) and then head to Fairbanks. Vehicle rentals are less expensive in Fairbanks.

"For the upper end buyers, Goldenview, Prominence Point, and Turnagain View Estates in Anchorage, as well as several subdivisions in Eagle River are doing quite well because of the low interest rate" (Evans). Housing in Anchorage is generally on the more expensive side comparatively speaking with other cities.

Downtown Anchorage is easy to walk, with a grid of numbered and lettered streets, wide sidewalks, and plenty of parks and paths. More importantly, there's a lot clustered in the city center. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a great itinerary in Anchorage, without any need for a vehicle.

In March of 2023, 3,034 individuals in Anchorage were considered homeless, up slightly from an average of 2,923 people experiencing homelessness at some point in the last year's worth of data, and lower than the high of 3,304 counted in May of 2022. Historically, the city has not spent much on homeless services.

Don't disrespect the Alaska Natives or their land.

And never mock the customs or traditional foods. Leave no trace behind when you visit trails, and if you're taking from the land — whether fishing, hunting, or harvesting berries — take only what you need.

Northeast Anchorage is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. This area offers residents access to green spaces like Cheney Lake Park, Nunaka Valley Park, and Windsong Park. You can also find cultural centers like the Alaska Native Heritage Center located in this neighborhood.