7 BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN ALASKA. When it comes to ideal living, the frigid regions of Alaska might not be the first place that comes into your mind. Despite this, you should seriously consider this state as your next home.
Alaska may not be a prime hotspot for real estate and an ecstatic lifestyle. However, it has a splendid atmosphere and offers a treasure trove of scenery, natural wonders, and other spectacles you can’t see in the world.
Alaska serves as the border between the United States and Canada. Since it is in the northern summit, expect that it is always cold and icy here all year round. Even during summer, the temperature barely drops. It is a good place to start a family or retire because it offers a simple but quaint lifestyle. There are a lot of opportunities to do outdoor adventures here, too–from the acres of grassland up to the towering alpines.
Hello everyone. In this video, I am going to show you all the best places to live in Alaska. Before I start, make sure that you hit the like and subscribe button to support this channel.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
7. Sitka
Let’s start our list with Sitka. Sitka is one of the most beautiful communities that Alaska can offer. It shares a significant portion of its area with British Columbia. Hence, it features multiple islands in its jurisdiction, such as Baranof Island and some parts of Chicago Island.
Residents of this area are blessed with the fact that they can just visit the grand Sitka National Park. The latter is a serene and unadulterated parkland that features historic totem poles. The place also houses the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and Saint Lazaria Island, which attract thousands of tourists every year.
Overall, the place is brimming with tradition and culture. Despite its progress, it has preserved its relics and ancient practices. It has a thriving art scene, which is definitely something that you need to witness.
Most of its residents are either employed in the fishing or seafood industry. However, tourism is also a booming market here. The median household income in Sitka is $69,600, which is more than enough for its residents to have access to their needs and wants. Meanwhile, home prices here are somewhat steep. An average home may cost you $300,000. Two hospitals serve in the area, while the University of Alaska Southeast has an operational branch here.
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6. Badger
If you are looking for a place to live in Alaska, you should consider Badger. For starters, Badger has a moderate population size of 21,000. It isn’t a crowded space as the place is pretty spacious. It also boasts a strong economy, which is evident from the household income that its people generate. Specifically, its median household income is $86,000, which sits higher than the national average.
But what about the home prices? Well, you’ll be surprised that properties here aren’t that expensive. A typical home here costs roughly $225,000, which is pretty affordable compared to other towns and cities in Alaska.
One interesting fact that I should highlight is that Badger is located at the center of Alaska. Hence, it serves as a gateway to various destinations in the area. Its proximity to Fairbanks lets you access some of the best big-city attractions anytime you want.
5. Ketchikan
Alaska’s very own Ketchikan is a majestic place to visit and live. It is located at the southern portion of the famous Inside Passage–a collection of waterways that courses through some of the most magnificent scenery within the state!
Ketchikan is mostly known for three things: well-preserved Alaskan culture, fascinating wilderness, and large, feisty salmon. Hence, living here is always a good idea for people who are interested in fishing, outdoor adventures, and experiencing Alaska’s authentic traditions.
With a population of just 8,000 lively locals, it is easy to say that this place offers a closely knitted community. It also flaunts its seemingly non-existent crime rates. There are also decent public and private schools serving in the area. Real property prices aren’t that expensive, so everyone has the opportunity to settle here for good.
You’ll never get bored in Ketchikan, as there are a lot of things to see here. Colorful and exquisite Native American totem poles are ubiquitous throughout the town. You should visit the Totem Heritage Center, Tongass Historical Museum, and Southeast Alaska Discovery Center if you want to see genuine relics of the past. And of course, Ketchikan’s creek is definitely a sight to behold in the town.
4. Kodiak
The small town of Kodiak is a wonderful place where you can live in Alaska. This auspicious area only has 6,000 residents, and the majority of them are beyond satisfied with their living standards.
Kodiak is an excellent place for hunting black-tail deer, elk, and Kodiak bears. In fact, such an activity is a significant contributor to the town’s economy. However, most of its people are engaged in commercial fishing.
One striking feature of Kodiak is that it doesn’t get too cold during the winter season. In summer, the town becomes a convenient ground for families to do various recreational activities.
The town has a median home value of $255,000, while its median rent is $1,200. Hence, it isn’t that difficult to acquire an abode here. And given that its median household income is more than $70,000, there’s a certainty that you can meet all your living requirements here.
Kodiak is known for its number of museums, such as the Kodiak Maritime Museum, Kodiak History Museum, and Alutiiq Museum. For outdoor explorations, you can just go to the Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park.
3. Fairbanks
As the city that seized the title of the “The Golden Heart of Alaska,” it is not a surprise that Fairbanks is as beautiful as what many people say. Tourists and locals alike said that this place is truly charming and endearing. The former gold-rush boomtown has now become a sacred sanctuary for individuals who want to spend their days living in a beautiful city.
Fairbanks has one of the biggest populations in Alaska. Specifically, its current number of residents is 32,000. But given the sheer size of the city, you can’t say that it is densely populated! It is easy to acquire a home here, as its median home value sits only $253,000 as of 2021. Its safety levels are also pleasing for retirees and families.
One should also know that this place is centrally situated in Alaska’s Interior. Hence, it has close proximity to the Denali National Park and Preserves. On its south is the Arctic Circle. If you are brave and trained enough to venture into the unforgiving Arctic, then Fairbanks should serve as your basecamp.
There’s a lot to explore in Fairbanks. The 100-mile long Chena River is one of them. It courses within the town and is often a venue for various activities and events such as the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race and the Golden Days.
2. Juneau
The state capital of Alaska also deserves a spot on this list. I can seriously consider that Juneau is one of the most beautiful capital cities throughout the United States. It has the perfect blend of modern lifestyle and nature. As proof of this, the city’s economy is being supported by the following industry: government employment, tourism, and fishing.
Meanwhile, its population is roughly 35,000 people. It is still not crowded here, and there’s still a lot of space for new potential movers like you to come in. If you are planning to start a family, this might be the best place to go. After all, it has the best public schools throughout Alaska. It also houses the University of Alaska Southeast.
However, the home prices here are quite stiff. A typical home in the city is roughly $414,000. Interestingly enough, most of its residents have their own homes here. Meanwhile, its median household income is $80,000.
Juneau is the home of the Perseverance Theatre, which is the only professional theater in Alaska. Once you are here, you have quick access to the following wonders: Mendenhall Glacier, Tongass National Forest, and Tracy Arm.
1. Anchorage
The biggest city in Alaska is considered by many as the best place to live in the state. Anchorage is a city that doesn’t only contain a lively population but also houses fantastic views. Here, you have quick access to various tourist destinations such as the Chugach State Park and the Turnagain Arm. And since it is also within the perimeter of the Kenai Fjords National Park, its natural beauty is definitely stunning.
Anchorage has a population of roughly 300,000 people only despite its sheer size. Therefore, it is not surprising that this urbanized part of Alaska still has a strong community vibe. Meanwhile, its economy is thoroughly supported by tourism and military industries. Air cargo shipping is also a thing here.
The city has minimal crime rates, too, which makes it a safe place for retirees and families who want to raise their children. Neighborhoods in Anchorage, such as South Addition and Rogers Park, offer affordable home and rental values. Furthermore, Anchorage has a progressive educational system, as its public and private schools excel throughout the state.
Top sights in Anchorage include the Chugach State Park, Alaska Zoo, and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.