Where to Live Now
Best Places To Live in Alaska
Best Places To Live in Alaska
A surprising number of modern amenities can be found amid the rugged beauty of The Last Frontier. Here are the best places to live in Alaska.
Living in Alaska is a dream for anyone who considers themselves a thrill seeker, adventurer or outdoor enthusiast. You can experience the stunning beauty of the Northern Lights, scale the peaks of Denali and seek out humpback whales, orcas and sea lions on Glacier Bay. You can even visit the striking Mendenhall Glacier, a 12-mile wonder that emerged from the Little Ice Age around 3,000 years ago.
The natural beauty here is utterly unparalleled, but a surprising number of modern amenities coexist amid Alaska’s wild and rugged backcountry. Oil production, fishing, timber and research development rank high in the state’s present-day economy, and the cost of living might be more affordable than you think. Tack on the added bonuses of no state income tax or sales tax, and you can begin to understand why more and more people are eager to make their home in The Last Frontier.
In This Article
Anchorage
Why Anchorage is a great place to live in Alaska.
Known as a haven for adventurous spirits seeking a different way of life, Anchorage, Alaska, is home to towering mountain ranges, renowned salmon fishing, majestic glaciers and an abundance of outdoor hiking and cycling. Residents here have access to all manner of outdoor activities as well as art galleries, craft breweries and live musical and theatrical performances. But it doesn’t come cheap. The cost of living in Anchorage is higher than many comparable cities of its size in the Lower 48, primarily due to the logistics that go into delivering foods and services to the area. Nevertheless, the job market offers opportunities in several of its major economic sectors. Military, oil and gas, government and tourism are topping the list. Secondary industries include finance, construction, education and health care. And, as a cherry on top, Anchorage is known for being a welcoming and inclusive city.
Ask any local what is special about Anchorage, and their answers will likely include the breathtaking scenery and chances to get up close and personal with nature. The city is tucked between the Chugach Mountains, which is the most frequently climbed mountain in the state, and Cook Inlet, which boasts a history that is believed to stretch back as far as 10,000 B.C. These two perimeters afford residents innumerable opportunities to explore The Last Frontier’s natural wonders. At the same time, the city’s urban amenities invite them to enjoy everything from fine dining and museums to theaters and a multitude of local shops.
Read more about living in Anchorage, AK.
Badger
Badger is a great place to live in Alaska.
Have you thought about moving to Badger? Badger, a suburb, lies on the outskirts of Fairbanks, making it a suitable option for anyone seeking employment in the city but a more rural life at home. The population sits at just over 19,000 people, with a median household income of around $93,000. While this charming town may be small, you won’t want for activities. Downtown is home to museums, local shops and galleries, several restaurants and coffee shops where locals gather to enjoy a morning drink and share the news. Suppose you fancy a more tourist approach to the area? In that case, you can spend your time discovering the scenic outskirts of the city, or you could take a short drive to the nearby cities of Fairbanks or the North Pole and spend a leisurely weekend exploring a variety of local attractions and destinations.
If you’re considering moving to Alaska, you already know it’s cold. Badger has what is known as a subarctic climate, which understandably translates to very cold winters. Temperatures often drop below freezing. A calendar year can see averages that range from -13°F to 73°F. Summers are considered long and comfortable since they rarely get above 80°F, while the winter months see substantial cloud coverage and snowfall.
Read more about living in Badger, AK.
Fairbanks
Why is Fairbanks a great place to live in Alaska?
Fairbanks swings between the second and third most populated metropolitan area in Alaska, and for good reason. The renowned “Golden Heart City” is rich in history, culture, and economic opportunity, as well as the undeniable draw to get outside and explore the rugged Alaskan landscape. Tourists flock to this beautiful city in the summertime to go berry picking, ride the historical sternwheeler paddle boats, visit hot springs, float down the Chena River or pan for gold. Winter brings people from all over the world who are eager to experience the magic of the aurora borealis. Residents enjoy these activities, too, of course, as well as local pastimes like attending a Goldpanners baseball game, sampling locally made craft brews and spirits and going to the World Eskimo Indian Olympics. There are plenty of Alaskan adventures waiting to be had in Fairbanks.
Hawaii often tops the charts as one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, but Alaska comes in sixth. The cost of living in Fairbanks is around 27% higher than the national average. A large percentage of that number goes towards utilities, which makes sense when you consider the harsh winters and logistics required to ship in food and other products that aren’t locally grown or manufactured. On the other hand, housing is undeniably more affordable in Fairbanks than in Anchorage. First-time homebuyers in the state are more likely to get their foot in the door when searching for a home in the Golden Heart City.
Read more about living in Fairbanks, AK.
Juneau
Why Juneau a best city in Alaska.
Interested in moving to Juneau? The state’s capital city is nestled along the Gastineau Channel and Alaskan panhandle and actually sits on one of the largest wilderness areas in the nation. This understandably gives you a front-row seat to everything from grizzly bears feasting on fish in the summer to the striking views of the Northern Lights in the winter. Explore mesmerizing glaciers, catch the world’s best salmon, hike the peaks or bike the trails. You will find no shortage of thrill-seeking adventure here. And, if you’re doing a little soul-searching, Juneau is a great place to plant roots.
Visitors may come to Juneau for the outdoor adventure, but many find themselves eager to put down roots soon after. Everyone knows the Alaskan landscape looks like a spread from a National Geographic magazine, but you might be surprised to discover all the economic and career opportunities available as well. Government, maritime, research and development, mining and healthcare are among the top local industries, but many residents use Juneau as a home base for remote business as well.
Chances are you already know winters in Alaska are cold and snowy. But Juneau has a reputation for more mild winters, at least when compared to the state’s more rugged backcountry. It’s uncommon to see anything below 20ºF. Summers are often described as pleasant and enjoyable, too, with temperatures usually topping out in the low 70ºs.
Read more about living in Juneau, AK.
Ketchikan
Why Ketchikan is a great place in Alaska.
Ketchikan began as a Tlingit fishing settlement thanks to its unrivaled salmon population. Nearby mines made it attractive to early pioneers, as well, although the town didn’t see substantial growth until the Klondike Gold Rush between 1896 and 1899. This ushered around 100,000 prospectors into the Yukon region and beyond, and it played a vital role in the expansion and development of Ketchikan.
Fast forward to today, and this beautiful, albeit small, city is home to around 8,000 people. The people have a reputation for being warm and welcoming, and the land is known throughout the state as the Rain Capital of Alaska, averaging around 141 inches per year. Ketchikan is accessible by boat or air and is a key player in maritime industries like fishing and shipping.
Hunting and fishing are common pastimes among many Alaskans, and that’s especially true in this region. Ketchikan is actually called the Salmon Capital of the World. In addition to world-class salmon fishing, you can also find everything from blacktail deer and mountain goats to black bears. Non-hunters and fishermen like to take advantage of the countless hiking trails, often leading to scenic lake views or waterfalls. You can also enjoy the vibrant art scene downtown or visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center or Totem Heritage Center.
Read more about living in Ketchikan, AK.
Thinking of Moving to Alaska?
Deciding on a great place to live in Alaska may seem like a chore. But we have an abundance of resources for moving to Alaska as well as other best places to live in the West. No matter where you want to live, we can help you decide where to move and find more of the best places to live in the U.S.