What is the Nicest City in Alaska?

Living in Alaska is full of perks. You get cheaper houses, rents, lack of state and sales tax, and much more. And if all of it was not enough, the state also pays you to move there, albeit with some conditions. In addition to spectacular landscapes and rich history, the state has one of the lowest living costs. So, if you have decided to move to the northwest corner of the world, you should know a few things. In this guide, let’s discuss how to live in Alaska and which cities have promising prospects.

Anchorage

Anchorage is the largest metropolitan area of Alaska in its south-central region. It is probably the most scenic urban area in the United States. The city is surrounded by Kenai and Talk Teena mountains which can be accessed within a few-minute drive. Furthermore, the city is home to the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, designed to preserve indigenous culture and history.

About 40% of the state’s population lives in this city, making it the most populous. However, it is a diverse population and includes many African-American, Asian, and Hispanic individuals. While the average home and rent price in Anchorage is the highest in the state, it is lowest compared with other states’ metropolises.

Because of its relatively large population, employment opportunities are the highest in this state. The job market is diverse, making it suitable for everyone regardless of the profession.

Juneau

Juneau is the capital of Alaska and shares nothing with other capitals of the United States. It is unique in its own way. For example, there is no road that leads to the capital. You either have to take a boat or hop on the planet to get there. Furthermore, the population of the city is tiny but has an abundance of land. It allows you to live close to nature and explore everything from spectacular meadows, mountains, rivers, lakes, and glaciers.  And it is probably the only capital in the world with very diverse wildlife.

It can be an excellent place for people who do not want to live in the wilderness but do not like the crowd in Anchorage. The city strikes a balance between the two without much compromise. Almost half the city’s population works for the government, while the other half is invested in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Whittier

Whittier is the perfect place for people who want to take a break from crowded city lives. It is located at the head of Passage Canal and is about 58 miles from Anchorage. The reported population in the 2020 census was just 272 people. Almost the entirety of the population lives in a 14-story building known as Begich Towers. It may not seem like an ideal city to move to most people. But there might not be a place better than this for others.

Fairbanks

Fairbank is known for its northern lights and is a popular travel destination for tourists. And it is precisely what you can capitalize on to make a living and live there permanently. The population of the city is more than 32,000, which is just enough to call it a city. Furthermore, it is the transportation hub of Alaska, which makes commuting to other parts of the state very convenient. It has an extensive network of rails and roads, so you do not always have to take a flight to get there.

In addition to chasing the northern lights, you also have plenty to see within the city. It includes Golden Days Parade, Pioneer Park, World Eskimo Indian Olympics and Midnight Sun Game.