GENERAL

Best Places to Live in Alaska

Alaska is the largest state in the US, and it makes for a beautiful country. Not many people realize how beautiful it can be, as it’s very far from populated areas. There’s a reason why people choose to live in Alaska, as it has plenty to offer. Let’s take a look at the top places to live in Alaska, as determined by government data.

Anchorage

As the largest city in Alaska, it’s no surprise that nearly everyone’s considered to be living in Anchorage. The population is a little over 200,000, with a median family income of around $60,000. There are lots of cultural attractions and recreational opportunities available, with the city being home to the Alaska Zoo and the Anchorage Museum. The year-round recreational activities available include skiing and skating, as well as boating and fishing. Naturally, the seafood is amazing, and you’ll often find fresh halibut, salmon, and crab in the city’s restaurants.

Anchorage has lots of green spaces and parks, as well as a pond where you can go for a walk or catch some fish. If you have a dog, you can take them on a walk around the pond or on a hike with you. During the summertime, you can take advantage of the great outdoors, as the temperature doesn’t get much higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures can fluctuate widely, so make sure you bring extra clothes with you, especially if you go somewhere hotter than expected. During the summer months, the sun can be harsh and you may want to protect your skin from overexposure. Bring sunscreen, hats, and water-resistance coats to avoid any irritation. You may also want to apply sunscreen to your dog’s paws to avoid any blisters, as they can be more susceptible to sun damage due to their fur. If you plan on hiking during the summer, make sure you have water at the ready, as you may find the going quite thirsty. You’ll also need to carry extra food with you, as the native wildlife may not be available in abundance. This is especially important if you plan on camping outdoors, as you may find yourself in a situation where your supplies are limited. This could make you vulnerable to danger, especially after dark. This can put a damper on your camping trip, especially if you’re not prepared for the unexpected. Always make sure you’re prepared for the possibility of an earthquake, as these are fairly common and the ground can shift significantly beneath your feet. This is something to keep in mind if you’re visiting an active fault line or if you’re living in an area prone to earthquakes. This could lead to some pretty nasty injuries or even death. Fortunately, these sorts of incidents are relatively uncommon, but it’s still best to be prepared just in case.

Despite all that, the biggest downside to living in Anchorage is the lack of available bedrooms. There’s only one hotel in the city, and even then, it has limited availability. If you plan on putting up residents, make sure you contact the hotel management to see if any rooms are available. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a situation where you can’t even find a bed for yourself or your pet. Even worse, you may find that the cheapest rooms have a six-person minimum, which can seriously cut into your wallet. If you’re looking for a more social atmosphere, you may not want to live in a city where there’s literally nowhere to go other than your house or apartment building. These are the sorts of things to keep in mind if you plan on moving to Anchorage or any other large city in Alaska.

Bethel

Bethel is a small town located in central Alaska, not too far from Anchorage. It has a population of around 10,000 and is home to the Bethel School of Arts and Sciences. The town’s economy is largely based on subsistence fishing, with residents taking advantage of the rich fishing waters in nearby Bristol Bay. The bay is known for its abundant sockeye salmon and its unusual underwater life. There are lots of opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and hunting in the nearby mountains, making this a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Unfortunately, as with many other towns in Alaska, the lack of available bedrooms is also a problem in Bethel. There’s only one hotel in the entire town, and even then, it has limited availability, especially the more expensive the room, the more you’ll have to pay in taxes and fees. So if you want some peace and quiet and don’t mind the 30-mile roundtrip to the nearest grocery store, Bethel may be the place for you.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is located in the state’s panhandle and is quite a busy port city. The population is only around 12,000, but that doesn’t stop the city from being stunningly beautiful. It borders the Tongass National Forest and is on the opposite side of the Tongass River from the Alaskan wilderness. The city itself is rich in cultural attractions and recreational opportunities. The forest offers hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and kayaking, while the waterways feature canoeing and kayaking. Not many cities in Alaska are as stunningly beautiful as Ketchikan, making this a great place to live. If you live here, you may want to consider getting a roommate so you can share the cost of renting a house or apartment. With only one hotel available in the entire city, rooms there can be difficult to come by, particularly if you want a garden view. If you’re looking for a more remote and secluded area, you may want to look elsewhere, as Ketchikan is quite a busy city and it won’t be easy to find a quiet place to call your own. Still, if you can find a small group of houses willing to share walls and flooring, it may be worth looking into.

Lake Placid

This one may come as a bit of a surprise, as Lake Placid isn’t actually in Alaska, but it is in the US state of New York. The town is actually located in the Adirondack Mountains, which are quite a unique sight, as most people who visit the area never want to leave. It is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, due to its winding streets and small houses. The average temperature here is around 10 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure you bundle up warm when you visit. There is an abundance of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions in Lake Placid. The Adirondack Museum has a fantastic collection of Native American art and artifacts, while the International Festival of the Arts celebrates local and international artists. There is also a Shakespeare Festival and an Opera Festival, as well as an annual craft fair. This may be far from the mountain cabins you’re thinking of, but it’s a place that many Alaskans visit and highly recommend. If you’re looking for a change of pace and want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, Lake Placid may be the place for you.

Wasilla

Wasilla is the capital of the state of Alaska. It is located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and has a population of around 34,000. This town was initially settled by European explorers in the 19th century and established as a permanent, self-sustaining town in 1897. This makes it one of the older settlements in the territory, and it quickly grew to become the largest town in the area, mostly due to its reputation as the “Venice of the North’. Before European settlers arrived, the native population of the area hunted and fished for their food. They called the Matanuska-Susitna area ‘Chulaga’. The European explorers that settled here were initially drawn to the area because of the abundant game and fish, as well as the huge supply of timber. Still, Wasilla is a rapidly expanding city and now offers everything from grocery stores and pharmacies to bookstores and movie theaters. This place truly has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful retreat, this may not be the city you’re looking for, as there is literally nowhere to go within its walls, but if you’re looking for a cultural experience, there are lots of attractions and events here to fill your calendar.

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