What Are The Top 12 Small Towns In Alaska?

Alaska is the one state that currently pays people an incentive to move there and stay there. And to a point, it’s easy to see why. This state is so sparsely populated, getting infrastructure under control can be difficult. Even people who like isolation can feel alone here. But, if you want to have a small-town lifestyle, this is a good place to be. Ever wonder which small towns in Alaska are worth living in?

This northern state has a lot of beautiful and inviting small towns that you can call home. The more frequently-mentioned ones include:

Are you a fan of art and creativity? Then you’re going to find the city (erm, town) of Ester to be a perfect match for you. The town has a strong emphasis on the art world and tends to be more accepting of others than other small towns. With only 2,400 people living here, the Ester vibe is one that is sparse but still likable.

Did we mention that this small town is also a designated historic mining town? Because it is. And that means you can expect to see lots of cool quirks.

Homer is a bit of a strange village, if only because of the way you access it. The only way to get in or out of Homer is to use the Sterling Highway, giving it the nickname of “End of the Road.” Despite this, it’s actually somewhat southern as far as Alaska goes. Homer’s appeal is pretty easy to see: it’s by the water and has ample access to nature.

Because it’s such a pretty town, it’s kind of a local tourist attraction. Don’t worry, the crowds are never overwhelming here.

Let’s face it: prices for many things you need to survive will be higher in Alaska. This is primarily due to the high cost of logistics—the carrying of supplies to and from the remote area. That’s why it pays big to research the cheapest small towns to live in Alaska. Currently, that award goes to King Cove, a small town with barely 1,100 people residing in it.

Though the town is far cheaper than most other places in Alaska, there are some issues you might run into. Due to how remote it is, it can be hard to travel from Point A to Point B.

Girdwood is the type of place where snow and ice never really retire, even in the summer. Surrounded by a whopping seven glaciers, this town was originally known as Glacier City during the 19th century. However, people started to drift away from that name and the town eventually became known as Girdwood.

Today, this petite town is mostly known as one of the biggest ski hotspots in Alaska. As a result of its ski-heavy rep, it’s a place where you’re bound to see plenty of tourists during the summer months.

Most people have heard of Fairbanks, even if they have never visited Alaska. This is one of the northernmost major towns (not quite a city to me, sorry!) in Alaska. Among tourists, Fairbanks is famous for being the go-to place to see the Northern Lights. It’s easy to see why, too. Locals get to see the lights on a fairly frequent basis. After all, you’re only 200 miles away from the Arctic Circle here.

Like most other towns in Alaska, you are going to be able to have your pick of different nature trails and attractions if you move here. Woodsmen (and everyone else who loves the forest) will adore this area. While this is technically a large city, it still retains a very “small town” ambiance.

Ooh, I’m probably going to get heat for including this on this list, but the truth is that it has to be said. Juneau, while one of the largest cities in America by land mass, is not heavily populated. Despite the fact that it is technically a city, it gives people the impression of a small town. For example, if you move to Juneau from New York City or Miami, you will probably feel like a fish out of water because it feels so small.

If you want to have a small town experience with a slightly urban Alaskan setting, then you might as well give Juneau a try. It’s an absolutely beautiful town, though it can’t be reached by driving.

Valdez is a lot like Juneau in the sense that it can be hard to access, but that’s where the similarities end. Unlike Juneau, you can drive to Valdez as long as you have a car. Located in one of the more remote corners of Alaska, Valdez has a port for boats, plenty of affordable homes, as well as a decent number of restaurants.

This town is ideal for people who really, truly want to get away from the majority of people. Like, you will get the privacy you want here. Perhaps it’ll be a bit much. Even the entertainment emphasizes solo stuff: campgrounds, fishing, and Northern Lights watching are usually the norm.

Related Questions

Can I move to Alaska for free?

Yes and no. While there are some employers who will offer free room and board as part of their kit, there is no national program that gives you a free “in” to Alaska. With that said, there is a fund that every resident of Alaska gets to access. Due to the use of the oil fields in the state, each resident gets a share of the Alaskan Permanent Fund Dividend to help offset the costs of living.

Why does Alaska have such a high cost of living?

Alaska’s high cost of living have to do with the area’s remote position as well as the weather. Blistering cold means that you will need more fuel to heat your home. Since Alaska is far beyond the majority of the roads and travel systems set up by our infrastructure, companies have to go out of their way to find a route to these areas. The items that get here will have to be priced in a way that recovers travel costs.As a result of all the small fees that come with transporting goods to the Alaskan wild world, the price of everything is higher than the norm.

Is Alaska a safe place to live?

Not quite. While the towns themselves have a very friendly veneer, Alaska currently leads the United States when it comes to violent crime. Several major cities, including Anchorage, have record-breaking statistics in terms of rape and murder. Add the risk that comes with wildlife and freezing in the winter snowstorms, and you got a recipe for a rough life. As a result, Alaska is now considered to be the most dangerous state to live in.