Best Places to Live in Alaska

If you’re not from Alaska, you might picture the state’s rocky terrain and snow-capped mountain peaks. Even while Alaska has a staggering amount of natural beauty, there are also a ton of other attractions and things to do. In addition, Alaska has one the largest territory of any state but has the least amount of residents per square mile. The federal government owns more than nearly half of the state, including national parks and wildlife refuges. The state nearly offers it all for first-time renters, from bigger cities to family-friendly neighborhoods and small villages. For this reason, here are the best places to live in Alaska. After you find the city to your liking, contact Best Long Distance Movers since moving to Alaska might be a little bit challenging.

What to expect from the cities in Alaska?

Alaska is a hidden gem in the world’s northwest. The state has stunning scenery, despite being very cold in the winter and not much milder in the summer. For this reason, the state is adored by outdoor enthusiasts everywhere; with endless hiking paths and some of the greatest mountain bike routes on the planet, living here will have you in shape in no time! The overall cost of living in Alaska is higher than that in the United States, although your specific cost of living will vary depending on the city you reside in. In addition, 732,637 people call Alaska home as of 2021. The state has no statewide income tax or sales tax, making it the state with the lowest taxes in the nation. Lastly, the best places to live in Alaska where you can move with the best long distance movers in Alaska are the following.

• College
• Anchorage
• Fairbanks
• Juneau
• Wasilla
• Ester
• Gateway
• Ridgeway
• Sitka
• Soldotna
• Kenai
• Kalifornsky
• Palmer
• North Pole
• Kodiak

College

With 14,500 residents, College is not the most populous town but it is one of the best cities in Alaska. If you live here, your daily commute is probably not too bad. Although there are a good number of employment options nearby, many go to Fairbanks proper to find work. Despite being in Alaska, residents have noted that College does not provide access to the full range of outdoor activities that you might anticipate. In addition, the median home value is around $245,000 while the average rent is $1350. The median household income is $70,000.

Anchorage is one of the best places to live in Alaska

You could bet that Anchorage would be mentioned if you asked a stranger on the street to name an Alaskan city. After all, it has almost 300,000 residents almost half of the state population lives here. You can join this big community by hiring the best long distance movers in Anchorage and moving here. There are several chances for exploration from Anchorage, which is surrounded by the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai Fjords National Park. The city is so dispersed that it doesn’t feel overpopulated in the slightest; in fact, the locals frequently make fun of it as being a huge village. The median home value is $320,00o while the average rent is $1350. Lastly, the median household income is $85,000.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks has around 33,193 residents. Children in Fairbanks enjoy a top-notch education from elementary level through middle school and then high school. It has some of the most highly-rated schools in the state. However, the population of Fairbanks claims that despite the city’s higher-than-average crime rate, it is not a problem. In fact, they complain that the city’s terrible weather is their least favorite aspect. The state’s average rent is $1,350. The average home value of $230,000. If you move here with the best long distance movers in Fairbanks, you can expect a median household income of $64,500.

Juneau

Juneau should be at the top of any list for parents considering relocating to Alaska. Similar to Fairbanks, it has the best public schools in the state. One of the best things about living here is the rich native culture. Access to Tongass National Park is another important selling element. When you move here with the best long distance movers in Juneau, you can find houses for around $355,000 while the average rent is $1,250. Furthermore, the median household income is over $88,000.

Wasilla is one of the best places to live in Alaska

Wasilla is a town that has 10,469 residents. Furthermore, Wasilla is a developing community that provides all the comforts of a large metropolis with a small-town atmosphere. It offers a wide range of leisure alternatives with its retail, entertainment, and recreational possibilities. Wasilla is a fantastic spot to launch a business. Many people of Wasilla travel to nearby Anchorage for employment, yet they spend their money back home after work. The city’s area, which is framed by breathtaking mountains, lives up to Alaska’s reputation as a picturesque state, and the lakes and rivers there provide world-class fishing for outdoor lovers. You will have plenty of things to do if you decide to move here with the best long distance movers in Wasilla.

Ester

Ester has just 3,008 residents, categorizing it as a rural area. Despite the town’s rural setting, there aren’t many outdoor activities available. However, gardening is something that the Ester community takes very seriously, so if you decide to move there, you can try to do the same. Ester is officially the second-best spot in Alaska to purchase a house. The median home price is $252,900 while the average rent is only $660. These are all the things you should know before moving to Alaska so you can prepare properly.

Gateway

Despite being 45 minute’s drive north of the city center, Gateway is nevertheless regarded as a part of Anchorage. There are just 5,610 people that call Gateway home, therefore it has a very village-like, rural atmosphere. The typical house value is $333,200 which is much more than the national average but in line with local real estate costs. The average cost of living by the state would be something to think about, but there are lots of good employment available, so these two aspects kind of balance each other out. Public schools in Gateway all have a good B-rating. This would explain why Gateway has been chosen as the great place to raise a family in Alaska, along with the area’s low crime statistics.

Ridgeway

The small, cozy village of Ridgeway, Alaska, is dominated by rural people. Moving here would be the ideal justification to get some boats and camping equipment because of Lake Kenai. There are some of the most expensive homes in this part of the state because of the lakefront views. Having said that, $380,000 will bring you a house with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a sizable yard. The median home value is $268,000 while the average rent is $1,500. Given that context, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Ridgeway has been named Alaska’s top community for homebuyers. Since Alaska is one of the states with no income tax, you will be able to purchase a bigger house.

Sitka

Sitka is a collection of many little islands, including Baranof Island and a portion of Chichagof Island, that share a significant portion of their perimeter with British Columbia. For anybody traveling to Alaska, the Sitka National Park is a must-see destination. This lovely parkland is dotted with totem poles commemorating the native Tlingit people’s triumph against Russia in 1867. Sitka is a fascinating area to live because of its extensive history, but the quality of the public schools and the community atmosphere are what attract people. However, Sitka is not the place to go if you are trying to save money because rent is $1,500 per month while the median home value is $365,000. Sitka takes pride in being the safest neighborhood in Alaska, and when you consider that this area has some of the top schools in the state, it’s a terrific spot to raise a family.

Soldotna is one of the best places to live in Alaska

Soldotna is located directly underneath Ridgeway. This village, situated on the Kenai Peninsula, is home to Soldotna Creek Park, an excellent location for weekend picnics or bird viewing. In addition, Soldotna has far lower crime rates than the national average, making it the ideal town for families. There is hardly much to criticize about Soldotna when superb public schools, affordable employment possibilities, and an abundance of social activities are included.  Even though a large portion of the population is getting older, the area is growing increasingly varied—the most diverse location to live in Alaska, in fact—thanks to the Kenai Peninsula College Campus.

Kenai

Kenai is located southwest of Anchorage. This charming city is well-known across the world for its salmon fishing. Rent in Kenai is very affordable and typical rent is less than the national average of $900 per month. The median home value is around $229,000. In addition, Kenai Municipal Airport has daily flights to Anchorage, where you may connect to international flights and to the continental United States. There is just one genuine drawback to Kenai, and that is the crime rate. On the other hand, locals view Kenai as a joyful, secure, and tranquil place to live.

Kalifornsky

Kalifornsky is the best city in Kenai Peninsula Borough with over 8,395 residents. There aren’t many rental houses in the area, and because 78% of people live in owned homes, finding a place to rent might be difficult. It’s not the best decision either since the average rent is $1,350 per month. However, the median home value is $240,000 which is quite affordable. With 14 public schools accessible to over 2,000 students, Kalifornsky’s schools are routinely above average.

Palmer

Palmer is also one of the best places to live in Alaska. It usually ranks as Alaska’s tenth greatest city to live in. Since it is hidden behind a Matanuska River curve and a short distance away from Chugach State Park, the city offers many exciting trips. In addition, Palmer has been ranked as Alaska’s second-best community for millennials. The house prices are among the lowest in the state at $215,500 and its typical rent is just around $920. Keep it local and stop by for a quick lunch or perhaps a morning coffee at one of the tiny businesses that line the High Street to further enhance the sense of community.

North Pole

Not the true North Pole but a small city renowned for its year-round illumination provided by its Christmas displays. There is even a Santa Claus House. North Pole currently has around 3000 residents. The cost of renting property is pretty high considering the size at $1200, yet the cost of buying a home is pretty affordable. A cozy 2-bedroom family house with a driveway and sizable garden is available for just $139,000. The median home value is around $222,500.

Kodiak

There are just over 6,000 in the small town of Kodiak. The city could be the best location to rent a house in Alaska. The average rent is a little bit lower than $1000. There are a lot of houses in Kodiak with sea views because the majority of the town is situated along the Gulf of Alaska. Be aware that the winter wind blows in this direction, so if you start to feel the chill, consider shifting somewhere a little further away from the ocean so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. The median home value is around $260,500.

How to choose your new city in Alaska?

As you can see, these would be all the best places to live in Alaska. Despite being further up north, Alaska offers many benefits for its residents. For this reason, take a look at all the cities mentioned here and choose one based on your personal preferences.