Moving to Alaska? Here are the nine best places to live in Alaska – and they are extra special. From more forgiving climates to the ease of living closer to the hustle and bustle of town, these are some of the best places to live in Alaska. But to be honest, anywhere you go is the best place to hang your hat. All of Alaska is spectacular, but if you’re a bit picky or don’t know where to live in Alaska, these are the best towns in Alaska that offer a wide range of the Alaskan experience!

1. Eagle River

Eagle River, Anchorage, AK, USA
Nick of Alaska / Google Reviews
People love Eagle River because of its family-oriented communities and proximity to Anchorage. If it weren't part of the Municipality of Anchorage, it would be considered one of the five largest cities in Alaska. Eagle River is a great, safe community to live in only minutes from the city. Life in Alaska is so much fun, and there are plenty of hiking trails near Eagle River.

Take a closer look at Eagle River:

2. Juneau

Juneau, AK, USA
Dale Musselman / Flickr
Alaska's Capital is another great place to establish your roots. With a very high percentage of government jobs and the maritime climate, Juneau is a very wonderful place to live. Being located in the panhandle of Alaska, Juneau experiences milder winters by Alaskan standards with the average temperature in January being 23 degrees! Be sure to check out Nugget Falls in Juneau for some natural beauty.

3. Anchorage

Anchorage, AK, USA
Lonnie Tyone / Google Reviews
Anchorage is the largest town in Alaska and by far the most well-known. With all the perks of city life, adventure, and exploration still at your fingertips just minutes from town it is certainly the best place to live in Alaska if you want a big city feel while still being close to nature. Consider living in Anchorage if you don't want to feel too cut off from the outside. There’s a massive playground in Anchorage your family will love.

Enjoy this gorgeous aerial footage of Anchorage:

4. Girdwood

Girdwood, Anchorage, AK, USA
Eric Teela / Flickr
Girdwood is a quaint little ski town just outside of Anchorage. Living here is like living on a resort where recreation is available all year long. From incredible skiing in the winter to awesome hiking and biking in the summer, the town of Girdwood is a great, smaller community to settle down in if you're all about getting outdoors and remaining somewhat close to the city. Girdwood is a wonderful day trip destination in Alaska.

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5. Wasilla

Wasilla, AK 99654, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Wasilla is farther out the George Park Hwy than Eagle River and is a popular commuting town for people who work in Anchorage. Eagle River has grown significantly over the years and is the sixth-largest city in Alaska. The days here are significantly warmer than those of Anchorage because of its location farther inland. Consider moving to Wasilla if you don't want to be in a big city but still have easy access to your basic amenities. There are also some gorgeous wetlands near Wasilla.

6. Seward

Seward, AK, USA
Kevan Dee / Flickr
Seward is a very popular tourist destination due to its port. The two lucrative industries for Seward are tourism and fishing. If you're all about bike-friendly cities then Seward is for you, there is a bike path that goes all the way through town out towards the outskirts of the bay. Though it may be a smaller town it offers incredible opportunities to get outside due to its proximity to the Kenai Fjords National Park. Seward is also a wonderful summer day trip destination.

Take a closer look at the stunning scenery of Seward:

7. Fairbanks

Fairbanks, AK, USA
James Halliday / Flickr
Fairbanks is the second largest city in Alaska but it gets MUCH colder than Anchorage in the winter, and much warmer in the summer months. The change in temperatures is mainly due to its subarctic climate. Fairbanks is a great city to consider relocating to considering Fairbanks is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in Alaska.

8. Sitka

Sitka, AK, USA
Marc Cappelletti / Flickr
The "city" of Sitka is located on the Westernmost side of Baranoff Island. The maritime climate results in plenty of perspiration and very mild winters. Sitka is a beautiful place to live and experience Alaska. There are endless opportunities for adventure and exploration around Baranoff Island and the friendly community will have you feeling at home in no time! Often overlooked, this small town is one of the best places to live in Alaska. Find out some of the fun things to do in charming Sitka.

9. Ketchikan

Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
Tony Di Schino / Google Reviews
Ketchikan is the Southernmost city in Alaska and its economy thrives on tourism and the fishing industry. The median family income is a whopping $68,431 and unlike much of the rest of Alaska, it never gets too cold. The climate remains mild all year long with plenty of rain. Ketchikan is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest so it's impossible not to experience the amazing Alaskan wilderness if this is where you choose to settle down.

Do you have any more towns that you think are among the best places to live in Alaska? Where do you live in Alaska, and what is it that makes it great? Let us know in the comments.

Looking to learn more about the fun towns in our great state? Check out these cool small towns in Alaska you’ve probably never heard of. Juneau is another wonderful town in Alaska, especially when you catch a whale-watching tour near the Mendenhall Glacier.

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More to Explore

Best Places To Live In Alaska

Megan McDonald | November 19, 2020

Are all the towns in Alaska small?

Yes, most of the towns in Alaska are small.

There are a couple of large cities in Alaska, but most of the state is made up of tiny towns. The entire state has less than a million people, which is less than some state’s smaller cities! Many towns and villages are also hard to get to without flying there, so it makes the towns much smaller than they would be if they were accessible by road.

What time of year is best to move to Alaska?

The best time of year to move to Alaska is during the summer.

Summer is the best time to move because it’s easier to do so. Winter has cold, brisk weather, with plenty of snow or rain. Ferries, planes, and other transportation may be limited if you’re moving to a smaller town, so it may be hard to get there. If you’re moving to a bigger city, then finding a rental should be easy to do all year long.

What are some charming towns in Alaska?

Since most Alaskan towns are small, there are plenty of lovely towns in Alaska that have that cozy village feel. Here are a few charming towns in Alaska to make sure you visit:

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