Choosing the best places to live in Alaska is not a simple question. The state is enormous, the communities are wildly different from each other, and what works for one person is completely wrong for another. Someone who wants walkable neighborhoods and good restaurants has different needs than someone who wants to collect their own drinking water from a spring and not see another human for a week.
Paul and I have spent a combined 20+ years filming across Alaska — from a five-month stint based out of Wasilla and Anchorage on our first Alaska gig, to living in Homer for almost two years filming Alaska: The Last Frontier, to a year in McCarthy deep inside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park for National Geographic. We’ve worked and lived up and down the Kenai Peninsula, in Southeast, on the north slope, and everywhere in between.
This isn’t a list built from internet research. These are places we’ve actually lived and worked. Here’s how they compare.
Quick Facts Comparison Table
| Town | Population | Avg. Home Price | Road Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juneau | ~32,000 | ~$450,000 | No | Nature + urban balance |
| Sitka | ~8,500 | ~$440,000 | No | Coastal living, culture |
| Anchorage | ~290,000 | ~$350,000 | Yes | City amenities, airport |
| Homer | ~5,500 | ~$360,000 | Yes | Arts, fishing, community |
| McCarthy | ~50 year-round | Varies | Limited (gravel road) | Off-grid, wilderness |
Juneau: Where Nature Meets Culture
The entire region of Southeast Alaska is my favorite part of the state. I live in Oregon and it’s not much different, just bigger and bolder! Juneau is nestled amidst towering mountains and glaciers, surrounded by pristine wilderness, and on the coast. While its Alaska’s capital city, its not just a town of politicians, even they wear Xtratuffs and Grundens.
Juneau is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and folks that don’t want to be totally off the grid. Residents enjoy unparalleled access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities. It has a vibrant arts scene, historic downtown district, and abundant cultural attractions. Juneau offers the perfect balance of nature and urban amenities.
Reasons Juneau is the best place to live in Alaska:
- Housing Prices: The cost of living in Alaska is going to be more expensive than the lower 48, theres no way around that. So let’s just swallow that pill and move on. A typical home in Juneau costs around $450,000, which is 35% more expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 36% more expensive than the average Alaska home. So housing costs might not be at the top of the list for why Juneau is one of the best places to live in Alaska, but it’s got its pro’s too.
- Nature: Surrounded by the Mendenhall Glacier, Tongass National Forest and the stunning Inside Passage, Juneau offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking and kayaking to whale watching and glacier tours.
- Amenities: Residents enjoy a wide range of amenities including, restaurants, breweries, fresh seafood, botanical gardens, cultural attractions like the Alaska State Museum. Juneau is one of the best places to live in Alaska in part because of their vibrant community events that go on throughout the year.
- Airport Accessibility: Juneau International Airport provides convenient access to domestic and international destinations, making travel easy for residents.
Juneau has one of the best fireworks shows in Alaska: Check out our full guide to visiting Alaska in June
Sitka: A Coastal Gem with Rich History
I’ve only been to Sitka in the dead of winter, and I still loved it! And if this crusty hardened traveler (me) who’s definitely over the cold says that, you know it’s a cool town. Sitka is located on Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska, and it is renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery, rich Tlingit culture, and historic landmarks.
With a mild maritime climate (by Alaskan standards) and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Sitka offers a serene and idyllic setting for residents. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore miles of epic coastline, hike its lush forests, or fish the abundant waters. The town’s historic downtown district is lined with charming shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants.
Reasons Sitka is the best place to live in Alaska:
- Housing Cost: The average home price in Sitka is around $440,000, which is around 30% more expensive than the average Alaskan home. Living in these coastal Alaskan towns comes with a price tag but if you have the funds, they really are the best places to live in Alaska.
- Nature: Sitka’s coastal location provides access to abundant wildlife, including whales, sea otters, bald eagles and so much more. You can’t go five minutes without seeing some badass wildlife.
- Culture: With a strong Native Alaskan heritage and a thriving arts community, Sitka offers a rich cultural experience that includes traditional Tlingit offerings, a handful of museums, and great restaurants. Some of the best food I’ve eaten in Alaska has been in Sitka, they’ve really got a nice little culinary scene going on.
- Amenities: All your normal grocery stores, liquor stores, and hardware stores. They also have some more fun stuff like a good farmers markets and annual events like the Sitka Music Festival.
- Airport Accessibility: Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport offers connections to major cities in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, providing fairly convenient travel options. However, if you need super quick access to an international airport, Sitka might not be one of the best places in Alaska for you to live.
Anchorage: Urban Sophistication in the Wilderness
Anchorage may not be an obvious choice for one of the best places to live in Alaska. It’s actually kind of a controversial topic amongst Alaska’s more rural residents. “Too many cars, noises, and people“, buuuut even they find themselves coming to Alaska’s biggest little city for its abundant resources. If you want “big city” AND the great outdoors, Anchorage is the best place in Alaska for you to live.
Alaska’s largest city, offers a unique blend of urban amenities and access to the great outdoors. Surrounded by the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, Anchorage boasts stunning scenery and abundant recreational opportunities. Residents enjoy a vibrant arts and culture scene, with theaters, art galleries, and even music venues. The city’s diverse culinary scene, shopping centers, and recreational facilities make it a hub of activity year-round.
Reasons Anchorage is the best place to live in Alaska:
- Cost of Living: While housing costs can be higher than smaller towns in Alaska, Anchorage offers a range of housing options to suit different budgets. A typical home costs around $350,000, which is just slightly more expensive than the average Alaska home.
- Nature: Anchorage serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures, including hiking, skiing, fishing, and wildlife viewing in every direction. It’s not uncommon to see moose wandering the streets of Anchorage, but for a more natural nature experience, just pick a direction and go. You won’t have to drive far to see some amazing stuff.
- Amenities: If you want it all, this tiny big town is the best place in Alaska for you to live. Residents enjoy extensive shopping options, restaurants, bars, biking trails, and cultural attractions like the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Anchorage also has a vibrant nightlife scene.
- Airport Accessibility: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is THE major transportation hub in Alaska. If you’re a busy traveler and need access to a reliable airport, Anchorage is the town to live in.
It’s an easy airport to navigate too. Check out our guide on parking there: Anchorage Airport Parking (FULL GUIDE)
Homer: A Coastal Haven on the Kenai Peninsula
I lived in Homer, Alaska for almost 2 full years while working on a popular Discovery channel show. This doesn’t make me bias on naming it one of the best places to live in Alaska, just informed!
Perched on the stunning shores of Kachemak Bay, Homer is a picturesque coastal town known for its breathtaking scenery, vibrant arts community, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, and of course the infamous spit(pictured above). Surrounded by towering mountains in every direction, pristine beaches, and some of the nicest people in Alaska; Homer is hands down one of the best places to live in Alaska.
Reasons Homer is the best place to live in Alaska:
- Coastal Beauty: Homer’s coastal location provides residents with unparalleled views of Kachemak Bay, the Kenai Mountains, and the surrounding wilderness, all with a relatively mild climate(for Alaska). Residents enjoy stunning sunsets, beach hiking, endless salmon runs, and epic halibut fishing.
- Housing Prices: A typical homer home costs around $360,000, which is 5.9% more expensive than the national average and nearly 7% more expensive than the average Alaskan home.
- Arts and Culture: Homer has a thriving arts community, with numerous galleries, museums, and cultural events showcasing local artists and artisans. The town is home to the Homer Spit, a bustling waterfront area lined with shops, restaurants, and my favorite bar in all of Alaska.
- Amenities and Services: Despite its small-town charm, Homer offers a lot more than the typical amenities and services such as grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and schools. The town also has a vibrant culinary scene, Alaska’s only winery, a great farmers market, and several breweries.
If you want a deeper dive into Homer’s geography and layout, checkout: Maps of Homer, Alaska: A Collection of Alaskan Cartography
McCarthy: Remote Wilderness Living in a National Park
Now this one comes with a big caveat. McCarthy Alaska is one of the best places to live in Alaska if you want to live off the grid in a remote wilderness area. A lot of folks are looking for a place to get away from it all, McCarthy is a great place to do that. I lived there for a year while working on show for National Geographic, and the views alone make it one of the best places to live in Alaska. And while it’s super sleepy with a population thats next to nothing most of the year, it comes to life during the summer season.
Nestled deep within the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, McCarthy offers a unique and remote living experience amidst some of Alaska’s most pristine wilderness. Situated at the base of the towering Wrangell Mountains and along the banks of the scenic Kennicott River, McCarthy is a small, off-grid community that attracts adventurous spirits seeking solitude and immersion in nature.
Reasons McCarthy is the best place to live in Alaska:
- Remote Wilderness Setting: McCarthy’s remote location offers unparalleled access to the rugged beauty of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the United States. Residents can explore vast expanses of wilderness, hike remote trails, collect their own firewood, and witness breathtaking scenery without the crowds.
- Off-Grid Living: McCarthy embraces an off-grid lifestyle, with limited access to modern amenities such as electricity and running water. Residents often rely on alternative energy sources like solar power and generators, adding to the community’s self-sufficiency and resilience. When I was there we had to get our drinking water from a spring.
- Outdoor Recreation: If the great outdoors is why you want to move to the last frontier, McCarthy is the best place in Alaska for folks like you. Adventure enthusiasts will find endless opportunities in McCarthy, including hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
For a deeper dive, we have an entire article devoted to the town: McCarthy, Alaska: Gateway to Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Honorable Mentions
Not every great Alaska town made the main list, but these four deserve recognition depending on what you’re looking for.
Palmer
Palmer sits in the heart of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley about 45 minutes north of Anchorage and punches well above its weight. It’s the gateway to some of the most spectacular wilderness in central Alaska — the Matanuska Glacier, Hatcher Pass, the Talkeetna Mountains — all within easy reach. The downtown is quaint and walkable with good cafes, real restaurants, and the kind of small-town character that’s hard to find this close to a major city.
We used to stop in Palmer every time we drove out to McCarthy for Life Below Zero shoots. It was the last real town before society starts to disappear — the place to get a good meal, stock up on groceries, and mentally prepare for what was coming. If you’re moving to Alaska and want a base that keeps one foot in civilization and one foot in the wilderness, Palmer is genuinely one of the best options in the state.
Cordova
Cordova is a small commercial fishing town tucked into Prince William Sound that most people have never heard of — and that’s part of what makes it special. No road access, population around 2,500, and one of the most stunning natural settings in Alaska. I was based out of Cordova on a deer hunt once, and the place stuck with me. It’s remote and raw but it still has good restaurants, good bars, and a community with real character. The Copper River Delta outside town is world-famous for its red salmon. For the right person — someone who wants genuine Alaska without the tourist gloss — Cordova is hard to beat.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is touristy — there’s no getting around it. Cruise ships stack up in the harbor all summer and the downtown fills with visitors. But underneath the tourism infrastructure is a genuinely cool Southeast Alaska town with rich Tlingit culture, a strong commercial fishing industry, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the state. Southeast Alaska as a region is stunning — lush, green, coastal, and unlike anywhere else in the state. Creek Street alone is worth the trip. Don’t write Ketchikan off just because the cruise crowd found it first.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is not for everyone — and I’ll be honest, it’s not really for me either. The winters are punishing in a way that makes the rest of Alaska look mild, regularly hitting -40°F for weeks at a time. The city itself doesn’t have the scenery or charm of the coastal towns. But if you want to be based in a real city near the remarkable wilderness of interior and central Alaska, Fairbanks is your only option. The aurora viewing is world-class, the university gives it some cultural life, and the people who love it really love it.
And it does have its moments. There’s a solid brewery scene, some surprisingly good pizza, world-class cycling routes toward Denali and beyond, and one of the stranger attractions in the state — Boneyard Alaska, where you can see actual woolly mammoth remains. Just make sure you’re a Fairbanks person before you commit. You’ll know pretty quickly if you’re not.
Best Places to Live in Alaska Conclusion
Every town on this list has real reasons to be here — and real reasons it might not be right for you. Juneau and Sitka are stunning but expensive and only accessible by plane or boat. Anchorage has everything a city should have but it’s still a city. Homer is about as close to perfect as Alaska gets if you want community, coast, and access to the outdoors. And McCarthy is for a very specific kind of person — the kind who doesn’t mind hauling their own water.
The honest answer is that the best place to live in Alaska is the one that fits your life. But if you pushed us for a single answer? We’d pick Homer.
If your moving to Alaska to retire, we have an article dedicated to just that: Retiring in Alaska: Pro’s & Con’s, and Everything to Know
Map of the Best Places to Live in Alaska
Here’s a map of the best places to live in Alaska.
Best Places to Live in Alaska FAQs
Is Alaska a good place to live?
For the right person, absolutely. Alaska offers unmatched access to wilderness, outdoor recreation, and a genuinely unique way of life. The tradeoffs are real — higher cost of living, long dark winters, limited road access in many areas, and services that don’t match what you’d find in the Lower 48. But for people who value nature, community, and independence over convenience, Alaska is hard to beat.
What is the cheapest place to live in Alaska?
Generally speaking, smaller interior towns like Fairbanks tend to have lower housing costs than coastal communities. Wasilla and the Mat-Su Valley offer relatively affordable housing with reasonable access to Anchorage’s amenities. The most remote communities can appear cheap on paper but the cost of flying in goods and services adds up quickly.
What is the safest place to live in Alaska?
Sitka consistently ranks as one of the safest communities in Alaska by crime statistics. Juneau and Homer also tend to rank well. Larger cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks have higher crime rates, particularly property crime, though both have safe neighborhoods.
Can you live in Alaska without a car?
In Anchorage, it’s possible but difficult — the city is spread out and public transit is limited. In smaller towns like Homer or Sitka, many people get by without a car for daily life, though you’ll want one for exploring. In places like McCarthy, a reliable vehicle is essential.
Do you need a lot of money to live in Alaska?
More than most states, yes. Alaska has no state income tax or sales tax, which helps, and residents receive an annual Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) payment. But groceries, fuel, and housing are all more expensive than the national average — particularly in communities only accessible by plane or ferry. Budget accordingly.
What is it really like to live in Homer, Alaska?
Homer is one of those rare small towns that has genuine character. The arts community is real, the food scene punches well above its weight, the halibut fishing is world-class, and the views of Kachemak Bay never get old. The winters are dark and wet but milder than interior Alaska. It draws a mix of commercial fishermen, artists, and people who came for a summer and never left. I lived there for nearly two years and it’s still the Alaska town I’d move back to first.
Is Juneau worth living in despite no road access?
For many people, the lack of road access is actually a feature — it keeps the population manageable and the wilderness accessible. You fly in and out, which adds cost and complexity, but Juneau has enough amenities that daily life doesn’t feel isolated. The tradeoff is that you’re committed — leaving requires a flight or ferry every time.
What is McCarthy, Alaska really like to live in?
Remote doesn’t begin to cover it. The year-round population is around 50 people. There’s no running water or reliable electricity in most of the community. Access is via a long gravel road or small plane. But the setting — deep inside the largest national park in the United States, surrounded by the Wrangell Mountains — is unlike anywhere else on earth. I spent a year there filming for National Geographic and the views alone made it worth it. It’s not for everyone. It might be for you.
Where should I live in Alaska if I want to fish?
Homer and the Kenai Peninsula are the top answers. Homer has world-class halibut fishing right out of the harbor and the Kenai River — one of the most famous salmon rivers in the world — runs through the peninsula. Kodiak is another strong answer for serious anglers. For fly fishing, the Bristol Bay region is the gold standard.
How does Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend work?
Alaska is the only state that pays its residents an annual dividend from its oil wealth fund. The amount varies year to year — it’s been anywhere from a few hundred to over $3,000 per person. To qualify you must be an Alaska resident for a full calendar year and intend to remain indefinitely. It’s a real financial benefit worth factoring into the cost of living calculation.
More Alaska Planning Guides
- 7 Day Alaska Itinerary — visit before you commit
- Retiring in Alaska — the pros, cons, and everything to know
- How Big Is Alaska? — puts the state’s size in perspective
- Alaska in September — the best month to visit before you decide to stay
- Homer Halibut Charters — if Homer’s fishing culture appeals to you
- Bear Viewing From Homer — one of Homer’s best experiences
- Best Bars in Anchorage — if Anchorage is your pick
- Anchorage Airport Parking — practical guide for Anchorage residents and visitors