Americans love Alaska! And why wouldn’t you? From unmatchable natural beauty to being the 4th largest oil producer in the U.S., the Last Frontier has it all.
Alaska offers its residents an excellent quality of life, as it stands as the 7th best place to live in America. The state scores 79/100 in quality of life. For a rich cultural experience, Anchorage and Fairbanks are some of the best places to live.
People are attracted to move here because of the expanding economy, accessible housing, and high-quality education. Let’s explore the best places to live in Alaska.
Find Homes in Some of the Best Places in AK
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Find Homes in Some of the Best Places in AK
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3 Reasons to Live in Alaska 🏔️
- No Income Tax Requirement: Alaska is one of the nine states in the US that doesn’t charge income tax. This means you’ll have more disposable income.
- Quality Education: Alaska is home to some of the most prestigious institutions in the state including University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Alaska Anchorage.
- Booming Job Market: Alaska’s employment is expected to increase by 1.7% in 2024, adding 5,400 jobs. This would bring the total state employment above the levels after the pandemic.
Best Places to Live in Alaska in 2024
Alaska has a flourishing job market, a diverse population, and cold weather. Here are the 7 best places to live in Alaska in 2024.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Anchorage | 284,031 | $379,000 | $9,851 | 4.0% | 63/100 |
| 2. | Fairbanks | 31,973 | $235,000 | $10,038 | 4.2% | 54/100 |
| 3. | Juneau | 31,125 | $468,404 | $10,011 | 3.6% | 66/100 |
| 4. | Wasilla | 10,219 | $370,500 | $9,316 | 7.7% | 49/100 |
| 5. | Sitka | 8,326 | $480,015 | $9,385 | 3.5% | 56/100 |
| 6. | Badger | 19,182 | $366,450 | $10,038 | 4.2% | 54/100 |
| 7. | Homer | 6,200 | $364,704 | $9,203 | 5.3% | 53/100 |
1. Anchorage
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.1% |
| Median Income | $95,731 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,851 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.0% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 63/100 |
The median home price in Anchorage is $379,000. The cost of living is 26% higher than the state average. Anchorage is located near Chugach State Park and the Cook Inlet in the southern Alaska.
The city hosts the “Anchorage Symphony Orchestra” and the “Alaska Native Heritage Center”, which adds to its vibrant cultural outlooks. Moreover, the city has a booming job market and the unemployment rate in the city is only 4.0%.
» Homes For Sale in Anchorage, AK: Browse through thousands of listings in Anchorage.
2. Fairbanks
| Home Value | ⬇️ 0.1% |
| Median Income | $69,914 |
| Monthly Expenses | $10,038 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 54/100 |
Fairbanks is the largest city in Alaska. It offers affordable housing with a median home price of $235,000. The city experiences extreme temperatures with very cold winters and hot summers.
The Golden Heart City home to the renowned research institution, the University of Alaska Fairbanks. It also has the headquarters for Doyon, Limited, a major company in the oil services industry. In addition, the city provides employment opportunities in various industries, such as healthcare, education, tourism, mining, etc.
» Homes For Sale in Fairbanks, AK: View the best property in this Golden Heart City.
3. Juneau
| Home Value | ⬆️ 1.9% |
| Median Income | $95,711 |
| Monthly Expenses | $10,011 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.6% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 66/100 |
Juneau is the capital city of Alaska located in the southeastern part of the state. The median home price in Juneau is $468,404. Also, the city also has a growing tourism industry, and provides job opportunities in hospitality, healthcare, education, and related fields.
Juneau offers modern conveniences such as restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers. The city is famous for its natural beauty and is home to Tongass National Forest and Mendenhall Glacier.
» Homes For Sale in Juneau, AK: View thousands of listings in the capital city.
4. Wasilla
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.2% |
| Median Income | $69,534 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,316 |
| Unemployment Rate | 7.7% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 49/100 |
Wasilla is situated in Matanuska-Susitna Borough and is the 4th largest city in Alaska state. The cost of living in city is 16% higher than the national average. The city is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including the nearby Chugach Mountains and the Knik River.
Some of the most well-known businesses in Wasilla include Walmart, Home Depot, and Target. Additionally, Wasilla is one of the best cities in Alaska and has a close knit community.
» Homes For Sale in Wasilla, AK: Find your dream home in Wasilla.
5. Sitka
| Home Value | ⬇️ 13.0% |
| Median Income | $95,261 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,385 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 56/100 |
Sitka is a beautiful coastal city located on Baranof Island, in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. The city offers affordable housing with a median home price of $480,015. The average household income in the city is $104,872.
Sitka is home to some of the most prestigious universities such as the University of Alaska Southeast, Sitka Campus, and Sheldon Jackson College. Additionally, the city has a low crime rate, excellent education system, and a vibrant arts community. This makes it one of the best places to live in Alaska for families.
» Homes For Sale in Sitka, AK: Find your home among thousands of listings.
6. Badger
| Home Value | ⬆️ 0.3% |
| Median Income | $87,169 |
| Monthly Expenses | $10,038 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 54/100 |
Badger is a suburb in Fairbanks and is known for its proximity to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The median home price in Badger is $366,450. The city has major residential areas with a mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes.
The healthcare system in Badger is exceptionally good. Apart from this, the temperature in the city can get extremely cold. Badger has various shops and malls to explore and a lively place to live in.
» Homes For Sale in Badger, AK: Find a home in the best place to move in Badger.
7. Homer
| Home Value | ⬇️ 1.3% |
| Median Income | $69,757 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,203 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.3% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 53/100 |
Homer is located on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula in South Central Alaska. The median home price in Homer is $364,704. The cost of living Homer 1.6% higher than the national average. However, it is not as expensive as other Alaskan cities.
The “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” is known for its picturesque beauty. Popular attractions in the city include the Pratt Museum, Homer Spit Trail, and Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. In addition, Homer has a good healthcare system with renowned hospitals and numerous clinics.
» Homes For Sale in Homer, AK: Get yourself a home in Homer.
Bottom Line
Alaska is one of the best places to live in the US due to its tax benefits and cozy cold weather. The city has a booming job market and opportunities for young adults. Apart from this, it has an affordable healthcare system and excellent educational institutions.
The median home prices in some Alaska cities are $235,000, whereas, in other cities, they are $480,000. However, it is advisable to do your own research before making a decision. You can browse properties online.
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Research Methodology
We considered North, Central, and South regions to rank the best places in Alaska. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Alaska and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Alaska Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Alaska for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, retirees, and working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best place to live in Alaska?
The best place to live in Alaska is Anchorage . It is the most populous city in the state and offers a wide range of job opportunities, entertainment options, and outdoor activities.
What is it like to live in Alaska?
Alaska is populated with most of its residents living in best places like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. Despite its remote location, Alaska offers a unique and vibrant culture, with a rich history and traditions influenced by Native Alaskan, Russian, and American cultures.
Which is the cheapest place to live in Alaska?
The cheapest place to live in Alaska is Kotzebue . It offers one of the most affordable utilities in the state, that cost 1.6% lower than the state average.
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