7 Best Small Towns In Alaska For Retirees
Located in North America’s extreme northwest is the beautiful state of Alaska. Interestingly, it lies in both the eastern and western hemispheres! With the Arctic Ocean and Beaufort Sea to its north and Canada’s British Columbia and Yukon territory to the east, Alaska is undoubtedly one of the most heavenly destinations in the world. And while Alaska attracts many tourists from around the globe, it is also an excellent place for retirees to live. The capital of Alaska is Juneau, and the state is located in the center of the circle route that connects Asia and North America. Also, it is situated at an equal distance from Europe and Asia, an ideal location for retirees with the travel bug! This state is more than just a geographic dream; let us explore seven small towns in Alaska that are great for retirees to live in!
Homer
Anchored in southern Alaska, along the splendid Kachemak Bay, Homer was originally the home of Eskimos and later occupied by the Tanaina Indians. It is considered one of the best retirement towns for the elderly because there is something on the plate for everyone. Beginning with those who love fishing, Homer is famously called the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” as it has the widest variety of species, including anglers and salmon. One could also explore the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon, stocked with silver and king salmon.
The best part is that the opportunity to fish is not restricted to a certain number of months; one can indulge in this activity all year round! One of the critical attractions of staying in Homer is experiencing the colorful fireweed that lights up the hillsides between July and August. It is truly a magnificent sight to behold! For entertainment on the art and culture front, visit the various art galleries and museums such as Pratts Museum and Bunnell Street Arts Center. One can also look forward to cultural events such as the Homer Burning Basket and Kachemak Highland Games when staying in Homer.
Utqiaġvik
For those seeking peace and relaxation in retirement, Utqiaġvik in Alaska is the perfect place to call home. Located in the northernmost part of the United States, the only means to reach this town is by air. Given its extreme location, Utqiaġvik has the advantage of receiving 24 hours of daylight from May to August. Known to be among the foremost inhabited townships in the United States, Utqiaġvik is counted among the larger villages in Alaska. The elderly living in Utqiaġvik can look forward to enjoying splendid views from the Arctic Ocean coastline, not something everyone gets to see! A relaxed stroll on the beach is the perfect way to connect with nature and experience the vast ocean. The Whale Bone Arch is an iconic place in Utqiaġvik that frames the view of the Arctic Ocean. At the onset of spring, one can see several thousand beluga and bowhead whales and countless migratory birds in Utqiaġvik! During summer and spring, one can enjoy seeing bearded and ringed seals, foxes, caribou, and many other wildlife.
Sterling
Located along the Kenai River, Sterling is a small quaint town in Alaska, 137 miles from Anchorage. As far as livability is concerned, Sterling is an excellent base for retirees as it offers access to the entire Kenai Peninsula, which means a plethora of natural beauty surrounds one. With a population of nearly 5,600 people, Sterling has several stimulating activities to offer its residents. These include fishing, camping, and hunting. The waterways in the town have canoeing trails extending up to 120 miles, and Scout Lake is a beautiful recreation area offering activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. When choosing a new place to settle, the cost of living is a significant consideration. Sterling is a great place to call home, especially for retirees, as it offers the safety and warmth of a close-knit community. Additionally, Sterling has a lower cost of living than the nationwide average. This means cheaper housing and less expenditure on groceries, utilities, health care, transportation, and other services.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is another town in Alaska that makes for a great settlement location for retirees. It is the entry point to the Arctic and Interior regions of Alaska and is ideal for exploring different parts of northern Alaska. One of the key attractions of living in Fairbanks is that one can enjoy unlimited daylight in the summer. The experience in the winter season is precisely the opposite. One can expect shorter days and longer nights, culminating in a beautiful natural light show. There are several tours to see the northern lights for those located in Fairbanks. The lights can be seen between August 21 and April 21. Besides outdoor attractions, Fairbanks also has a fair share of art and culture to offer in the form of cultural centers and museums. The town's stories are beautifully depicted through black-and-white photos, historical exhibits, and oral histories, among other things, at places like the Pioneer Air Museum, Tanana Valley Railroad Museum, and Fairbanks Community Museum.
Sitka
Retirement living is all about being in a peaceful environment surrounded by natural wilderness. Therefore, Sitka is a great town for the elderly considering moving and settling into a new place. Often called one of the most picturesque communities of Southeast Alaska, Sitka comes with a rich history and is located on Baranof Island, somewhere between Skagway and Ketchikan. To the east of the town are towering snow-capped mountains, while the Pacific Ocean surrounds it from the west. From long strolls in beautiful parks to historical tours in museums, Sitka doesn’t let its residents get bored, regardless of their age. Some popular trails in Sitka include the Estuary Life Trail, Halibut Point State Recreation Site, and Beaver Lake Trail. History buffs can enjoy time at some of Sitka’s beautiful museums, such as the Sheldon Jackson Museum and the Sitka Historical Society & Museum.
Palmer
The Chugach Mountains and the Twin and Pioneer Peaks surround the agricultural community of Palmer. Living in Palmer means access to various recreational activities in the beautiful Mat-Su Valley, only 40 miles from Anchorage. Being an agricultural town, Palmer is known for its extensive vegetable plantations, including seven-pound turnips and 90-pound cabbages. This is because it gets nearly 20 hours of sun every day in the summer. Palmer is the ideal blend of alpine paradise and farming community; on the one hand, it has these tall, sharp mountains, and on the other, ancient red barns. Even the downtown part of Palmer is unique because it has a historical 1930s vibe, with buildings retaining their antique wood floors and furniture. There are several amenities for retirees looking to move to Palmer. These include a public library, scenic golf course, and city parks such as McKechnie Park and The A-moosement Park. For the elderly, Palmer also has a Palmer’s Senior Citizen’s Center that offers various services and resources such as housing, meals, respite, adult day services, etc.
Seward
Seward is undeniably one of the most stunning towns in Alaska. Surrounded by glaciers and nestled between the ocean and mountains, this town is known for its abundant wildlife, vibrant waters, historic community, and stunning trails. Seward is the ancestral home of the Sugpiaq or Alutiiq people. The town has much to offer its residents in terms of art and culture, outdoor adventure, food, and health! Whale watching is a huge attraction for both locals and tourists in Seward. A tour through the beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park is the best way to witness whales in the Alaskan territory. The captains in Seward are veterans when it comes to spotting these majestic mammals and safely navigating around them. Fishing is another activity that the elderly in Seward can enjoy. This town is known to be among the best fishing destinations in Alaska, and the pristine waters carry a variety of species, such as lingcod, rockfish, halibut, and Pacific Salmon. For a dose of art and culture, one can spend the day exploring over 30 lively paintings dotting the entire town. There is also the Seward Community Library & Museum, where one can scout the history of Seward.
Alaska is a state that promises an abundance of natural beauty to its residents; there is no doubt about that. From the perspective of retirement living, the state has a comparatively low tax index, which means less financial burden on the elderly. Additionally, the aforementioned towns in Alaska have a good number of retirement communities, medical centers, and recreation centers to ensure adequate access to care and fun!
