6 Best and Safe Places to Live in Alaska

When deciding where to move you or your family, several factors go into making this decision. One place that is either very high on the list or at the bottom is Alaska! The state has many different things to offer the inquiring family, such as no state tax and an annual payment from the Permanent Fund Dividend for each member of your family. 

The population of Alaska is rapidly growing, and many people are looking to the two major cities, Anchorage and Fairbanks, as their primary options. However, many younger people or people with families are moving to smaller towns around the state that offer larger options for land purchasing, more freedom to provide for their families with the use of the state’s ample resources, privacy, and a lower cost of living. 

Here are the five most popular (and well-known) cities in Alaska, ranked by safety, cost of living, schools, and resources.

1. Anchorage

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska in terms of size and population. There are roughly 300,000 people in this city who thrive in the metropolis-like feel of the amenities and neighborhoods within the city limits. Unfortunately, one of the higher crime rates in the state accompanies the high population. The crime within Anchorage varies from violent crimes to property crimes; the rate is around 39 crimes per 100 people living within the metropolis.

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Even with this statistic, Anchorage has many positive reasons to consider when relocating. Within Anchorage are three (technically four) different Costco stores, two major malls, amazing dining opportunities, and festivals six months of the year (including the Iditarod in March every year). Throughout the city, you will find opportunities to learn about indigenous tribes and their involvement within the state government and their role in the development of the state. Anchorage is also home to hiking and walking trails from the city and surrounding neighborhoods to the coastal inlet. 

With so many resources and interests within the city limits, it is understandable that the cost of living is higher than in smaller towns across the state. Alaska is the 5th most costly state to live in the United States due to the cost of shipping to Alaska from anywhere. Within the state, Anchorage ranks low for cost of living (excluding housing) because of the proximity to resources. Anchorage has one of the highest costs of housing in the state for the same reason. 

Finally, there are many different schools for any age from preschool to collegiate. A person can decide if they would like their child to attend a Montessori school, Waldorf School, Language Immersion School, or a traditional school. There are parks throughout the city that are accessible for those with limited mobility, those with sensory disorders, and traditionally accessed parks. 

2. The Matsu-Valley

The Matanuska —Susitna Valley, “the Valley,” is a term given to the cities within the valley of the various mountain ranges in Alaska: Palmer, Wasilla, Big Lake, Houston, Willow, Sutton, and Talkeetna. On a map, this is a massive area (23,000 square miles); however, within the state, it is a county that shares many resources. 

When looking at the demographics of these cities, it can be difficult to clarify specifics. Combined, the population of these seven cities is roughly 115,000 people. The property you can purchase also varies from smaller .5-acre plots of land in the city centers to upwards of around ten or more acres of land further out. Contrary to popular belief, the cities all have running water, heat, and electricity if you want them. If you would rather “rough it;” there are also options for what is called “dry living,” where you would carry in your water and heat your property with the use of either oil or wood-burning stoves. 

The cost of living in these areas is similar to that of Anchorage because items still need to be shipped into the state. In Wasilla and Palmer, there are major brand-name stores that are easy to access and different smaller restaurant options. In the outer cities of Willow, Sutton, and Talkeetna, there are fewer resources and stores but more opportunities to survive off the land through hunting, fishing, and harvesting. 

Crime in these areas is less than the national average and around the middle of the state average. People in these areas are proud to be Valley residents, and you will interact more with people who want to talk about anything and everything while here. The Valley holds more of a suburban feel mixed with four-wheelers driving alongside the roads. The one major aspect that pulls people to this area, rather than other cities in the state, is that you will see mountains on all sides of you year-round (and the weather here is more on the moderate side of the state). 

Within the Valley, there are not as many options for schools of any age. However, daycares tend to have more availability because they are further away from the military base in Anchorage. One thing that many people with families love about Wasilla specifically is the large park at its center, where they host events and free concerts over the summer!

3. Fairbanks

Fairbanks is the second largest city in the state, with around 34,000 people within city limits and 95,000 within the surrounding areas. Fairbanks is located right below the Arctic Circle and, as a result, has extreme weather ranging from around 100° in the summer to -80° in the winter. People here love it because the city provides major shopping opportunities, dining options, and a self-sustaining feel. They celebrate the seasons, holidays, and solstices in style with festivals throughout the year. The other reason people choose a city this extreme is the opportunity for hunting, fishing, harvesting, and being left alone. 

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Within the city, most residents participate in the University in some respects. Many residents live outside the city limits, where the homes are relatively inexpensive, and the plots of land are large. Due to the extreme weather, most homes have multiple sources, and the yards boast space for gardens and greenhouses. The cost of living is slightly higher in Fairbanks due to its location on the “inland” part of the state. The number of houses is less than in Anchorage, and the food tends to be more costly. 

Unfortunately, the city’s isolated location, combined with the higher population, also brings a higher crime rate than the national and state average. The city does have resources to help monitor this rate; they do well with moderate response times to both mental health and criminal involvement crimes to law enforcement. 

There are limited school options in the area; however, many schools work with the University to offer supplemental programs and opportunities for children in the Talented and Gifted program. This is also a military town as well and daycares and preschools tend to have longer enrollment waitlists. 

4. Homer

This idyllic coastal town is the retirement dream of many Alaskans. This is one of the few major cities in Alaska with a sandy beach accessible for daily use, small shops, community living, and both large and small plot sizes. The limitations of this city are regarding the resources; for example, the closest Walmart to this town (by car) is 1.5 hours away in Kenai. There is one grocery store, but most people in this town survive off what they can grow and fish. Even though larger stores are not as relevant here, the smaller shops are well worth the visit and can help you get what is needed between trips to the city for bulk items. 

The cost of living in this town is one of the highest in the state due to its lack of local resources and the cost of shipping to get things in and out of the area. During the winter months, there are times when you will not be able to get into Anchorage due to avalanches closing the highway.

Unlike the previous cities mentioned, this is a small town with limited options for schools. They offer different opportunities for preschool/ daycare and one main option for each of the grade-level schools. 

The crime in Homer is primarily property crime; it is equal to the national average. It does have a small-town feel, and much of the crime is centralized within the city center. Outside of the main part of the city, you will get to see beautiful views of the ocean, mountains, and sky. It truly is one of the most beautiful places in Alaska to live with or without family! 

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5. Seward

Seward is another small coastal town in Alaska, and the population here is under 3,000. What separates this town from many others is that it is on an inlet that never freezes. At its core, is an aquarium and wildlife research facility that rivals many of the same facilities in the Lower 48. Residents from across the state will visit this town to see whales from your campsite and to participate in one of the many races going straight up the local mountains. 

The cost of living in Seward is closer to that of the larger cities even though there are not many stores in this town. The houses here have much smaller plots of land. However, the closeness to your neighbors does not limit the privacy you will get, as people tend to stay to themselves. 

Schools here are also limited, again, due to the size of the city. One thing that you will find here is equal opportunity for daycare for your animals and your children! There is one elementary school, a middle/high school, and a trade school; a positive about limited education options is that the focus of making these schools places your children want to go to is emphasized. Also, if you decide to raise a family here, there is a decent amount of walkability within town, a large park overlooking the inlet, and plenty of hiking options. 

6. Valdez

Finally, Valdez, pronounced Val-Deez, is a hidden coastal gem that looks like it is from the Jurassic Park movie! The Coast Guard trains in this area for water rescue techniques, tsunami training, and earthquake preparedness. During the winter, it can snow around 7 feet at a time and up to 27 feet over the winter months. This town is isolated in the winter by road and even though the water never freezes, fishing stays abundant. 

The town operates similarly to Seward in the sense that there are limited options for schools here. Many people in the town stay because their family has stayed before them, and they know how to make a profit given the special circumstances of the area. During the summer, this town hosts fishing derbies for Halibut, and Salmon, offering prizes of up to $10,000 for the largest fish! In the winter, they hunker down. 

Because of the closer-knit community, the crime in this town is lower than the state average and is primarily property crime. When all crime is combined, it is about where the rest of the country lies for crime. If asked a resident, crime would not be on the top of their list of complaints when living here. The cost of living is one of the highest in the state and that has an impact on overall crime.

Resources are difficult in this town, and with a population of around 4,000 people, you get to know your neighbors. Because of the tourist industry in this town, there is a lot of involvement near the water for both residents and visitors. The weather here is a lot of rain in the warmer months and snow in the colder months, with temperatures ranging from 20° up to 65°. 

Conclusion

Wherever you choose to live in Alaska will have both positives and negatives. Living in Alaska is an experience all on its own. Alaska offers some of the best places to live in the U.S., such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Seward, each providing unique benefits like stunning natural beauty, a strong sense of community, and a variety of outdoor activities. The state’s pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Additionally, Alaska’s low population density and low crime rates contribute to a high quality of life. With a rich cultural heritage and a strong economy driven by industries like oil, fishing, and tourism, Alaska stands out as an exceptional place to call home.