Ketchikan's name comes from a Tlingit word meaning either "the river belongs to Kitschk," or "thundering wings of an eagle." The second option sounds way more awesome. Secondary fun fact: It's 99901 ZIP code is the largest number used as a ZIP code in the country. Last fun fact: episodes of Baywatch and The Love Boat were filmed here.
Located on Revillagigedo Island, 235 miles south of Juneau, Ketchikan, Alaska, is the state's southeasternmost city, home to about 8,000 residents within the city limits. It's the fifth-most populous city in a state with not a whole lot of population. Ketchikan is located on that little slip of Alaska that trails down Canada's British Columbian coast. Its economy was once based in the timber industry, but the passage of timber harvesting reforms have shifted things toward tourism and fishing these days. Ketchikan bears the yummy moniker, "The Salmon Capital of the World." Ketchikan was founded in 1885 when Mike Martin purchased 160 acres of land from Tlingit Chief Kyan. It is home to the world's largest collection of totem poles located throughout the city and at several local parks. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan claims just shy of 6 square miles of area within its borders. The Tongass Narrows channel separates Ketchikan from Gravina Island where the airport is located. Ketchikan residents and visitors use ferries to access the airport, though political observers may recall debate over a certain "Bridge to Nowhere" that was never built that would've alleviated the need for waterway travel.
Moving to Ketchikan
You're living in Alaska now, so pack accordingly. Sweaters. Puffy jackets. Boots. You can probably skip the tank tops and sun dresses here. The maritime weather is likened to Scotland's, only with much more rain. Summer highs peak in the mid 60s and winter temperatures hover in the upper 30s. You'll enjoy (or learn to enjoy, anyway!) ample rainfall each year and snow in the depths of winter. Aim for June, July, or August as good months to relocate since they are the warmest and driest, comparatively speaking, anyway. From May to September, the town thrives on cruise ship tourism, but these are mostly daytrippers who sleep on the boat and won't present competition for property rentals in Ketchikan.
Of course, to snag your favorite property, you should come prepared. That means taking some time before you set up any appointments with landlords to collect the necessary documents. You should have with you your proof of income, credit history, and contact information for those who can vouch for your dependability and general neighborliness. A previous landlord is, of course, the best choice for this. Also, make sure you've pinched enough pennies to afford to write a check covering first and last months' rent and your security deposit when you sign the lease.
Ketchikan Neighborhoods
There are a good number of properties in Ketchikan listed as vacation rentals, which means, should you want to avoid moving your stuff from the continental U.S., you have a shot at a furnished apartment or home for rent here. Landlords may appreciate the opportunity to rent for longer than a weekend or a week at a time as well. To beat the (small) seasonal tourist rush, start your search online several months before you plan to land in Ketchikan. Vacation listings are a great way to get a feel for neighborhoods and housing types as well as they generally come with ample pictures, descriptions, and even reviews. Use the info to your advantage as you settle on a neighborhood.
Downtown: One of Ketchikan's two largest neighborhoods, this city center's heart lies along Mission and Front Streets. From May through September, expect to cozy up to the thousands of cruise ship tourists who make this town a major port of call on Alaskan cruises. Obviously, living in the center of things comes at a bit of a premium and property rentals are more in demand here. A thorough apartment search, however, should turn up some great one and two bedroom options within easy walking distance of shops and cafes.
West End: Ketchikan's other largest neighborhood, this hillside area (okay, most areas here are hillside areas) is home to the Ketchikan campus of the University of Alaska Southeast. Located near the mouth of the Carlanna Creek, this is Ketchikan's largest commercial and residential area. You can begin your apartment search here at Tongass Towers, one of the city's two tallest buildings, offering great views of Ketchikan's natural beauty. The building offers condos in several attractive layouts. Ketchikan's other tallest building is the Marine View condos, another great place to find a home for rent.
Newtown: Three streets in this neighborhood, situated between downtown and West End, were named "Warren," "G," and "Harding," after the U.S President's Alaskan visit in 1923. House rentals here frequently feature stunning views of the Tongass Narrows. Look for 3 bedroom homes and larger here.
Saxman: Technically outside the city limits, Saxman is a city just south of Ketchikan offering fewer people, but the same gorgeous setting. Saxman Totem Park is here, as is the Saxman Native Village. This is a good area to look for townhouses for rent, as well as 3 and 4 bedroom house rentals.
Life in Ketchikan
If you're coming to Alaska, get ready to embrace nature. If you don't already love the great outdoors, you soon will. Ketchikan is surround by national parks and preserves and the people here take the protection and promotion of natural resources very seriously. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and Tongass National Forest are two major assets to this community.
Misty Fjords National Monument was carved by a glacier some 17,000 years ago. Today, long saltwater fjords are surrounded by towering cliffs -- some as high as 3,000 feet tall. Tidewater estuaries, and mist-shrouded mountains, lakes and waterfalls, Misty Fjords is only accessible by seaplane or boat. Take a kayak and explore on your own, or join up with a tour group. Complete with native rock drawings, orca sightings, and sea lions swimming alongside your boat, Misty Fjords is a top local attraction for residents and tourists alike.
For day-to-day needs, expect a bit of a drive for big-box retail (and there's really only one game in town -- the one with the smiley faces) at the far west end of West End. Retail in the downtown area caters to tourists, with boutiques, local crafts, and specialties.
Seafood lovers, rejoice -- you can take your pick of the freshest daily catch at any number of local restaurants like Sushi Harbor, Crab Cracker Seafood Bar, and Cape Fox Lodge. Kickstart your day in your new town with a freshly brewed cup of joe from Brewed Awakenings (good coffee and a good pun? Be right there!).
When the weather gets too cold to let nature entertain you, there are several bars and theaters in the downtown area, along with plenty of learning to be done at the Tongass Historical Museum and Dolly's House Museum.
