Best Places to Live In Alaska in 2025

The best places to live in Alaska are filled with mountain backdrops, the rugged outdoors, and cities with a great nature-meets-culture vibe. Life in Alaska ties together nature and sustainability, although its larger cities offer a metropolitan feel. As the largest state in the U.S., Alaska offers plenty of places to call home. But with lower rental availability than some other states, you may want a few tips about where to start your search.

If you're ready to make the move to Alaska but aren’t sure about your options, then we're here to help. Let’s dive into how to decide where to live in Alaska and discover the highlights of the “Last Frontier” for a smooth transition.

Best Places in Alaska

1. Anchorage

• Population: 287,145
• Average Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,812
• Median Household Income: $88,871
• Walk Score: 31
• Transit Score: 22
• Bike Score: 52

Anchorage is the top city in Alaska for renters because it blends the best of Alaskan natural beauty with the amenities and convenience of most mainland cities. From the Chugach Mountains to the Cook Inlet and the northern lights, you're never far from breathtaking natural beauty. Residents love to drive out to Chugach State Park and walk the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which offers stunning views of the city.

As one of the most populated cities in Alaska and the biggest city in Alaska, Anchorage is also home to local galleries, museums, and dining options. You'll find a lot more apartment availability in this area as well, though do expect to pay a bit more to rent in Alaska than the average U.S. city.

2. Fairbanks

• Population: 32,107
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,098
• Median Household Income: $66,572
• Walk Score: 32
• Transit Score: 24
• Bike Score: 56

Fairbanks is a close second to Anchorage on our list thanks to its higher availability of rentals. The area is known for its distinctive natural wonders, including midnight sun and polar nights. Locals enjoy watching the northern lights and taking part in outdoor activities, including fishing, camping, wildlife viewing, and even hot spring soaking.

College students make themselves a home at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and enjoy living in the second-largest city in Alaska by population after Anchorage.

3. College

• Population: 11,797
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,550
• Median Household Income: $70,319
• Walk Score: N/A
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: N/A

College, Alaska, is within the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Locals enjoy wildlife watching, attending college sports games, dining out, and patronizing the small businesses that serve this cozy community.

We put College toward the top of our list thanks to availability. The area is home to the nearby University of Alaska, attracting a younger demographic pursuing higher education while indulging in outdoor fun with a rugged backdrop. The proximity to the University also means its a bit easier to find a rental in this city than some others on our list.

4. Wasilla

• Population: 9,711
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,300
• Median Household Income: $62,292
• Walk Score: 20
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 37

Many Alaska cities relish views of the Chugach Mountains, and Wasilla is no exception. Locals enjoy hiking, biking, and skiing at nearby Hatcher Pass. As the home of the Iditarod Trail headquarters, Wasilla boasts a namesake dog race and a growing hospitality industry. The growing economy could leave more room in your monthly budget for fun.

Wasilla takes the number two spot on our list thanks to availability of rentals, which is hard to find in Alaska. If you're renting in this area, expect to settle down in a townhome or a single family home.

5. Tanaina

• Population: 8,817
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,300
• Median Household Income: $81,659
• Walk Score: N/A
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: N/A

Tanaina, Alaska, is in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough near Wasilla and offers a small-town vibe with tons of outdoor recreation. Local produce is available at farmers markets around Tanaina, along with a rich Alaska Native culture and history. The area offers a relaxed lifestyle, but you're only 50 miles from Anchorage for when you want to soak up a little city life.

Renters will find less availability here than Anchorage, but if you're looking for single-family homes or condominiums, and you give yourself plenty of time to search, you'll find some great options in Tanaina.

6. Gateway

• Population: 5,748
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,300
• Median Household Income: $110,610
• Walk Score: N/A
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: N/A

Situated approximately 70 miles from Anchorage, Gateway is among the Matanuska River Valley and the Chugach Mountains, boasting stunning beauty and panoramic views. The area is known as the Gateway to the Alaska wilderness, where you're not far from the Matanuska Glacier for glacier trekking and ice climbing.

Self-sufficiency is a Gateway value, so it's common to garden, preserve food, and adopt sustainable living practices for a tranquil way of life. While you won't find as many apartments here, it can be a bit easier to score a single family home than some other, more remote areas on our list.

7. North Pole

• Population: 2,825
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,350
• Median Household Income: $83,524
• Walk Score (downtown): 19
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 34

Probably the most magical town on our list, North Pole embraces its name with year-round Christmas decorations, streetlights, and a Santa Claus House for nonstop holiday magic.

The northern lights experience runs strongly in North Pole, with stunning displays and colorful lights. Dog sledding is also popular in North Pole, where races and events around the sport are common.

8. Ester

• Population: 2,719
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,098
• Median Household Income: $67,788
• Walk Score: N/A
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: N/A

Ester took root in the gold rush era as the community relocated and settled there. There's still the Ester Gold Camp, along with a rich culture of the arts for artists, writers, and musicians. Outdoor recreation is abundant, and wildlife watching is always in supply while cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling. You're also not far from Fairbanks for job opportunities, shopping, and healthcare.

Like Gateway, apartments in Ester are rare, but single family homes and rooms within larger homes for rent are both available options in this area.

9. Soldotna

• Population: 4,370
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,475
• Median Household Income: $60,833
• Walk Score: 28
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 38

Often considered the best city to retire in Alaska, Soldotna is a fisher's paradise and known as the Kenai River Fishing Capital with world-class salmon and trout. Bears, moose, caribou, and eagles are common around Soldotna, and there are plenty of opportunities for wildlife photography and viewing. For recreation, there's Rotary Park and chances to join ice skating, hockey, and indoor sports leagues.

Thanks to the strong tourist industry, renters can find some seasonal options as well as ranch-style and fully-furnished single-family homes in the area.

10. Ridgeway

• Population: 2,689
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,475
• Median Household Income: $93,542
• Walk Score: 1
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 28

Living in Ridgeway, Alaska, is attractive to anyone looking for a secluded lifestyle surrounded by beauty. The climate is milder than other areas of Alaska, making it popular for biking, skiing, and fishing. Families also plant themselves in Ridgeway for the tight-knit community and quality schools.

11. Whittier

• Population: 316
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: N/A
• Median Household Income: $49,583
• Walk Score (downtown): 3
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 10

As one of the best towns in Alaska, Whittier offers tranquility in a unique coastal setting with no shortage of glacier and mountain views. This Alaska town lines the scenic shores of Prince William Sound, which is home to whales, seals, sea lions, and otters.

Most of the town’s population lives in the 14-story Begich Towers, creating a unique and close-knit community within the building itself. With most of the town living together, you'll have a lot of opportunities to connect with new friends!

12. Kenai

• Population: 7,799
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,475
• Median Household Income: $66,612
• Walk Score (downtown): 19
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 30

Kenai represents the best of living in Alaska with breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, rivers, and views of Kenai Fjords National Park. Fishing is a popular pastime, along with kayaking, camping, wildlife viewing, and dog sledding in this dog-friendly state.

Temperatures drop to frigid levels during winter months, so you should plan for a spike in your utility bills accordingly. Kenai has more availability than Juneau, but it still may be challenging to find a rental here if you don't give yourself enough time to apartment hunt.

13. Kalifornsky

• Population: 8,487
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,475
• Median Household Income: $82,436
• Walk Score: 42
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 56

Kalifornsky boasts stunning natural beauty, salmon and trout fishing, and recreation along the Kenai River. Kalifornsky is an idyllic place for nature photography and wildlife viewing. Despite its small size, you can find community events reflecting the local culture or make the short drive to neighboring communities like Soldotna and Kenai for even more amenities.

14. Palmer

• Population: 6,304
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $800
• Median Household Income: $62,068
• Walk Score (downtown): 60
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 77

As one of the best towns to live in Alaska, Palmer is known as the Valley of the Moose, with several local farmers markets, U-pick farms, and events like the Alaska State Fair. Palmer has a low cost of living and shares musical performances, workshops, local food, and craft beer.

During winter month, locals still get out for cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and dog sledding with recreational options along the Hatcher Pass and Independence Mine State Historical Park.

15. Juneau

• Population: 31,685
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: n/a
• Median Household Income: $90,126
• Walk Score: 84
• Transit Score: 34
• Bike Score: 69

Juneau is surrounded by mountains, sparkling waters, and the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S., where people come to fish, hike, and have outdoor adventures. Known as the Gateway to the Glaciers, Juneau is home to the famous Mendenhall Glacier. And if you want a little urban excitement out in the wilderness, you'll also find galleries, dining options, and festivals like the Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival.

You won't find that many apartments to rent in Juneau, but single family homes and townhomes are usually available. Keep in mind that anywhere outside of Anchorage (including other cities in Alaska) will have fewer rental options.

16. Unalaska

• Population: 4,339
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: N/A
• Median Household Income: $94,271
• Walk Score: 5
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 29

Unalaska offers a unique experience while living around rugged mountains, volcanic peaks, fjords, and coastlines. Seabirds, sea lions, otters, whales, and seals are common, along with a rich culture influenced by the Indigenous Aleut (Unangan) people and Russian settlers.

Despite its small size, Unalaska is the Commercial Fishing Capital of the World, where locals earn their living by fishing for salmon. Due to its location, Unalaska experiences stunning sunsets and panoramic views of the ocean. However, rentals are very hard to come by in this area, so plan accordingly during your apartment search.

17. Kodiak

• Population: 5,422
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: N/A
• Median Household Income: $67,391
• Walk Score (downtown): 71
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 25

Kodiak offers rugged mountains and picture-perfect coastlines. This area of Alaska is abundant with wildlife, including its iconic brown bears, whales, sea otters, and bald eagles, which the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge works to protect.

The local culture has influences from the Indigenous Alutiiq people and Russian settlers, and events like the Kodiak Crab Festival build community spirit. Keep in mind that apartment availability is low in this region, though you may find the occasional single family home for rent.

18. Sitka

• Population: 8,382
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: N/A
• Median Household Income: $82,083
• Walk Score (downtown): 73
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 64

As one of the prettiest places in Alaska, Sitka is on Baranof Island in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, with abundant whales, bears, bald eagles, and otters for neighbors. The Indigenous Tlingit people have deep roots in the area and celebrate their culture through traditional events, art, music, and dance.

Artists and performers of all kinds make their homes in Sitka to enjoy the artful culture. However, it can be very hard to find a rental here, so give yourself plenty of time to search.

Make Your Move to Alaska

Making the move to Alaska opens the door to endless nature scapes, mountain and glacier backdrops, and urban opportunities. With so many cities and towns to choose from, you’ll have options from which you can find the best places to live in Alaska for you.

If you’re ready to head out to the “Last Frontier” to a rural town or the best cities in Alaska, we can help! Take our personalized quiz to narrow down your ideal apartment and amenities to find the perfect place to live in Alaska. With Apartment List, you’ll spend 5 minutes and save 50 hours searching.