The best city to live in Alaska depends on your preferences, but Anchorage offers a unique blend of urban life and outdoor activities, along with diverse job opportunities and a strong economy.

Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is home to nearly 287,000 people. If you're considering moving to Alaska, it's a city that perfectly blends the urban and the natural, offering its residents a unique living experience. The cityscape is dotted with modern buildings, while the surrounding areas are filled with stunning natural beauty, from snow-capped mountains to tranquil lakes.

A key point to note about Anchorage is its strong economy. The median household income here is $88,871, which is significantly higher than the national average. This is reflective of the diverse job opportunities available in the city. Anchorage is a hub for various industries such as oil, fishing, tourism, and transportation.

However, living in Anchorage does come with a higher cost of living compared to other cities in Alaska. But don't let that deter you. If you're hiring a moving company and making the big leap to Alaska, here's why it's worth it:

• Housing: Anchorage offers a wide variety of housing options to suit different budgets and lifestyles. Whether you prefer a modern apartment in the city or a quiet home in the suburbs, you'll find something that fits your needs.

• Outdoor Activities: If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll love Anchorage. The city is surrounded by national parks and forests, providing plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, skiing, and wildlife spotting.

• Urban Life: Despite its proximity to nature, Anchorage doesn't lack in urban amenities. The city has a vibrant arts scene, a variety of restaurants and shops, and a lively nightlife.

In short, Anchorage offers a unique balance of urban life and outdoor activities. It's a city where you can work in a bustling downtown office and later escape to the serenity of the wilderness. Despite the higher cost of living, the quality of life and opportunities in Anchorage make it a great choice for those considering a move to Alaska or are already in the process with a moving company.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks, often referred to as the 'Golden Heart City,' is a fantastic place to consider if you're thinking about moving to Alaska. This city is steeped in history and culture, offering a classic Alaskan lifestyle that's hard to resist.

With a population of approximately 32,000 residents, Fairbanks is large enough to offer a range of amenities and services, but still maintains a close-knit community feel. You'll find a mix of locals and newcomers in this city, all of whom contribute to its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

One of the standout features of Fairbanks is its affordability. The median income here is around $66,572, which goes a long way given the cost of living. You'll find that housing, groceries, and other basic necessities are generally less expensive than in other Alaskan cities.

But it's not just the practical aspects that make Fairbanks a great place to live. This city truly shines when it comes to outdoor activities, particularly in the winter. Fairbanks is known for its:

• Spectacular Northern Lights displays
• Fantastic skiing and snowboarding opportunities
• Abundance of ice fishing spots
• Dog sledding and snowmobiling trails

So, if you're someone who loves embracing the great outdoors and doesn't mind a bit of cold weather, Fairbanks could be the perfect fit. With its rich history, affordable living, and multitude of winter activities, it's easy to see why many consider it the best city to live in Alaska.

Juneau

Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, is a great place to consider if you're planning a move to The Last Frontier. This city, with a population of roughly 31,700, strikes a wonderful balance between city living and the great outdoors.

Here, you get to enjoy the conveniences of urban life, such as modern infrastructure, shopping centers, a variety of restaurants, and excellent healthcare facilities. And the median household income isn't too shabby either, coming in at $90,126.

But what makes Juneau truly special is its natural beauty. The city is surrounded by stunning mountains and channels, offering breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying a picnic with a view, Juneau has got you covered.

Despite its northern location, Juneau's climate is surprisingly mild. Winters here are not as harsh as in other parts of Alaska, thanks to the city's coastal location. And summers are quite pleasant, perfect for exploring all the natural beauty Juneau has to offer.

To sum it up, here's why Juneau could be the best city for you in Alaska:

• Urban comforts: From modern facilities to shopping and dining options, Juneau offers all the conveniences of city living.
• Income: With a median household income of $90,126, Juneau residents earn more than the national average.
• Natural beauty: Surrounded by mountains and channels, Juneau offers breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor activities.
• Climate: Juneau's coastal location results in milder winters and pleasant summers compared to other parts of Alaska.

In essence, Juneau offers a secluded lifestyle where you can enjoy urban comforts while being surrounded by nature's grandeur. If that's what you're looking for, Juneau might just be the perfect city for you in Alaska.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan, the southernmost city in Alaska, is renowned for its lively arts scene, outdoor activities, and rich Native culture. With a population of about 8,150 people, it offers a small-town vibe that is both warm and welcoming source.

Ketchikan is a hub for creative minds, boasting an active arts scene. It's home to numerous art galleries, and hosts the annual Blueberry Arts Festival, which is a delight for art lovers. The city is also known for its rich Native culture, with totem poles found all over the town, adding to its uniqueness.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also find their place in Ketchikan. The city offers numerous activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and boating. It's surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, providing ample opportunities for exploration. In addition, the city's unique location on an island in Southeast Alaska makes it a notably wet location, with an average of 14 feet of rain reported per year, which nurtures its lush rainforests and abundant wildlife source.

Ketchikan's climate is milder compared to other parts of Alaska, making it conducive to fishing, hunting, and embracing the wilderness. Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," the city is a paradise for anglers. The waters around Ketchikan are teeming with five species of salmon, making it an ideal spot for fishing.

The city plays a significant role in Alaska's maritime industries, being home to a major shipyard and several seafood processing plants. It also serves as a port of call for cruise ships, which contributes to its economy. Despite the city's isolation and lack of road connectivity with the mainland, it has managed to maintain a thriving economy revolving around government services, tourism, and fishing source.

Residents of Ketchikan enjoy a median income of $68,125, with a poverty rate of 12.2%, which is relatively high compared to other cities in Alaska. The median property value stands at $270,200. The cost of living, however, is high due to the city's unique geographical location and limited employment opportunities. That being said, residents over 65 benefit from tax exemptions and property tax relief, alongside all residents being eligible for the Permanent Fund, averaging about $1,000 a year source.

Medical care in Ketchikan is described as excellent, with a newly expanded hospital catering to the needs of the residents. The health coverage rate is 89.2%, with 44.6% on employee plans and 19.3% on Medicaid source. The city's small and supportive community creates a close-knit environment, making it a great place to settle down source).

Here's a quick rundown of why you should consider Ketchikan:

• Lively arts scene and rich Native culture
• Abundance of outdoor activities
• Ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts
• Significant role in maritime industries
• Fair median income and cost of living

All in all, Ketchikan is a city that offers a balance of cultural richness, outdoor adventure, and economic opportunity, making it one of the best cities to live in Alaska. Despite its small size and the challenges of high rainfall and limited sunlight during winter, Ketchikan's natural beauty and community spirit make it an appealing place for those willing to adapt to its unique lifestyle and conditions source).

Wasilla

Wasilla is a city that's been catching the attention of many people considering a move to Alaska. The city is just a hop, skip, and jump away from Anchorage, which is the most populous city in the state. What makes Wasilla unique is its ability to provide a peaceful and quiet atmosphere while still being close to a bustling urban center.

According to 2021 data, Wasilla is home to approximately 9,456 residents, marking a significant growth of 72.9% since 2000. Despite the growth, the city has managed to retain its small-town charm and tight-knit community feel. The median age in the city is 37.7 years, slightly higher than the Alaska median age of 35.6 years, indicating a mature and stable community.

The median income in Wasilla is quite impressive too, at $61,943, according to 2021 estimates. This is reasonably above the national average, making it a great place for those looking to strike a balance between cost of living and earnings. However, it's worth noting that the poverty rate stood at 15.2% in 2021, a figure that has risen slightly over the years.

One of the best things about Wasilla is that it perfectly blends urban life with outdoor adventure. You're never too far from a hiking trail, fishing spot, or wildlife viewing area. The city boasts over 30 miles of trails, and is home to numerous lakes for fishing and boating. Yet, you also have access to modern amenities, dining options, and shopping centers. It's truly the best of both worlds.

Another notable feature of Wasilla is its historical significance. The city serves as the terminus for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a well-known event in Alaska. Additionally, the Wasilla Museum offers insights into the local history and culture, enriching the experience of living in this city.

However, it's important to be prepared for the Alaskan lifestyle when considering a move. Living in remote parts of Alaska, like Wasilla, is characterized by extreme daylight variations and challenging winter conditions. The average commute time in the city is 28.5 minutes, with most residents driving alone to work.

Here's a quick recap of why Wasilla might be the best city to live in Alaska:

• Proximity to Anchorage, providing access to urban amenities.
• Peaceful and quiet, retaining a small-town charm despite being a fast-growing city.
• Above-average median income.
• Perfect blend of urban life and outdoor adventure.
• Rich historical significance.

So, if you're considering a move to Alaska, Wasilla could be the perfect city for you. It offers a comfortable lifestyle, economic opportunities, and an abundance of natural beauty. What's more, we've also compiled a list of the top 5 family-friendly neighborhoods in Wasilla that you might find helpful when deciding where to settle in the city.

Sources: - Data USA - City-Data