10 Amazing Places to Raise a Family in Alaska

To raise a family in Alaska, or anywhere else for that matter, is a full time job, with no holidays or sick leave. It’s not easy, which is what makes a family’s bonds so strong. Finding a place to raise a family is easier, though not without its own pros and cons. Alaska, the Last Frontier, is a fascinating place, if for no other reason than its wild nature.

That’s not to say you can’t find a place in Alaska that isn’t a log cabin in the middle of nowhere. Alaska is one of the least populated states, despite its massive size. However, there are several places throughout the state that are perfect for raising a family.

1. Gateway

Aerial view of the tiny islands near Gateway, Alaska.

With a population of a little over 6,000, Gateway is a small town and the perfect place to raise a family in a quiet, remote place in Alaska. Most of the people living in Gateway own their homes and the surrounding area is rife with the natural beauty of the Last Frontier. The public schools in the area carry an above-average rating as well. Real estate value is high, shy of $350k, while the median rent price is around $1,250.

2. Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a lakeside community close to the Tongass National Forest.

Believe it or not, there is a such place in Alaska where the weather is moderate. The weather, low housing costs, and high median income make this little lakeside community of 8,000 a fantastic place to raise a family in Alaska. Like most places in the state, the access to some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery is all-around, with the natural, small-town beauty of the town itself, the surrounding countryside, and the nearby Tongass National Forest.

3. Kodiak

As an island, Kodiak is surrounded by vibrant greenery, rolling hills, and distant mountains.

Kodiak is a paradise-lover’s dream come true. As an island in Alaska, it still gets the ice-cold weather in the winter months, with a more humid, southern feel in the spring and summer months. For those who love to fish, there’s no better place to be. The population is just shy of 6,000, with excellent public schools, and a heavy suburban vibe. As an island and small community, this is a place where everyone knows everyone, something that often works out great when raising kids and family in Alaska.

4. Girdwood

Stunning view of Girdwood, as the sun sets with the mountains in the foreground.

Girdwood’s location is close to Alaska, making it a good place to raise a family in Alaska, while working in and commuting to Anchorage. It’s a ski town as well, which is something the kids will get into as they get older. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are more hiking trails and nature-seeing places to go than is worth counting in a paragraph. The public schools in Girdwood have a top grade, and the real estate value is around $300k.

5. Rabbit Creek

Rabbit Creek is a southern suburb of Anchorage, with a low population and a reputation for peace and quiet.

Just south of Anchorage, Rabbit Creek is the perfect place to raise a family in Alaska, whether working from home or commuting to the city each day. With waves of mountains to the north and east, there is constantly something to do in the great outdoors, including Chugach State Park to the east. The median income in the area is $168k, with excellent public schools, excellent housing, low crime, and plenty to do year-round.

6. Seward

Aerial view of the little town of Seward, Alaska.

Seward has a reputation for being the place to go if you love wildlife. Seward is close to Kenai Fjords National Park, where there are more than a few animals. As a place to raise a family in Alaska, it has a lot going for it as well, including solid public schools, an exceptional crime and safety rating, a median home value of $240k +, and a population of only 2,610 people. It’s the tiniest community on the list thus far, and definitely a place where everyone knows everyone else.

7. Homer

Homer is another small, tight-knit community within the vast, wild expanse of Alaska, a dot of civilized life amongst the turbulent vibrancy of nature.

The small town of Homer has nothing to do with the ancient Greek poet or the Simpsons. Like so many small towns throughout Alaska, it sits along the water, next to Cook Inlet to be precise. The local economy is powered by fishing and an undercurrent of industrial work., mostly as it relates to fishing. The local public schools are excellent, with a low crime rate, a small population of 5,500, and a median home value that’s just north of $300k.

8. Sitka

A view of the distant, Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano that dominates the horizon.

With the sea on one side and a dormant volcano on the other, Sitka gives off ancient, old world vibes. It’s nicely juxtaposed against a warm, small town life. Sitka has a splendid public school rating, median home values of $367k, and a population that owns 3/5 of their homes. It has a larger population than some other towns on our list, but still manages to pull off the sleepy town vibe of a secluded town in Alaska.

9. Fairbanks

An aerial view of Fairbanks, Alaska, during the summer.

If you’re looking to raise a family in Alaska and want some of those “North Pole” vibes to raise your kids in, Fairbanks is the answer. This is the perfect town for a long winter, plenty of winter sports, and a very snowy Christmas. The northern lights are incredible as well. You will have to go through long periods of darkness and day, however.

10. Wasilla

Aerial view of Wasilla, a small town within an hour of Anchorage.

You can work in Anchorage and still live the quiet, peaceful, small-town life. Wasilla is within an hour of Anchorage, making it the perfect sleepy town within commuting distance. It’s also located in a stunningly beautiful area. Whether you step out the front door or the back, the greatness and natural wonder of Alaska will be there to greet you. The town has a solid public school rating, though not the highest, a population of 9k, and a median home value of $272k

Summary Of 10 Amazing Places to Raise a Family in Alaska

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