9 Tucked-Away Treasures to Retire in Alaska

Alaska may not be your first choice for retirement, but this far northern state has much to offer, especially if you appreciate peace, quiet, wildlife, and the great outdoors. Alaska also offers some pretty friendly tax breaks and has one of the highest average retirement incomes of any state. If you’re toying with the idea of spending your best years in a northern paradise, check out these nine tucked-away treasures to retire in Alaska.

1. Soldotna

Located in the Kenai Peninsula Borough in South-Central Alaska, Soldotna is a charming community nestled on the banks of the Kenai River, which runs through the city. If you love wildlife and outdoor recreation, Soldotna is the place for you. Walk out your doorstep and enjoy hiking, boating, and birding. Plus, this Alaskan city is known for its fishing, particularly salmon. It has a small-town feel with plenty of amenities and a great sense of community.

Average home price: $219,000

Things to do nearby: 

• Kenai River Brewing Company
• Soldotna Historical Society & Museum
• Soldotna Creek Park
• Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
• Alaska Berries
• St. Elias Brewing Company
• Soldotna Saturday Farmers Market  

2. Sitka

Spread over Baranof Island and others, Sitka is a city near the state capital. It’s a small city with a unique culture and wilderness at your doorstep. Sitka was part of Russia until 1867, and the city reflects this history through its architecture. It’s a cruise port stop tucked between the sea and the mountains, so there is some tourism during the summer. And you can enjoy fresh local seafood and stunning scenery year-round.

Average home price: $368,000

Things to do nearby:

• Alaska Raptor Center
• Fortress of the Bear
• Sitka National Historical Park
• Caranof Castle State Historic Site
• Sitka Sound Science Center
• Russian Bishop’s House
• Sheldon Jackson Museum
• Sitka Historical Society & Museum
• Ernie’s Old Time Saloon

3. Kenai

Sitting at the mouth of the Kenai River and southwest of Anchorage, Kenai is famous for its indigenous and Russian culture and world-class king salmon fishing. Kenai is often voted as one of the best places to live in Alaska due to its small-town feel and low cost of living. It’s a coastal city with scenic beaches and wilderness areas filled with wildlife, like bears, moose, and raptors.  

Average home price: $233,000

Things to do nearby: 

• Kenai Beach
• Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
• Kenai Fjords National Park
• Alaska SeaLife Center
• Kenai River 

4. Ketchikan

Ketchikan is Alaska’s southeasternmost city along a popular cruise route on the coast. It is famous for its nearby fjords, mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. And it has a rich Native American culture, including totem poles displayed around town. Despite its surrounding wilderness, Ketchikan has an urban/suburban feel while functioning like a small town. You can spend your days walking around museums, viewing historical landmarks, enjoying the local wildlife, and participating in outdoor recreation.

Average home price: $270,000

Things to do nearby:

• Fishing with local charters
• Hiking at Rainbird or Deer Mountain trails
• Creek Street
• Totem Heritage Center
• Tongass Historical Museum
• Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
• Totem Bight State Historical Park
• Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
• Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness

5. Anchorage

As Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage has much to offer. It’s in the South-central region of the state, where it sits on the Cook Inlet. Anchorage is known for its many cultural sites, trails, wildlife, and nearby wilderness. The city has several suburbs perfect for seniors, where you’re close enough to the city center but away from the hustle and bustle. The city offers many activities, such as botanical gardens, parks, and museums, so you’ll always have something to do.

Average home price: $328,000

Things to do nearby: 

• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Alaska Native Heritage Center
• Chugach State Park
• Anchorage Museum
• Eagle River Nature Center
• Alaska Botanical Garden
• Alaska Zoo
• Trolly tours
• Kincaid Park
• Alaska Aviation Museum
• Alyeska Resort 

6. Kodiak

Located in a remote area in the Gulf of Alaska, Kodiak is the main city on Kodiak Island and is only accessible via ferryboat or plane. Despite its secluded location, Kodiak’s port is the largest in Alaska and ranks among the top in the country. If you love the outdoors, Kodiak is an adult outdoor playground with mild winters and lively summers. Kodiak’s retirees make up 15% of the population, making it an excellent community for older adults.

Average home price: $265,000

Things to do nearby:

• Alutiiq Museum
• Kodiak History Museum
• Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
• Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park
• Fishing charters

7. Juneau

The second-largest city in the United States by area, Juneau is a breathtaking slice of the world, standing at the cusp of one of the largest wilderness regions in the country. The views alone are reason enough to retire here, but, like most places in Alaska, outdoor recreation is abundant and one of the primary focuses of this city. From skiing and hiking to fishing and glacier trekking, you will be sure to get your fill of the great outdoors. Juneau is a close-knit community that is just grateful to wake up to fresh air and beautiful views.

Average home price: $358,000

Things to do nearby:

• Mendenhall Glacier
• Alaska State Museum
• Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
• Nugget Falls
• Juneau-Douglas Museum
• Whale tours
• Eaglecrest Ski Area

8. Wasilla

Located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley of the Cook Inlet, Wasilla is the fourth-largest city in Alaska and one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. It’s famous for dog sled races, small-town feel, alpine adventures, and gorgeous mountain views. It’s a great in-between city that’s close enough to the city to benefit from its amenities but far enough away to get plenty of peace and quiet.

Average home price: $273,000

Things to do nearby: 

• Museum of Alaska Transportation
• Newcomb Park
• Wasilla Museum
• The Valley Cinema
• The Iditarod
• Bearpaw River Brewing Company
• The Salt Cave of Alaska

9. Fairbanks

Fairbanks is the second-largest city in Alaska and the largest within the interior regions of the state. It is home to the midnight sun, incredible views of the northern lights, and the base camp for Denali National Park. Fairbanks is often considered the heart of Alaska, and it features a homey small-town feel with native heritage and a strong connection to the outdoors. Many people in this region live off the land by hunting and fishing. And the residents are friendly and family oriented. Overall, it’s not a bad place to retire in Alaska.

Average home price: $224,000

Things to do nearby:

• Morris Thompson Cultural Center
• Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
• Pioneer Park
• Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
• Museum of the North
• HooDoo Brewing Company
• Aurora Ice Museum
• Georgeson Botanical Garden
• Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary
• Fairbanks Ice Museum 

A Recap of the Top 9 Tucked-Away Treasures to Retire in Alaska