7 Best Towns In Alaska For Retirees

Alaska is an ideal place to retire for seniors seeking peace and tranquility and unlimited access to the great outdoors. It's the largest state in the U.S. and holds the lowest population density - the biggest city is Anchorage, which accounts for 40 percent of the population. The remote setting is a paradise for seniors who enjoy the great outdoors and is home to eight national parks, including Denali National Park and Preserve. Adorable communities are tucked away among the vast wilderness that stretches from the edge of the Bering Sea to the shores of the Beaufort Sea. And despite their remoteness, these towns have a strong sense of community with vibrant art scenes and deeply rooted Indigenous culture.

Although housing and health care costs tend to be higher in Alaska compared to the national average, some of the price is offset by fiscal benefits. Alaska has no individual income tax, and residents receive a Permanent Fund Dividend, an annual cash dividend from the state's oil wealth. Property taxes are also lower in rural settings, and public programs can offset the higher health care costs. For those looking to live out their golden years in The Last Frontier, discover the seven best towns in Alaska for retirees.

Ketchikan

For seniors looking to stay close to the lower 48 states, Ketchikan is an ideal choice. It's referred to as the Rain Capital of Alaska, with its abundance of rainfall and a high-humidity climate. Misty Fjords National Monument within Tongass National Forest is at the town's doorstep, offering stunning views of glaciers and snowcapped mountains.

Downtown Ketchikan is best known for Creek Street. Seniors can stroll along the antique wooden boardwalk lined with restaurants, unique shops, and salmon viewing spots along Ketchikan Creek. The salmon ladder is nearby where seniors can see salmon swim upstream to reach their spawning grounds. Retirees can also explore the Native American totem poles, which represent tribal family lineage, clan affiliations, and significant events in history. The Totem Heritage Center offers insight into their cultural significance and why Ketchikan is referred to as the Totem Capital of the World.

As for amenities, there are plenty, and Ketchikan Pioneer Home stands out. This senior living facility is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, offering homemade meals prepared daily for its residents. It's conveniently located near essential services, such as the post office. PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center is the nearest hospital for health care needs. The median home value in July 2025 listed for Ketchikan is around $400,000, which is within $25,000 of the state average.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is considered the gateway to the Alaskan wilderness. The town is located about 350 miles north of Anchorage in the interior region of Alaska. It is close to two major national parks, including Denali National Park and Preserve. In the summertime, the sun is visible for most of the day due to the town's high latitude and proximity to the Arctic Circle. This creates ideal conditions for seniors to enjoy long stretches of adventure. Fairbanks is also located under the auroral oval and is known as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The darker, clear skies make for ideal viewing, which seniors can enjoy year-round, though the best time for viewing is in the winter.

The town has a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere, making seniors feel right at home. To learn about Fairbanks' humble beginnings as a gold mining town, retirees can visit the Alaska Mining Hall of Fame, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Gold panning tours are also offered, where seniors can learn about the region's gold rush history. A popular one is Gold Dredge 8.

Raven Landing Senior Community is situated downtown and consistently hosts events and activities to keep seniors engaged and entertained. The senior community focuses on healthy living, offering farm-to-table cuisine in its dining hall. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is the closest medical facility for seniors' health needs. The median home sale price in July 2025 for Fairbanks is near $300,000.

Homer

Homer is a picturesque town on the shores of Kachemak Bay, one of the world's richest marine estuaries. It's an ideal habitat for salmon and halibut. During the peak fishing season, which runs from May to September, seniors can enjoy fresh fish at the dock or go on a fishing charter tour with Homer Halibut Hunters.

Because of the town's gorgeous setting, Homer attracts artists from around the world to capture its beauty. Seniors can explore Gallery Row to view detailed prints created with octopus ink, as well as vintage photographs of the region and a collection of handmade pottery. There are lovely displays at the Pratt Museum as well, which focus on local art, natural history, and the marine ecology system in the region.

For a day trip, the town is a short scenic flight by floatplane to Katmai National Park, one of the best national parks for bear sightings. The region is densely populated with brown bears, and a famous viewing area is Brooks Falls, where seniors can observe bears catching salmon as they swim upstream. The Independent Living Center is situated in a picturesque setting and offers independent living accommodations with wheelchair ramps throughout the facility. It has assisted living staff on site if needed. The closest medical facility is South Peninsula Hospital. The median home price in July 2025 for Homer is listed in the range of $385,000.

Kenai

Kenai is the largest community on the Kenai Peninsula. The coastal Alaska town overlooks the mouth of the Kenai River and is surrounded by stunning views of the Alaska Range, which holds three active volcanoes - Mount Spurr, Mount Iliamna, and Mount Redoubt. This is an ideal place for seniors to live who enjoy fishing to pass the time. Kenai is known for salmon fishing and holds the record for the largest king salmon caught on record, which weighed 97 pounds. The area is also known for whale spotting. In the spring, beluga whales return to the Kenai River looking for salmon and food. A popular spot to watch them is the Beluga Whale Lookout.

Old Town Kenai is lined with historic buildings that tell the story of the area's rich history, which seniors can learn about at the Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center. In the late 1800s, the U.S. Army built Fort Kenay, which housed a hundred soldiers stationed there. Today, visitors can see a replica of the fort. There are also numerous homesteader cabins dating back to the early 1900s for seniors to photograph and explore.

Aspen Creek Senior Living is nestled in the natural beauty of Kenai, offering a serene environment for seniors to enjoy their golden years. The center has outdoor spaces that seniors can enjoy, as well as a game room where they can socialize. The closest medical facility is Central Peninsula Hospital. The median home price in July 2025 listed for Kenai is $320,000.

Palmer

Located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Palmer has rich agricultural roots and heritage. It stems from a New Deal initiative in the 1930s called the Matanuska Colony Project, which brought farmers from the Midwest to establish a farming presence in Alaska. Seniors can learn about this at the Palmer Museum of Art and History.

In the summertime, retirees can experience the farming heritage firsthand by heading to the fairgrounds in August and taking part in the Alaska State Fair. Seniors can see beautiful flower gardens and record-setting vegetables, which Palmer is known for, because of the fertile soil. In particular, the valley is known for sweet carrots and potatoes. In the summer, retirees can gather at farmers' markets, such as Palmer Friday Flings, to purchase fresh produce for the week. Or, they have the choice to pick vegetables right from a local farm. Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm is a popular choice and is about ten miles from town.

Maple Springs of Palmer is a senior living community that offers a movie theater, library, and Sunday church services. A shuttle service is also available on-site for seniors to go on outings in town. The closest medical facility is Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. The median home price in July 2025 is around $400,000, a reasonable price for the range of amenities.

Sitka

Accessible by air or sea, Sitka is a charming town with stunning scenery. It's surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, one of the biggest rainforests in the world, where seniors can enjoy 700 miles of hiking. Seniors can stroll along the Indian River Trail, which is lined with old-growth Sitka trees.

The region boasts a rich Native American culture. Seniors can visit the Sheet'ka Kwaán Naa Kahidi Tribal Community House and learn about the Tlingit people's rich traditions through storytelling, song, and dance. Sitka is also known for its rich Russian influence and was once known as the capital of Russian America. In the 19th century, Russian missionaries built St. Michael's Cathedral, which became the first Russian Orthodox church in the United States - it's now a National Historic Landmark.

Sitka Pioneer Home is a community that serves seniors ranging from those who are entirely independent to those needing extra physical or mental care. The home provides a rich environment with plants and animals on site, and the building has a storied past as a log barracks. The closest medical facility is the Sitka Medical Center. The median home price in July 2025 for Sitka is approximately $560,000, which is slightly higher than the state average, but is worth the scenery and opportunities.

Wrangell

Wrangell is a picturesque harbor town located at the mouth of the Stikine River. It’s one of the oldest settlements in Alaska and has been ruled by the Tlingit Tribe, Russia, Great Britain, and now the United States. The culture of the first people is very prevalent throughout the town. A popular spot is Chief Shakes' Grave. Further, for impressive views of totem poles, seniors can visit Chief Shakes Island, which can be reached by bridge from the boat harbor. It's home to the Shakes Community House, surrounded by seven totem poles, two of which are originals.

There are numerous day trips seniors can take from Wrangell. Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park is only a mile away, where retirees can see rock carvings believed to be 8,000 years old. Many of the petroglyphs in the area are submerged during high tide, so it's best to check tide charts before going.

Bjorge House Enterprises is a senior apartment community that offers meals and housekeeping. The center is designed for seniors who are entirely independent or who may require additional care, offering assisted living and services such as medication administration. The closest medical facility is Wrangell Medical Center, which boasts a 24-hour emergency room for instant care. The median home price for Wrangell in July 2025 is around $330,000.

Finishing Thoughts

From gorgeous scenery that can be explored at places like Denali National Park and Preserve to wildlife viewings of brown bears catching fish at Brooks Falls, Alaska is a magical place that will capture seniors' hearts. There are fiscal benefits that will help retirees keep a budget, and housing in rural settings tends to be more affordable. The towns are teeming with culture and history. Seniors can learn about the Native American presence at places like Wrangell. Or, enjoy fishing and the arts in little towns like Homer. There are farmers' markets where you can socialize and gather fresh produce, and perfect spots in the state to see the Northern Lights. Alaska takes one's breath away and is an ideal place for seniors to live out their golden years.