8 Safest Small Communities To Settle In Alaska

Alaska is an appealing place to call home for many reasons, including the safety of its smaller communities. According to the FBI's Crime Data Explorer, the spots on this list enjoy low crime rates well below the state average, and they also happen to boast a wide range of natural and cultural landmarks set against the northern reaches of the Pacific Coast. In Homer, you can spend weekends kayaking on the bay, browsing local galleries, and heading out to spot puffins near the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. In Juneau, residents have easy access to seafood spots like Tracy’s King Crab Shack and unforgettable outings to see Mendenhall Glacier. Whether you're drawn to a remote lifestyle surrounded by glaciers and fjords or the region's rich heritage, these eight towns are among Alaska's safest bets.

Sitka

Sitka stands out as one of the state’s safest towns, offering a unique blend of coastal beauty, rich history, and a strong sense of community. The Baranof Castle State Historic Site is culturally significant, as it chronicles the town's early history as a Russian territory, where visitors can explore scenic coastal trails lined with towering totem poles while learning about the area’s rich mix of Indigenous and Russian history. Meanwhile, the Alaska Raptor Center is a sanctuary for injured birds of prey, and a great sight for animal lovers on a 17-acre campus bordering the Tongass National Forest and the Indian River. For a unique perspective of the region, you can also choose from a number of outfitters in the harbor offering boat tours into Sitka Sound to spot whales, sea otters, and puffins against a backdrop of forested islands and snowcapped peaks.

Homer

Affectionately known as the "Halibut Capital of the World," the fishing town of Homer is also a popular destination for water sports, including kayaking, spearfishing, and paddleboarding. During early spring, the town hosts the annual Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament, where anglers compete to reel in the biggest catch, and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge welcomes many visitors annually who come to get a glimpse of horned and tufted puffins in their nesting grounds.

Homer also has its fair share of artists, with galleries such as Cynthia Morelli Studio and the Dean Homestead & Art Studio. The Dean Homestead features a tour and information about gardening, landscaping, and creative architecture, as well as Alaskan native plants and animals. In a somewhat similar vein, the Pratt Museum is a natural history museum detailing the science and history of Homer, which features botany exhibits, scavenger hunts for curious kids, and rotating exhibitions.

Juneau

Alaska's capital, Juneau, is characterized by its distinctive architecture and stunning natural attractions, including the Mendenhall Glacier. Since it is only accessible by sea or by air, Juneau offers a truly unique experience in a vibrant city nestled within nature. From the Alaska State Museum and its celebration of Indigenous art and culture to the DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, which highlights the salmon industry's significance to the state's economy, there's no shortage of things to see and do. Downtown Juneau, in particular, is home to a plethora of sights and activities. Boutiques specializing in uniquely Alaskan goods and restaurants serving seafood fresh from the bay, like Tracy's King Crab Shack, are among downtown Juneau's vibrant attractions.

Haines

Haines sits at the northern end of the Lynn Canal, which is one of the longest and deepest fjords in North America, formed by glacial activity. It is a safe, quiet town just north of Chilkat State Park and Chilkat Islands State Marine Park, and one of its biggest draws here is the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, where visitors can witness the largest gathering of bald eagles in the world amid a stunning river valley landscape. There's also a Hammer Museum, the first of its kind in the world. You can't miss it, thanks to the giant hammer marking the spot on Main Street. Meanwhile, the Haines Sheldon Museum provides a peek into the town's history, with more than 4,000 artifacts and exhibits chronicling the art and culture of the Chilkat Valley.

Valdez

There are few Alaskan towns as well known for their public art as Valdez. From the giant wooden statue of a kraken tackling a lighthouse to the "Whispering Giant" created by Hungarian sculptor Peter Wolf Toth to honor the state's Native American heritage, Valdez's statues are top-notch. Here, visitors will enjoy the safe, small town, surrounded by glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and vast wilderness. The Cape Hinchinbrook Lighthouse, completed in 1934, serves as a warning to mariners about the nearby shallows in Prince William Sound, while the tranquil waters of Valdez Glacier Lake provide stunning scenery year-round.

Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site sits east of town, with majestic views of some of the state's finest glaciers, and the 330-foot Horsetail Falls in Keystone Canyon is a great destination for a day hike. Those wanting a more rugged trip off the beaten path will enjoy the wilderness in Shoup Bay State Marine Park, located 5 miles from Valdez and accessible primarily by boat or water taxi.

Unalaska

As part of the Aleutian Islands, Unalaska is a tranquil town surrounded by sea and sky. As with many of the other cities on our list, you don't have to look far to find the Russian influence; the green and white Holy Ascension of our Lord Cathedral was built in 1896 and restored in 1996, and features the uniquely Russian onion domes. This beautiful landmark isn't just a historic site, though. It's still a functioning church with a regular clergy and congregation.

History lovers will appreciate the Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area. Here, visitors can walk the trails around Fort Schwatka and nearby coastal defenses while learning about the Aleutian Islands campaign, including the occupation of Attu and Kiska and the profound, lasting impact on Alaska Native communities who were displaced during the war.

Kodiak

With a name synonymous with rugged wilderness, the town of Kodiac is just south of Marmot Bay on Kodiak Island and contains many attractions inspired by the state's natural environment. One such hot spot is the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, which spans almost two million acres and covers much of this island, and is home to more than 3,000 Kodiak brown bears. The Kodiak History Museum is also a draw, offering engaging exhibits that highlight the island’s rich Alutiiq heritage, Russian colonial past, and role during World War II. But it's not just about history and scenery in Kodiak. There's also the Bear Valley Golf Course, a public 9-hole course where the views can't be beat.

Kenai

Just across the Cook Inlet from the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve sits Kenai, a quiet town on the Kenai Peninsula. Like so many Alaskan towns, it is known for its natural beauty, such as the breathtaking Kenai River, best viewed from the Kenai River Viewing Platform. Located near the City Dock, this area includes a boardwalk, a telescope, and scenic views, as well as opportunities to spot beluga whales, harbor seals, and various bird species.

Kenai's Old Town features a valuable piece of Alaska-Russian history, with the Holy Assumption Orthodox Church National Historic Site. Built in the 1890s, the church features uniquely Russian architecture with blue and white onion domes. Kenai South Beach is another peaceful, beautiful destination for visitors and locals alike, especially during the summer months, when dipnetting is a popular pastime.

Beauty, Culture, And Safety

If you're considering relocating to any one of the towns on our list and safety is a top priority, you won't be disappointed. From the stunning wilderness at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge and Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site to unique, out-of-the-way spots like the Dean Homestead and the Hammer Museum, Alaska is sure to keep you active and entertained.