The waterside stores in Ketchikan, Alaska. Colorful wooden buildings on stilts line a scenic waterfront, reflecting in the clear water. Lush green forest and a blue sky complete the vibrant, tranquil scene.

10 Best Places To Retire In Alaska

Is Alaska the final frontier? Who knows? But it could be your next adventure. A quiet, affordable, and serene town to retire to in Alaska sounds like a significant chapter in one's life. So, if you are wondering which places in Alaska are perfect for you, here are the 10 best places to retire in Alaska you might want to consider.

Fairbanks

Aerial view of a lively cityscape featuring a river with two pedestrian bridges, leafy parks, parked cars, and surrounding urban buildings under a bright sky. — Midnight Sun Festival in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Before continuing, it is essential to note that the median house price in Alaska is around $400,000. Fairbanks has a median household price of $290,000, about $100,000 less than the state's median. The population of Fairbanks falls within the 30,000 range, giving it a bigger city feel than other cities in the state. However, with a somewhat larger population comes more amenities, sites, health facilities, and activities to partake in. So, if you lived in a bigger city all your life, moving to Fairbanks might not be as big a culture shock as you would expect.

Tranquil autumn scene with colorful trees, houses, and their reflections on a calm lake under a partly cloudy blue sky. The mood is peaceful and serene. — Vibrant golden trees along the Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska.

For instance, the Big Dipper Ice Arena offers a variety of exercise classes designed to promote healthy living for seniors. For a fun Alaskan treat, visit the Aurora Ice Museum, a year-round museum with incredible ice sculptures. They have an ice bar where drinks are served with glasses made of ice. If you are into nature, you are in luck. Fairbanks' Chena River State Recreation Area spans 397 square miles of forests, rivers, and alpine tundra, offering a range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts, including hiking, kayaking, camping, rock climbing, and horseback riding.

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Ketchikan

Ketchikan has a relatively small population of about 8,000 residents. However, it is a stop on a cruise ship route, which means there are numerous activities for tourists you can enjoy as a resident. In other words, although it is a small town, you will never run out of things to do. However, the median house price is only slightly below the state's median by around $10,000.

A serene outdoor scene with tall, intricately carved totem poles surrounded by lush greenery. A wooden building adorned with native art is in the background under a bright blue sky. — Native American Totem and Clan houses at Totem Bight State Historic Site in Ketchikan, Alaska.

For culture and history buffs, visit the Totem Heritage Center to see the world's most extensive collection of totems, and the Tongass Historical Museum for its rich history and educational offerings. Ketchikan is technically located in the middle of rainforests. With that, you can book an excursion with Lighthouse Excursions and explore your new home with the safety a guide provides.

North Pole

A festive scene with a red sleigh in the foreground and a Christmas-themed building adorned with murals of Santa and elves. Snow covers the ground under a clear blue sky. — The beautiful Santa Claus House, near the North Pole, Alaska. Image credit Kit Leong via Shutterstock

Imagine retiring to the North Pole. That magical place that only existed in the imaginations of children and fiction books. That's a dream come true. And it is a real place. North Pole, Alaska, is a small town of approximately 2,500 residents with a median house price of around $350,000, according to Realtor.com.

Festive store interior with Christmas trees, a Santa figure in a sleigh with teddy bears, and holiday decorations. Warm, cheerful atmosphere. — Large Christmas shop in North Pole, Alaska. Image credit Jacob via Adobe Stock.

With a name like North Pole, it is no surprise they have plenty of Christmastime-like activities to choose from. You can visit Santa Claus's House and let your grandkids meet him in person. Alternatively, you can see the Chena Lake Recreation Area to view the Northern Lights and explore the surrounding natural environment. It is a local favorite during the winter months. However, if you would rather live in town and eat some scrumptious Chinese food, opt for Pagoda Restaurant.

Valdez

If you're seeking a town with a plethora of year-round outdoor activities, Valdez is the town for you. Valdez is small. Its population is around 3,900, with a median household price of around $343,000. Essentially a wilderness town, Valdez offers a range of activities, including fishing, kayaking, and backcountry skiing. In the winter, the town gets plenty of beautiful snow.

Fishing boats crowded in a vibrant harbor, surrounded by mountains and blue sky. Nets and buoys cover the decks, creating a busy yet serene atmosphere. — Valdez, Alaska. Editorial credit: Victoria Ditkovsky / Shutterstock.com.

But what about activities best suited for someone in retirement? As one of the prettiest places in Alaska and a year-round outdoorsy town, here are a few things to think about. Prince William Sound is your best bet for fishing, and there's something for all skill levels. It is a habitat for many species of salmon, rockfish, lingcod, and halibut. You can fish on your own, rent a boat, or opt for charter services. And the waters are filled with fish all year. If you're a novice hiker, you can try the Dock Point Trail between Duck Flats and Port Valdez. And be sure to take your camera, this area is home to shorebirds and bald eagles. Take the stairs up Civic Center Hill using the Overlook Trail for a bird's-eye view of Port Valdez. Or enjoy the easy hiking trail of Homestead Trail. There are also plenty of challenging trails for the moderate or adventurous hiker.

Wrangell

Have you ever considered living on a lovely Alaskan island? It could be the perfect place for you to unwind and find some quiet amid the beauty of nature. Now, Wrangell sits near the mouth of the Stikine River and is one of the oldest towns in Alaska. It is currently home to about 2,500 inhabitants, with a median household price of $299,000. And, there is plenty of beauty and nature to consider here.

A scenic coastal town with a small harbor, surrounded by lush green hills and colorful houses. A clear blue sky and calm water create a peaceful atmosphere. — The beautiful town of Wrangell, Alaska. Image credit Just dance via Shutterstock

Some of the fun, yet overall tranquil activities include Tlingit culture and history, wildlife viewing, and the Musket Medows Golf Course. For instance, the Tlingit people have lived in the Wrangell area for thousands of years, and their culture is reflected in the town's impressive collection of totems. Notably, the killer whale totem at Chief Shakes' Grave is among the most recognized. If you wish, Chief Shakes Island is an excellent spot in the boat harbor for a self-guided tour of its totems, tall cottonwoods, and eagles. At its center is the Shakes Community House, an exemplary Tlingit tribal house showcasing cultural artifacts. The Anan Wildlife Observatory is ideal for wildlife viewing from a distance if safety is a priority. There's a lot more, but those are a few to wet your palate.

Petersburg

Scenic harbor view with boats docked alongside colorful, red-roofed buildings. In the background, mountains rise under a dramatic, cloudy sky. — The quaint fishing village of Petersburg, Alaska.

You may be looking for a small town with a strong sense of community. If that's the case, Petersburg, Alaska, is a good choice. With a population slightly over 3,000, Petersburg is an island community that thrives from the sea. Situated between three beautiful harbors, this cute town attracts the smaller cruise ships and pleasure-related boats. It is a community with a strong Norwegian heritage and a small-town vibe. The best part is that the median housing price falls below the state's median at $369,000.

Wooden arch structure frames a serene view of a lake with snow-capped mountains. Surrounded by lush greenery, the scene feels peaceful and inviting. — Inside Passage at Petersburg, Alaska.

Apart from its strong community, the town's Sons of Norway Hall also serves as a National Historic Site and the center of Norwegian culture, hosting festivals such as the Little Norway Festival. It is a gathering where you dress in your finest Viking attire and indulge in as much food as you can. You can also explore Downtown Petersburg on foot and find the local art strategically placed throughout the area, making for a great self-guided tour. It is the perfect way to explore your new home.

Cordova

Scenic harbor with boats, calm water reflecting snow-capped mountains and lush greenery. Cloudy sky with a few birds. Peaceful and serene atmosphere. — The marina in Cordova, Alaska.

Cordova has a tight-knit population of 2,800 residents who love the dramatic landscape this area of Alaska provides. It boasts a hardworking fishing industry that supplies numerous jobs for its residents, ensuring the seafood is always fresh and delicious.

Scenic view of a glacier with reflective water surrounded by lush greenery. Majestic mountains rise in the background under a cloudy sky, evoking tranquility. — Glacier and mountain view in Cordova, Alaska.

Every year, they host the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival, where birdwatchers and nature lovers unite to witness the most significant bird migrations in the United States. Or if you prefer winter activities, enjoy the Iceworm Festival for a week of fun for all ages. If festivals are not something you want, you can always enjoy the natural surroundings, like the mountains of the Chugach National Forest. With a state median household price of around $377,000, Cordova is worth considering.

Seward

Aerial view of a coastal town with colorful buildings and streets, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and a blue bay. The scene is serene and picturesque. — Seward, Alaska

The housing market in Seward constantly fluctuates. As of now, it is below the state median at $376,000 and stays below most of the time. The population is slightly under 3,000, and it is surrounded by natural beauty you have to see to believe.

A person with a yellow backpack stands on a trail overlooking a vast glacier, surrounded by rocky mountains. The scene conveys a sense of awe and tranquility. — Hiker in Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward. Image credit Galyna Andrushko via Shutterstock.

The Kenai Fjords National Park is a spectacular site filled with shimmering glaciers that will make anyone's jaw drop. It is a town where wildlife enthusiasts can stay busy as nature unfolds, while also enjoying some of the best of human civilization. If you're a coffee lover, Seward offers plenty of options, such as Early Bird, which serves espresso and mini donuts. If you like cozy coffeehouses, try Resurrect Art Coffee House. But let's not forget the incredible outdoor hikes at your fingertips. Seward already feels like home.

Nome

For a reclusive retirement option, try Nome, Alaska. Nome is only accessible by boat or plane and is not connected to the Alaska highway system, making it the ultimate getaway for those who want to live in a small community of 3,600.

Panoramic view of Anvil City Square in Nome, Alaska. (Editorial credit: RUBEN M RAMOS / Shutterstock.com)

As a resident of Nome, you can witness the incredible Iditarod that takes place every March. The race finishes in Nome and is considered one of the toughest dog-sled races on earth, with a 1,049-mile trek through some of the most intense wilderness in the country. For a different kind of race, try spectating the ever-so-fun Cannonball Run Snowmachine race. November through March is also the perfect time to see the Aurora Borealis. If you've never seen them before, living in Nome will make it part of your yearly life as a resident, and that is simply magical. Apart from that, finding a house in the $280,000 to $300,000 range is the norm.

Haines

Snowy mountain range under a clear blue sky, with a forested area and a quaint town with white houses nestled at the base, conveying serenity. — Haines, Alaska

Haines is a small town with a population of 1,700. It might be small, but it makes up for it with a wealth of excursions, wildlife activities, and stunning scenic beauty. Haines is a place to spot bears, American Bald Eagles, and other wildlife. The town also offers photography excursions (Rainbow Glacier Adventures) for avid photographers who want to capture nature at its finest.

Four photographers with tripods capture a snowy landscape, focusing on eagles by the river. Snow-laden branches frame the scene, creating a serene winter atmosphere. — People photographing bald eagles in Haines, Alaska.

Haines also boasts numerous hiking trails, including the Jones Point Trail, Moose Meadows, and Sawmill Creek Trail, among others. If this is a town you are considering, the median house price is approximately $330,000.

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That was a lot of information, but with information comes knowledge. And with knowledge comes decision-making. We hope these 10 best places to retire in Alaska have given you some food for thought. This list offers something for everyone, whether you want a big-city feel or a small-town, reclusive vibe. The one thing they all have in common is a smaller population and a median household price that is significantly below the state median. With all of that information provided, the last thing to ask yourself is, which one is your favorite?

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James Quintanilla November 5 2025 in Places