Whittier, AK

Whittier is a tiny coastal community tucked along Prince William Sound, about an hour southeast of Anchorage. The town is famous for its compact setup, where nearly all of the roughly three hundred residents live under one roof inside a 14-story high-rise called Begich Towers. The building also houses the local grocery store, post office, and city offices, letting neighbors run everyday errands without stepping out into the coastal rain. Getting into town is an adventure in itself, since the only road access is a single-lane tunnel through the mountain that alternates directions with train traffic on a strict schedule.

ATTRForest Service Alaska Region, USDA / CC BY 2.0

Originally established as a military port during World War II, Whittier now centers around its busy harbor and easy access to the water. Living here means having glaciers, sea kayaking, and saltwater fishing right in your backyard, framed by steep mountains rising straight out of the bay. Anchorage is within driving distance for big shopping runs and healthcare, while daily life in Whittier remains quiet, relaxed, and close-knit. Just remember that the tunnel closes overnight, making the transit schedule one of the first things new residents learn.