A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
There’s no doubt about it: winter is in full force. While some states have experienced particularly mild or even pleasant weather this season, Alaska is certainly not one of those places. With its proximity to the Arctic Circle, it comes as no surprise that this state is home to some of the coldest places in the world. In fact, one of the coldest inhabited towns in America is located in Alaska. Here’s more on what life is like in the frigid town of Utqiagvik.
Utqiagvik, formerly known as Barrow, is the northernmost town in the United States and can be found 320 miles above the Arctic Circle.
The town was established on permafrost that measures up to 1,300 feet deep in some places.
The lowest temperature ever recorded in Utqiagvik was - 56 degrees F, which occurred in 1924. The average low experienced by residents of this town is a biting - 20 F.
The sun sets at the end of November and won’t appear again until the end of January. With such prolonged darkness, it’s not unusual to lose track of days or times of the day.
Such freezing temperatures are known to pose serious health risks.
Anyone who ventures outside without gloves on could risk frostbite within minutes. Rarely will you see children outside that aren’t supervised by parents or adults.
It goes without saying that residents of this freezing town are resilient. The population is nearly 4,000, including a significant population of Native Alaskans.
Local restaurants are a popular place to gather, especially considering how expensive groceries can be. Since everything is flown in, a jar of peanut butter can cost up to $10.
Advertisement
Another important aspect of life in Utqiagvik is the Arctic Ocean.
This body of water fuels life in Utqiagvik and also accounts for much of the weather systems. Yet even covered in ice, the sea is incredibly picturesque.
Utqiagvik may not be a traditional coastal town, but that's precisely what makes it so fascinating.
There's no denying that America's chilliest town is also one of the most beautiful.
For a fascinating insight into what life is like in Utqiagvik, watch this trailer for a documentary on the town, “One Square Mile.”
Have you ever made the trip to Utqiagvik, Alaska? What did you think about life in one of the world’s coldest towns? Be sure to share your thoughts with us!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
