15 Slow-Paced Small Towns in Alaska Where Life Is Still Simple
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Courtney
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Living a slow-paced life that is jam-packed with outdoor fun is pretty much what life is all about in the last frontier. Although our glorious state varies tremendously from one region to the next, an unwavering high regard to a good quality of life is something that we all have in common. The rat race and the idea of keeping up with the Joneses is just not how we roll. In fact, the very idea of that lifestyle completely turns us off. Get ready to breathe a big gasp of fresh air while checking out these 15 slow-paced small towns in Alaska where life is still simple.
Dubbed as "The Adventure Capital of Alaska," Haines hits the mark when it comes to slow-paced living with high-adrenaline playing. Activities here include hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, hunting, kayaking, golfing and some of the most epic heli-skiing in the entire world. Visiting Haines is a bucket list MUST!
Located just outside of Denali National Park, Healy is a small town packed with a big punch of outdoor activities. Go ATV'ing, hunting, hiking or gaze upon the glorious Northern Lights at nightfall. It's harder than you think not to fall in love with this tiny town. We are always amazed to learn that the population is only around 1,000 residents. However in the summertime, that number increases greatly due to tourism and seasonal workers.
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Only about 60 miles south of Alaska's biggest city of Anchorage, Whittier is an outdoorsy haven. With a population of just about 200, people here enjoy a simple quality of life that includes fishing, hunting, kayaking, wildlife viewing, glacier gazing and so much more.
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With a population around 1,200, Craig is a Prince of Wales dream location. Life here is simple, comfortable and truly happy. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, activities here include hiking, hunting and sport fishing for salmon and halibut.
I mean, where else in the world do you have a tractor boat launch? This is just one of the many things that makes Anchor Point a little slice of slow-paced heaven. With a population under 2,000, Anchor Point on The Kenai is very popular and best known as a sport fishing destination for summer tourism visitors.
Mountains, rainforest, glaciers, wildlife, kayaking, hiking... the possibilities are unlimited in Wrangell! Surrounded by pristine natural beauty and filled with so many simple and easy activities, it's nearly impossible not to have a great quality of life here. The Stikine River and the Chief Shakes Island and Tribal House are two must-visits in this wonderful place.
Located just a stones throw away from Homer on The Kenai, Alaska's Playground, Seldovia is truly a slice of heavenly paradise. Keep things easy and simple by exploring the town's small shops and eateries and ending the day at a historic waterside B&B. Or get out and enjoy some of the most epic kayaking and hiking excursions in Alaska.
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With a population said to be under 500, Angoon is an excellent place to kick back and keep it easy. Located on the western side of Admiralty Island, visitors here are guaranteed to see brown bears, experience stunning mountain views and catch as much salmon as humanly possible.
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This scenic mountain village located on The Kenai is truly a sight to behold. With a teenie tiny population around 200, people here are all about keeping it simple and having fun. Take a hike, wet a line or hop in a float plane and disappear deep into the Chugach National Forest. It should be illegal to leave Moose Pass without grabbing some of the best fudge in the world from the Moose Drop-In.
In a town where the unofficial mayor is a cat named Stubbs, it's pretty much a given that anyone and everyone would fall in love immediately upon entering the town. With an annual population under 1000, Talkeetna carries the torch when it comes to focusing on an optimum work/life balance. Great food, fun activities and genuine people can be found among the stunning Alaska scenery that flows through this charming town.
Known as the gateway to the beautiful Glacier Bay National Park, Gustavus has a population around 440. The most beautiful thing about this area is that they have succeeded in keeping "big business" out and truly focusing on the natural beauty that surrounds the town. Sport fishing is a major industry in the lovely little spot.
Located near the mouth of the Copper River, Cordova has more to offer than just some of the best wild Alaska salmon in the entire world. At the head of Orca Inlet on the east side of Prince William Sound, visitors here can enjoy warm hospitality, skiing, fishing, hiking and so much more!
Located on The Kenai, Alaska's Playground, the quaint town of Hope is truly all about promoting quality of life and sustainability. Hope is for dreamers and lovers of the simple things in life. In this town with a population under 200, you will find some of the nicest people that have ever walked the face of the planet.
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This small village in Southwest Alaska sits beautifully on the Kuskokwim River. With a population around 350, residents here enjoy Alaska's natural resources and their incredible amount of seclusion away from the city lights.
Located off the Richardson Highway with a population somewhere around 40, the town of Paxson is all about keeping things simple. Go out and play on the lake or go explore the wild and endless outdoor playground.
Can you think of any other slow-paced small towns in the last frontier to add to our list? There sure are lots of places throughout the glorious 49th state that embody the art of keeping things simple and focused on happiness.
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