5 of the Best Places to Retire in Alaska – and Why You Should Consider the State

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, Alaska had the largest number of young immigrants. Some came with soldiers, and many others headed north to hit it rich during the pipeline.

Like all people, they have grown up. And few of them are sticking around, according to a 2023 analysis from The Washington Post.

It is true that the Last Frontier is very cold and remote, although southeast Alaska has a climate similar to the Pacific Northwest. In fact, the state capital, Juneau, is 900 miles from Seattle, the nearest major city (or 1,410 miles of driving – not a lot of roads in Alaska).

But some rural areas in the Lower 48 also require long drives/flights to reach larger cities. It’s also true that some of these counties are colder and have fewer resources than other cities in the “Seward Icebox.”

Alaska retirees may overlook the weather and distance for several reasons, according to The Post:

“By almost every measure, Alaskans pay the lowest taxes in America. There are no state income, sales or estate taxes, and seniors get a healthy break from property taxes. … Alaskans may also be eligible to receive annual checks from the state’s permanent fund, a $77 billion investment behemoth created to preserve the state’s oil wealth for generations to come.

By 2025, every eligible resident received $1,000 from Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend program.

If you’re getting older and longing for adventure (or peace and quiet), these places might be great places to start.

1. Adherence

Population: 290,000

Alaska’s largest city has a wide range of amenities, including but not limited to the largest airport, two hospitals and two large senior living communities with assisted living, skilled care and memory care options.

The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts regularly hosts world-class touring shows as well as local theater, music and dance. Anchorage has a symphony, an opera and KLEF-FM, one of the few remaining classic radio stations in the US.

You can fish for king salmon in the shadow of the city’s office buildings – and senior citizens get free fishing (and hunting) licenses. Many lakes are great for boating and kayaking (or skiing in the winter), and the municipality has 120 miles of multi-use paved trails.

Not a foreign type? The University of Alaska offers free education to anyone 65 or older, and the Anchorage Senior Activity Center offers all kinds of activities that don’t require a coat and boots.

2. Palmer

Estimated population: 6,600

Back in 1935, during the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the creation of the Matanuska Valley Colony, offering farmers the opportunity to get 40 acres for free if they were willing to resettle in Alaska and live in tents for a while.

Farmers still tilled the region’s soil, but the descendants of the colonists redeveloped the town of Palmer, which grew into a retail hub without killing the friendly, small-town vibe.

There is a regional medical center near Palmer, and an increasing number of medical professionals and medical testing facilities are setting up shop in the region.

The state’s “Pioneer Home” program has a retirement center in Palmer, and several senior apartments are within walking distance of supermarkets and other shopping facilities (including an independent bookstore).

An agency called Mat-Su Senior Services provides daily care for seniors, home delivery of meals, help with chores, transportation to medical appointments and other services. Some of these services are based on a sliding scale and may be free.

3. He died

Estimated population: 10,300

Wasilla is a great example of a local joke, “The best thing about it is that it’s only 20 minutes from Alaska.” A huge increase in commercial and residential development has completely changed the face of this city which has been quiet for the past few decades.

However, Wasilla still has moose, bears and other wildlife within its (and growing) city limits.

As noted earlier, the region has seen significant growth in medical screening centers, and the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center between Wasilla and Palmer has been nationally recognized for stroke care and heart care. If you can’t get the treatment you need, Anchorage is only 40 miles away.

Fishing, boating, hiking, snowshoeing and a small ski area keep outdoor types busy. There is a good library system and a thriving community theater that puts on some fun shows in addition to family favorites.

4. Homer

Estimated population: 6,100

This is one of the most beautiful places in Alaska, with its beautiful mountains, deep blue Kachemak Bay and views of active volcanic peaks across Cook Inlet.

Lots of tourists in the summer, too, but Homer retains its small-town charm and stubborn independence no matter how many RVs show up.

Homer has a hospital and medical clinics, including specialty care such as oncology and neurology. An organization called Homer Senior Citizens Inc. maintains four senior apartments and an assisted living facility. It also offers services such as day care for the elderly, classes, support groups, food delivery and respite care.

The town is known for excellent restaurants and a small but vibrant art scene, as well as world-class fishing and other outdoor activities. There is a weekly newspaper and a real supermarket instead of just convenience stores.

Those who remember Motel 6 spokesman Tom Bodett may also remember the name of one of his books, “As Far As You Go Without Passport: The View From the End of the Road.” It was based on his life in Homer and should give the elders an idea of ​​what they will find there.

5. Cooper Landing

Estimated population: 340

If you enjoy boating, rafting, fishing or hiking, you’ll love Cooper Landing, which is about 105 miles south of Anchorage.

Tucked away in the Kenai Mountains and overlooking the lush Kenai River, “The Landing” gets very busy each summer as travelers come down to play in the water, hike the beautiful trails in the Chugach National Forest and watch the grizzly bears roam in search of salmon roe. All year round, things are pretty quiet.

A senior housing complex is available, and the Cooper Landing Senior Citizen Corporation provides bus transportation to Soldotna and Kenai for shopping and medical appointments. Soldotna also has a hospital; if your condition is critical, you may be sent to Anchorage.

Visitors and residents alike enjoy the beautiful Cooper Landing Library, located in a log cabin. The closest movie theater is in Kenai, 50 miles away, but if you make the trip you might catch the return of the moose that came in to swipe the popcorn in April 2023.