Retiring to Alaska is going to be an adventure. There’s no way around it. The change in daylight, the frigid temperatures and the island living even though it’s not an actual island. The reason Alaska is our worst state to retire to in the nation has everything to do with surviving the elements and almost nothing else. Alaska might be the most beautiful state in our nation and it has extremely favorable taxes (as in none) for retirees. It’s got a low cost of living but none of that matters if you can’t weather the… weather which puts it dead last on our best states to retire to.
Soldatna
Soldatna, Alaska is an ideal location for retirees looking for an affordable place to call home. This small city is tucked away on the banks of the Kenai River and provides a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful views and access to recreational activities all year round.
Soldatna has a comprehensive health care system with two hospitals, several specialty medical clinics, dentists, optometrists and more. It’s also home to a wide range of options in terms of things to do — from fishing in the Kenai River to skiing at nearby Seward or heading off into Denali National Park for some photo ops. There are also craft fairs, farmers markets and other cultural events going on throughout the year.
Sitka
Sitka is the largest city in Southeast Alaska and its mild climate offers adventurous outdoor activities such as kayaking and fishing. It is also a great choice for retirees because of its low cost of living. In fact, Sitka’s cost of living is 23% lower than the national average and about 11% lower than most other cities in Alaska. In addition, Sitka below-average housing expenses provide great value for retirees.
Its healthcare system is excellent, with several hospitals and medical centers near downtown Sitka. In addition, Sitka’s crime rate is quite low compared to other US cities. The city has a variety of activities available nearby such as whale watching, hiking trails, and some shopping. Of course, all of this is pretty commonplace in Alaska. There’s plenty to do if you love the outdoors and can weather the conditions.
Kenai
Another city on the Kenai, this town of 7,000 people on the Kenai Peninsula is an ideal destination for retirees who are seeking a quiet, scenic location with numerous benefits. Have you ever seen those movies where the protaganist is living in a snowy cabin just down the road from a small town? This is that town.
Kenai is home to numerous natural attractions such as Kachemak Bay State Park, Homer Spit and Mount Marathon Park, all of which provide plenty of things to do and places to explore. With its abundance of activities and attractions, Kenai has become a top Alaskan retirement destination.
Wasilla
The city has been dubbed the “Hub of the Matanuska Valley” because of its convenience to Anchorage and its pleasant, four-season climate.
Wasilla is surrounded by some of Alaska’s tallest mountains, including Denali and Mt. Iliamna, which makes it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who love skiing and snowboarding in the wintertime and fishing, camping, and hiking in the summer. The cost of living in Wasilla is very reasonable with an index score that averages about 19% lower than the national average. As far as healthcare goes there are several hospitals located in town that provide top-notch care for residents over the age of 65 or those who qualify for Medicare or Medicaid.
Juneau
For retirees who want to experience the beauty of Alaska, there’s no better place than Juneau. In fact, it’s so beautiful that it’s a major port for cruise ships. Nestled at the base of Mt. Juneau, this picturesque mountain town is home to more than 32,000 people and offers a great quality of life.
Juneau has an incredibly low cost of living, relative to the rest of the country and it’s a bit surprising due to the larger size of the city. Juneau is home to several renowned health care institutions like Bartlett Regional Hospital, along with numerous primary care clinics throughout the city.
One of the best things about Juneau is its many recreational activities and points of interest; with numerous hiking trails and scenic drives, you’ll never be bored in this mountain paradise! The Alaska State Museum is great for history buffs, while Eaglecrest Ski Area offers a snowy escape in winter months. Nature lovers won’t want to miss out on their chance to take a float plane tour or go fishing for salmon in nearby Douglas Island Park.
