When considering retirement locations, several factors come into play that can make or break your golden years.
Our comprehensive analysis evaluates five key criteria to determine the least favorable retirement destinations in Alaska.
See the full definition of criteria towns at the end of this article.
Home Stratosphere | Leaflet
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is Alaskas second-largest city, located in the interior region of the state.
The extreme winter temperatures, often dropping below -40F, require significant home heating infrastructure.
Togiak Manokotak
Togiak Manokotak are located in the Dillingham Census Area of southwestern Alaska.
With a retirement score of 44.51, these Yupik communities present significant challenges for seniors.
Tyonek
Tyonek is a small village on the northwest shore of Cook Inlet in Alaska.
With a retirement score of 44.27, this remote Denaina Athabascan community presents numerous challenges for seniors.
Nome
Nome is located on the Seward Peninsula along the Bering Sea in western Alaska.
With a retirement score of 44.19, this historic gold rush town presents significant challenges for seniors.
With a retirement score of 40.63, this former naval base faces significant isolation challenges.
Egegik
Egegik is a small fishing village located on the Alaska Peninsula.
With a retirement score of 40.31, this remote community presents significant challenges for seniors.
Metlakatla
Metlakatla is located on Annette Island in southeast Alaska, and is the states only federal Indian reservation.
With a retirement score of 39.61, this isolated community presents unique challenges for seniors.
North Pole
North Pole is a small city near Fairbanks in interior Alaska.
With a retirement score of 36.78, this Christmas-themed community presents several challenges for seniors.
Wasilla
Wasilla is located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, about 40 miles north of Anchorage.
Anchorage
Anchorage is Alaskas largest city, located in the south-central region of the state.
Despite being Alaskas urban center, it scores surprisingly low at 35.82 for retirement living.
The housing market offers more options than elsewhere in Alaska but comes with high property taxes and maintenance costs.
Fort Yukon Central
Fort Yukon Central are located in the Yukon Flats area of interior Alaska.
With a retirement score of 34.24, these remote communities present significant challenges for seniors.
With a retirement score of 32.37, this is not designed as a residential community, especially for retirees.
Bethel
Bethel is the largest community in western Alaska, serving as a regional hub for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
Unalaska
Unalaska is located in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska.
With a retirement score of 30.87, this remote fishing community presents unique challenges for seniors.
Kotzebue
Kotzebue is located on Alaskas northwestern coast, serving as the hub for the Northwest Arctic Borough.
With a retirement score of 29.25, this remote city has some amenities but still presents challenges for retirees.
Hooper Bay Chevak
Hooper Bay Chevak are coastal communities in the Kusilvak Census Area of western Alaska.
With a retirement score of 28.42, these Cupik villages present numerous challenges for seniors.
Kwethluk
Kwethluk is situated in the Bethel Census Area of southwestern Alaska.
With a retirement score of 28.33, this Yupik village faces significant challenges for retirees.
Aniak Lower Kalskag
Aniak Lower Kalskag are located along the Kuskokwim River in southwestern Alaska.
With a retirement score of 27.21, these remote villages present significant challenges for seniors.
Galena Huslia
Galena Huslia are remote villages in Alaskas interior region.
With a retirement score of 26.90, these communities offer few amenities for seniors.
McGrath Holy Cross
McGrath Holy Cross encompasses two small communities along the Kuskokwim and Yukon Rivers in interior Alaska.
With a retirement score of just 26.51, these villages face significant isolation challenges.
Point Hope Wainwright
Point Hope Wainwright includes two remote villages on Alaskas North Slope.
With a retirement score of 26.46, these isolated communities present significant challenges for seniors.
With a retirement score of 25.74, the extreme climate poses significant challenges for seniors.
Eielson Air Force Base
Eielson Air Force Base is located southeast of Fairbanks in Alaskas interior.
This military installation scores poorly for retirement with a 22.03 rating.
Unalakleet
Unalakleet sits on the Norton Sound in western Alaska.
With a retirement score of just 21.35, this coastal village presents numerous challenges for seniors.
Selawik Noorvik
Selawik Noorvik is located in the Northwest Arctic Borough of Alaska.
This remote area presents significant challenges for retirees, with the lowest Overall Retirement Score on our list.
