In a tiny Alaskan town, a woman resides where three-quarters of the residents live in a single building. Jamie Loan, aged 36, and her husband Kyle, 37, moved to Whittier, a town of just 270 people, seven years ago. They purchased a waterfront flat for a mere £15,000.
The main living space for locals is a 14-story tower block in town, accommodating 150 flats and a small corner store. The rest, including Jamie, live in a smaller residential block and above the town’s café.
During the harsh winter months from October to May, Whittier becomes almost deserted. Jamie faces challenging trips to get groceries or visit the doctor in a nearby town an hour away. Winter temperatures in Whittier can drop to -20C, and sunlight is scarce from November to March.
Jamie, who runs walking and heritage tours in the summer and teaches in winter, shared, “We chose Whittier as a compromise between my coastal upbringing and Kyle’s familiarity with harsh winters and mountains. The affordable homes here allowed us to buy a waterfront condo for a bargain.”
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone in Whittier lives in one building. The majority, 75% of the town’s population, reside in the Begich Towers Condominium (BTI), a structure built in 1957 for the US military. The BTI also hosts a small convenience store and serves as the official postal address for all residents since the town lacks specific street addresses.
Despite the small size of the local school, it offers students various outdoor activities and equipment for use during breaks. The rest of the population, 25%, including Jamie, lives in the Whittier Manor flats near the water.
A small number of individuals, around six or seven, have residences above the town diner, the only public place open from October to May, serving meals starting at £7.50. In summer, the city thrives with shops and restaurants welcoming tourists arriving on cruise ships to enjoy wildlife and adventure sports.
During winter, residents have limited shopping options at the corner store in the BTI or a similar store at the Anchor diner. Necessary trips for groceries or medical appointments require an hour’s drive to Anchorage.
Navigating out of town can be challenging, as the tunnel is closed at night and only open at specific times during the day. Jamie emphasized the dangers of the journey due to recent accidents on the road, prompting her to stock up on supplies and limit shopping trips.
Despite the town’s isolation, it is accessible by road, unlike 82% of Alaskan communities that rely on air travel. Jamie mentioned, “Some Alaskans may not consider Whittier remote because of the road, but the vast wilderness surrounding it makes it a unique place for adventure.”
With ample summer job opportunities from tourism, residents can enjoy a work-play balance, taking breaks in winter. Jamie described this lifestyle as “truly enjoyable,” with activities like skiing and sledding during the snowy months when daylight is scarce.
Although winters in Whittier are dark and cold, Jamie finds solace in witnessing the mesmerizing northern lights. The close-knit community fosters a sense of togetherness, especially during the winter months, with shared holiday celebrations and communal gatherings.