In a remote Alaskan city with a population of just 270, a woman named Jamie Loan and her husband Kyle made their home seven years ago. Situated in Whittier, where 75% of the residents live in a 14-story building, Jamie and her husband purchased a waterfront flat for a bargain price of £15,000.
During the harsh winter months when temperatures drop as low as –20C and the sun hardly makes an appearance from November to March, Whittier becomes a deserted town. While Jamie operates walking and heritage tours in the summer and works as a substitute teacher in the winter, she shared that the decision to move to Whittier was a compromise between her coastal upbringing and her husband’s familiarity with severe winters and mountains.
Despite the common belief that everyone in Whittier resides in the same building, the majority of the population, including Jamie, live in the Begich Towers Condominium (BTI), a structure originally built in 1957 to house the US military. This tower, which also accommodates a convenience store and serves as the postal address for all residents, is connected to the local school via a tunnel to facilitate easy access during winter.
Apart from the tower residents, Jamie and about 25% of the population live in the Whittier Manor, a block of flats near the water. Additionally, a few individuals have their homes above the town diner, the sole public establishment open from October to May, offering meals for as low as £7.50.
While the city thrives in the summer with an influx of tourists engaging in various activities, including wildlife watching and adventure sports, the winter poses challenges for locals. Limited shopping options during winter necessitate a one-hour drive to Anchorage for groceries or medical visits, with the tunnel access restricted at night, adding to the difficulty of traveling out of town.
Despite the tough conditions, Jamie highlighted the strong sense of community in Whittier, emphasizing the close bonds formed among residents. The town, though small and isolated, offers ample employment opportunities during the bustling summer tourism season, allowing locals to enjoy a “really fun lifestyle” before taking winter breaks.
With freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall covering the town, winter activities like skiing and sledding become common. While daylight remains scarce until March due to the mountain shadows, residents like Jamie find solace in witnessing the enchanting northern lights, making the winter months bearable in this unique Alaskan town.