realestate

Alaskan town where residents live under one roof

Alaskan town's unique housing situation: entire population lives in a single building.

W
hittier, a small Alaskan town on the coast of Passage Canal, has captured the internet's attention with its unique housing situation. With a population of just 263 people as of 2023, almost every resident lives in the Begich Towers Condominium, a high-rise building that serves as the town's central hub.

    The building is home to a post office, corner store, laundromat, church, tunnel to school, and indoor playground. In the past, it even housed a police station. Residents have access to these amenities without ever having to leave the building, making Whittier feel like a self-sustaining community.

    The town's remote location makes it difficult to get in and out, with a 2.5-mile one-way tunnel that closes at night. Residents must be home by 10:30 p.m. or risk being stuck outside until morning. The building was originally constructed as housing for U.S. Army families during World War II.

    Whittier's unique setup has drawn attention from social media users, including Nikki Delventhal, who dubbed the town "the strangest city" she's ever seen. In a TikTok video, Delventhal explains that the building was once home to a military base and still contains many of its original features.

    Despite its small population, Whittier attracts visitors each year due to its stunning views and remote location. The town is situated near Anchorage, where residents often go for entertainment. In the summer, the sun shines in Whittier for 22 hours a day, making it an attractive destination for tourists.

Residents of Bettles, Alaska, gather in communal living quarters under shared roof.