An Alaskan city surrounded by water and mountain adventures
Ketchikan is a small city on the Inside Passage in southeastern Alaska. Located on a mountainous island and only accessible by boat, this community is isolated from the rest of the world. But homebuyers shouldn't let its size and location trick them into thinking this is a boring place. "What do I not like? It's a very vibrant arts community. It's a very close-knit community. There are tons of outdoor activities. I would say the town lives large," says Michelle O'Brien, the executive director of the Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce. "Never in your wildest dreams would you think that a town of 13,000 year-round residents would have so many different things available to do and be involved in."
Ketchikan's location on the water contributes to the economy and its reputation as the "Salmon Capital of the World." Fishing and shipbuilding are significant industries, and the Coast Guard also has a facility in the city. The local hospital and school system are also major employers, while the tourism industry is a big part of life thanks to the cruise ships that constantly dock just outside downtown. Despite its isolated location, Ketchikan has a highly developed fiber optic internet system, keeping the city connected to the rest of the world.
Exploring the great outdoors in the Last Frontier
Ketchikan is full of outdoor activity, from small city parks with playgrounds and sports fields to challenging hikes through the mountains. Ketchikan Gateway Borough maintains 10 public parks and several beaches throughout the city and nearby communities. Popular hikes include the short Rainbird Trail, which offers a trek through the lush ferns and berry bushes. The Deer Mountain Trail is one of the city's more difficult but rewarding hikes, providing views of the area and leading through alpine meadows. Married Man's Trail is a short hike through downtown that follows Ketchikan Creek, allowing visitors to view the thousands of salmon that swim upstream each summer to spawn. Fishing is also a favorite activity in the area, with abundant populations of salmon and halibut in the waters surrounding Ketchikan.
Taking in Ketchikan's vibrant arts scene
The city has plenty of arts and culture to explore, including Native and contemporary art. Ketchikan has the world's largest collection of totem poles, with 80 examples throughout the city at sites like Totem Bight State Historical Park and the Totem Heritage Center. The modern arts scene includes local ballet, orchestra and community chorus performances. The Arts and Humanities Council hosts several events throughout the year, including festivals, exhibits at local galleries and art shows.
A slow and steady housing market in southeastern Alaska
Homes in Ketchikan range from early 1900s bungalows and Craftsman houses to midcentury contemporary and ranch-style homes. Cabins and mountain houses are also common. Downtown is an urban setting, while the areas further north are more suburban and rural. The median price is around $420,000, slightly higher than cities like Juneau and Anchorage. The average price per square foot is around $260, which is cheaper than Juneau and slightly more expensive than Anchorage. Prices are down 1% over the past year, and homes are sitting on the market for an average of 63 days, longer than the national average of 45 days.
Seafood steals the show at downtown restaurants
Downtown Ketchikan has several seafood restaurants known for their crab and salmon. O'Brien says there's a lot more to offer than seafood, though. "There are a ton of really cool local eateries, and you can find just about anything under the sun," she says, adding that the only type of food not available in town is Indian. While downtown has most of the eateries, there are other restaurants throughout the city along Tongass Highway. Downtown also has plenty of local stores, although many are geared towards tourists, offering gifts and souvenirs. Grocery chains include Safeway and Walmart. while Alaskan & Proud is a locally owned full-service supermarket.
Ketchikan education from elementary through college
Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District gets a B-plus from Niche and serves approximately 2,000 students. The district has five elementary schools, one middle school, one high school and one combination junior/senior high school. Students can take various advanced courses, including marine biology and AP Oceanography. The district also offers dual enrollment through partnerships with the University of Alaska Southeast and Alaska Pacific University. The University of Alaska Southeast is a small regional university with a campus in Ketchikan. It has programs in liberal arts and technical fields.
Planes, ferries and automobiles to get around Ketchikan
Because of Ketchikan's location on an island, the city is only accessible by boat. The Alaska Marine Highway System operates several ferries that travel around the Inside Passage and connect to cities like Juneau or Bellingham, Washington. Ketchikan International Airport is just across the Tongass Narrows from the city, on Gravina Island, and travelers take a seven-minute ferry ride across the water to get to the city after a flight. Seattle, for example is a 90 minute flight from the airport. Downtown Ketchikan is walkable, but getting around the rest of the city requires either a car or public transit. The city's bus system has two routes that travel to multiple stops along Tongass Highway.
What to expect for Ketchikan's climate and crime
Ketchikan's maritime climate means that the city doesn't get as cold as other Alaska communities. Currents from the Pacific Ocean bring mild winters and cool summers. The city is in the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world. Because of this, Ketchikan gets approximately 153 inches of rain per year. The high amount of rainfall can lead to saturated ground, which is one cause of landslides in the area. Officials are working on ways to assess landslide risk and help people prepare for these events.
Ketchikan saw a 2.4% decrease in violent crime in 2023, from 123 offenses to 120. Property crimes increased by 81%, from 133 to 241. Despite the low numbers of crime, because of Ketchikan's low population, the rate is higher than the national average.
