A small Alaskan island with plenty of room for adventure
Despite having more land area than any city in the United States, Sitka is about the furthest thing from a big city. “I think one of the major reasons people move here is to get away from the major cities. The population is always about 8,000 to 9,000, so it has a small-town feel,” says Danielle Cassedy, an associate broker with Sitka Realty who was raised in the area. “We’re on an island, so there’s no access except by boat or plane. We’re surrounded by national forest, so that helps keep the small-town feel.” Most of Sitka is rugged terrain, mountains and rainforest, with the city’s population centered on the west side of Baranof Island. With easy access to the nearby mountains and the Sitka Sound, outdoor recreation is abundant in this island community. The water is full of salmon, halibut and crab, providing plenty of jobs in the commercial fishing industry. The city is also working on expanding its maritime industry by building a new haul out facility and boatyard at Gary Paxton Industrial Park. Tourism is another significant part of the economy, with over half a million cruise ships visiting annually.
O’Connell Bridge stretches over Sitka Sound with glowing sunset clouds reflecting below.
A sweeping view of Sitka’s colorful homes and rugged coastline from high above the harbor.
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Exploring Sitka's mountains and waterways
Sitka offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors on land and at sea. “Fishing and boating is the biggest recreational activity,” says Cassedy. “People travel from all over the world to go on charters and go fishing. We’re surrounded by islands, so there are all kinds of fishing lodges around. And a lot of people own their own boats.” Hiking trails range from easy lakefront walks to strenuous mountain treks. Many of the trails can be used for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. While Sitka has traditional city parks with open fields and playgrounds, its state and national parks steal the show. Stika National Historical Park commemorates the site of a battle between Russian traders and the native Tlingit people. The park has walking trails, totem poles and the historic Russian Bishop’s House. About 7 miles north of downtown, Old Sitka State Historic Park has a boat launch and three trails that total about 3 miles.
A local walks a playful dog along Sitka’s rocky shoreline near lush coastal forests.
A towering totem pole rises proudly at Sitka National Historical Park under blue skies.
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Rising home costs in Southeast Alaska
Homes in Sitka include cabins, Craftsmans and ranch-style houses. There are also plenty of custom homes throughout the city. Many properties feature views of the water, mountains, or both. Most of the residential parts of the city are suburban, while homes south of downtown have a more rural feel, with dense trees surrounding them and offering privacy. Buyers can also find some properties for sale on the small islands near the city, providing an extra layer of seclusion. The median price is around $860,000, more than double the national median. That number has risen by about 27% over the past year, and homes are selling in 31 days, quicker than the national average of 45 days.
Craftsman-style and Colonial Revival homes sit peacefully on a wide lawn in Sitka, Alaska.
Craftsman and modern waterfront homes in Sitka offer private boat access and coastal views.
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Downtown Sitka shops, restaurants and events
Downtown is the hub of Sitka’s shopping and dining. Several locally owned restaurants line Lincoln Street, with stores offering clothing, outdoors equipment and gifts. Restaurants include upscale seafood spots, casual Mexican restaurants and bars. Grocery stores include SeaMart Quality Foods, north of downtown, and Alaska Commercial Company, close to the city center. Downtown also hosts several of Sitka’s annual events, like the Summer Music Festival. This month-long event is held each June and celebrates classical music with concerts around the city. PorchFest takes place on Lincoln Street each May and features live music and art workshops.
Historic Lincoln Street showcases St. Michael's Cathedral and classic false-front buildings.
People sit and enjoy themselves at Beak, one of Sitka's many inclusive restaurants.
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Preparing Sitka students for college and careers
The Sitka School District gets a B from Niche and serves approximately 1,100 students across two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school and an alternative high school. The district offers a STEAM makerspace that allows students to explore coding, electronics and robotics. It also offers several career and technical education courses that prepare students for careers after high school. The University of Alaska Southeast has a campus in Sitka with about 300 students.
The University of Alaska Southeast campus stands near the waterfront in Sitka, Alaska.
Sitka High School, home of the Wolves, sits at the base of lush forested hills.
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Flying or sailing into Southeast Alaska
Because of Sitka’s location on an island, the city is only accessible by boat or plane. Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport is just west of downtown and has daily jet service to Seattle, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Ketchikan through Alaska Airlines. Delta offers seasonal service at the airport during the summer. The airport is also used by small private planes and seaplanes. The Alaska Marine Highway System is a ferry traveling throughout Southeast Alaska, connecting Sitka to nearby cities. The city has a bus system with three routes, covering the ferry terminal in the north to Sawmill Cove in the south. While downtown is walkable, residents living further from the city center will likely drive along Halibut Point Road to reach their destination. Multiple projects are underway to improve transportation in the city, including expanding and renovating the airport terminal and adding onto the north end of Halibut Point Road.
Plenty of rain and seismic activity in Sikta
Sitka has a mild, temperate climate with no dry season. Because of its location in the Tongass National Forest, the city receives approximately 100 inches of annual rainfall. Temperatures can vary between 26 and 62 degrees, but Cassedy says it never gets too cold or hot. The city is located near the Fairweather-Queen Charlotte Fault, which can cause earthquakes and tsunamis in the region. Sitka’s city website has several resources on earthquake preparedness. Sitka sits approximately 15 miles from Mt. Edgecumbe, a volcano that has been dormant for about 4,000 years. However, in 1974 an April Fools’ stunt caused some panic. Local prankster Porky Bickar airlifted about 70 tires into the mountain’s crater, doused them in oil and gas and lit them on fire, causing black smoke to rise into the sky. Bickar had notified the FAA and the Sikta Police of his plan but failed to alert the Coast Guard. The local Commander sent a helicopter to investigate, and they discovered the tires, as well as 50-foot letters spray-painted into the snow reading “APRIL FOOL.”
Fishing boats at Sitka Harbor with majestic Mount Edgecumbe glowing in the morning light.
Clouds drift across snow-dusted peaks near Sitka, highlighting Alaska’s wild beauty.
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Sitka crime trends
According to FBI data, Sitka has seen a significant increase in crime recently, with violent crime rising by 27% and property crime rising by 94%. Despite those high increases, both rates are lower than the national average. The number of property crimes is still among the city's lowest in the past decade.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Photography Contributed By
Eli Tye
Video By
Jacob McAllister
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Sitka, AK sell after 77 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Sitka, AK over the last 12 months is $460,000, down 37% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Opportunity knocks in central Sitka! This single-level home offers solid potential for investors, contractors, or handy buyers ready to bring new life to a well-located property. The 2BR/2BA layout features an open living and dining area highlighted by a beautiful wood ceiling adding warmth and character to the space. The interior layout is functional and ready for updates to suit your vision.
Welcome to your dream home! This stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence offers an exceptional blend of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty. Designed with an open layout, the heart of the home features a spacious kitchen that seamlessly flows into the inviting living room—perfect for entertaining or enjoying cozy evenings with loved ones. The kitchen boasts ample counter space and modern
Oceanfront lot for Sale in Sitka Alaska. 0.30 acre vacant lot with utilities. Nestled on the coast of Southeast Alaska, this property offers views consisting of Mt. Edgecumbe volcano, frequent whale sightings and the myriad of boats and fishing vessels traveling Sitka Sound. This lot is turn key to build with existing utilities on site. This is your opportunity to purchase one of the remaining
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL with a HARBOR VIEW! Consider this investment opportunity featuring six residential rental units—two with stunning waterfront harbor views—plus two active commercial rentals! This centrally located property also includes a large garage with a shared tenant laundry area and a spacious workshop, offering flexibility for additional income or personal use. Whether you're
ISLAND ESCAPE, CABIN AND DOCK on 5+ ACRES -- Situated on the northern end of Middle Island, this three-lot property features a charming cabin with breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains. It is approximately a six-mile boat ride from Sitka harbors, offering the ideal combination of convenience and peaceful tranquility. The well-equipped kitchen is perfect for preparing your freshly caught
Welcome to your dream home by the coast! This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom retreat is nestled in a picturesque location with breathtaking ocean views and the majestic Mt Edgecumbe beckoning from afar. Step inside to discover an abode designed for comfort, convenience, and coastal living at its finest. Need a dedicated workspace? Look no further - this home delights with an office space,ensuring
This is a remote parcel but still close to Sitka. It’s located on the south side of Long Island, about halfway down the length of the island. This is a vacant lot that can be improved by placing a cabin on the property. Like many remote Alaskan properties, owners need to be self-sufficient and provide their own water, sewer system, electricity, trails on the land, and in this case, anchorage. Or
A wonderful wooded home custom built to fit the lot. This income-producing home boasts heated tile floors, solid oak wood walls throughout and an open floor plan concept. A very private home with views of Mt. Edgecmube and Sitka Sound from all 3 floors. Oversized windows allow the sun in and private entry to the apartment below make this home a great investment. Lots of off road parking!
Own your own private island! Just a short boat ride from Crescent Harbor with approximately .36 acres, located southwest of Sitka's famous lighthouse. The island features amazing views of the open Pacific Ocean, Pyramid Mountains, Kruzoff Island and more! A perfect spot to enjoy both sunrises and sunsets. In addition, the sheltered waters by Galankin Island could be a great spot for a seasonal
Centrally Located Single-Story Near Town! This 1960s ranch-style home offers comfortable living a half mile from downtown, providing convenient access to schools, recreation, and shopping. The property boasts a generous front yard and a backyard ideal for gardening, complete with trees and an open deck suitable for sunbathing. The home features a covered front entry and a spacious living room
Escape to the tranquility of Nakwasina Sound Subdivision on Baranof Island, just a quick boat ride from Sitka. This breathtaking parcel offers the perfect retreat for off-grid enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to enjoy the serenity of Alaska's natural beauty while staying conveniently close to town.Property Highlights: Located 1-2 miles northwest of the Sitka Ferry Terminal. Ac
Completely Remodeled Duplex -Stunning Views Private Drive Modern Living--Situated atop a coveted bluff, this exceptional 2-story duplex offers stunning city and ocean views. Completely reimagined from the ground up in 2023, this property presents a rare opportunity to own a like-new investment or owner occupied residence in one of Sitka's most desirable locations. The elevated setting provides
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