Inside Whittier: The Alaskan City Where Nearly Everyone Lives Under One Roof

If you’re not a fan of close-knit communities—or noisy neighbors—Whittier, Alaska, might not be your dream destination. This tiny Alaskan town has a population of just 263 people (as of 2023), and almost all of them live in a single building: the Begich Towers Condominium.

Everyone in Whittier lives in one building. Credit: Hasan Akbas/Anadolu/Getty

What Makes Whittier Unique?

Nestled 60 miles southeast of Anchorage along the Passage Canal, Whittier offers breathtaking scenery but also extreme isolation. Known as “the town under one roof,” Whittier’s residents have embraced their tight-knit lifestyle in a way that’s unlike anywhere else in the world.

Begich Towers, a 14-story building originally constructed for military families, isn’t just an apartment complex; it’s an entire community. Inside, you’ll find:

• A post office
• A corner store
• A laundromat
• A church
• An indoor playground
• A tunnel connecting directly to the school

In a viral YouTube video, travel influencer Nikki Delventhal expressed her amazement:

“This is Whittier, a city where the population lives under one roof. Not only that, they don’t even have to leave.”

The Only Way In and Out

If Whittier’s living arrangement wasn’t unique enough, its isolation adds another layer to its intrigue. The only road access is through a 2.5-mile, one-way tunnel, which closes at night.

Delventhal noted in her video:

“Now Whittier is locked between water and steep mountains. You could literally get stuck here.”

This remoteness contributes to Whittier’s charm—and its challenges. For those who value independence and wide-open spaces, living in a shared building with nearly the entire town might feel confining. But for the residents, the convenience of Begich Towers outweighs the drawbacks.

A City Built for Secrecy

Whittier wasn’t always a quirky tourist attraction. Its origins trace back to World War II when the U.S. Army chose the location for its strategic advantages. Shrouded by steep mountains and near-constant cloud cover, the area was nearly impossible for enemy forces to detect.

According to the town’s official website:

“Whittier was established by the U.S. Army during World War II as the location was nestled amidst mountains and blanketed by thick cloud cover making discovery of the port city difficult.”

The military developed infrastructure such as the Federal Railroad and a port that remains ice-free year-round. After the Army’s departure in 1960, Whittier’s population dwindled, and it became an incorporated city in 1969.

Would you live in Whittier? Credit: annhfhung/Getty

From Military Hub to Tourist Gateway

The Begich Towers weren’t the first “all-in-one” structure in Whittier. Before them, the Buckner Building housed over 1,250 Army personnel in the 1950s and was nicknamed “the city under one roof.” It boasted amenities such as:

• A theater
• A bowling alley
• A barber shop
• A hospital

Today, the Buckner Building stands abandoned, a relic of Whittier’s military past.

Despite its small size, Whittier is a popular gateway to Prince William Sound, attracting over 700,000 visitors annually during the summer months. Known for its stunning wilderness and rich history, the town is a favorite for adventurers and history buffs alike.

A Summer Wonderland

During the summer, Whittier enjoys up to 22 hours of daylight each day, making it an ideal time to explore the surrounding natural beauty. Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, or simply taking in the picturesque views, there’s no shortage of activities.

As the town’s website highlights:

“Situated at the head of Passage Canal, Whittier is by far the most visited gateway to the mesmerizing wilderness of Prince William Sound.”

Would You Live in Whittier?

Life in Whittier isn’t for everyone. Its isolation and close-quarters living can feel limiting. But for those who call it home, the sense of community and convenience of having everything under one roof make it worth it.

With its fascinating history, stunning location, and unique lifestyle, Whittier is a one-of-a-kind destination that continues to captivate visitors.

So, would you visit—or even live—in Whittier?

Featured image credit: Hasan Akbas/Anadolu/Getty