In a remote Alaskan town where most of the residents live in a single building, Jamie Loan and her husband Kyle settled in the tiny community of Whittier seven years ago. Purchasing a waterfront flat for a bargain price, they joined the 270 inhabitants of this unique town.
The focal point of Whittier is the 14-storey Begich Towers Condominium (BTI), accommodating 75% of the population. The tower, initially built in 1957 for the US military, includes living spaces, a convenience store, and serves as the hub for all resident mail. Connected to the tower is the local school, which offers various outdoor activities and equipment for students.
While the majority of residents live in the tower, Jamie resides in the Whittier Manor, a block of flats by the water. A few others have homes above the town diner, the sole open public establishment during the long winter months when the town becomes deserted.
During the winter, essential services like shopping and healthcare become scarce, requiring a one-hour drive to the neighboring town of Anchorage. The journey can be dangerous, with limited access due to tunnel closures, as highlighted by recent accidents on the road.
Despite the challenges, Jamie appreciates the tight-knit community spirit in Whittier, where residents come together for holidays and activities. The town, accessible by road unlike many Alaskan communities, offers unique opportunities for employment, particularly in the summer tourism sector.
Winter in Whittier brings extreme cold and heavy snowfall, creating a winter wonderland for outdoor activities like skiing and sledding. The lack of daylight due to the mountainous terrain adds to the town’s unique character, with the mesmerizing northern lights as a special winter treat.
In conclusion, Whittier may seem isolated, but its residents enjoy a close community, ample job prospects, and a distinct lifestyle shaped by the town’s seasonal contrasts and natural surroundings.