In 2013, Smithsonian Magazine named Sitka one of the Top 20 Small Towns to Visit in the United States. Sitka has no shortage of outdoor activities, museums, and culture.
Living In Sitka
Sitka, population 9,000, is located on the west coast of Baranof Island, facing the Pacific Ocean. The area is one of the most scenic and historic places in the state of Alaska. Residents live among a stunningly beautiful landscape, enjoy a rich area history, a close-knit community with year-round events, and a thriving arts scene.
What to See and Do
Sitka boasts 22 buildings and sites that appear in the National Register of Historic Places. Sites not to be missed include the Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bear, Sheldon Jackson Museum, Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center, and Sitka National Historic Park.
The town also has a vibrant arts community, hosting at least one major event monthly. Popular annual events include Sitka ArtiGras, the Sitka Summer Music Festival, and WhaleFest.
Where to Live
Rentals range from $900 to $1,100 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Median house or condominium value is $395,696.
How to Get Around
Daily jet service, air taxis, air charters, helicopter services and the state ferry are all available methods of transportation in and out of Sitka.
Air:
Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT) is a five-minute drive from downtown Sitka, and has one runway, which operational year-round. Alaska Airlines flies to Sitka year-round, and can be taken to Juneau, Ketchikan, and Seattle. Delta operates seasonally, with flights to Seattle. Regional seaplane companies like Alaska Seaplanes can shuttle passengers to other Southeast Alaska destinations.
Road:
Sitka is on Baranof Island, with only 14 miles of road from one end of the island to the other, and no roads to mainland Alaska.
Water:
The Alaska Marine Highway System offers daily, year-round ferry service to and from Sitka to many coastal communities in Southeast Alaska, including Juneau and Haines. Ferries can accommodate cars, so a popular option is to take a ferry from Sitka to Haines, where there is access to mainland Alaska and British Columbia, Canada.
Open Positions
Click here for available positions.
Map View of Sitka
