The Alaska Town Where Nearly Everyone Lives in One Building

When you picture a town, you probably imagine streets lined with houses, apartment buildings, schools, shops, and neighborhoods spread across a wide area. But in the tiny town of Whittier, Alaska, life looks very different. Nearly all of the town's residents live under one roof in a single building known as Begich Towers, making it one of the most unusual communities in the world.

Nestled between towering mountains on Alaska's southern coast, Whittier is known for its harsh climate. Winters bring freezing temperatures, powerful winds, and heavy snowfall, making even short trips outdoors difficult. Over time, residents adapted by creating a way of life designed to minimize exposure to the elements.

One Building, Nearly an Entire Town

Today, most of Whittier's population lives in the 14 story Begich Towers building.

Far more than an apartment complex, the building functions as the heart of the community. In addition to residential apartments, it houses a post office, a convenience store, offices, and several other essential services. Covered passageways allow residents to move between certain parts of the community without having to brave the freezing weather outside.

Even the School Is Connected

One of Whittier's most unique features is its school.

The local school is connected to Begich Towers by an enclosed pedestrian tunnel, allowing children to get to class safely without spending much time outside during severe winter weather.

A Small Town With One Famous Address

Today, Whittier is home to only a few hundred residents, and the vast majority share the same address.

Its unusual layout has turned the town into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who are curious to see what everyday life is like in a place where almost everyone lives in the same building.

Built for Life in Alaska

Whittier's unique design was born out of necessity rather than novelty.

Concentrating homes and essential services in one location makes daily life more practical, simplifies maintenance, and helps residents cope with the region's extreme weather. While it may seem unusual to outsiders, for the people who call Whittier home, it's simply a practical way of life shaped by one of the harshest climates in North America.