Ketchikan combines the best that Alaska has to offer. Located on Revillagigedo Island in Southeast Alaska, within the Tongass National Forest, we are lucky to have the best of both worlds – the mountains and the sea. We enjoy a lush green landscape 365 days a year thanks to an average of 162 inches of precipitation, which includes about 32 inches of snow. Winters can be chilly, as they are in most Northern States, but our year round climate is rather temperate and temperatures can reach into the 90’s during the summer.
Whether you’re a professional considering a position in one of the many area businesses, an entrepreneur searching for a progressive and growing community, or a family looking for a safe, friendly place to raise your children, moving to Ketchikan is for you. Crime is low, the air is clean, business is booming, health care is advanced, education is a priority, and the real estate market is steady.
Ketchikan is a great place to live, work, and play.
Just visiting? Be sure to stop by the Ketchikan Visitors’ Bureau for your free visitor’s guide. Looking for online local news, columns and classified ads? The Ketchikan Daily News, The Local Paper, and KetchikanOnline.com are great sites to visit.
Economy
Digital Photo courtesy of Mike Gates
Throughout Ketchikan’s history, various industries have shared the limelight providing diversity to the first port-of-call along Alaska’s much traveled Inside Passage. When one industry waned, another one was in the wings and able to take its place. Part of that pattern was the result of pioneer vision, part was simply fortuitous, and the rest was plain hard work and lobbying. Originally, Ketchikan’s economy was based on fish processing, followed by mining during the Gold Rush years, then again by the seafood industry after the collapse of the world metals market. When the fishing industry began to decline, the forest products industry moved in to lead the economic parade for half a century. While the city’s economy is largely resource based, another stabilizing factor has been its role as a transportation hub as well as a service, supply and government center for Southern Southeast Alaska.
In spite of the permanent closure in March of 1997 of the Ketchikan Pulp Mill, the city’s leading industry for almost 50 years, Ketchikan remains optimistic about the future. Every down has an up, and the midline is stability. The region’s fishing industry has diversified into other seafood species, a healthy sign for the future. Sawmills still operate in spite of the closure of the pulp mill. Tourism has boomed, with nearly one million cruise 
ship tourists visiting Ketchikan from May through September – not to mention the ship’s crew members.
Ketchikan’s civic leaders from every segment of government and the business community are working together to develop new economic opportunities and for further diversification of the economy. Strong possibilities for the near future include a veneer plant, a fish was
te processor
Education
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District prides itself on providing comprehensive and accelerated schools to ensure that our youngsters are ready for the next millennium. There are a variety of elementary schools to choose from as well as several choices for secondary education. But Ketchikan doesn’t stop there. The University of Alaska Southeast campus overlooks the city and offers many degree programs for those seeking to advance their education.
Healthcare
Ketchikan prides itself on being at the forefront of modern healthcare. With many private medical facilities, dentists, opticians, public health clinics, elder care facilities, and a modern, comprehensive Ketchikan General Hospital, the citizens of Southeast, Alaska are well taken care of. Ketchikan can also boast an emergency medical services team that has a response time in the top 2% of the nation. With a network of services that extend to the lower 48 and other facilities in Alaska, you can rest assured that your health is of prime concern to this community. Our EMS team has a response time in the top 2% of the nation.
Activities
People who love the outdoors will never lack for things to do in Ketchikan. In summer you may enjoy sailing, camping or hiking on the many trails maintained by the State. In the winter there is ice skating, cross country skiing and snow mobiling And of course, fishing is popular all year round! For those who enjoy more indoor activities there are many exciting events held annually – the Salmon Derby, the Blueberry Arts Festival, and the Winter Arts Festival
just to name a few. Ketchikan has one of the most thriving artistic communities in the United States. There is also community theater which offers many live productions throughout the year, dozens of art galleries and several musical events featuring well known artists. For more information on arts related activities, visit the Ketchikan Arts Council.Visit the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Parks and Recreation Department for more information on activities in our area.
Housing
Ketchikan is a diverse community and that is reflected in the many housing options you will find here. While modern and customized homes are being built every month you can still find lodgings that reflect Ketchikan’s historic past. Houses and buildings built as early as the 1920’s have been kept in excellent repair and can offer a home brimming with character and charm. Whatever your choice, there is a house, apartment, or condo available in every style and price range to suit your needs. The friendly Realtors from Alliance Realty, Coastal Realty, Gateway City Realty, and Remax would be more than happy to assist you today.
Our friendly Realtors will be happy to assist you today.
Ketchkan’s diverse community has it all.
Relocation
Moving can be a very stressful experience, especially if you are moving to such a mysterious and rugged state as Alaska. The mystique of the 49th state is well known and brings to mind dog sleds, igloos and polar bears wandering through frozen villages. Although you can find those things in Alaska you won’t find them in Ketchikan. Let us make your move a positive experience by helping you find everything you need to make Ketchikan your home. We would be happy to send you a relocation Packet today.
