Anchorage, Alaska

Alaska’s tourism board nailed it when describing Anchorage as “urban and wild.” With more than 288,000 residents, Alaska’s biggest city marries the convenience of urban life with the splendor of some of America’s finest natural beauty. It’s not out of the ordinary to spot a moose on a drive into the city’s compact, walkable downtown or to see a beluga whale feeding off the coast during the summer.

In Anchorage, you can go on adventures without parallel elsewhere in the U.S.—such as hiking one of its 60 glaciers or kayaking through them, dog-sledding, or taking in a mesmerizing view of the northern lights half the year. You can even go gold panning at Crow Creek Historic Gold Mine. Six mountain ranges and 300 miles of wilderness trails provide endless opportunities for exploration. And one of the best ways to start is by visiting Anchorage’s five national parks. Chugach State Park is one of the biggest in the country, featuring everything from rafting to alpine berry picking.

There are plenty of hours in the day to do it all: Anchorage gets more daylight than anywhere else in the U.S., between March and September, which may make up for the cold winters for some residents.

Anchorage values its arts and entertainment scene. The Anchorage Museum showcases the history of Alaska, while the Alaska Native Heritage Center celebrates the cultures of its Indigenous people. You can also find interactive art exhibits, drive-in comedy shows, and a small brewery scene in the city.

No wonder Anchorage scores higher than average on the Sharecare Community Well-Being Index, and has found a place on the list for the second year in a row. There’s also a diverse job market in the area, especially in the transportation, oil, and health care sectors. Ted Stevens International Airport, Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., ConocoPhillips, and Providence Alaska Medical Center are just a few of the city’s major employers.