Alaska – The Safest City
Considered an adventurous state with lots of room, breathtaking scenery, and a frontier attitude, Alaska is Regarding the adventure, though, one should be ready for the risks as well. Generally speaking, Alaska's crime rate is greater than the national average and most of its cities. One city, Sitka, does, however, rank among especially safe for life or tourism.
Sitka certainly exudes fairy-tale appeal and is snuggled into the Alaska Panhandle on the west coast of Baranof Island. With a population of just under 9,000, this little city boasts a crime rate significantly lower than the rest of the state and features all the natural beauty and leisure activities Alaska has to offer.
Low Crime Rates
There are no threats to be wary of in Sitka and FBI statistics show that Sitka is one of the safest cities in the United States. The violent crime rate in this city is even lower and stands at 157.4 per 100 thousand individuals, which is lower than half of the national rate. The same goes for property crime rates.
In 2018, it had only 4 violent crimes, while much larger cities witnessed similar rates within days. That is why Sitka has a low crime index and it offers all inhabitants and guests of the city a rather relaxed and slow pace of life which is becoming more and more precious in the modern world.
Beautiful & Adventurous Surroundings
Sitka is positioned in the very southeast part of Alaska and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, islands covered in wilderness, snow-capped mountains, wetlands home to thousands of birds, temperate rainforests, and hundreds of miles of untouched coastline that have yet to be discovered. The natural sites and bushmen are exciting; they portray the spirit of Alaska.
A ten-minute drive to the Tongass National Forest gives a view of the brown bears grazing beside the water channel, bald eagles perched on a giant spruce tree, and a stunning display of starfish and sea anemones at the shallow shores. Marine life including whales, orcas, sea otters, puffins, and much more are common in offshore areas. Whether it be hiking, fishing, kayaking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, OHV riding, or ATV riding, Sitka has endless activities outside your back door.
Thus, even though Sitka is very close to such wilderness, it offers all the comforts that you might require and most of the hazards, which are characteristic of many cities located near such territories. That is the kind of balanced mix of the civilized and the wild that is so appealing.
Native History & Culture
The Tlingit people have inhabited the area now known as Sitka for more than 500 years. Though founded in 1804 by Russian fur traders, Sitka has roots in the Native people: “The local Tlingit Tribe called the area Sheet’ká—literally, ‘people on the outside of Baranof Island.’” Because it was situated on the Pacific Ocean, it was influential in attracting people to come together for business purposes and other social and cultural events in the late fall.
Today, Sitka continues to be the cultural hub of the Tlingit, as well as many other Alaska Native tribes. This represents people with origins from Alaska which is over 20% of the total population of Sitka. Talismans of the enchanting Alaskan Natives’ characteristic landscape, language and customs, and artistic history permeate Sitka.
Guests can watch live Native dance performances, witness totem poles throughout the town, purchase great arts and crafts such as Chilkat blanket or Ravenstail weaving, taste First Nations foods like salmon and herring eggs, and listen to Natives’ stories handed down from generations. Sitka, like many other Alaskan cities, is proud of its Native past; however, few cities can boast such a vivid representation of Native heritage.
Thriving Downtown & Economy
Alaska can withstand hardship if some of the industry such as fishing, logging, and those industries upon which many towns depends. However, Sitka has transitioned from its fishing and logging exports, which helped make the economy more stable.
Sitka is strategically located between Juneau and other Alaskan locations and has a vibrant tourism industry; moreover, it is home to numerous state and federal offices. Some of the big employers are South East Alaska Regional Health Consortium and Sitka School District where workers get good jobs.
This can be seen when one takes a short walk within the downtown area where the economic base is well illustrated. Specialty shops, art dealers, eateries, pubs, and other establishments located in small shops make the area interesting. Maximalism and vivid non-conventional colors embrace the concept of self-sustainability, which is characteristic of Sitka.
Festivals & Events Year-Round
However, whether the town is small or located in a relatively isolated area, there is always something exciting going on in Sitka. Fresh meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products are available daily while fresh produce, handicrafts, and artworks are sold every weekend in the downtown markets. Summer has constant action in adventure races, Musical festivals Native American dances, and events such as the Sitka Tribal Dance Festival in March.
In the winter, which can be considered less busy even for a meteorological season, there is still a lot of movement. February has got a lot to do with the Russian link of the town and the best Russian dancers in the whole world performing in the town. The Whole Soup event has people of the community involved in a Food Fight where each participant tries to prepare the most unique seafood soup using Alaskan seafood. And on New Year’s Eve, there’s a mad dash to cross the Baranof Island before plunging into the frigid waters of the sea. Thank you for sharing, Sitkans are not deprived of entertainment during winter as they have many ways to entertain themselves.
The Takeaway
For those travelers and residents who are looking to experience the Alaska frontier yet live in a clean, safe town without high crime rates, Sitka is perfect. Those who enjoy getting closer to nature and culture will have a special appreciation for all that this special city has to offer. And the guests may sleep soundly at night as Sitka remains a peaceful town for all its Alaskan wilderness.
Quite frankly, no city, no matter how safe it is, is immune to crime. Yet, the outcome of this comparison is that Sitka comes very close to it. The statistics that they report are true, and the people who live here, or any visitor who comes here for a short time can tell you, that this is one of the safest cities in not only Alaska but in the whole of United States.
So if you feel the need to experience more of the Alaskan thrill and excitement in the Last Frontier but fear for your safety, let Sitka assuage that fear. This small Panhandle town is the epitome of why people become enamored with Alaska but now with even more serenity and protection shrouding it like a comforter. I dare say that Sitka is truly close to being a ‘ruler’ of all the lovely places that I have seen!
