In a tiny Alaskan town, a woman named Jamie Loan, 36, resides with her husband Kyle, 37, in a waterfront flat they purchased for just £15,000. Whittier, with only 270 inhabitants, sees 75% of its residents living in a 14-story tower block, while the rest, including Jamie, reside in a smaller residential block near the town’s café.

During the harsh winter months when temperatures drop to -20C and the sun barely rises between November and March, Whittier becomes desolate, compelling Jamie to embark on risky journeys for groceries or medical needs in a neighboring town an hour away. Originally from Florida, Jamie moved to Alaska at a young age and chose Whittier as a compromise between coastal living and snowy mountains, attracted by affordable waterfront properties.

Contrary to common belief, not everyone in Whittier lives in the same building. The majority, 75% of the population, inhabit the Begich Towers Condominium (BTI), a structure built in 1957 for the US military. This tower also hosts a convenience store and serves as the town’s designated address since there are no specific street names. A tunnel links the tower to the local school, accommodating 60 students aged five to 18, offering various outdoor activities like kayaking and camping.

Apart from the tower, 25% of residents, including Jamie, live in the Whittier Manor flats by the water, while a few others reside above the town diner, the sole open public space from October to May, offering meals for as low as £7.50. In the summer, Whittier bustles with tourists exploring wildlife and engaging in adventure sports, but during winter, shopping options are limited to the corner shop or the Anchor diner, necessitating a one-hour drive to Anchorage for essentials.

Navigating in and out of Whittier can be challenging, especially with the tunnel closing at night and limited daytime openings, making simple tasks like doctor visits a logistical challenge. Despite the hardships, Jamie emphasizes the tight-knit community bonds in Whittier, where residents come together for holidays and communal gatherings, fostering a unique sense of closeness and support.

While Whittier may seem secluded to outsiders, it is connected by a road, unlike many Alaskan communities accessible only by air. The town offers ample job opportunities during the vibrant summer tourism season, allowing locals to work, save, and enjoy leisure time during the winter months. Despite extreme weather conditions with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, residents like Jamie find joy in winter activities like skating and skiing, appreciating the beauty of the northern lights in the dark winter months.