Some places can truly baffle travelers, and this town is no exception. Whittier, Alaska, is particularly peculiar, not because of its natural surroundings. While small towns aren’t uncommon, a town with only 300 residents is certainly unique.
It’s quite atypical for a significant number of residents to share a single dwelling. However, a resident woman suggests that living there is actually quite agreeable.
Once a US military base, the small Alaskan town of Whittier is known for its harbor, abandoned structures, and high-rise residential buildings.
Connected by a long tunnel, Whittier may not have many attractions, but the locals find their way of life quite ordinary. Jennessa, who goes by @messy.nessy on TikTok, shared her seven-year experience living in the town as of 2021, captivating audiences with its unique features. She explained, “This building houses a post office, a place of worship, a market, and an administrative office. Below, an underground tunnel connects us to the school across the street.”
The population is 318. Outside her residence, one can see snow-capped peaks, the sea next to the harbor, and several buildings that look like warehouses.
The town might not look like a typical urban settlement, but the facilities within the apartment complex are sufficient for the residents, fostering a close-knit community spirit.
In a follow-up video, she explained that residents enjoy group activities like hiking and kayaking during the drier summer months. It’s interesting to think about whether the whole town participates at once, which would indeed be quite a sight.
However, some viewers expressed doubt about this unique living situation.
One commenter remarked, “I don’t mean to be negative, but I imagine that must be quite gloomy.”
Another joked, “Guess there are no secret rendezvous for you.”
A third quipped, “If one kitchen fire breaks out, does the whole town go up in flames?”
For those wondering why everyone lives in a single building instead of developing the surrounding land, the reason is straightforward. Jennessa explained that the land is owned by the railroad company, which restricts any new construction. It’s unfortunate that the community’s growth is limited this way.