Whittier, Alaska 🏢❄️ – The Town Where Everyone Lives in One Building

Manthqq

08-06 18:01

Hie folks 👋

Imagine a town where the entire population lives under one roof.

From cops to kids, baker to barber — all in the same building.

Welcome to Whittier, Alaska, population ~200, one massive home:

Begich Towers.

Let’s unravel this frozen, fascinating reality 🧵


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1. So… what even is Whittier? ❄️📍

Tucked in the icy wilderness of southern Alaska, Whittier is a tiny port town that’s mostly cut off from the world.

Only ~200 people live here — and almost all of them live in one building.

Yes, one. single. building.


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2. The legendary building: Begich Towers 🏢💙

Originally a military barracks in the 1950s, it’s now been converted into Whittier’s everything:

  • Apartments
  • Grocery store
  • Post office
  • Police station
  • School access
  • Church
  • Even a bed & breakfast
  • It’s a full town… stacked vertically.
Figure 3, view larger image

3. Why does everyone live there? 🌨️🌀

Simple: Whittier is brutally cold & remote.

Windstorms hit 60 mph. Snowfall is insane.

Rather than spread out and struggle, people chose to condense and connect.

It’s easier to survive together, indoors, year-round — where heat, access, and safety are centralized.


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4. You can’t just walk in to Whittier 🚧🚇

The only way in or out?

Through a one-lane, 2.5-mile tunnel that cuts through a mountain.

And here’s the twist — cars and trains share the same tunnel.

It closes at night. If you miss it? You’re stuck in or out till morning.

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5. Does it feel claustrophobic or cozy? 🤔🏠

For the residents — it’s a vibe.

Everyone knows everyone. Kids can run around safely.

You can visit your friend, your doctor, or even the mayor… without stepping outside in the snowstorm.

Think of it as small-town energy in one giant hallway.


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6. But what if you don’t want to live there? 😬

You technically can live outside the building.

There are 1-2 cabins scattered around Whittier.

But most people don’t.

Because in this icy, isolated world — community > independence.

Begich Towers isn’t just a building. It’s survival.

Figure 7, view larger image

📲 This wasn’t your typical “hidden gem” travel thread.

If this blew your mind,

🔘 drop a 🏢 emoji in the replies

🔘 tag your introvert friend who would LOVE this lifestyle

🔘 and tell me… could you live like this?

#WhittierAlaska #TravelThread #OneBuildingTown #FrozenLife #BegichTowers #ThreadDrop

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