Whittier, Alaska, is a small town where almost all of its residents live in one 14-storey building that has a post office, grocery store, church and laundromat.
In the small town of Whittier, Alaska, hundreds of residents share a single 14-storey building that houses everything from a post office to a laundromat.
The Begich Towers, as it’s known, even has a tunnel in the basement that allows children to walk directly to school.
One resident, Jenessa, took to TikTok to share her unique living experience, stating: “You never really have to leave the building if you don’t want to.”
The apartments range from studios to three-bedroom flats, though they are described as “very outdated”. Jenessa revealed on her TikTok channel: “A lot of people who do live here renovate their apartments.”
Growing up in such a close-knit community had its ups and downs, Jenessa admitted, with plenty of “nice” moments but also a fair share of “town drama” and “gossip”.
How did this happen?
According to Lonely Planet, Begich Towers was built in 1956 for military personnel but became abandoned by 1960 and was purchased by the City of Whittier in 1972.
Now, only around 272 people are said to live there. So, what keeps them in Whittier? The pint-sized port city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like kayaking, camping, fishing, and hiking.
Additional attractions include glacier cruises, berry-picking, picturesque picnic spots, and leisurely walking tours.
Described as “breathtakingly beautiful” by the City of Whittier local government, this quaint town has gained widespread attention due to the intriguing Begich Towers.
In recent times, curious travellers have flocked to Whittier to verify the remarkable claim that most of its residents reside within a single modest apartment block – a claim that indeed holds true.
