Nestled between the Chugach Mountains to the east and the shoreline of Cook Inlet to the west, Anchorage is a unique combination of a wilderness and modern city life. Within just a few minutes from downtown, you can be alone in a forest or hiking in the mountains. Anchorage has many parks and bike trails and it is quite common to spot the moose and other wildlife that make their home in the city.
Anchorage residents value their access to the wilderness and the abundance of outdoor activities including two spectacular marine environments: Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park. Both offer spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing as well as opportunities for fishing and other outdoor excursions.
Anchorage is Alaska's largest city, with nearly half of the entire state population residing here! Though it is a young city by most standards - it was founded in 1915 - Anchorage has a rich and fascinating history that extends back to the original indigenous population. What you see today began as a tent city to house Alaska Railroad workers and has grown to encompass a vibrant and diverse population. The city is known for being the crossroads for air transportation, home of Alaska’s largest university, the University of Alaska Anchorage, as well as enjoying rich cultural diversity from the indigenous Alaska Natives to the immigrant populations who choose to make Anchorage their home.
This mingling of cultures and traditions makes Anchorage known for great restaurants, world class museums and art, friendly people and stunning natural beauty.