We know (from this article) that the world’s population could fit in Texas. Imagine, however, a town where nearly everyone—teachers, shopkeepers, doctors, and even the mayor—lives under the same roof. No, this isn’t the plot of a quirky sitcom; it’s real life in Whittier, Alaska, a town so isolated that it has packed nearly its entire population into one enormous building.

The Town in a Tower: Whittier, Alaska’s Single-Building City

This Alaskan oddity, nestled between glaciers and the frigid waters of Prince William Sound, is home to just over 200 residents. What sets Whittier apart from any other small town is that almost everyone lives, works, and plays inside a single building: the Begich Towers Condominium.

How did Whittier become a town-in-a-tower? And what’s life like when your entire community shares the same front door? Let’s step inside one of the most unique municipalities on Earth.

A City in a Single Building

While most cities are sprawled out across miles of streets, parks, and neighborhoods, Whittier’s Begich Towers (or “BTI” as locals call it) functions as an all-in-one community center, apartment complex, and business hub.

Originally built in 1956 by the U.S. Army as a Cold War outpost, this 14-story building was designed to withstand the brutal Alaskan winters and strategic military threats alike. After the military left, Whittier’s remaining residents decided that instead of scattering across the harsh landscape, they’d just live inside Begich Towers—a decision that has shaped the town’s entire identity.

Today, BTI isn’t just an apartment building; it’s the entire town under one roof. Inside, you’ll find:

• A post office
• A grocery store
• A police station
• A school (attached via an underground tunnel, because no one wants to walk outside at -40°F)
• A church
• A hospital clinic
• A laundromat
• A city government office

With so much packed into a single structure, you could theoretically never step outside and still go about daily life.

Why Is Whittier So Isolated?

Whittier’s unique setup isn’t just for convenience—it’s a necessity. The town is surrounded by mountains and glaciers, making access extremely limited.

Want to visit? You’ll need to pass through the longest combined rail/highway tunnel in North America: the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This 2.5-mile-long, one-lane tunnel opens only at scheduled intervals, flipping directions to let traffic in and out. If you miss your window, you’re stuck waiting—sometimes for hours.

Oh, and it closes at night. If you don’t make it through in time, congratulations! You’re spending the night in Whittier.

Life in a Building-Town

So what’s it like to live in Whittier?

For some, it’s a cozy, tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. Need sugar? Just knock on your neighbor’s door—three floors up. Bored? Walk down the hall to the common area. Snowstorm? No problem; the entire town is indoors.

For others, it’s a bit like living in an endless family reunion—and not always in a good way. In such close quarters, privacy is scarce, and everyone knows everyone else’s business. Drama spreads faster than Wi-Fi.

Still, for most Whittier residents, the trade-off is worth it. The unique lifestyle, breathtaking Alaskan scenery, and total lack of rush-hour traffic (unless you count the tunnel) make it a place like no other.

The Future of Whittier

Whittier remains an oddity in the modern world, a rare example of vertical urban planning taken to an extreme. While cities everywhere struggle with housing shortages and sprawl, this tiny Alaskan town figured out a different approach: just put everything in one building.

It’s an unusual solution, but in a place where winter temperatures can drop below -20°F, it’s also a smart one. The town-in-a-tower may be isolated, but it isn’t lonely—it’s just Whittier.

Would you ever live in a one-building town? Or would cabin fever (apartment fever?) set in too fast? Let us know in the comments!

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