Living a Beach Lifestyle in Homer, Alaska

Homer, Alaska finds its appeal in its location and surroundings. The Arctic Ocean to the southeast panhandle, the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge protects breeding habitat for seabirds, marine mammals and other wildlife on more than 2,500 islands. There are many fine beaches along the Homer Spit, although the water is always cold.
Homer, set near the western end of the Kenai Peninsula, activities center around the Homer Spit, a gravel spit that juts five miles out into Kachemak Bay.  The Homer Bluffs sport some of the most picturesque and esthetic climbs on the Kenai Peninsula.

Where to Retire in Homer and Home Prices

Most people in Homer live on the slopes of the mountain above town. It is easy to obtain a top-notch view of the Spit, the bay, and the snow-capped mountains and glaciers on the opposite side of Katchemak Bay. There are new condos available at the end of the Spit with prices averaging in the $100's, depending on location and view. The median listing price of a home was $305,336 in late 2021, according to  Zillow.com. 

What Is Special about Homer

Kachemak Bay state park

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters

Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve with exhibits and educational programs

ARTrageous August  

Shorebird Festival

Independence Day Halibut Fishing Tournament

What Is Not Special about Homer

On the downside Homer does not have a compact, interesting downtown. While there are some interesting stores and restaurants, they are spread out over several streets; it is not possible to walk between them. Locate at the end of a more than 200 mile road from Anchorage, life in Homer can be isolating and small, particularly in winter.

Climate and Physical Environment

Homer is on the Kenai Peninsula on the southwest coast of Alaska. The Aleutian Islands begin nearby to the west.. The Homer Spit, 4.5 miles long, forms the harbor in town. Much of the coastline including the spit was damaged in the Good Friday earthquake of 1964. View Google Map for Homer

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Carl Wynn Nature Center. Pratt Museum (natural history). Kenai Peninsula Orchestra performs year round, including summer festival. Pier One theatre offers plays. There is a movie theatre. Homer Council of the Arts hosts frequent programs.. There is  dance, music, galleries, and artist studios. Kachemak Bay Campus of Kenai Peninsula College offers cultural events, as does the well supported Homer Public Library. Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies field station in Peterson Bay.

Crime

Crime is about thirty percent higher than the national average.

Medical Facilities

The South Peninsula Hospital is in Homer

Transportation

Anchorage International Airport is 225 miles from town by car, or a short shuttle flight from Homer. Charters and air taxis are an Alaskan way of life; people routinely hire them for sightseeing or outdoor adventures. The ferries of the Alaskan Marine Highway go through Homer.

Valuable Links

City of Homer

Homer on Wikipedia

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