Quality Of Life

Haines’ reputation as the Adventure Capital of Alaska is well-deserved.

One reason folks love Haines is that after you log off work at the end of the day or week there’s so much to do just paces from your doorstep: hike, bike, and paddle in the summer, then switch gear to winter pursuits like skating, fat biking or skinning up some of North America’s most renowned ski and snowboard terrain. More and more location neutral and remote workers are discovering that with some persistence and patience to break into a hot housing market, Haines is an idyllic place to establish your own basecamp. Being immersed in an active community with access to wild foods, good education, and growing community infrastructure like local trails and transportation improvements makes Haines just as livable as it is inspiring.

 


Average work commute time in Haines?

8.6 minutes

Average commute time to the mountains?

Depends on the peak

Community Life

Here, you have the freedom to choose just how full you’d like your schedule to be, and don’t worry there’s plenty to fill it with! Haines has key year-round events and activities for all ages.

Recreation in Haines

Rafting, biking, skiing, and more. Haines is Alaska’s Adventure Capital.

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Youth Programs at the Haines Public Library

From story time to podcast club, the Haines Public Library is a great place for kids to learn and connect year-round.

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Community Events

Haines events are chock full of local flavor! Check out the Visit Haines events calendar for information on what’s happening throughout the year.

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Performing Arts

The Chilkat Center hosts performing arts events year-round. Check out upcoming events, or go all-in and audition to take the stage yourself.

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Athletics for the Whole Family

Whether you’re cheering for the home team Glacier Bears or reserving a lane for lap swimming at the public pool, Haines offers sporting activities that support a healthy lifestyle!

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State Parks

Explore Haines’ backyard, home to two state parks, The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, and Haines State Forest.

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Local Creatives

Haines has more artists per capita than any town in the US under 10,000 people! Learn more about these local creatives and how their home inspires them.

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A Place to Grow

There’s something special about being raised in small-town Alaska. Your children grow up knowing all their classmates and teachers, and sometimes get their first job with a business owner they’ve known their whole lives. Children also experience familiar community events like the Christmas Tree lighting and watching basketball games on weekend nights, with the unique Southeast Alaska twist of spotting moose, traveling by ferry boat for a sports event or staying up late to watch the northern lights. With an award-winning school district, youth programs year-round, and K-12 athletics, kids in Haines grow up in a free-range and safe environment that fosters independence, responsibility, and curiosity.

Our School District

Haines has an award-winning school district committed to creating a culture of innovation, respect, and responsibility. Unlike many other schools around the country, K-12 in Haines still provides recess, art classes, music programs, and vocational education for high school and middle school students. The benefit of a small community is small class sizes. Students receive one-on-one attention in class, while parents have the opportunity to know educators inside and out of the classroom. The Haines School District is a place for students to grow, create, and get involved all while receiving an excellent education.

Connect with staff to learn more about extracurricular activities, educational support, curriculum lists, and more through the Haines Borough School District website.

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District Mission Statement

Utilizing the abundant resources of the Chilkat Valley and in collaboration with its communities, the Haines Borough School District empowers students to be contributing members of society and critical thinkers prepared for individual success.

14:1 student to teacher ratio

Top 10% of Alaska Schools for test ranking

Top 10% for reading and language arts proficiency

19% Higher math proficiency scores than Alaska public school average

Sports teams: Swim team, Basketball, Track, Cross Country (state champs), Little League (summer), Wrestling, Volleyball

Small Town, Big Potential

Haines is primed to welcome entrepreneurs of all stripes. From independently owned and operated Main Street businesses, to natural resource scientists, health care providers, and real estate investors, our community has the basics to begin your next business venture. Become a member with the Chamber of Commerce, enroll in the local First National Bank or Tongass Credit Union, and get connected with AP&T for broadband and high-speed internet, Haines has the essentials for growing community-focused investment in a place that inspires and ignites residents’ passions.

You can learn more about the Haines economy and our community’s goals here:

https://www.hainesedc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web-5-year-plan-FINAL-compressed-2.pdf

Opportunity Zones

Haines is a federally designated Qualified Opportunity Zone, an economic development tool designed to spur economic development and job creation by providing tax incentives for investors who invest new capital in businesses.

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10 Things We Love About Haines

We asked locals what they love most about living in Haines. These ten are just the start.

 

1. Community gatherings
2. Protected lands
3. On the road system
4. Best summer weather in Southeast Alaska
5. Outdoor recreation
6. Feeling empowered to be self-sufficient
7. Perfect for raising kids
8. Inspiring landscape
9. Close-knit peer groups
10. A shared sense of community

How to make the move

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