Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska offers residents access to a robust, community-focused healthcare system that supports wellness and quality of life at every stage. With leading hospitals, specialty care providers, and accessible urgent care options, Anchorage ensures that residents and families have strong support for their physical health across the city and region.

Major Hospitals

Providence Alaska Medical Center
As the largest hospital in the state, Providence Alaska Medical Center is a regional hub for advanced medical care. It offers comprehensive services including cardiology, cancer treatment, neurology, orthopedics, and maternity care. The hospital also houses Alaska’s only Level II Trauma Center and a state-of-the-art Children’s Hospital serving families from across the state.

Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC)
A joint venture between the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and Southcentral Foundation, ANMC provides world-class healthcare to Alaska Native and American Indian people. The facility includes a full-service hospital and a wide range of specialty clinics. ANMC is recognized nationally for its culturally informed approach and innovative telehealth programs that serve remote communities.

Alaska Regional Hospital
A full-service facility offering emergency care, surgery, heart and vascular services, and women's health. Located near downtown, Alaska Regional Hospital is part of the HCA Healthcare network and serves Anchorage and surrounding communities with 24/7 care and modern facilities.

Urgent Care & Preventive Services

Anchorage residents have access to numerous urgent care and walk-in clinics, including facilities operated by Providence, Alaska Regional.

Public health services are provided by the Municipality of Anchorage Health Department, which offers essential programs such as:

• Immunizations

• Family planning and prenatal support

• STI testing and prevention

• Nutrition education and chronic disease management

City-sponsored health fairs, flu shot clinics, and wellness events throughout the year help promote healthy habits and preventive care across the community.

Anchorage, Alaska is a city that places a strong emphasis on education and lifelong learning. From diverse public school offerings to respected universities and accessible adult education programs, Anchorage supports learners of all ages in reaching their academic and professional goals—while also honoring Alaska’s cultural heritage and unique regional needs.

Public Schools

Anchorage School District (ASD) is the largest district in Alaska, serving over 40,000 students across more than 90 schools. Known for its diversity, innovation, and focus on student achievement, ASD offers a wide array of programs designed to meet a broad range of interests and learning styles:

• Specialty and magnet schools with focuses in STEM, Montessori education, language immersion (including Spanish, Japanese, and German), and arts integration

• Gifted and talented education, special education services, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses at multiple middle and high schools

• Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways in areas like aviation, health sciences, culinary arts, and welding, preparing students for both college and high-demand careers

• King Tech High School, a standout CTE facility offering real-world training and internships

Anchorage’s schools also offer robust extracurricular opportunities, including competitive sports, music, drama, robotics, debate, and student leadership programs—encouraging teamwork, creativity, and civic engagement.

Higher Education & Lifelong Learning

Anchorage is home to several institutions that provide a strong foundation for higher education and professional advancement:

• University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) – The largest university in the state, UAA offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs across fields such as nursing, engineering, education, business, and the arts. UAA also has research strengths in Arctic studies, aviation, and public health.

• Alaska Pacific University (APU) – A private liberal arts university with a strong focus on environmental science, sustainability, outdoor studies, and Alaska Native governance and leadership. APU blends academic learning with hands-on, experiential education.

• Charter College – Anchorage Campus – Offers career-focused programs in health care, business, and trades for students seeking practical, workforce-ready training.

Anchorage, Alaska offers residents dependable public services, resilient infrastructure, and responsive local leadership—creating a safe, well-connected, and community-oriented city in the heart of the Last Frontier. Known for its forward-thinking approach to urban planning, public safety, and sustainability, Anchorage continues to invest in systems that support families, businesses, and the region’s unique geographic needs.

Government & Safety

Anchorage operates under a Mayor–Assembly form of government, with elected officials and city departments working collaboratively to oversee planning, safety, and essential services across the municipality.

The Anchorage Police Department (APD) emphasizes community policing, public outreach, and crime prevention. APD engages with residents through programs like Neighborhood Watch, National Night Out, and youth safety education, fostering transparency and trust.

The Anchorage Fire Department (AFD) provides a full range of emergency services—including fire suppression, EMS, hazardous materials response, and technical rescue. AFD also prioritizes public education, fire prevention training, and disaster preparedness programs citywide.

City agencies maintain core services such as:

• Solid waste and recycling (via Solid Waste Services)

• Water and wastewater treatment (through Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility – AWWU)

• Snow removal and street maintenance

• Stormwater management and code enforcement

• Emergency management and disaster readiness, especially critical in Alaska’s climate and geography

Transportation

Anchorage is the transportation hub of Southcentral Alaska, with a variety of transit options designed to connect the community and support both urban and remote mobility needs:

• Highways & Roads: The Glenn Highway and Seward Highway connect Anchorage to communities across the region, including Eagle River, Wasilla, Girdwood, and beyond. The Minnesota Drive Expressway and Tudor Road are major arteries within the city.

• Public Transit: People Mover, the city’s bus system, operates 7 days a week with routes throughout Anchorage. Services include fixed-route buses, paratransit (AnchorRIDES) for seniors and people with disabilities, and real-time GPS tracking.

• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC): One of the busiest cargo airports in the world and a growing passenger hub, ANC offers direct flights across Alaska, the continental U.S., and international destinations. It’s located just 10 minutes from downtown.

• Bike & Pedestrian Infrastructure: Anchorage features an expanding network of multi-use trails, including the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Chester Creek Trail, and Campbell Creek Greenbelt. These paths support year-round biking, walking, and winter commuting on skis or fat-tire bikes. E-scooters and expanded bike lanes are also part of the city’s long-term mobility planning.

Vehicle Registration and Licensing

Motor vehicle and driver services in Anchorage are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). DMV offices in Anchorage provide:

• Driver’s licenses, learner permits, and REAL ID

• Vehicle registration, title transfers, and plates

• Commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and motorcycle endorsements

• Handicap parking permits and VIN inspections

Most DMV services can be accessed online for convenient appointment scheduling, renewals, address changes, and payments.