Moving to Kake: Pros, Cons & What to Know
Moving to Kake means moving to a small, real Kupreanof Island city defined by a genuine, substantial Tlingit Alaska Native cultural heritage -- and by having no road connection to the rest of Alaska.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreA real, substantial Tlingit Alaska Native heritage
Kake has been home to the Kake Tlingit people for thousands of years, and approximately 70% of residents are cited as being of Tlingit heritage across every source this pass reviewed -- a real, substantial majority this record discloses honestly and respectfully (base record).
One of the tallest totem poles in the world
Kake is home to a real, genuine, documented landmark: a totem pole standing approximately 132 feet tall, one of the tallest single-tree totem poles in the world, carved for the 1970 World's Fair in Osaka, Japan and later erected in Kake as a symbol of the community's enduring Tlingit heritage (base record).
No road connection to the rest of Alaska
Kake has no road connection to the rest of Alaska. Air service and the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system are the only ways in or out (base record).
A small, genuinely close-knit community
Kake's population ran 543 at the 2020 Census, with a separate current estimate of approximately 560 -- a real, disclosed, modest cross-source spread in a genuinely small community (base record).
Key takeaways
- Kake carries a real, substantial, and honestly disclosed Tlingit Alaska Native cultural heritage, at approximately 70% of residents.
- Kake's approximately 132-foot totem pole is one of the tallest single-tree totem poles in the world, a genuine local landmark.
- Kake has no road connection to the rest of Alaska -- air service or the Alaska Marine Highway ferry are the only ways in or out.
- This record discloses honestly where it could not independently confirm Kake-specific housing and property-tax figures this pass, using clearly flagged estimates instead.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Kake overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert