Living in the middle of the Bering Strait isn't exactly a typical Monday morning for most people. But for the 80 or so residents of Diomede, Alaska, it's just home. You’ve probably seen it on a map—that tiny speck of rock sitting halfway between the United States and Russia. Specifically, it's Little Diomede Island, located in the Nome Census Area, ZIP code 99762.
Honestly, calling it "isolated" feels like a massive understatement.
There are no roads here. No cars. No trees. Just a cluster of houses clinging to a steep, rocky slope that looks like it's trying to slide right into the sea. If you stand on the shore and look west, you aren't looking at more of Alaska. You're looking at Big Diomede Island, which belongs to Russia. It's only about two and a half miles away. On a clear day, you can literally see the "Tomorrow Island" because the International Date Line runs right through the water between them.
What Life is Actually Like in Diomede Nome AK 99762
Living in Diomede means you're basically at the mercy of the weather. All the time.
The village, also known by its Inupiaq name Iŋaliq, sits on the western side of the island. Most of the homes are perched on the hillside, and many are now built on stilts to handle the uneven, rocky terrain. Forget about a quick trip to the grocery store. Everything comes in by barge in the summer or by helicopter throughout the year.
Transportation is a nightmare. There is no airstrip. Let that sink in. In most of rural Alaska, a gravel runway is the lifeblood of the community. In Diomede, there’s no flat land big enough to build one. In the winter, if the ice is thick and stable enough, they sometimes plow a runway on the frozen sea for ski-planes. But with the changing climate, those "ice runways" have become rarer and less reliable.
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Most people get in and out via a weekly helicopter flight from Nome or Wales. If a storm rolls in—which happens constantly—you might be stuck for weeks. I'm not exaggerating. It is very common for travelers or visiting workers to be "weathered in" for fourteen days or more while the fog or wind makes flying impossible.
The Subsistence Reality
Money works differently here. While there are a few jobs at the Diomede School or with the local tribal government, most people live a subsistence lifestyle. This isn't a hobby; it’s survival.
The community relies on:
- Blue crab (caught through holes in the ice).
- Walrus and Seal (essential for meat, hides, and ivory).
- Whale (harvested during migrations).
- Wild greens and berries (gathered during the short, intense summer).
The villagers are world-renowned for their ivory carving. They use walrus tusks to create intricate art that is sold in galleries from Nome to Anchorage. It’s one of the few ways to bring "outside" cash into the local economy.
The Invisible Border and the Cold War Legacy
It’s weird to think that you can see another country from your porch, but you can’t go there. During the Cold War, the stretch of water between Little and Big Diomede was called the "Ice Curtain." Before that, families would travel back and forth across the ice to visit relatives or trade.
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That stopped abruptly in 1948.
The Soviet Union turned Big Diomede into a military base and moved the native population to mainland Russia. Families were torn apart overnight. Even today, the border is strictly patrolled. If a boat from Little Diomede strays too far into Russian waters, they risk being detained by the Russian Coast Guard. It’s a high-stakes neighborhood.
Infrastructure and the 99762 ZIP Code
The Diomede School is the heart of the village. It serves about 20 to 25 students from preschool through 12th grade. Because of the isolation, the school often doubles as a community center and a place for visitors to stay (if they get permission).
Water is another huge challenge. There is a city water tank, but there is no traditional underground sewage system because the island is basically a solid rock. This makes hygiene and waste management a constant logistical puzzle for the city council.
Can You Visit Diomede?
Technically, yes. Practically? It’s incredibly difficult and very expensive.
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First, you have to get to Nome. From there, you have to book a seat on the helicopter, which is often prioritized for mail and residents. A round-trip ticket can easily cost $700 or more. There are no hotels. No restaurants. No gift shops.
If you do plan to go, you must contact the Native Village of Diomede tribal office first. The island is private property, and you need permission to visit or hike. This isn't a tourist destination; it’s a private, traditional community. Most people who go are researchers, government contractors, or birders looking for rare species that nest on the cliffs.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you're fascinated by the 99762 area, here is how to engage with it respectfully:
- Support Local Artists: Look for authentic Diomede ivory carvings in reputable Alaska Native art galleries. This directly supports the island's economy.
- Check the Weather: If you’re a weather nerd, follow the Diomede cameras or FAA weather cams. It’s a wild way to see how quickly conditions change in the Bering Strait.
- Respect the Privacy: Unless you have a specific professional reason or a confirmed invitation, it's usually better to learn about Diomede from a distance. The resources there are extremely limited, and a "tourist" can actually put a strain on the community's water and food supplies.
Diomede remains a testament to human resilience. It is a place where 3,000 years of history meet the modern complications of a maritime border. It’s rugged, it’s beautiful, and it’s unlike anywhere else in the United States.