Fairbanks seems like a small city. It covers about 30 square miles and is home to roughly 30,000 people. But considering the wider Fairbanks North Star Borough, this small city is more like a rural metropolis — 7,400 square miles and 100,000 people. It’s the second largest population base in Alaska, behind Anchorage. It’s also a major employment base and a key part of the state’s tourism, health care, oil and mining industries. Those who live in town have quick commutes to these jobs and popular areas like Downtown Fairbanks and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. For those in rural neighborhoods, they’re scattered throughout the surrounding hills, and they often drive in for groceries. Both groups have an Alaskan attitude in common, though. “We have the loner mentality of ‘I’m going to leave you alone, and you leave me alone.’ On the flip side of that, somebody is going to be there to help if needed, and they’ll expect the same in return,” says Justin Heminger with Apex Realty Group at Real Broker, LLC. He lives in Fairbanks and has sold in the area since 2015. “When intense snowstorms happen, the community Facebook groups fill with people asking and receiving help from neighbors. We had a chimney fire once in the dead of winter. All my neighbors showed up, and they made sure my family was safe in their nice, warm cars. The people of Fairbanks will move heaven and earth to help out.”
Experience the midnight sun in Downtown Fairbanks.
Residents enjoy the shopping and dining options found in Downtown Fairbanks.
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Creamer’s Field, Chena River and seasonal sports
Some people consider Fairbanks “the gateway to the Arctic” — the pass-through point for all the outdoor opportunities above the Arctic Circle. But this urban center has innumerable open spaces nearby. “Fairbanks is a city, but it’s still the last frontier here,” Heminger says. “The rural areas are huge, and you don’t have to go very far until you’re out in the wilderness. It always blows me away just how big everything is.” Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge is a former dairy farm turned preserve, and it’s known for its sandhill crane population. The Chena River and accompanying riverwalk wind through the middle of the city and connect to Pioneer Park, a historical park themed after the Alaska gold rush. On the edge of town, the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Birch Hill Recreation Area have extensive trail networks, and some hills have south-facing views of the Alaska Mountains. Denali National Park and Preserve protects about 6 million acres of this range. Tourists come from all over the world to see it, but residents can drive the 120 miles in a weekend.
Outdoor activities in Fairbanks largely depend on the weather. Summer is the typical season for hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. Temperatures are usually in the 70s, and daylight hours increase as the solstice nears. Winter is more for skiing, dog mushing and ice fishing, but some people prefer to stay inside. Cold snaps can drop temperatures below -40 degrees, and the city receives about 65 inches of annual snow. Opposing the longer daylight hours of summer, winter can have near-constant darkness, but the northern lights are more visible.
Creamer's Field in Fairbanks is great place to see a variety of waterfowl.
Take a breath of fresh air at the Chena Riverwalk in Fairbanks.
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Iconic downtown events: Golden Days, Midnight Sun Festival
A tradition since 1952, Golden Days is a five-day event in July that includes the state’s largest parade, featuring over 100 floats in gold rush-themed décor. The Midnight Sun Festival is another longstanding event started in 1981; it’s a 12-hour-long party that celebrates the summer solstice with music, vendors and more, and over 30,000 people attend every year. The Alaska Goldpanners, the city’s amateur baseball team, also have their Midnight Sun Game at nearby Growden Memorial Park. In early August, the Tanana Valley State Fair is on the city’s north side. It’s the oldest state fair in Alaska, established in 1924.
Urban neighborhoods like Hamilton Ridge, rural ones like Farmers Loop
Traditional ranch-style homes from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s are close to historic Downtown Fairbanks. Newer versions from the 1990s and 2000s are east in Hamilton Ridge, while ones from the 1960s are toward Westgate. South Van Horn is another neighborhood in this area that hosts most of the city’s industry. South of the city, Chena Ridge is a popular neighborhood because of its hillside views. Northern areas like Goldstream and Farmers Loop are more rural and have bigger lots, and wildlife is more common. The city’s overall median sale price is $300,000, roughly $100,000 cheaper than Anchorage.
An A-frame home sits in the remote neighborhood of Farmers Loop.
South Van Horn has a variety of homes styles and comes in several sizes.
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Downtown Fairbanks and the Bentley Mall
Downtown Fairbanks is on the city’s east side, but it’s the center for Fairbanks shopping and dining. Frequented by locals and tourists, this area has cuisine ranging from French to Thai, and boutiques sell everything from clothing to trinkets. Attractions here include the Fairbanks Ice Museum, Fairbanks Children’s Museum and Fairbanks Community Museum, and public art is scattered throughout. Right on the Chena River, the district’s Golden Heart Plaza also has landmarks such as the town clock tower and the Unknown First Family statue. The Bentley Mall is just north across the river, and it has department stores and other retailers.
Shop for works by local artists at the 2nd St. Gallery in Downtown Fairbanks.
Watch ice sculptures come to life at the Fairbanks Ice Museum in Downtown.
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Taking the bus to Fairbanks North Star Schools
Rated a B by Niche, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District serves almost 13,000 students across 33 schools. It covers the entire city and surrounding area, spanning nearly 7,400 square miles, and has an extensive bus system. Watershed Charter School is a standout with an A, and it ranks as the No. 1 public elementary school in the Fairbanks area. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is in the city’s northwestern hills and serves about 8,000 students. It was the foundation of the state’s university system, established in 1917, and now it has almost 200 degree programs.
Advance your degree at The University of Alaska Fairbanks near Aurora-Lemeta.
Watershed Charter School has been rated the best school in Fairbanks.
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Crime levels in Fairbanks
In 2023, Fairbanks had a violent crime rate slightly below the state average but significantly higher than the national one. Property crime rates were more than double the state and national averages. Trends vary from month to month, but overall crime has decreased since January 2020.
City access via Johansen Expressway, Airport Way
Fairbanks is a large city, and some people work in rural areas outside of town. Most residents drive, and three highways form a loop around the city. State Route 2 is on the east side, next to downtown; state Route 3 is to the south and west, closest to the city’s industrial district; and the Johansen Expressway is on the north side, through the College neighborhood and University of Alaska Fairbanks. Airport Way is another major thoroughfare through the middle of the city, and it leads west to Fairbanks International Airport.
Written By
Matt Medl
Photography Contributed By
Kory Ross
Video By
Tyler Hall
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Fairbanks, AK sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Fairbanks, AK over the last 12 months is $340,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fresh paint, brand-new carpet, and move-in ready! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home offers 1,499 square feet of comfortable single-level living with vaulted ceilings, an open-concept layout, and modern finishes throughout. Step inside to discover an inviting living space filled with natural light and durable luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the main living areas. The
Looking for a charming home in a quiet neighborhood? Does it need to be close to schools and shopping? How about a fenced yard? A nice deck? It has to have a heated garage, right? A perennial garden full of beautiful flowers? Bus stop nearby? Plenty of parking for vehicle and those Alaskan toys? Well, you found it. Just minutes outside the gate to Fort Wainwright, this home has gone through some
Great Building lot that touches both Steele Creek Road and Spudwood Road. Electric is adjacent. Grab it now, get to building in spring. Owner Financing available.
Rare find! Situated up off Gilmore Trail, with a beautiful south-facing view, this lot is ready to build; complete with driveway, gravel pad, septic stub outs and drain lines already in place underground. Lot is carved into the hillside quartz and incredibly stable for any future home. This subdivision is also Mobile home approved. Snag this one while it's available!
Privately set on over an acre just off Nordale, this property offers the kind of space, views, and comfort that define Interior Alaska living. Take in the rolling hill views from your patio or enjoy the natural light pouring through the living room windows. This is a setting that feels peaceful without sacrificing convenience. Inside, the home opens up into a bright, connected living space where
Here's 1608 Bridgewater! Big house at a huge deal - spacious single-family home located in the Aurora neighborhood. This property offers nearly 2,400 sq ft with 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 1 car garage. Also featuring a fenced-in yard along the slough, providing a private outdoor space. Downstairs is a basement mother-in-law unit with its own entrance through the garage. Super convenient
This is a Great residential lot in an excellent neighborhood. This lot is easy to reach from Nordale Road, just upstream from the boat launch. Covered in large Spruce Trees, it will make a great place to build your new home.
This beautifully wooded land parcel is located on Chena Ridge in Fairbanks, Alaska. With stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the nearby Chena River, this is the perfect spot to build your dream home or cabin. The property is accessed by a well-maintained gravel road, and there is plenty of room to roam on the 7 acres of land. The property is located just a short drive from downtown
Listed almost 80K below borough assessed value and seller is open to owner financing! 2 small homes, one a one bedroom dry cabin, and one adorable little 2 bedroom house fully furnished with a very nice setup. All this plus a greenhouse, garden space, chicken coop and a couple sheds on a 1.7 acre corner lot on Broadview. Nice flooring and and appliances in the little house. Unfortunately the toyo
Lots in locations like these are a few and far between. These lots are an ideal opportunity for someone to develop into a phenomenally lucrative investment. Buying all 3 lots will allow someone to build several multiple family structures and have onsite parking. The hospital is just a short walk away. Hunter Elementary is right across the street, with playgrounds and a ball field. Just off
Positioned in a well-established neighborhood near the heart of Fairbanks, 917 9th Avenue delivers the kind of convenience and functionality that just makes life easier. Whether you're commuting across town, heading to work on base, or just want quick access to schools, shopping, and local favorites—this location checks the box. Inside, the layout is practical and efficient, with comfortable
$10,000.00 closing cost credit to buyer!! Properties with this kind of space and layout are rare—and this one checks boxes buyers have been waiting on. Set on over an acre of Edby road in the Edanella Heights area, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers nearly 3,000 square feet of usable space with a layout built for real life. Multiple living areas give you flexibility—whether you need room to
Welcome to Sophie Plaza Apartments, the most opportune address in Fairbanks! Not only are we located within walking distance to several local businesses, we are also situated on the local bus system route. Sophie Plaza is minutes away from Ft. Wainwright, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Fairbanks International Airport. Future and current residents have the luxury of relaxing outside on
Willow Woods Apartments is nestled alongside beautiful Creamer’s Field, a 2000+ acre wildlife and waterfowl refuge. This scenic and peaceful setting offers several miles of maintained walking trails through field, forest, and wetland environments. When you want a break from the great Alaskan outdoors you’ll find the best that Fairbanks has to offer right at your back door. Our vibrant downtown
Spacious One Bedroom Apartments at Wedgewood Resort! - Love living in Fairbanks with an annual lease at Wedgewood Apartments!Wedgewood is located on a 105-acres resort surrounded by a 75-acre wildlife sanctuary and a 2,000-acre migratory wildlife refuge. Experience the natural beauty Fairbanks has to offer steps from your door. Enjoy the quiet, seclusion, and scenery along with the
Making Fairbanks Home. Welcome to Jillian Square Apartments, located on Davis Road. We are situated on the west side of Fairbanks, conveniently located near shopping and dining. We offer one and two-bedroom apartments in a wide array of floor plans and styles. Unfurnished and furnished units are offered at lease lengths ranging as low as three months up to fifteen months. Your new home includes
Property Id: 1833736Spacious 2BR Apartment - Prime Location Near UAF & Fort Wainwright Welcome to your new home in a central location off College Rd. This clean and cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers comfort, convenience, and a ton of kitchen space - all in a quiet, safe neighborhood. Features You’ll Love: • Huge Kitchen: Tons of counter space - perfect for meal prepping or hosting
Property Id: 1181509The unit is a fully furnished studio apartment in Fairbanks, AK! This charming unit includes a full bathroom, refrigerator, microwave, and oven. It features radiant heating and off-street parking for your convenience. The rent is $875.00 per month and includes electricity, heat, water, and sewage. Please note that smoking and pets are not allowed. The tenant is
Property Id: 1171852Available for rent is a spacious 1-bedroom apartment with a full bath and a closet, located near Ft. Wainwright. This unit offers easy access to Eielson AFB and is situated in an excellent location. We are seeking a clean and quiet tenant who does not have pets and does not smoke, including marijuana. Applicants are required to provide a credit history, copies
Property Id: 1223070Affordable studio apartment available near UAF and Ft. Wainwright, with all utilities included. The apartment is unfurnished. Applicants must have a good credit history, current pay stubs, and rental references. Sorry, pets are not allowed, and there is a strict no-smoking policy, including marijuana. If you're interested, please text "Hess" to the contact information
Property Id: 1990645Affordable Studio Apartment available near UAF and Ft. Wainwright, with all utilities included. The apartment is unfurnished. Applicants must have a good credit history, current pay stubs, and rental references. Sorry, pets are not allowed, and there is a strict no-smoking policy, including marijuana. If you're interested, please text "Hess" to the contact information
Property Id: 2564316Available July 1. Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom duplex, with 1 car garage, deck and under deck storage with a side yard, and shared fenced in backyard; centrally located within Fbks City Limits. Main level walking in from the garage is a hallway that leads to a large bedroom with a walkin closet; a full bathroom with a sauna; a washer and dryer; and under
Property is conveniently located within walking distance of Safeway and Fred Meyer West. Less than a mile to Pioneer Park. This is a non-smoking property. No pets. Heat, Water/Sewer, Electric and Trash Removal included.
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