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.
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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 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Fairbanks, AK over the last 12 months is $345,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
3-bedroom, 2-bath home on 1.8 private acres in the Chena Point area off Chena Ridge Road, Fairbanks, Alaska. Built in 2018, the 1,720-square-foot layout carries a 6-star energy rating and an open kitchen, living, and dining concept that earns its keep through an Interior Alaska winter. The primary suite includes a en-suite bath and sits apart from the secondary bedrooms, so guests, a home office,
Welcome to 329 Baranof Avenue, a charming log home that offers the rare opportunity to purchase a home that's fully furnished and beautifully decorated, making it truly move-in ready. Whether you're buying your first home, looking for a hassle-free transition, or simply appreciate a thoughtfully designed space, everything you need is already here. Just bring your suitcase and start enjoying your
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
Welcome to 696 Dahl Lane, a rare commercial opportunity located directly on Chena Hot Springs Road with excellent road frontage, high visibility, and ample parking on 1.73 acres. Offered at $230,000, this approximately 1,500 square foot property was built in 1995 and is positioned in General Use District 1 zoning, creating a flexible opportunity for a variety of potential business uses in one of
INVESTMENT opportunity! Featuring three cabins, all with independent utilities, on 4.2 acres just outside of the City of Fairbanks. While there are currently three cabins, the zoning allows for additional cabins to be added, creating an even greater opportunity for passive income. The partial log construction and private decks make for a truly Alaskan experience! And since it’s located above the
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.
10 gently southerly sloped acres with potential for 360 degree views on Olnes Loop Rd. Developed access on both the south and north border of the property, with Olnes Loop Rd running through the southeast corner. Being at the top of the dome, the topography makes for development easy. Power from the grid is possible but would be expensive to get it to the property. 4WD recommended. Drive by and
Fabulous views, 1300 ft elevation, temperature inversions possible in the winter, 20 degrees warmer then lower properties. This home has a full bathroom and septic. Priced below borough assessed value for quick sale, at this price seller will do no repairs. Home is level with a robust steel I-beam for structural support. Buyer to retain right and duty of inspection. Seller asking that it be
*Full Closing Credit Available* Check out 1429 Westmoreland! 3 bed, 2 bath on a full 2 acres off Chena Hot Springs Road, with a 2-car garage and plenty of elbow room. This 1,560 square foot home sits on 2 acres just 5 miles out Chena Hot Springs Road — close enough for an easy commute, far enough to enjoy some actual peace and quiet. The 2-car garage adds room to work and store things too, and a
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
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: 955038 This cozy 1/1 will be ready 9/1/2026. Located in downtown Fairbanks we are close to Ft. Wainwright, Shopping and all the downtown attractions Fairbanks has to offer. Our buildings are secure and feature coin op washer and dryers, assigned parking. This is a great starter apartment! This apartment has not been remodeled so we are running a special with a year lease.
Property Id: 992350 This cute 1/1 with study (or spare guest room) is located in beautiful downtown Fairbanks. Recently painted and new floors this is a basement level unit. The building has a secure entry and laundry facility in the building.. Deposit is the same as rent. All utilities are included in the price of rent. Parking is assigned. There are no mail boxes on site. Tenants are
Property Id: 971965 This south facing 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment will be available July 31. We are beginning paint and maintenance to have this ready for show July 31. We do not accept Alaska housing vouchers at this time.
Welcome to 16 Glacier, Unit 13 - a charming basement-level condo offering a comfortable and convenient living experience. With two bedrooms, one bath, and 1,056 square feet of living space, this residence is thoughtfully designed for modern living.As you enter, you'll be greeted by daylight windows that fill the space with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The
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