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 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Fairbanks, AK over the last 12 months is $349,950, up 8% 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 5789 Haystack Drive, a truly Alaskan property offering privacy, sweeping views, multiple buildings, and 4.71 acres of usable land approximately 35 minutes north of Fairbanks. The main home features a craftsman-style exterior with a warm cabin-inspired interior and is designed to take full advantage of its elevated setting and impressive views. The first floor includes a spacious living
Welcome to 1582 Market Street, where affordability, functionality, and a convenient Southwest Fairbanks location come together in one attractive package. Whether you’re searching for your first home, looking to downsize, or seeking an investment opportunity, this well-maintained zero lot line property offers exceptional value in today’s market. Built with durable 2x6 construction on a concrete
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
Room to spread out, inside and out. Welcome to 436 Panorama Drive, offering more than 2500 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms and a bonus room that gives you plenty of options for a home office, game room, gym, media room, or additional living area. The kitchen features abundant cabinetry and counter space and opens into the main living area, creating a functional layout for everyday
Set on 1.37 wooded acres in Fairbanks' popular East Rural hills, this 1,772-square-foot, two-story home offers a comfortable layout, a private setting, and a detached heated two-car garage. Built in 1998 with 2x6 construction and a poured concrete foundation, the property combines practical features with a number of recent improvements. The main level has a bright, open feel with durable
Welcome to **1302 McGrath Road**, where classic Alaska character meets exceptional versatility on 3.4 scenic acres overlooking Fairbanks. Perched in the desirable hills north of town and above the inversion, this distinctive log home offers panoramic territorial views, outstanding privacy, and the kind of setting that captures everything people dream about when they picture living in Interior
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.
Welcome to 1045 Chickadee Loop, where the warmth and character of a traditional Alaska log cabin meet the space, functionality, and conveniences of modern living. Tucked onto **1.79 acres** near the base of Farmers Loop Hill, this two-story home offers a peaceful Interior Alaska setting while keeping Fairbanks shopping, dining, recreation, and employment centers within an easy commute. Built in
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
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
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
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
Property Id: 971932 This main level apartment will be ready 9/4/2026. With laminate hardwood through out this apartment is perfect for those who dislike carpet! This apartment has a private 25 ft balcony for those warm summer days. The open concept floor plan makes apartment living feel much larger and more like a home. Located in a quiet building in the heart of downtown with secured entry.
Property Id: 2859915 Downstairs is furnished with king bed and living room and kitchen and amenities as needed. Two bedrooms upstairs are not furnished. If you want to only use the downstairs please message about reduced cost.
Property Id: 971965 This south facing 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment will be available September 15. New paint and lighting, as well as new flooring in the main living area and bathroom. Absolutely no pets, no smoking of any kind and no housing vouchers.
Property Id: 955052 3/2 main level apartment in down town fairbanks. Convenient to shopping, fine dining and more. Tenants responsible to electric and $150 heat/water surcharge per month. Large balcony to enjoy summer evenings on and plenty of windows for year round daylight.
Property Id: 2359814 Unit is 276 SQ Feet 12 X 18 FT Main Room, 2 separate areas for the bathroom & sink, each measure 5 X 5 FT. Each Apartment has its own entrance at ground level directly to the outside of building. This Unit has a Kitchen Sink Countertop, and Cabinet, and fridge . There is Linoleum throughout the apartment. All Utilities Included, Water Heat, Electric, Trash. There
Property Id: 2854222 Enjoy the privacy and comfort of a bright, furnished 2-bedroom, 1-bath home in a quiet, friendly sought-after neighborhood in Fairbanks. The open floor plan features an in-unit washer and dryer, dishwasher, and a fully fenced backyard for you and your pets to enjoy. With heat, water, trash, and Wi-Fi, included, you'll enjoy simpler monthly budgeting while living
This property at 3483 Rewak Dr offers a range of rental units with 0 to 3 bedrooms and 1 to 2 bathrooms, accommodating various living arrangements.The square footage of the units spans from 350 to 1,200 sq. ft., providing options for different space needs. Each unit is furnished and smoke-free, ensuring a comfortable living environment. Studio Amenities include (summer)
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