$258,183Average Value$167Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Residential community on the city’s north side
Just north of downtown Fairbanks and south of Alaskan wetlands, Aurora-Lemeta is an urban community that likes to get outside. Residents can walk to open spaces in the north, but they can still drive to nearby shops and restaurants in the city. Because of its accessibility, it’s common to see people out and about. “You’ll see kids riding their bikes around or playing in the summer,” says Justin Heminger with Apex Realty Group, a Fairbanks local selling here since 2015. “You can walk to the state fair at that time, too. This neighborhood is right in the heart of Fairbanks, so you can pretty much drive anywhere that you need to get very quickly.” Aurora makes up the neighborhood’s west side, and crossing the central Danby Street, Lemeta makes up the east. The Noyes Slough runs through both subdivisions, and it’s a secondary channel for the nearby Chena River. A railway and the Johansen Expressway are along the neighborhood’s south side.
Aurora-Lemeta is located near retail shopping but also close to green spaces for exploring.
A row of colorful traditional homes with ample garage space seen in Aurora-Lemeta.
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Walking to open spaces in Interior Alaska
A lot of people move to Fairbanks for its recreation opportunities. “We’ve got state parks, national parks and campgrounds by the thousands,” says Heminger. “There’s so many places where you can go and have a good time outside.” Aurora-Lemeta is one of these places, as it’s right next to preservation land. Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge — or just Creamer’s Field — is north of the neighborhood, and it has 2,200 acres of farmland, wetland and boreal forest. This refuge is home to over 60 species of birds, including the popular sandhill cranes. While its trails are difficult to hike in winter, they form an extensive network around the park, and they’re used for cross-country skiing when it snows. The Sleddog Loop goes for 9 miles around the refuge, and the probability of seeing a moose is high; the Boreal Forest and Seasonal Wetland Trail is a 2-mile boardwalk hike for something less strenuous. Another open space with big acreage, Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary is only about a half mile east, and it connects the touristy Wedgewood Resort. Its grounds are known for 15 mammal species and 100-plus bird species, and trails have signs to learn about them. About 3 miles north of the neighborhood, Birch Hill Recreation Area has another trail network, and it’s also popular for cross-country skiing in winter.
Enjoy a brisk morning run at Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary in Fairbanks.
Creamer's Field in Fairbanks is great place to see a variety of waterfowl.
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The Cookie Jar is a popular breakfast spot near Aurora-Lemeta.
The Cookie Jar Restaurant and College Road’s commercial
Originally a cookie shop, The Cookie Jar Restaurant has been family-owned since 1986, and it’s a popular spot for breakfast and lunch. “We’re smack-dab in the middle of the neighborhood, so we get a lot of foot traffic,” says Gloria Burcell, who opened this place with her husband Bob. “It has the vibe of a fancy restaurant, but it’s supposed to feel like a home.” She recommends the country-fried steak and the Stuffed Nolan’s, a loaded cinnamon roll with cream cheese and berries. More dining options are east along College Road. Siam Square is here for Thai food with big portions, and it’s close to Korean and Japanese food. Costco is across the street, and department stores like Michaels and OfficeMax are nearby. About 2 miles south of the neighborhood, downtown Fairbanks has additional shops and restaurants, and it’s a walkable district. The Fairbanks Ice Museum, Fairbanks Children’s Museum and Fairbanks Community Museum are all here for a city history lesson. Closer to the neighborhood, Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum has some of Alaska’s first cars, a collection of almost 100 vehicles.
Nearby events at Tanana Valley
Tanana Valley State Fair is held just north of the neighborhood, adjacent to Creamer’s Field Migratory Bird Refuge. An early August tradition since 1924, this two-week event features games, concerts, a petting zoo and a ferris wheel. The fairgrounds also host Ice Alaska in February, when the lot fills with ice sculptures by Alaskan artists. The World Ice Art Championships are a part of this exhibition, and visitors can see the sculptures being made in real-time. The Tanana Valley Farmers Market is about a mile west of these fairgrounds, and it’s on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May to September. Vendors sell products and produce made only in Alaska. Downtown Fairbanks hosts many other events nearby, such as the Midnight Sun Festival and Golden Days.
Explore the variety of vendors found at the Tanana Valley Farmers Market in Aurora-Lemeta.
The Tanana Valley Farmers Market in Aurora-Lemeta is the perfect place for unique finds.
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Late 20th century ranch styles
Aurora-Lemeta is mostly made up of single-family ranch-style homes, and they were built in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Two-stories are mixed in, though, and they’re often in the split-level style. Following the time period, exteriors are typically simple with neutral-toned siding and low-pitched roofs. They sit pretty close to the street in many cases; paved or gravel driveways are short, and yards don’t have much room. Toys or tools can spill out onto the grass from attached garages, as Aurora-Lemeta has no homeowners association. Northernmost homes are closest to quiet College Road; southernmost homes are closest to a noisy railway and expressway. In Aurora specifically, southernmost homes have added noise from an industrial area. Prices start around $175,000 for a small fixer-upper, but most homes are around the $240,000 mark. Updated homes with double the size can reach $400,000, and they usually have two stories. Condos are near the industrial, southern side of Aurora, as well as the east and west sides of Lemeta. They range from $100,000 to $250,000. This neighborhood’s prices are overall similar to the rest of Fairbanks. With an average of 31 days on the market, listings sell faster than the national average of 44 days.
Find ranch houses with green lawns in Aurora-Lemeta.
Condos provide affordable housing options in Aurora-Lemeta.
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Walkability with Fairbanks North Star Borough Schools
In between Aurora and Lemeta, Anne Wien Elementary is walkable for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It gets a C-plus from Niche and has an annual student picnic to celebrate the beginning of summer. Down the street from this campus, Randy Smith Middle serves grades six through eight and gets a B-minus. West Valley High is less walkable, roughly 3 miles west of these schools, but students can carpool or bus. Niche gives it an A-minus and ranks it No. 7 for best STEM schools in Alaska, ahead of 38 others.
Educational opportunities abound at Anne Wien Elementary School in Fairbanks.
Great educational courses are available at Randy Smith Middle School in Fairbanks.
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Close to College Road and Johansen Expressway
While walking around the neighborhood is common in summer, winter’s subzero temperatures curb pedestrian traffic. These temperatures can also freeze roads, but the City of Fairbanks Public Works Department frequently salts and plows after a snowfall. As a result, tire chains aren’t required. College Road runs along the northern end of the neighborhood, and it leads about 3 miles west to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This road also connects east to Illinois and Cushman streets, which go right into downtown. Along the neighborhood’s south side, the Johansen Expressway is an east-west thoroughfare, and it forms a loop around the city with State Routes 2 and 3. Fairbanks International Airport is about 6 miles southwest of the neighborhood for trips to the states or abroad.
Residents can find access to public transportation along College Rd. in Aurora-Lemeta.
Aurora-Lemeta is conveniently located near College Rd. providing easy access around town.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bobby Desrochers,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Birch Hill Recreation Area
Creamer's Field
Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary
Golden Heart Plaza
Transit
Airport
Fairbanks International
24 min drive
Bus
College & Harriett Outbound
Bus
College & Diane Outbound
Bus
Danby St & Wembly Ave Outbound
Bus
College Rd & Geraldo's Restaurant Inbound
Bus
College & Marietta Outbound
Bus
College Rd & Aurora Motel Inbound
Bus
Aurora Dr & Southern Ave Outbound
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Aurora-Lemeta
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Aurora-Lemeta Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Aurora-Lemeta, Fairbanks sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The median sale price for homes in Aurora-Lemeta, Fairbanks over the last 12 months is $224,000, down 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 1628 Cottonwood Street, a lovely home that is located at the end of a cul de sac allowing the property a more private feel in a convenient location. The home sits on TWO lots, providing opportunities and room for countless activities in your generously sized fenced-in backyard with concrete around the entire fenced in area. The home fits the land providing more than 2,500 sq ft of
Prime Investment Opportunity on College Road! Single story triplex with three 1-bed, 1-bath units, rents at $1,300 a month, 2,064 square feet, and perfect for those looking for a central and convenient location. Each unit features updated flooring and fixtures, and newly installed triple pane, egress windows while unit 3 enjoys the added bonus of an attached garage. Boiler heat keeps everyone
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bobby Desrochers,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,027
Median Age
36
Population under 18
22.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$74,077
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$89,208
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.9%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
28%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10%
% Population in Labor Force
66.5%
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
54/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
21/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
22/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
