Badger is a rural-feeling Fairbanks suburb ideal for buyers who want the feeling of the Alaska countryside while being close to work. “You get a little bit more for your money in that area. Homes are bigger, and lot sizes are a little bigger,” says Justin Heminger, the owner of Apex Realty Group with Real Broker, who has sold homes in Badger. “What appeals to most folks is that it’s between Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base. It’s in a great location to be able to get to work in 10 to 15 minutes, even in really bad weather.” This tree-filled community is just north of Alaska Route 2, offering easy access to other nearby employers like the local schools and hospital. Badger is in an unincorporated part of the Fairbanks North Star Borough and is home to just under 20,000 people, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Expansive swaths of undeveloped land provide privacy and isolation, while nearby parks and natural areas offer popular Alaskan recreation.
Countryside homes east of Fairbanks
Despite being just a short drive from Fairbanks, Badger has a rural feel thanks to its dense trees and large lots that offer plenty of privacy. Even in more suburban parts of the community, the flora shields homes from view and makes it feel like a remote countryside location. Common throughout are cabins, split-level and ranch-style houses, often on small gravel roads. Most homes were built from the 1970s to the early 2000s, but there are some more recent builds. Because of the rural aspect of the community, well water and septic systems are common. The median price is around $350,000, up 3% over the past year.
Wood cabins and tall pines frame a cozy neighborhood road in Badger, Fairbanks.
A vibrant orange ranch home reflects in a thawing puddle in Badger.
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Natural recreation along the Chena River
Badger offers easy access to the outdoors. “There’s the Chena Lake Recreation Area that a lot of people go to. You can camp, kayak, fish and go swimming,” says Heminger. “There’s also access to the Chena River of Nordale Road.” Chena Lake Recreation Area consists of two sections—the Lake Park and the River Park. The Lake Park is a 260-acre lake with a campground, sandy beaches and a boat launch. It’s a popular spot for fishing, and visitors can rent ice-fishing tents during the winter to try to catch trout, salmon and char. The park also has a playground, volleyball courts and a horseshoe pit. The River Park has more campsites, a boat launch and a 4.5-kilometer hiking trail. The Tanana River is another spot for fishing. Other parks within the community include sports fields at Morning Star Park and a playground at Kendall Park. Chena River State Recreation Area is a state-maintained site about 40 miles from Badger, with 397 square miles of space for paddling, fishing, hiking or snowmachining.
Ice-covered fields stretch out across Badger’s frozen winter landscape.
Chena Lake Recreation Area offers year-round outdoor fun in Badger’s natural beauty.
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Shopping and dining in the next towns over from Badger
Badger is almost entirely residential, and locals travel to nearby cities for shopping and dining. North Pole is a city just south of Badger, which has a Safeway and a few restaurants, including fast-food chains and locally owned Asian spots. Santa Claus House is a large store in North Pole selling Christmas décor and gifts. The store is known for its “Letters from Santa,” which can be ordered each Christmas. Visitors can also meet Santa in the store year-round.
Giant Christmas décor brightens the North Pole Store courtyard in Badger.
Safeway offers easy grocery shopping with drive-up service in Badger.
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Preparing students for the future at Fairbanks North Star Borough Schools
The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District gets a B rating from Niche and is the third-largest school system in the state. The district serves nearly 13,000 students across 32 schools. It offers several programs to prepare students for post-graduation, including career and technology education courses in architecture, health science, hospitality and STEM. Students in these programs can also participate in internships and apprenticeships with local businesses.
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District supports vibrant learning in Badger.
North Pole High School football team holds a scrimmage for the start of the regular season.
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Driving and busing around Badger
Due to its rural nature, Badger is a car-dependent community. Badger Road makes a semicircle through the area, connecting to Alaska Route 2 on the north and south borders. Route 2 leads 11 miles west into downtown Fairbanks and 16 miles to Fairbanks International Airport. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is the closest medical center, located near downtown. Fort Wainwright is about 8 miles away, while Eielson Air Force Base is 15 miles from Badger. The Green Line of the Metropolitan Area Commuter System is a bus route with multiple stops on Badger Road and connects riders to North Pole and downtown Fairbanks.
Mild summers and cold winters in Interior Alaska
The Fairbanks region sees average temperatures of 72 degrees in July and three degrees in January. Because of how far north Badger is, the area can see as much as 24 hours of sunlight during the summer. In the winter, days are shorter, with some days getting around five hours of sunlight. The climate tends to be dry, but the area can see up to a foot of snow per month in the winter. Badger is also a popular spot to see the northern lights. There is a risk of flooding along the Chena River. Residents can find information about their flood risk through the borough’s floodplain management website.
Crime data is not readily available for Badger.
There are plenty of pathways and trails in the Tanana Lakes Recreation Area for a nice walk.
Paddle, hike, and fish across the Chena Lake Recreation Project in Badger.
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.
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Welcome to 1611 Bronco Dr., a 2017-built gem offering modern comforts and a well-thought-out design in North Pole. This 1,250 sq. ft. home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an attached 492 sq. ft. two-car garage, ideal for those seeking both style and functionality. Located in a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood, this home offers a peaceful retreat while maintaining easy access to local
Tucked away at the very end of Warner Road, this log cabin-style home sits quietly in the back corner of a spacious lot completely fenced in for maximum privacy, offering rare privacy and room to spread out — especially for a location this close to North Pole conveniences, Fort Wainwright, and Eielson Air Force Base. The property lives like a private compound, with multiple outbuildings including
Property Id: 15823272-Bedroom, 1-Bath in North Pole Alaska. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this cozy two-bedroom, one-bath property offers peace and convenience. Perfectly located near Eielson AFB and Fort Wainwright, it's ideal for military or anyone seeking a serene retreat. Enjoy comfortable living with easy access to nearby amenities and the beauty of Alaska's outdoors.
3 Bedroom Home / 2-Car Garage / No Pets. Charming 3-Bedroom Home in North Pole, AK Welcome to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home featuring beautiful hardwood floors and a spacious 2-car garage—perfect for storage or a workshop. Enjoy added convenience with RV parking, window coverings for privacy, and a crawl space for extra storage. Situated near a local bus route, this home
Property Id: 15823322-Bedroom, 1-Bath in North Pole Alaska. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this cozy two-bedroom, one-bath property offers peace and convenience. Perfectly located near Eielson AFB and Fort Wainwright, it's ideal for military or anyone seeking a serene retreat. Enjoy comfortable living with easy access to nearby amenities and the beauty of Alaska's outdoors.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kirk Maynard,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
18,164
Median Age
35
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
27.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.2%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$90,646
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$115,437
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.6%
College Graduates
24.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.5%
% Population in Labor Force
70%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
28/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 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.
