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Eielson AFB

Fairbanks, AK

Eielson AFB is home to the 354th Fighter Wing operating F-35A Lightning II fighters and conducts large-scale exercises in the vast Alaskan training airspace, one of the most realistic training environments in the world. Located 26 miles southeast of Fairbanks, the base experiences some of the most extreme weather conditions in the Air Force, with temperatures dropping below -50°F in winter. Alaska's unique lifestyle of hunting, fishing, aurora watching, and outdoor adventure is unmatched for those who embrace it.

Neighborhood near Eielson AFB

Local neighborhood · Fairbanks, AK

Neighborhoods Near Eielson AFB

Popular communities where military families stationed at Eielson AFB choose to live.

North Pole

20–25 min to main gate

A quirky, named community east of Fairbanks with affordable housing, a strong military presence, and the charm of Christmas-themed streets year-round.

Military communitySuburbanAffordable

Fairbanks (College area)

30–35 min to main gate

Home to University of Alaska Fairbanks with a more cosmopolitan atmosphere, cultural events, and the best dining in the Interior. A longer commute but the richest amenities.

College townWalkableUrban

Moose Creek / Two Rivers

25–35 min to main gate

Rural homestead-style living in the hills east of Fairbanks with larger parcels, dog mushing culture, and a true Alaskan backcountry lifestyle.

RuralRetiree-friendlyAffordable

Schools & Education

Fairbanks North Star Borough School District

FNSBSD serves the entire Fairbanks area including Eielson and North Pole. The district performs well by Alaska standards. North Pole High School serves the area closest to Eielson.

  • North Pole High School offers strong vocational and technical programs
  • University of Alaska Fairbanks provides concurrent enrollment opportunities for high schoolers
  • District-wide aurora science and environmental education curriculum unique to Alaska

Things to Do Near Fairbanks

Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Fairbanks area.

Northern Alaska Tour Company Aurora Tours
Outdoors

World-class aurora borealis viewing tours north of Fairbanks — a bucket-list experience unique to an Eielson assignment.

Denali National Park
Outdoors

North America's highest peak and a spectacular wilderness park accessible via a 4-hour drive south on the Parks Highway — stunning in every season.

Pioneer Park
Attraction

A free Fairbanks heritage theme park with historic gold rush buildings, a sternwheeler, museums, and summer cultural events.

The Pump House Restaurant
Dining

Fairbanks' most storied restaurant in a converted gold dredge pump house on the Chena River serving Alaskan seafood, game, and craft cocktails.

Chena Hot Springs Resort
Outdoors

Natural geothermal hot springs 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks with year-round soaking, an ice museum, dog mushing, and aurora viewing.

Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Outdoors

A city wildlife refuge where thousands of sandhill cranes and other migratory birds stop in spring and fall, right in the heart of Fairbanks.

Housing & Cost of Living

Median Home Price
$220,000–$380,000
Typical Rent
$1,200–$1,800/mo

Fairbanks/North Pole housing is affordable by most standards, though heating costs are substantial. Most base families budget heavily for utilities. BAH includes a cost-of-living adjustment for Alaska.

Popular neighborhoods to consider:

North PoleFairbanks College area

PCS Tips for Eielson AFB

  1. Contact the installation housing office early — wait lists can be long.
  2. Check BAH rates at the official DoD BAH calculator before setting your home budget.
  3. Get VA pre-approved before your PCS orders — it helps you move fast in competitive markets.
  4. Military-friendly real estate markets near bases can move quickly — be ready to act.

VA Home Loans

Buying near Eielson AFB?

Heroes Home Network specializes in VA loans for military members PCSing to Fairbanks, AK. $0 down, fast closings.

Get Pre-Approved (719) 259-2246

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