Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is the largest military installation in Alaska, home to the 3rd Wing flying F-22 Raptors and the Army's 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division. Located adjacent to Anchorage — Alaska's largest city — JBER provides all the benefits of Alaska's wild, stunning landscape while maintaining access to a modern city with excellent restaurants, a performing arts scene, and two major professional sports teams. Moose, bears, and salmon can literally be seen from the base, and the Chugach Mountains provide world-class skiing and hiking.
Neighborhoods Near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
Popular communities where military families stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson choose to live.
Government Hill / Fairview
5–10 min to main gateEstablished Anchorage neighborhoods adjacent to the base offering quick commutes and a mix of mid-century homes and newer infill construction. Fairview has improved significantly in recent years and provides affordable access to downtown.
Eagle River
20–30 min to main gate via Glenn HwyA scenic bedroom community 12 miles northeast of Anchorage in the Chugach Mountains foothills, Eagle River is a top choice for military families seeking a quieter, outdoor-oriented lifestyle with good schools and more space.
Wasilla / Palmer (Mat-Su Valley)
45–60 min to main gate via Glenn HwyThe Matanuska-Susitna Valley offers the most affordable housing in the Anchorage metro and an abundance of wilderness access, at the cost of a longer commute. A popular choice for families prioritizing space, privacy, and Alaska lifestyle.
Schools & Education
Anchorage School District / Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
The Anchorage School District is the largest in Alaska and offers a diverse range of programs. Eagle River schools within ASD are generally well-regarded. The Mat-Su Borough School District serves Wasilla and Palmer and has a strong reputation for academics and athletics.
- Service High School in Anchorage has an outstanding AP program and competitive athletics
- Eagle River High School consistently earns high marks and has a strong community feel
- Mat-Su Valley schools benefit from the borough's investment in educational facilities and technology
Things to Do Near Anchorage
Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Anchorage area.
Nearly 500,000 acres of wilderness bordering Anchorage's eastern edge, with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, glaciers, wildlife viewing (moose, bears, Dall sheep), and backcountry skiing.
Anchorage's most popular brunch spot in downtown, featuring creative egg dishes, housemade pastries, and Alaskan-themed menu items with a notorious wait on weekends—worth every minute.
A world-class museum in downtown Anchorage exploring Alaska's art, history, science, and indigenous cultures, with a rotating exhibit program that rivals any Lower 48 institution.
Alaska's premier ski resort, 40 minutes from base in the Chugach Mountains, offers 2,500 vertical feet of skiing and snowboarding, summer tram rides, and the iconic Bake Shop restaurant at the base.
The primary indoor shopping mall in Anchorage with major national retailers, a food court, and an anchor Nordstrom—the main shopping destination for the entire south-central Alaska region.
Anchorage's most famous bar and live music venue, with over 50 draft beers, a legendary halibut taco, and live local music nightly. A mandatory stop for anyone stationed in Alaska.
Housing & Cost of Living
Anchorage's housing market is stable and moderately priced given Alaska's economic conditions. BAH reflects the high cost of goods and services in the state. Eagle River is the sweet spot for military families—good schools, reasonable prices, and manageable commutes. The Mat-Su Valley offers significantly lower prices for those willing to drive.
Popular neighborhoods to consider:
PCS Tips for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
- Contact the installation housing office early — wait lists can be long.
- Check BAH rates at the official DoD BAH calculator before setting your home budget.
- Get VA pre-approved before your PCS orders — it helps you move fast in competitive markets.
- Military-friendly real estate markets near bases can move quickly — be ready to act.