The REAL Pros and Cons of Living in Fairbanks, ALASKA in 2024!

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

📌Hey everyone, it’s Justin! If you want my FREE RELOCATION GUIDE with information on all things FAIRBANKS, ALASKA, you can download it here: contact.buyorsellrealestatenow.com/fairbanksrelocationguide

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

We lived in Fairbanks since 1993. Pros: little traffic, box stores like Home Depot, Cosco, Walmart, etc., great big game hunting, international airport minutes away, northern lights, midnight sun, quiet rural neighborhoods, diverse communities from hard core republicans to liberal democrats, tolerance of a diversity of people. Cons: mosquitoes in the summer, ice fog at low elevation in the winter, winter rain turning to ice glaze, summer smoke due to wildfires, long drives: 360 miles to Anchorage, 360 miles to Valdez, rough roads due to permafrost thaw, some "highways" can be dusty or muddy: Denali Hwy, Elliot Hwy, Steese Hwy, short unfrozen season when outdoor home projects, family visits, and outdoor wilderness activities all complete for your time.

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

Awesome @RetrieverTrainingAloneound so much fun! Thanks for sharing your experience.🙌💯

[@richardsweat4967]

Can you do a video on privately owned airports? Can I build my own private airport? Can I team up with other plane owners, to share a privately owned airport?

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

Hi @richardsweat4967! I’ll definitely put that on my list! Let me know if there’s anything else you think I should cover. 💯

[@judyloera97]

My husband just got an ATC job there and we'll be moving there from Colorado! I'm nervous and excited!

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

That's amazing news! Here is a link to our relocation guide, it will help a great deal with the move! contact.buyorsellrealestatenow.com/fairbanksrelocationguide

[@rebirthphoenix5646]

Three weeks ago, I asked if you knew any good spots for winter gear in case I needed it for my trip to Fairbanks and ultimately, I didn’t need any! Still, thank you for the recommendation and the trip was so much fun! A lot of friendly people every corner I went, fun activities I’ve never experience before, and if given the chance again in the future, I’d totally come back to experience it all again!

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

I'm so glad you had a great time! Have you seen Fairbanks in the summer yet?

[@rebirthphoenix5646]

@@DiscoverFairbanks I’ve seen on Google street view places that I’ve been to on my trip and they were taken during the summer and they look like two completely different worlds compared to the winter months that I’ve experienced! I’d like to visit sometime in the summer and have the chance to reach the Arctic Circle through the Dalton Highway as well as do some summer activities too!

[@gregadams6827]

Man, I love to see videos of people who live in cold climates. It is actually warmer in Reykjavik (been there 4 times) than in Fairbanks. I find your life style amazing!! I live in the Manchac Swamps of Louisiana (originally from Memphis) scorching hot 9 months and warm 3 months. 85F at 2:41 am. One brief cold night a year, maybe 28 F, snow/ice every 5 years, brings down the cypress trees. I find this life amazing. Greg Adams, Springfield, Louisiana.

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

Hi @gregadams6827! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.🥳

[@JohnnyHikesSW]

Family friendly is often more of a double edged sword than a positive, often it means there's lots to do if you have kids but very little to do if you don't have them. Depends on the community though

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

Awesome @JohnnyHikesSW! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.🙌💯 Are you currently residing here in Alaska ?

[@jant3]

Thank u. Always great information

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

Our pleasure! If you have ideas on videos we should do in the future just let us know

[@AlaskaMyHeart]

Great video! ❤

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

Glad you liked it!!

[@frankieroberson3398]

Hey Justin, I made it to the lovely city of Fairbanks, AK, I was greeted by the Polar Bear & Grizzy Bear at the Airport, like, Okaaaay, I'm in Alaska, lol. I have been walking all around Downtown Fairbanks, AK, Enough Elbow Room to go around, and Coffee Houses, All over the place, Frey Meyers, & Wal-mart are definitely in the interior, Creamery, Ashley Furniture, ok, what's missing nothing, lol!!!

[@frankieroberson3398]

Yes, I walked right past the Children's Museum, I'm currently located on Noble Street, OKay, Also, Gift shops, Ebony & Ivory lil corner store, and was greeted by a mean dog that worked behind the corner, like lady control your dog, he was mean to everyone, and people were telling him things like, I have more friends than you, I wonder did they mean they have 12 as oppose to being carried by six, lol!!!

[@FrankieRoberson-k5z]

I sat next to Joshua & Myron was from Delta Russian community, and boy did they school me, lol

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

That is awesome!

[@frankieroberson3398]

I had to get a new phone, & I will send you my number, I am official, I have my Alaskan DL/& My permit all three sections for the CDL & today we start training for the road test, I am really stoked to be here@@DiscoverFairbanks

[@jesusistheonlyway1017]

Ya like the roads this morning. Thats a huge con

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

You’re absolutely right, @jesusistheonlyway1017! Winter road conditions in Fairbanks can be tough. Icy roads and heavy snow are definitely a big con, especially during the freeze-thaw cycles. It can be challenging if you’re not used to it, so having winter driving skills and a reliable vehicle with snow tires is essential. Locals adapt, but it’s definitely something to consider if you’re planning to move here!

[@JosephTMeiroseIV]

What lake is shown at 7:01? Great info, TY!

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Tanana Lakes and Chena Lakes recreation areas have summer swimming.

[@JosephTMeiroseIV]

@@RetrieverTrainingAlone Thanks for the info. I am wondering which lake, specifically, this image is from.

[@JosephTMeiroseIV]

@@RetrieverTrainingAlone Also, Is the Farmer's loop bike/running loop nice?

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

@@JosephTMeiroseIV Yes the paved bike path starts near the Ester Post Office and goes all the way along Farmers Loop to the Steese Highway.

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

@@JosephTMeiroseIV If it is Fairbanks, most likely Tanana Lake Recreation Area, if it is North Pole, most likely Chena Lake Recreation Area

[@NeroSurvives]

What’s the internet speeds out there?

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

Well, really vary depending on which provider you go with. The main players are GCI Communication, Alaska Communications, Verizon, and SPITwSPOTS.

[@fredjones-e8g]

Property taxes are way high in Fairbanks

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

Hey @fredjones-e8g! Do you live in the area? 🤔

[@fredjones-e8g]

@@DiscoverFairbanks yup

[@fxtymz1123]

@@fredjones-e8ghow much do I need to make to rent or save to buy a home and a car and enjoy summer and winter activities by myself or with a girlfriend for a few years? I’m from Ontario Canada and I need to leave this place a s a p

[@heathermoon3425]

Very hard to hear and understand you.

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

Hi @heathermoon3425! Is there anything I could improve on in future videos?

[@kytastrophe-]

Why are we showing others how awesome it is to live here?? 😂 Best kept secrets are the ones you keep. 😝

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

I appreciate your feedback @kytastrophe-! Is there anything you'd like to see more of in future Fairbanks videos?🤯

[@kytastrophe-]

@@DiscoverFairbanks Everyone knows about the corporate box stores here. Showcasing a few local businesses run by lifelong Alaskans could offer quite a few episodes, and of course help our local economy. Vids in the local public library, UAF museum, the ice museum, etc. Maybe some videos on our local farmers as well. 😊

[@thekingofkush4447]

Cut that chest hair bruh

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

Thanks for taking the time to comment @thekingofkush4447!🙏🙏🙏

[@fxtymz1123]

I’m a 26 year old male from Ontario Canada, I want to move to Alaska and I’m thinking Fairbank. What challenges am I expecting regarding finding a job or meeting people?

[@DiscoverFairbanks]

Hi @fxtymz1123 That’s awesome you're thinking about Fairbanks! It’s a unique place with a lot of charm, but there are definitely some challenges to consider. Job-wise, it can depend on the industry like healthcare, education, and trades are solid fields, but the market can be competitive in some areas. As for meeting people, Fairbanks has a tight-knit community vibe, but since it’s smaller and more remote, it might take a little effort to build connections. Outdoor activities and local events are a great way to meet folks! What kind of work are you looking for?