What is it like to live in Fairbanks, Alaska?

Question

My husband might be reenlisting in the Army and he would get his choice of duty station, Fort Wainwright, Alaska being one of the choices. Just curios what it's like to live there. Thanks

Answer 1

It's a small city, all the normal stores (Wallmart, Safeway, Burger King, etc) and services are there. It is a college town (UAF) so there's more culture, theater, music, etc, than similar sized town in the sticks. It (obviously, duh) has an Army and an Air Force Base so there are lots of military families in town and the area (and the state in general) is very supportive of those in uniform.

It gets fricking cold several times each winter. Like -40F for a while every winter and -50 or -55F if they have a really cold snap every few years. That is just wicked cold - everyone has three plug-in heaters for their car, you plug in at home and even to shop at the store. The days are really short in Nov-Dec-Jan. As little as 3 hours from sunrise to sunset, although usable twilight really makes the days about 6 hours long. Still, you go to work or school in the dark and you come home in the dark.

In the summer, they have incredibly long days - 21 hours of sunlight and it never really gets dark. Most days are in the 70s, sometimes 80s. Rarely the 90s. Summer tends to be a very go-go time. People are busy outside recreating, hunting/gathering, in the garden, etc. They save their letter writing, reading, and indoor projects for winter.

People tend to be very outdoorsy - X-C skiing, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, hiking, etc. It is VERY good to have both summer and winter interests that get you outside.

People are quicker to make friends here and I have found that Alaskans can bridge political, social and economic gaps better than most. Maybe it is "us puny humans against the great outdoors" or the local, Libertarian streak. But I have civil converstations and even friendships with a much wider variety of people up here than I ever saw in big cities "Outside" (what Alaskans call the 48 states).

We came for 2 years and are still here after 9 years.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Well, it's fair along the banks.
Some friends of mine moved from Florida to Alaska. They loved Alaska except for the time of year when it's light for so long and dark for so long. They moved back to Florida.
Thank your husband for his service which is all I really wanted to say.
Have a great day!!!