Moving to Eielson Air Force Base
Eielson is Alaska's interior fighter base, home to the 354th Fighter Wing and its F-35A Lightning II jets, plus the Red Flag-Alaska exercises. Winters are extreme, so a big part of life here is preparing for cold, darkness and a remote setting.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | North Pole / Fairbanks, AK |
| Airports | Fairbanks International (FAI), about 25 miles |
| Climate | Subarctic: very cold, dark winters and short, bright, warm summers |
| Cost of living | Higher than the national average; most nearby homes are valued roughly $200K-$299K |
| On-base housing | Mayroad (privatized housing; Military Housing Office 907-377-1840) |
| Medical care | 354th Medical Group clinic |
| Family support center | Airman and Family Readiness Center |
Where families live
On-base housing
Mayroad-managed homes with an elementary school on base; many families choose it to avoid winter driving.
Moose Creek
Small community of roughly 600 people close to the gate.
North Pole
Small city with shopping, restaurants and the most popular off-base option; it has a special military facility zone lending program.
Fairbanks
Region's main city with a university, hospital, big-box shopping and more entertainment.
Schools
Anderson-Crawford Elementary (K-5) is on base, though it is not a DoD school. Older students attend North Pole Middle and High Schools, and the district offers a homeschool option. All are run by the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.
- Fairbanks North Star Borough School District — Serves Eielson, North Pole and Fairbanks.
On the installation: Anderson-Crawford Elementary (K-5)
Eielson School Liaison Office (907-377-7490).
Things to do near Eielson Air Force Base
- Aurora viewingoutdoorsNorthern lights are visible on clear winter nights.
- Chena Hot Springs areaoutdoorsSoaking, ice museum and aurora trips outside Fairbanks.
- Aurora Ice MuseummuseumIce sculpture displays year round.
- Creamer's Field Waterfowl RefugeoutdoorsMigratory bird viewing and trails in Fairbanks.
- Pioneer ParkfamilyHistoric village and museums in Fairbanks.
- Fountainhead Antique Auto MuseummuseumVintage cars and Alaska history.
- Dalton Highway day drivesday-tripRemote highway toward the Arctic Circle.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Military Facility Zone LendingSpecial mortgage lending options for homes in North Pole near Eielson.
- Military OneSource: Eielson housingOfficial housing information for Eielson families.
PCS tips for Eielson Air Force Base
- Attend the Newcomer's Briefing for winter safety, vehicle prep and cold-weather gear guidance.
- Budget for a block heater, winter tires and arctic clothing for each family member.
- The F-35 mission growth has strained local housing; start the search as early as possible.
- Childcare and housing waitlists can be long; register with MilitaryChildCare.com once you have orders.
- Fairbanks airport is 25 miles away, so arrange transportation for arrival, especially in winter.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Alaska & Hawaii
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.