Moving to Fairchild Air Force Base
Fairchild is home to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, which flies KC-135 tankers, and it hosts the Air Force's Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape school and a Washington Air National Guard refueling wing. It is about 12 miles west of Spokane, with four real seasons, abundant lakes and trails, and a mid-sized city's amenities.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Spokane, WA |
| Population served | About 2,700 residents in the base census area (2020) |
| Airports | Spokane International (GEG), about 4-8 miles from the base depending on route |
| Climate | Warm, dry summers (July average about 71F) and cold winters; about 16.5 inches of precipitation a year; summer wildfire smoke can affect air quality |
| On-base housing | Balfour Beatty Communities (privatized family housing, 210 E. Bong St); dorms for unaccompanied Airmen |
| Medical care | 92nd Medical Group clinic at Fairchild AFB |
| Family support center | Airman and Family Readiness Center |
Where families live
On-base Fairchild housing
Three neighborhoods managed by Balfour Beatty; children are served by the Medical Lake School District.
Medical Lake
Small lakeside town with quiet streets and its own K-12 schools; popular with base families.
Airway Heights
Close-in community with lower-cost housing and quick access to the airport and I-90.
South Hill, Spokane
Group of neighborhoods south of downtown near Manito Park with a wide range of homes.
Browne's Addition and Kendall Yards
Urban neighborhoods near downtown with Victorian homes and newer condos.
Schools
Medical Lake School District #326 serves the base and the small town of Medical Lake, which has three public schools covering K-12. Families who live in Spokane will be in other districts. The installation School Liaison can help with questions.
- Medical Lake School District #326 — Serves Fairchild AFB and Medical Lake
Fairchild School Liaison Office (through the Airman and Family Readiness Center)
Things to do near Fairchild Air Force Base
- Riverfront Parkfamily100-acre downtown park on the former Expo '74 site with a skyride and a 1909 carousel.
- Manito Park and Botanical GardensoutdoorsSouth Hill park with formal gardens and a Japanese garden.
- Mount SpokaneoutdoorsHighest peak in the county with skiing and snowshoeing.
- Spokane River Centennial TrailoutdoorsOver 37 miles of paved trail to the Idaho border.
- Medical Lake and nearby lakesoutdoorsSeveral lakes within a few miles of the base.
- Medical Lake Founders Day ParadefamilyAnnual June 15 parade and community event.
- Red Morgan Center bowling alleyfamilyNewly opened on-base bowling alley.
- Browne's AdditionfoodHistoric neighborhood known for Victorian mansions.
Realtors & local services
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PCS tips for Fairchild Air Force Base
- Visit the Military Housing Office for counseling before signing any lease or purchase contract.
- Arrange winter driving preparation; Spokane winters are cold and snowy.
- Summer wildfire smoke can affect air quality, so keep air filters on hand.
- The base has introduced a Fast Pass system for streamlined access; ask your sponsor how to register.
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 Pacific Northwest
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.