Moving to Fort Wainwright
Fort Wainwright sits next to Fairbanks in interior Alaska and is the Army's cold-weather hub, home to Arctic-focused aviation and infantry units. Winters are long, dark and extremely cold, summers have near-constant daylight, and the outdoors is the main draw. Alaska is an overseas-style tour for dependents, so plan your paperwork early.
| Branch | Army |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Fairbanks, AK |
| Airports | Fairbanks International (FAI), about 10 minutes away, with direct flights to Anchorage, Seattle and Denver |
| Climate | Subarctic: winter lows of -40F or colder, short warm summers with about 22 hours of daylight |
| Cost of living | High for the U.S., but Fairbanks is among Alaska's cheaper areas; a local guide cites about $1,200 to $1,800 for off-post three-bedroom rentals and a 2024 median home price of about $285,000 |
| On-base housing | North Haven Communities (privatized, utilities included) |
| Medical care | Bassett Army Community Hospital |
| Family support center | Army Community Service (Fort Wainwright) |
Where families live
On-post North Haven communities
Ten neighborhoods (such as Bear Paw, Chena Bend, Denali Village, North Town, Siku Basin and Tanana Trails) with utilities, snow removal and lawn care included; often heated garages. Strongly favored because of winter driving.
Fairbanks
A town of about 30,000 with the most shopping, restaurants and rentals in the region.
North Pole
Smaller community southeast of Fairbanks with more space and a lower-key feel.
Schools
Fort Wainwright has no on-post schools. Families attend the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, which serves roughly 14,000 students in about 35 schools. Cold-weather closures happen and the school calendar is adjusted for winter darkness.
- Fairbanks North Star Borough School District — Serves Fort Wainwright housing, Fairbanks and North Pole.
Fort Wainwright School Liaison Office via Army Community Service
Things to do near Fort Wainwright
- Northern Lights viewingoutdoorsAurora season runs roughly September through March, with lodges outside the city.
- Chena Hot Springs ResortoutdoorsOutdoor hot springs and an indoor pool about an hour from Fairbanks, open year-round.
- Denali National ParkoutdoorsAbout two hours away for wildlife and mountain scenery.
- Chena River State Recreation AreaoutdoorsHiking, skiing and snowmobiling close to town.
- Riverboat cruises on the Chena and TananafamilyA popular summer activity in Fairbanks.
- Dog mushing toursoutdoorsSled dog rides and kennel visits in winter.
- Fairbanks Children's MuseummuseumHands-on museum for young kids.
- Fairbanks Curling ClubsportsThe oldest club devoted to a sport in Alaska, per a regional guide.
Realtors & local services
Want a realtor who knows Fort Wainwright?
Tell us your report date, budget and whether you're buying or renting. We'll connect you with an agent who works with military families here.
Get matchedMovers, storage, pets & more
- North Haven Communities (Fort Wainwright)property managementFort Wainwright
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at Fort Wainwright? Claim or add a listing.
Local programs & support
- Fort Wainwright Housing Services OfficeHelps with off-post housing referrals and guidance; phone 907-353-1190.
- North Haven Communities leasingMilitary housing open to active duty, retirees and DoD civilians at Fort Wainwright and Eielson; no application fees, credit checks or security deposit are charged.
PCS tips for Fort Wainwright
- Alaska is treated as an overseas tour; if dependents are traveling with you, your orders must say concurrent travel and list each family member.
- Buy and use an engine block heater; at -40F it is a survival item, not an accessory.
- On-post housing includes utilities and snow removal, which many families find worth giving up full BAH.
- Plan for months of limited daylight in winter and bring blackout curtains for the summer midnight sun.
- Weather can delay medical evacuations to Anchorage (about 6 hours by road), so ask about care options early.
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.