Eielson Air Force Base Housing Guide
📍 Fairbanks, Alaska
Tips for Military Families
- Start your housing search early — on-base waitlists can be 6–12 months at popular bases.
- Check current BAH rates on the DTMO calculator before setting your housing budget — rates change annually.
- Join local military spouse Facebook groups for unfiltered rental reviews and landlord recommendations from families who've been there.
Everything you need to know about on-base and off-base housing options near Eielson Air Force Base. We cover BAH rates, popular neighborhoods for military families stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, commute times, and what to expect from base housing communities.
On-base: Privatized housing through Aurora Military Housing — single-family homes, townhomes, and duplexes; wait lists 0-6 months; homes are well-insulated with attached garages (essential for -40°F winters); all homes have blackout shades for the midnight sun in summer
Off-base (North Pole): 10-15 min commute, the closest community; rentals $1,200-$1,800/month; small-town Alaskan feel with the famous Santa Claus House attraction
Off-base (Fairbanks): 25-35 min commute; larger city with more amenities; rentals $1,200-$2,200/month; more diverse housing stock including apartments and condos
Off-base (Salcha / rural): 15-30 min, log cabins and homes on acreage, well water and septic, the true Alaskan experience — popular with those wanting privacy and space
Note: Winter is extreme — expect -30°F to -50°F regularly January-February; block heaters, battery warmers, and winter emergency kits are mandatory; OHA covers utilities; expect $300-500/month heating in winter for off-base homes
Key Resources for Housing
Trusted external resources for military families researching housing near Eielson Air Force Base.