Livability Score

56
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities F

There are not many amenities close to this location.
Coffee (12) F
Espresso Yourself
Coffee Shop
Sunrise Bagel and Espresso
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Forget Me Not Espresso
Coffee Shop
The Crepery
Coffee Shop
Sunrise Bagel and Espresso
Coffee Shop
River City Cafe
Coffee Shop
McCafferty's, a Coffee House, etc.
Coffee Shop
Bucko's Coffee
Coffee Shop
Palace Hotel & Bath House (1906)
Coffee Shop
Java Junkie
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (38) F
Moose Antler Arch
Attraction
Fairbanks Ice Museum
Museum
Bouchard's International Dog Mushing and Sled Museum
Museum
Fairbanks Children's Museum
Museum
Alaska Mining Hall of Fame
Museum
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
Museum
Alaska Bird Observatory
Attraction
Big Dipper Ice Arena
Stadium
Regal Cinemas
Cinema
Hap Ryder Riverfront Theatre
Theatre Arts
Ruth Burnett Sport Fish Hatchery
Attraction
Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Attraction
Pioneer Museum
Museum
Gold Rush Town
Attraction
Kitty Hensley House
Museum
The Palace Theatre & Saloon
Theatre Arts
N.C.Co Building
Attraction
Gold Rush Town
Attraction
Harding Railroad Car (1905)
Attraction
Wheelhouse SS Lavelle Young
Attraction
Nenana's Center Diorama
Attraction
Sternwheeler SS Nenana (1933)
Museum
Carousel
Attraction
Steam Locomotive 1899 TVRR Engine No.1
Attraction
Agriculture Museum
Museum
Food and Drink (26) F
Papa John's
Fast Food
Papa John's
Fast Food
Bruegger's Bagels
Fast Food
Brown Jug Friendly Spirits
Alcohol
Midnite Mine
Bar
The Fudge Pot
Sweets
McDonald's
Fast Food
Mecca Bar
Bar
Taco Bell
Fast Food
The BIG-I Pub & Lounge
Bar
KFC
Fast Food
Elks Lodge
Bar
Wendy's
Fast Food
hoarfrost distilling
Bar
McDonald's
Fast Food
Mama Grizzly's Grill
Fast Food
Fitness (0) F
Groceries (9) F
Commissary
Grocery Store
Fred Meyer
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Safeway
Grocery Store
Co-Op Market Grocery & Deli
Grocery Store
Co-op Market
Grocery Store
Donut Shop
Bakery
Parks (72) A+
Nussbaumer Park
Park
Baranof Park
Park
Bentley Park
Park
Graehl Park
Park
Golden Heart Plaza
Park
Mercer Park
Park
Bernice Allridge Park
Park
Bluebell Park
Playground
Bluebell Park
Park
South Fairbanks Park
Park
Hez Ray Sports Complex
Park
Growden Memorial Park
Park
Growden Picnic Area
Playground
South Davis Park
Park
Pioneer Park Playground
Playground
Shops (54) F
Exchange
Department Store
The Home Depot
Home Improvement
Bentley Mall
Mall
Lowe's
Home Improvement
Alaskan Floral and Wedding
Florist
The GCI Store
Electronics
Frank's Menswear
Clothing
Barnes & Noble
Books
Salon and Studio
Beauty
Good News Bible and Bookstore
Books
Petco
Pets
Cold Spot Feeds
Pets
Old Navy
Clothing
Gold Rush Fine Jewelry
Fashion
Alaska Gold'n'Gems Fine Jewelry
Fashion
The Red Fox Fine Furs
Clothing
AT&T
Electronics
Co-op Downtown Plaza
Mall
Arctic Travelers Gift Shop
Gift Shop
Aaron's
Furniture
ACS
Electronics
Ulta Beauty
Beauty
Bliss Hair Studio
Hairdresser
Blue Door Antiques
Furniture
Pier 1
Interior Decoration
See more Fairbanks amenity data

commute F

Of all people who commute, 1.0% take public transportation in Fairbanks.
Public Transit Stops (30)
Stops & Stations
F
Fred Meyers East/Walmart
Bus Stop
Fred Meyers East/Walmart
Bus Stop
Fred Meyers East/Walmart
Bus Stop
Fred Meyers East/Walmart
Bus Stop
Lowes/Walmart
Bus Stop
Lowes/Walmart
Bus Stop
Max C. Lyon Transit Center
Bus Station
Fairbanks
Transit Station
Danby St./Wembly Av.
Bus Stop
Wambley Ave./Aurora Dr.
Bus Stop
Aurora/Tamarack
Bus Stop
Aurora/Tamarack
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
1.0%
F
See more Fairbanks commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in Fairbanks is 132/100 - which is 2% higher than Alaska.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
A+
See more Fairbanks cost of living data

crime F

Fairbanks crime rates are 5,118 per 100k, which is 101% higher than Alaska
Property Crime
4,292 crimes per 100k
F
Violent Crime
827 crimes per 100k
F
See more Fairbanks crime data

employment C+

The median income in Fairbanks is $64,397 - which is 13% lower than Alaska.
Med. Household Income
$64,397
C
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
D-
See more Fairbanks employment data

health F

There are not many hospitals, police and fire stations,
Health & Safety (13)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
F
Steese Immediate Care
Clinic
Fairbanks Fire Department Station 1
Fire Station
City of Fairbanks Police Station
Police
Fairbanks Imaging Center
Clinic
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
Hospital
Medical Dental Arts Building
Clinic
Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center
Clinic
Medical Center Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Fairbanks Urgent Care
Clinic
Fairbanks Fire Department Station 3
Fire Station
North Star Volunteer Fire Department Station 34
Fire Station
Alaska State Troopers
Police
North Star Volunteer Fire Department Station 32
Fire Station
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
A
See more Fairbanks health & safety data

housing A+

Fairbanks home prices are $217,700 - which is 15% lower than Alaska
Home Price
$217,700
A-
Home Appreciation Rate
8%
B+
Home Affordability
3.4x (home price to income ratio)
B
See more Fairbanks housing data

schools D

The Fairbanks graduation rate is 85% - which is 2% lower than Alaska
School Test Scores
40%
F
High School Grad. Rates
85%
C+
Elementary Schools (31) F
Ladd Elementary
Arctic Light Elementary
Nordale Elementary
Aurora Tutoring School & Resource Center
Fairhill Christian School
Fairbanks B.E.S.T.
Alternative Learning Systems
Catholic Schools Of Fairbanks
Barnette Magnet School
Hunter Elementary
Boreal Sun Charter School
Joy Elementary
Denali Elementary
Sprucetree Montessori School
Anne Wien Elementary
Chinook Montessori Charter School
Golden Heart Academy
Fairbanks Montessori Association
Ticasuk Brown Elementary
Interior Distance Education Of Alaska (Idea)
Weller Elementary
High Schools (11) F
Aurora Tutoring School & Resource Center
Fairbanks B.E.S.T.
Alternative Learning Systems
Catholic Schools Of Fairbanks
Lathrop High School
Golden Heart Academy
Interior Distance Education Of Alaska (Idea)
See more Fairbanks education data

ratings B-

Fairbanks has an overall rating of 69% from 11 reviews.
User Reviews (4)
From AreaVibes
C+
User Surveys (7)
From AreaVibes
A-
See more Fairbanks user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Fairbanks, AK
( 11 Ratings )

Living in Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks Area Facts

  • Fairbanks has a Livability Score of 56/100, which is considered below average
  • Fairbanks crime rates are 101% higher than the Alaska average
  • Cost of living in Fairbanks is 2% higher than the Alaska average
New Real Estate Listings in Fairbanks Area
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Fairbanks Reviews

Write a review about Fairbanks Tell people what you like or don't like about Fairbanks…
This Is Not For The Faint of Heart 4 rating By Anonymous ( Apr 06, 2021) I have lived in FAirbanks for 6 years. I moved here from Texas,and was not exactly thrilled that my husband found work here. When we first moved here, it was March, and I was miserable. I didn't klnow how to live in the cold, didn't know anyone, the town ;looked like a bomb got d ...Read More ropped on it.
Then I got to meet the people here, all of them, all types, and they are quite the funky bunch..IN A GREAT WAY! What a cast of characters! Good and bad, they are authentic, and that is a great thing.
This is a great place to grow your career, even though jobs are not plentiful. The reason being, there is so little competition, and so few skilled workers, that you will likely be hired into a position that you couldn't snag on the Lower 48.
Insider Tips:
Winters are dark, long and harsh. Severe depression can happen, especially the first few years. Take a daily vitamin D supplement, start a new hobby, and most of all, go on vacations at this time of year. Flights to Hawaii are extremely reasonable this time of year, so locals all go there for a few weeks to break up the drudgery. I also take trips at Christmas time, and late March-April to Seattle, and this way winters are no big deal. In order to do this, I work w/o break during the summers; this is no problem, because with 22 hours of sunlight, I can still go for walks, bike, forage, bbq in the sunlight! Also,the schools here are VERY used to this, and you will have no problem with missed days.
Next, this is kind of a sad place to raise a teen. There are no outlets for them. There is only one "mall" with 4 stores, no skating rinks, only 1 museum, no putt putt(there was an indoor black light one that was AMAZING, but it closed), no arcades, 1 movie theater, and a high crime rate to boot. The high crime rate is mostly attributed to domestic violence, suicide, and alcohol, stemming from remote living and isolation, gentrification of Alaskan Natives, and a military base. I have never had any instance of crime happen to me or my family, and I've lived in several neighborhoods, including downtown. That being said, anywhere that kids could hang out will likely have quite a few mentally ill, or intoxicated individuals there trying to stay warm. For a place that requires you to be indoors for 8 months of the year, there is a lack of entertainment for youth, especially if they are not the outdoors type.
Last, hope you like Thai food, and nothing but Thai food. When we arrived, I was shocked that the most prolific type of food was THAI..in the interior of Alaska..WHATT?? This is by no means a bad thing. Itś
just unexpected and worth noting. Besides that, forget about eating out, learn to cook, especially moose, and enjoy the time spent perfecting your cooking skills.
I love it here, it is an oddball place. I love the isolation, and the Aurora, and the dog mushing, and the casual attire even at work, and the transfer sites, and the Yard Moose, it has fantastic grocery stores, a great thrift store, cool bars, a University, and the most beautiful summers imaginable, where it tops off at 75 most days, and not lower than 55 at night. Read Less
I love Fairbanks! 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 17, 2020) I saw the terrible review above and had to say something. I totally disagree about Fairbanks being a terrible place to live. My husband and I moved here in 2008 and we love it! Yes, it's freaking cold in the winter (can get down to -20 to -40 F) for weeks on end, lots of snow and ...Read More very short winter days. But if you can suffer through that, the summer is glorious with nearly 22 hours of daylight (home of the Midnight Sun!). Lots of outdoor opportunities: hiking, camping, canoeing in the summer; skiing in the winter, lots of cross country ski trails right near town. We are 90 minutes from Denali National Park and have a lot of great tourist attractions in town. There is a university here and museums. Tons of restaurants. For shopping we have Costco, Fred Meyers, Safeway, and Walmart, for starters. The people here are wonderful; they are kind and accepting. I've had an easy time making friends. It is expensive, though, but there are a lot of jobs too. Generally, I feel safe walking almost anywhere in town (I avoid south Cushman street). Yes, occasionally there are some crazy drunks walking around who might catcall you or ask for $5, but the allegations of cops not doing anything because of so much murder and rape... what? I don't know where they are getting that. Don't write off Fairbanks. I love this town! Read Less
Unsafe - Unmodernized - Boring 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 12, 2019) Fairbanks has been the worst town I have lived in so far. Rural villages on the outskirts are full of loving friendly people from that community. Fairbanks is the exact opposite, especially in the summer. Crazy people walk the streets, harrasingn, assaukting and threatening other ...Read More s in the community. The police don’t do anything due to their being a million other cases they have to take care of from legitimate crime (people raping people, murder, etc.) So the officers don’t have time to write a report and actually throw these druggies and drunks in jail. They’re just put in a drunk tank (just a dull white room with the door left OPEN). People who talk up cities like Fairbanks are only people who were born there. Young woman are not safe here. Young ladies are raped on campus every single year (also another huge problem that officers sweep under the rug). Too many intoxicated or angry drivers on the road. Read Less
Visit Fairbanks for an Adventure 4 rating By Anonymous ( May 14, 2018) If you are a person with an adventurer spirit, then a visit to Fairbanks, Alaska is definitely a must do. Until several years ago, I was lucky enough to call Fairbanks home. Living in Fairbanks, Alaska gave me several adventures of a lifetime. From aurora viewing to dog mushing a ...Read More nd from hiking strenuous trails to viewing magnificient wildlife, there will be an adventure for you.

If you wish to visit Fairbanks, Alaska there are multiple choices of places to stay. If you would like a cabin, then check out North Pole Cabins to see what they can offer you. If a bed and breakfast is more your pace, then I strongly suggest a stay at Arctic Lights Bed and Breakfast for a personalized experience.

The best areas in Fairbanks, Alaska for food and drink would be the Venue for the best coffee and The Fudge Pot if you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. There are plenty of choices for food, drink, places to stay, and adventures. Make plans to visit Fairbanks today. Read Less
Show All Reviews
Unsafe - Unmodernized - Boring 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 12, 2019) Fairbanks has been the worst town I have lived in so far. Rural villages on the outskirts are full of loving friendly people from that community. Fairbanks is the exact opposite, especially in the summer. Crazy people walk the streets, harrasingn, assaukting and threatening other ...Read More s in the community. The police don’t do anything due to their being a million other cases they have to take care of from legitimate crime (people raping people, murder, etc.) So the officers don’t have time to write a report and actually throw these druggies and drunks in jail. They’re just put in a drunk tank (just a dull white room with the door left OPEN). People who talk up cities like Fairbanks are only people who were born there. Young woman are not safe here. Young ladies are raped on campus every single year (also another huge problem that officers sweep under the rug). Too many intoxicated or angry drivers on the road. Read Less
Visit Fairbanks for an Adventure 4 rating By Anonymous ( May 14, 2018) If you are a person with an adventurer spirit, then a visit to Fairbanks, Alaska is definitely a must do. Until several years ago, I was lucky enough to call Fairbanks home. Living in Fairbanks, Alaska gave me several adventures of a lifetime. From aurora viewing to dog mushing a ...Read More nd from hiking strenuous trails to viewing magnificient wildlife, there will be an adventure for you.

If you wish to visit Fairbanks, Alaska there are multiple choices of places to stay. If you would like a cabin, then check out North Pole Cabins to see what they can offer you. If a bed and breakfast is more your pace, then I strongly suggest a stay at Arctic Lights Bed and Breakfast for a personalized experience.

The best areas in Fairbanks, Alaska for food and drink would be the Venue for the best coffee and The Fudge Pot if you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. There are plenty of choices for food, drink, places to stay, and adventures. Make plans to visit Fairbanks today. Read Less

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Fairbanks Awards

Compare Fairbanks, AK Livability

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      F Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Fairbanks? Well, there are not many amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Nussbaumer Park
      Baranof Park
      Bentley Park
      Graehl Park
      Golden Heart Plaza
      Mercer Park
      Bernice Allridge Park
      Bluebell Park

      Entertainment

      Moose Antler Arch
      Fairbanks Ice Museum
      Bouchard's International Dog Mushing and Sled Museum
      Fairbanks Children's Museum
      Alaska Mining Hall of Fame
      Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
      Alaska Bird Observatory
      Big Dipper Ice Arena

      Food & Drink

      Papa John's
      Papa John's
      Bruegger's Bagels
      Brown Jug Friendly Spirits
      Midnite Mine
      The Fudge Pot
      McDonald's
      Mecca Bar

      A- Commute

      Is public transit available in Fairbanks? Of all people who commute, 1.0% take public transportation in Fairbanks.
      Drive to Work
      69%

      7% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      1%

      4% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      6%

      3% higher than the US average

      C Health & Safety

      Is Fairbanks a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Fairbanks Family Wellness
      Fairbanks Memorial Hospital

      Pharmacies

      Medical Center Pharmacy

      Doctors