PCSing to Alaska: On Base vs. Off-Base Housing
by Becca Stewart - February 17th, 2022
Alaska: The Last Frontier. Living in Alaska can be an incredible experience – if you come prepared. Life isn’t always easy in the great frozen north. But finding the right home- and knowing what to expect once you move in – can make your assignment much more enjoyable.
You will have three options for housing in Alaska: live in base housing, rent a home off-base, or purchase a home off-base. Whatever you choose, make your living arrangements as early as possible.
PCSing to Alaska
There are several military installations in Alaska; the largest are near either Anchorage or Fairbanks (Eielson AFB and Fort Wainwright). The Coast Guard operates three bases near the coast. The remaining bases are Army or Air Force installations or joint bases between the two. There are no Navy or Marine Corps installations in Alaska.
For more specifics on getting to Alaska, check out our previous blog post.
Living on base in Alaska
Military bases in Alaska offer privatized housing for service members and their families. However, base housing is limited. Service members should contact the installation’s housing office as soon as possible after receiving orders. If there isn’t a home immediately available, you can ask to have your name added to a waitlist.
Pros
There are many advantages to living in military housing on the installation.
Convenience
Everything is close: schools, commissary, gas station, and entertainment. There’s no need to drive back and forth, which is a huge plus during the winter months!
Utility costs
Currently, every privatized housing community on an Alaskan military installation includes all utility costs in your rent. Utility costs can run double what you pay in the lower 48. Having those utilities included could save you thousands when compared to off-base living.
Maintenance
A private property management company owns and operates housing on military installations in Alaska. The management team will address any maintenance issues free of charge. Some installations also include snow removal and other services.
Community
Living on base is a great experience for most military families. Street-wide barbecues. Neighborhood bunco games. Kids that run from one house to the next. And spouses who will do anything for one another. It’s an instant community that you just won’t find anywhere else.
Safety
On-base living is the ultimate gated community. Everyone who drives into your neighborhood first passes through an armed front gate. No neighborhood is 100% risk-proof, but base living is pretty darn close.
Cons
Waitlists
Base housing is limited. If there is a waitlist, expect to wait several weeks or months to get a house. That said, you may need to arrange alternate housing in the meantime. Some families choose short-term rentals in the local community or even camp on base or nearby until a house is available.
Lack of choice
If you want to live on base, you will probably have few, if any, options. Typically, you take the house that is available, or you don’t get a house at all. If you are picky about where you live, you might want to reconsider living on base.
Welcoming visitors
Living on base can also be a hassle when friends and family visit. If your guests aren’t affiliated with the military, you will have to escort them through the gate and stay with them while they are on the installation. Non-ID holders cannot shop at the Exchange or commissary, either.
Using your entire BAH
Living on base means forfeiting your entire housing allowance (BAH). Depending on your rank, you could be giving up a hefty chunk of change. However, base housing pays for all utilities*. When you factor in those savings, you may actually save money by living on base.
*The DoD is considering reinstating energy conservation programs in some locations. Service members may have to pay a portion of utility fees in the future.
Websites for on-base housing info:
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson: https://www.auroramilitaryhousing.com/
Fort Wainwright: https://fw.nhcalaska.com/
Eielson AFB: http://airforce.corviasmilitaryliving.com/housing-results?neighborhood=Eielson+AFB
Living off-base in Alaska
You have two options when living off base: renting or buying.
Housing prices have increased significantly in recent years, both in Alaska and the lower 48 states. Homebuilders can’t keep up with demand, and the inventory shortages mean potential buyers have fewer homes to choose from. If you are interested in buying a pre-owned home in Alaska, expect the process to take 45-60 days at least. New builds could take six months or longer. Contact a reputable real estate agent at your new location who can tell you more about the current market.
If you decide to rent, consider contacting the installation’s housing office. They can direct you to the most up-to-date rental listings, including discounted listings available only to military families.
Pros
Cultural experience
Living off-base allows you to immerse yourself in the Alaskan culture. Sure, Alaska is part of the United States, but it is distinctly unique. You’ll meet locals, learn about Alaskan traditions and culture, and, yes, learn the tricks of staying warm in an Alaskan winter.
Wildlife and wilderness
Alaska is breathtakingly beautiful. On-base residents will occasionally see animals wander through the neighborhood. But living off base means living even closer to hiking trails, open spaces, and the wildlife that makes Alaska feel, well, wild.
Personalization
Living off base gives you far more options to personalize your space. If you are picky about where you live – the floorplan, location, and amenities – consider living off base.
More space
If you live on base, chances are you will have a house just big enough for your family. You probably won’t have additional bedrooms for visitors or a space for your office. If you want more square footage, off-base is the way to go.
However, keep in mind that you have to heat that extra square footage. The larger your home, the higher your energy bills!
Easier access for visitors
An off-base location makes life much more convenient when friends and family visit. You won’t have to worry about getting your guests on to base or escorting them from place to place. Visitors are free to come and go as they please.
Cons
DIY maintenance
When you own a home, you’re in charge of maintenance. Alaska’s bitter cold winters can lead to pipe failures, overworked heating systems, power outages, and more. If you plan to buy a home, you should also understand Alaskan home maintenance basics – and have the name of a handyman taped to your fridge!
Of course, if you are renting an off-base property, you can expect your landlord to fix any issues that arise.
High utility costs
Alaska utility costs are the highest in the nation, second only to Hawaii. Electricity is very expensive. Most homes use oil, boilers, and wood to heat their homes. Winters are long; energy costs can skyrocket during those cold months.
If you choose to live off base, ask the current owners for their average utility costs. This can help you create a realistic budget and prevent mid-winter sticker shock.
There are several ways to make a home more energy-efficient. Many Alaskan homes have an “arctic room,” essentially a mudroom with doors at both ends. This design keeps heat from escaping the main living area when someone enters the house. Owners can also install insulated windows, update caulking and weatherstripping, and add other energy-saving features to reduce overall costs.
Travel challenges
Alaskan weather is unpredictable and unforgiving. Hazardous driving conditions are common, especially in the winter. If you live off base, think about the wintertime commute. Some towns, like those north of Anchorage, only have one highway that accesses base. Accidents are common in the winter along this stretch, sometimes leaving service members stranded until the road clears.
More information about housing in Alaska
Contact the housing office at your gaining installation for more information about on- and off-base housing options. This office can direct you to on-base housing management and provide you with off-base rental listings and homebuying information.
Social media pages can also be helpful when seeking housing information in your new location. Many bases have at least one social media group dedicated to helping inbound families access available resources. The service member’s gaining unit can typically direct you to additional housing information.
Special thank you to Jen Colom and all the other military spouses who contributed to this article.
Becca Stewart is an Air Force Spouse, mother of two, freelance writer, and sufferer of Wanderlust. Originally from Colorado, she enjoys anything outdoors, especially if there’s snow involved. She is a travel fanatic, always looking for her next great adventure. As a full-time writer, Becca works closely with several nonprofit organizations and is a passionate advocate for human rights and military families. Learn more at writebecca.com.
