Fairbanks Ak Real Estate News & Info

It has been called the Last Great Race.

It is long and arduous and is truly unlike any other journey in the world. Imagine, if you can, a two week odyssey through the heart of the frozen Alaskan wilderness. The endurance test of a lifetime will take you 1,200 miles through scantly touched forests, across frozen rivers, including the mighty Yukon, which at points stretches more than two miles from shore to shore and where overflow lies in wait for the unsuspecting, across dizzying mountain peaks that would humble ordinary men, through remote native villages few outsiders have seen to an isolated, windswept point on the Bering Sea just south of the Arctic Circle.

This is not a journey for the weak willed among us. Every movement calculated, every obstacle surveyed with utmost care, as though your very life depends on it, for even the smallest misstep can prove fatal. What is this ultimate test of man?

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

Established as a National Historic Trail in 1978, the trail was originally used as a mail and supply route from Seward to the western coast communities on the Bering Sea. In 1925 the trail was made famous when a team of mushers and their hard working sled dogs delivered lifesaving diphtheria antitoxin 674 miles to Nome, saving countless lives.

The running of the Iditarod is a commeration of those yesterdays, a not-so-distant past that Alaskans honor and are proud of.

The current record holder is Martin Buser who, along with his incredible team, ran the 1,200 mile race in 8 days, 22 hours, 46 minutes and 41 seconds. Think you've got what it takes to knock Martin out of the top slot?

Read up on Iditarod trivia and when you're ready read the current Iditarod rules and download the race application forms. Me? I'll be monitoring the race from the comfort of the den. I've made several treks across the Alaskan wilderness - tales of survival I'll save for another day.

Searching for a new home with a somewhat less daunting commute? We can help! Search Fairbanks homes for sale or sign up for our Realty Retriever - he'll automatically send you new listings as they become available without even mussing the corners of the page.

Next Stop: Camping In The Interior

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Jesse & Kathy Clifton, better known as 'The Spouses' are full time Realtors serving Fairbanks Alaska buyers and sellers. They specialize in residential real estate; new and existing construction as well as undeveloped land in Fairbanks, North Pole, Ft. Wainwright, Eielson Air Force Base and Interior Alaska. Visit their website to review the fee market reports designed to keep you updated on the local Fairbanks Alaska real estate market. Have specific questions? Feel free to contact them anytime. They would love to hear from you. Tour Alaska on The-Spouses.com - Search Fairbanks MLS View Our Virtual Relocation Package

Your real estate resource for Fairbanks and Interior Alasaka

 

The University of Alaska Fairbanks campus is the flagship of the Univeristy of Alaska Statewide System. UAF holds the honor of being one of the few, but certainly the northernmost, of America's Land, Sea and Space Grant institutions, offering 25 certificates and 161 degrees in 115 disciplines ranging from bachelors to Ph.Ds.

Originally founded with a federal land grant in 1915 (44 years before Alaska Statehood) on what was a federal Agricultural Experiment Station, the University of Alaska, then known as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines, was born. After receiving funding from the Alaska Territorial Legislature and the completion of the first building in 1922, the college opened its doors to the first class of students. A faculty of six offered 16 classes to a student body of six. Commencement in 1923 consisted of a single graduate.

In 1931 the federal government transferred the entire Agricultural Experiment Station to the college. Four years later the Alaska Legislature renamed the growing campus the University of Alaska to reflect the school's expanding role in research, teaching and public service. The Geophysical Institute was established in 1946 out of a need for scientific polar research with the first Ph.D. being awarded in 1955.

The University of Alaska had the distinct honor of hosting the Alaska Constitutional Convention in 1955 which produced The Constitution of the State of Alaska. The constitution was adopted by the delegates on February 5, 1956, ratified on April 24, 1956, and became effective when the Alaska Statehood Act was signed on January 3, 1959.

We the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land, in order to secure and transmit to succeeding generations our heritage of political, civil, and religious liberty within the Union of States, do ordain and establish this constitution for the State of Alaska. Preamble to Alaska's Constitution.

The Alaska Legislature created the Institute of Marine Science in 1960 and the Institute of Arctic Biology in 1962. UAF took over operations of the Poker Flat Research Range in 1969, which provides launch facilities for NASA and the Department of Defense. It is the only university owned rocket range in the world.

In 1970, UAF was designated as a federal sea grant institution for marine research. Today the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences operates the 133-foot research vessel Alpha Helix for the National Science Foundation out of the Seward Marine Center. The Alaska Native Language Center was established by an act of the Alaska Legislature in 1972 and in 1975 the University of Alaska statewide system was created, with additional campuses in Anchorage and Juneau.

Signficant changes continued with the opening of the University of Alaska Museum of the North in 1980. UAF enrollement topped 5,000 students for the first time in its history in 1981 as well established rural campuses in Bethel, Dillingham, Kotzebue, Nome and the Interior. Education centers in Fort Yukon, Galena, McGrath, Nenana, Tok and Unalaska provide additional education services to rural Alaskans.

In 1991 NASA named UAF as a space grant institution, thus becoming a Land, Sea and Space Grant institution, one of the few land, sea, and space grant institutions in the United States.

UAF's public service role is filled in part by the statewide Cooperative Extension Service with its eight district offices. Public broadcasting stations KUAC-FM and AlaskaONE TV, the first public stations in the state, are headquartered at the Fairbanks campus.

Today UAF is the only doctoral-granting institution in Alaska, offering Ph.D. degrees in anthropology, several of the physical and natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Master's degrees are offered in more than 50 fields in the humanities, social sciences, northern studies, physical and natural sciences, and in professional fields such as engineering, justice, education and business administration. Interdisciplinary programs are possible for students who have a research focus in areas where UAF has faculty expertise and research facilities available.

Welcome to UAF's Fairbanks campus UAF welcomes visitors to campus anytime of the year. Pick up a campus map and visitors' guide in a parking lot shuttle station, at the UA Museum of the North, Wood Center or Rasmuson Library and go exploring. Reduced shuttle service operates throughout the summer. Call 474-PARK (7275) or visit the Transportation Services website for more information: UAF Shuttle Services. Summer guided tours Guided walking tours | Guided campus tours for prospective students | International Arctic Research Center | Geophysical Institute | Arctic Region Supercomputing Center | Cold Climate Housing Research Center | Botanical Garden | Poker Flat Research Range | Large Animal Research Station | More things to see and do Take a Virtual Tour of the Univeristy of Alaska Fairbanks Campus.

 

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In addition to the main campus, classes are offered at the Tanana Valley Campus (TVC) located in downtown Fairbanks. TVC opened its doors in 1974 and provides career and technical education, academic preparation and lifelong learning opportunities for all Alaskans. TVC offers more than 40 certificate and associate degree programs in such fields as Allied Health (Certified Nurses Aide, Dental Assisting/Hygiene, Health Care Reimbursement, Medical/Dental Receptionist, Phlebotomy, Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Emergency Medical Services and Medical Assistant), Accounting, Applied Business (Computer Application, Human Resources, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Public Management & Tourism), Automotive Technology, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Certified Public Manager, Construction Management, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Diesel/Heavy Equipment, Drafting Technology, Emergency Medical Services, Information Technology, Law Enforcement Academy, Paralegal Studies as well as Professional Development and the Alaska Small Business Development Center

Ready to earn your Real Estate Ph.D and make an educated decision about buying Fairbanks real estate? Search Fairbanks homes for sale or sign up for our Realty Retriever - he'll automatically send you new listings as they become available without even mussing the corners of the page.

Next Stop: Fairbanks Financial Services Directory

Education is that which discloses to the wise and disguises from the foolish their lack of understanding. Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914?) U.S. journalist and writer. While not a complete antidote, a formal education will prevent us from spend our years stumbling down the path of un-elightened foolishness.

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District is comprised of 34 elementary, middle, junior, senior, career tech and charter schools as well as several alternative learning programs. A staff of 1,908 teachers, counselors, principals and district administration serve a student population of 14,103. Although varying from school to school, the district teacher to studen ratio is 1 in 22. Instructional services and student activities account for 72.5% of the school district's budget, which translaters to roughly $9,300 spent on each child in the Fairbanks district. 2006-2007 District Report Card Short Version.

State law requires every child between 7 and 16 years of age to attend school. Any child who will be 5 years old on or before September 1 is eligible to attend kindergarten. Children must be 6 years old on or before September 1 to attend first grade. New students need to enroll at the school they will be attending. When schools are closed for the summer, new students are encouraged to register in the Student Records Dept. in the FNSBSD Administrative Center, 520 Fifth Ave. (452-2000, x361).

A copy of the child's birth certificate is required for all pupils entering kindergarten and for first graders who haven't been enrolled in the district before. All new students must submit proof of immunization before being admitted. Please bring a copy of the student's transcript or report card to help with class placement. Also, proof of residency (utility bill such as phone, water, electric, etc.) is required at the time of registration. View Immunization Requirements for the FNSB School District.

Fairbanks Elementary Schools

* Anderson Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Arctic Light Elementary
* Ann Wien Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Badger Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Crawford Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Denali Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Hunter Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Joy Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Ladd Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Nordale Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* North Pole Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Pearl Creek Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Salcha Elementary - Routes (.PDF)
* Ticasuk Brown Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Two Rivers K-8 - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* University Park Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Weller Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Woodriver Elementary - Bus Routes (.PDF)

Fairbanks Junior/Senior High Schools

* Ben Eielson Junior/Senior High - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Hutchison High - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Lathrop High - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* North Pole High - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* North Pole Middle - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Randy Smith Middle - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Ryan Middle - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* Tanana Middle - Bus Routes (.PDF)
* West Valley High - Bus Routes (.PDF)

View School Boundaries by Street Name (.PDF) - FNSB Bus Rules (.PDF). View the various Official FNSB District Calendars. FNSB Athletics. FNSB After School Programs. 2007-08 School Lunch Menu & Nutritional Analysys.

FNSB Board of Education Members. FNSB School District eMail Finder. 2007-08 Board Meeting Schedule and Audio Archive. Updates from Superintendent of Schools Nancy Wagner.

Additionally, Fairbanks is also home to Bible Baptist Christian School, Fairbanks Montessori School (907-451-8485), Fairhill Christian School and Catholic Schools of Fairbanks, which consist of Immaculate Conception Grade School and Monroe Junior/Senior High School.

Seaching for a new home in a particular school district? Search Fairbanks homes for sale or sign up for our Realty Retriever - he'll automatically send you new listings as they become available without even mussing the corners of the page.

Next Stop: The University of Alaska Fairbanks

A vital part of any community is its medical and health care care centers. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is the flagship of medical community in Fairbanks. A non-profit community hospital, Fairbanks Memorial is owned by the Greater Fairbanks Community Hospital Foundation with Banner Health Systems managing the day to day operations. While Banner Healthy Systems is paid an annual administrative fee, all other net operational revenues remain in Fairbanks and are reinvested in the hospital campus as well as used to provide community services for the citizens of Fairbanks and Interior Alaska.

Services provided by Fairbanks Memorial include:

* Banner Alzheimer's Institute
* Cancer Care Services
* Emergency Services
* Heart Care Services
* Obstetrics/Maternity Services
* Pediatrics
* Medical Imaging/Radiology
* Neurosciences
* Orthopedic Services
* Rehabilitation Services
* Women's Health Services
* Surgical Care
* Home Health Care

* Denali Center is a 92 bed care facility on the Fairbanks Memorial Campus. Privately operated Carriage North was acquired by the FMH Foundation in 1982 and reborn as Denali Center. Aspen Way is a short term care inpatient care program (less than 90 days) providing medical and rehabilitation services and the coordination of Home Health Care services. Willow Run provides a safe, secure facility for the care of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

* Fairbanks Imaging Center offers a complete spectrum of diagnostic services including Alaska's first 64-slice CT scanner, two sate-of-the-art MRI's, two Nuclear Medicine cameras, digital mammography, ultrasound services, bone densitometry, stress tests and general radiology services.

* Fairbanks Clinic is also located on the FMH Campus and provides family and occupational health services, pediatric services, obstetrics and gynecology as well as OB/GYN ultrasound services.

Eye Clinic of Fairbanks maintains two locations in Fairbanks; 1919 Lathrop (FHM Campus) and at the Tanana Valley Clinic. Both locations provide comprehensive eye care, emergency and trauma care, medical/surgical treatments, cataract surgery, refractive surgery, oculoplastic lid surgery, strabismus surgery, corneal transplant surgery, diabetic eye disease care and laser surgery for medical care.

Quest Diagnostics provides routine lab tests, blood alcohol testing, pediatric testing, glucose tolerance testing as well as DOT collections.

Sportsmedicine Fairbanks Orthopaedic Center is the group to see for orthopaedic medical treatment. Services include treatment of fractures, dislocations and sprains, arthritis, tendonitis, sports injuries, arthoscopic surgery, endoscopic surgery, carpal tunnel surgery, hand and upper extremity surgery as well as foot and ankle surgery and X-ray diagnostics. Dr. Keller and his team are easily among the best in Fairbanks.

Tanana Valley Clinic, located in downtown Fairbanks, provides a full array of medical services including family practice, internal medicine, Obstetrics/Gynecology, orthopedics, pediatrics, podiatry, radiology, and surgical services.

Located next door to the Tanana Valley Clinic is TVC 1st Care Clinic, which provides immediate no-appointment-required non-emergency medical care to patients on a first come, first serve basis from 8AM - 8PM daily.

Fairbanks Urgent Care Center, (907-452-2178) located on Airport Way also provides immediate no-appointment-required medical care to patients 7 days a week including minor medical emergencies, treatment of acute illness, sports/school physicals, ICC/DOT physicals, drug & alcohol screening as well as treatment of work related injury and illness.

Fairbanks is also fortunate to have Basset Army Hospital which serves as the VA Community Outpatient Clinic taking care of our men and women in uniform on Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base and our local retired service members.

In addition to traditional medical service, Fairbanks is home to the Holistic Medical Clinic, which provides naturopathy, acupuncture services, body work, homeopathics, craniosacral, herbal medicine, nutrition, detoxification therapy, NAET treatments, colon hydrotheraphy, flower remedies, ADD treatment, hydrotherapy, hypnosis psychotherapy, infertility treatment, lifestyle enhancement, nutritional therapies and an array of women's health services.

Another alternative to traditional medical care is the Alaska Center for Natural Medicine where practitioners utilize nutrition, herbs, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, counseling, allergy desensitization and other modalities to solve health problems.

For our furry, four legged, winged, slithering or scaly friends, Fairbanks offers some of the best veterinary care in Alaska.

* Mt. McKinley Animal Hospital has been a fixture in Fairbanks since 1971. Although Dr. Sachtjen has retired, Mt. McKinley is staffed with caring, attentive veterinarians who truly do care for your pet as if it were their own.

* Animal House Veterinary Hospital provides full veterinary care as well as emergency veterinary services.

* Aurora Animal Clinic - 1651 College Road - 907-452-5055

* Ballaine Veterinary Clinic - 898 Ballaine Road - 907-479-3641

* Golden Heart Veterinary Services - 615 University Avenue - 907-479-4791

* North Pole Veterinary Hospital - 2942 Hurts road - 907-488-2335

* After Hours Veterinary Emergency Clinic - 1343 Great View Lane - 907-479-2700

Considering a lifestyle change? Whatever your plans, we would love to help you achieve your real estate goals. Search Fairbanks homes for sale or sign up for our Realty Retriever - he'll automatically send you new listings as they become available without even mussing the corners of the page.

Next Stop: Fairbanks Schools K-12

One of our favorite ways to spend a free weekend is to pack a few clothes, fuel up on diesel and groceries and head off for a camping weekend. We're fortunate in that living in Interior Alaska Mother Nature has provided us with an abundance of natural beauty to enjoy. If you're new to the area or just new to RVing and are dreaming of warmer temps to break out the camping gear, consider this your mid-winter inspiration. Start gathering your outdoor gear... the snow will begin to melt soon and spring will soon be here. Alaska State Park System Birch Lake State Recreation Site - Nestled between a lilypad covered lake and forested wetlands, Birth Lake Park has 17 long parking spaces for RV's, 3 short parking spaces for smaller self contained RV's and 5 tent camping sites. Popular with fishers and jet skiers in the summer and snow machines and ice fishers in the winter. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, king and silver salmon, grayling and arctic char. A 16' x 20' cabin with accommodations for 6 people is available for rent between September 16th and May 1st. Chena River State Recreation Area - known as Chena Wayside) is located in Fairbanks on University Avenue. This 29-acre park sits on the banks of the Chena River. Facilities include over 60 campsites for vehicles, 11 have electric and water hookup, five walk-in campsites, picnic sites along the river, drinking water, restrooms with flush toilets, dump station, boat launch, and river-side walking trails. For group use by reservation, there is a playfield with a shelter. Chena River State Recreation Area is another personal favorite - This quarter million acre park offers miles of trails, campgrounds, and entry/exit points to Chena River, all in the heart of Alaska. In addition to the many river access points which are open (accessible) during the summer months, there are three developed campgrounds - Rosehip Campground at Mile 27 of Chena Hot Springs Road - Tors Trail Campground at Milepost 39 and Red Squirrel Campground/Picnic Area at Milepost 43. Harding Lake State Recreation Area - Located 45 miles south of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway, is one of the longest standing park facilities in the Alaska State Park system, having been established in 1967. All together there are over 90 campsites, including five walk-in group campsites. The park also has numerous picnic sites and two picnic shelters. In addition, areas have been set aside for activities such as baseball, volleyball and horseshoes with equipment available at the ranger station. Hiking along nature trails is another activity available at Harding Lake SRA. A boat launch facility gives access to the lake for those having canoes, motorized boats, jet skis or other watercraft. A straight canal leads from the boat launch toward the center of the lake. There is fishing for lake trout, arctic char and burbot. Salcha River State Recreation Area - Located at Mile 323.3 of the Richardson Highway, several campsites are available but this is a popular spot for anglers to launch their boats for a day of hard work... I mean fishing. Although we've never stayed here I question a campers ability to find any peace with the constant boat traffic. Chatanika State Recreation Site - Divided into an Upper and Lower sections, both feature limited campsites (12 Lower - 25 Upper) with picnic tables and shelter, latrines, drinking water and of course, most importantly, fishing access to the Chatanika River. Chena Lakes Recreation Area - Operated by the Fairbanks North Star Borough and located just a hop, skip and jump from Fairbanks and North Pole, this 2,100 acre park is an Interior Alaska treasure. Containing two campgrounds - the Lake Park with easy access to the 260 acre lake or the River Park which is adjacent to the boat launch. Containing a total of 80 campsites, a picnic area with pavilions and picnic areas, a small beach on the lake, paved walking trails, ATV trails, paddle boat and canoe rentals and two fishing docks, there is something here for everyone. Depending on our need to be within cell phone range, we can usually be found here or the Chena River State Recreation during summer weekends. National Park Service No list would be complete without including Denali National Park and Preserve. Campgrounds inside the main entrance to the park include; Riley Creek is a 147 site campground located just inside the park entrance and is the only campground open all year - Savage River is a 33 site campground at Mile 13 on the Park Road - Teklanika River is a 53 site campground at Mile 29 on the Park Road. All campgrounds have accommodations for RV's up to 40' as well as tent camping. Riley Creek can accommodate a slightly larger motorhome or 5th wheel but it will be a tight fit. Private Commercial Campgrounds Chena Marina RV Park features a total of 67 sites; 42 pull thru's (a personal favorite). Located on Chena Marina Float Pond, the owners have designed this secluded in-town campground to accommodate larger diesel pusher motorhomes and 5th wheels up to 70' in length. River's Edge RV Park and Campground features a total of 180 sites with 70 pull thru's. Located in west Fairbanks, River's Edge is very popular with tourists in the summer. Riverview RV Park is a peaceful 20 acre campground on the banks of the Chena River. 160 sites with 96 pull thru's can accomodate a maximum rv length of 80'. Another very popular spot with tourists because of the hospitality of the owners and cleanliness of the park. Santaland RV Park is located in North Pole next door to Santa Claus House. With a total of 94 sites, 42 pull thru's, this is a great park for visitors hoping to get a little one on one time with 'Ol Saint Nick. McKinley RV Park is 11 miles north of the Denali Park entrance on the Parks Highway and features wooded tent sites and open RV parking with beautiful views. 30' maximum RV length! Denali RV Park and Motel is located 8 miles from the Park entrance. Although we're not fond of "parking lot camping" this is run by good folks who keep a clean, neat campground and has free wi-fi, phone and cable hookups. Roughing it takes on a new meaning as you get older. Denali Riverside RV Park is a new addition to the area RV accommodations. Just 2 miles from the Park entrance, Denali Riverside overlooks the beautiful Nenana River and is a short walk to Denali Village and the plethora of shops Kathy loves to frequent whenever we're in the area. 69 total sites; 61 with partial hookups. Denali RV Park is the closest campground to the Park entrance. Located next door to Denali Village, there are 70 sites with 40 pull thru's with both full and partial hook ups including wi-fi. Good folks but access into and out of the campground has been an issue in the past. Denali Grizzly Bear Campground is one of our favorite campgrounds aside from staying at Riley Creek in the Park. This is a beautiful wooded river front campground with full hook ups (water, power, wi-fi - dump station on site). The setting is beautiful, relaxing and the owners are long time Alaskans who are absolutely wonderful hosts. Whatever your camping pleasure, there is sure to be a campground or park that you will enjoy. Although spring, summer and fall are traditionally the RV/camping season there's fun to be had in winter camping as well. A nice cozy motorhome with a warm shower is the perfect way to end a day of snowmachinng or skiing. Looking for a park or campground in another area of the state? Contact us and we'll be happy help. We travel all over the state and would be happy to give you a recommendation. Ready to trade your nomadic lifestyle for a more permanent address? We can help with that too. Search Fairbanks homes for sale or sign up for our Realty Retriever - he'll automatically send you new listings as they become available without even mussing the corners of the page. Until next time, happy camping... we'll see you down the road.

Next Stop: Chena River State Recreation Area

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Jesse & Kathy Clifton, better known as 'The Spouses' are full time Realtors serving Fairbanks Alaska buyers and sellers. They specialize in residential real estate; new and existing construction as well as undeveloped land in Fairbanks, North Pole, Ft. Wainwright, Eielson Air Force Base and Interior Alaska. Visit their website to review the fee market reports designed to keep you updated on the local Fairbanks Alaska real estate market. Have specific questions? Feel free to contact them anytime. They would love to hear from you. Tour Alaska on The-Spouses.com - Search Fairbanks MLS View Our Virtual Relocation Package