Fairbanks is Alaska's only interior city and is surrounded by untouched wilderness. It was founded in 1901 and was originally intended as a trading post for gold prospectors. It is the closest city to North America's highest summit, Mount McKinley, which is just 120 miles north. Throughout the winter months, the city and surrounding area is one of the best places in Alaska to view the Northern Lights.
Fairbanks, AK is a great place for affordable rent-to-own homes! With the current housing shortage trend it can make it harder to become a homeowner, including in Fairbanks, AK. This means higher than average down payments for homes and higher qualification standards for conventional home loans. With a rent-to-own property, tenants are also buyers. You can live in the house for a set amount of time before you purchase it, meaning that you get to know the house, your neighbors, and your community before making the final purchase. This enables you and your family to make the right choice based on both information and experience. Rent-to-own is also a great alternative way to get into a home if you have bad credit or don't have enough saved for a down payment.
Cheaper than you might think! While property values are higher than the rest of the nation, the median cost of a house in Fairbanks is around 18% below the Alaska average. It is also significantly cheaper than many larger American metropolitan areas. Buying a home here is a solid investment; home values have nearly doubled since 2000 and there are plenty of rent to own homes available on the local market. Popular neighborhoods include Lemeta and Westgate.
Appetizing restaurants! Those long, cold Alaskan winters mean folks around Fairbanks have an appetite for hearty food. Located next to the Chena River in a national historic site that harkens back to the Fairbanks gold mining era, the charming and quirky Pumphouse Restaurant will satisfy the cravings of steak lovers. Those with a sweeter tooth will love indulging in a spot of brunch at the Cookie Jar on Danby Street, a long time favorite spot for locals who can't get enough of the famous Savannah Cream Cake. The Wolf Run Restaurant, set in an old timber house, has received critical acclaim for its gourmet American and Middle Eastern fusion dishes, such as the mezze plates or cedar plank salmon.
Wide range of houses for rent! Those looking for homes for rent in Fairbanks should have little to no problem finding something to their tastes. 61.4% of residents are in rental properties compared to 35.6% in Alaska as a whole and the local vacancy rate stands at a healthy 9.2%. However, prospective renters should realize that high energy costs make single unit rental homes in Fairbanks are among the priciest in the state. It's not all bad news, though, as median rent for all other unit types is around 15% below the Alaska average. The area around South Cushman Street and 23rd Avenue offers more affordable rents for those on a budget.