Helpful Links

Zion does not endorse any of the following organizations; the information may be helpful to those inquiring about the community.

Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce: Relocation information

Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau: Visitor/tourist information including information on traveling to Alaska, lodging in Fairbanks, medical services, banks, etc.

Fairbanks Daily News Miner (local newspaper):

Alaska Public Lands Information
Center: Information on Alaska's National Parks as well as all other federal and state public lands

Childcare: Open Arms

Fairbanks-North Star Borough School District:

University of Alaska Fairbanks:

Live Web Cam Pictures of Fairbanks:

U.S. Geophysical Institute on the University of Alaska Campus

Daily News Miner Arctic Cam

Northern Lights Forecast from the U.S. Geophysical Institute

Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend: Alaskan residents of all ages may apply for and receive a dividend from the Alaska Permanent Fund. To be eligible for a Permanent Fund Dividend, you must have been an Alaska resident for the entire calendar year before the date you apply for a dividend and intend to remain an Alaska resident indefinitely at the time you apply for a dividend. Applications are generally due by March 31, and dividends are received in October. Keep documentation such as moving receipts, plane tickets, first pay stubs, and dates you registered to vote, registered your vehicle, got a driver’s license, etc. as proof of residency. The dividend was $845.76 for 2004 (received October 2005), but has been over $1900 at its peak.

Voter Registration Information

Moving to Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is a place of extremes, whether you’re talking about temperatures, daylight, or distance from home. We hope that this website will help you prepare for these extremes and better anticipate what to expect when you arrive in Fairbanks. Please let us know what is helpful to you or if we should add something to this site!

Where can you shop in Fairbanks?

You can buy just about anything in Fairbanks, and there’s always the option of ordering things online. Major stores include Wal-Mart, Fred Meyer’s, Sam’s Club, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Gottschalks Department Store, and Sears. Several local stores specialize in cold weather clothing and gear, and there is at least one big furniture store. Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, and Sportman’s Warehouse are due to open by the end of the year!

How does the cost of living compare?

Cost of living, especially for large items like homes, furniture, and airfare, is generally higher in Fairbanks than in many other places in the United States but could probably be compared to places like California and New York. Groceries are slightly higher but not outrageous. Gas prices generally fall within $.05-.10 of the national average.

Will I need to winterize my vehicle?

For your vehicle to operate during the cold temperatures in Fairbanks, you may need to install a block heater, oil pan heater, and a battery warmer. Any auto shop in Fairbanks can install these items for you, although it may be cheaper where you live. Many people also opt to install autostart so that you don’t have to venture into the cold to warm-up your vehicle. (You may still need to plug your vehicle in during cold temperatures if it is parked outside for several hours.) Prices may be cheaper where you live. Compare at Auto Trim Design (http://www.autotrimdesignalaska.com/autostarts.htm), one of the more well-known places to get autostart in town.

Do I need 4-wheel drive?

If you live outside of town in the hills, 4-wheel drive would be nice but not absolutely necessary, especially if you have studded tires. Front-wheel drive and all-weather tires are generally sufficient for driving in town or between Eielson Air Force Base and town.

Can I buy vehicles locally?

There are a number of car dealerships in Fairbanks, so you can buy nearly any make or model of car or truck that you want. The prices are generally higher here, but there is no sales tax. You will have to compare where you currently live to know if it is a better deal to buy a vehicle and drive/ship it to Alaska rather than buy here. For an idea on local used and new car prices check out these websites: http://cars.com/go/index.jsp and http://used-cars.autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/alaska-fairbanks-used-cars.html. Use 99701 for the zip code.