Seasonal work in Fairbanks is a great way to experience the heart of Alaska and create lifelong memories. Tourism is incredibly popular throughout most of Alaska, especially in Fairbanks, which means a wide array of seasonal jobs open up in the tourism industry each year.
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The influx of seasonal employees creates housing opportunities for landlords and short-term tenants. Plus, because seasonal traffic is typically steady, finding an affordable apartment in Fairbanks is relatively straightforward.
Depending on how you’re getting around in Fairbanks, you’ll discover there are plenty of options to create the home environment you’re looking for. To help your housing hunt, here are six simple tips for finding an affordable place to stay while you’re in Fairbanks.
Find a Roommate
The easiest way to cut the price of rent is to share an apartment or a room. The cost to rent a one bedroom apartment in Fairbanks averages $945–$1,050 a month, while evenly splitting a two bedroom apartment costs about $600 per person.
To find roommates, some of the most successful resources are Reddit, your new employer, Craigslist, and the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
Rent a Furnished Room
Moving costs can add up quickly. Research the expense of moving your own furniture or purchasing new (or gently used) sofas, beds, and chairs. If the costs seem unreasonable, you might consider renting a furnished room or apartment in Fairbanks. The average monthly rent is more expensive for furnished rooms, but you can save money in the long run and won’t have to worry about what to do with your things after leaving Fairbanks. Many apartment complexes and Craigslist ads feature furnished rooms for seasonal workers.
Rent a Dry Cabin
Another way Fairbanks residents save money is by living off the grid in dry cabins. A classified ad for a “dry cabin” can indicate that it’s lacking in plumbing, sewage or electricity. Residents rely on composting toilets and trucking in their own water in exchange for a cheaper, more self-sufficient place to live. If you’ve ever dreamed of a simpler life, an outhouse in your yard, or wondered what it would be like to live without a few modern amenities, summer in Alaska might be the perfect time to try it.
Sublet
Local residents will often sublet their own homes for weeks or months at a time while they leave town. Sometimes that can mean a room in a house or an entire apartment. Either way, it can be a convenient arrangement for seasonal employees visiting Fairbanks. Craigslist is a good place to begin your search for sublet opportunities.
Rent at a Top Apartment Complex in Fairbanks
The city boasts multiple apartment complexes, each with its own charm and amenities. Here are three affordable apartment complexes in Fairbanks that are in great neighborhoods.
Yak Estates
Yak Estates is an excellent option if you’ve already found a roommate but still need a place to live. The complex is tucked away in Chena Hills, a quiet, scenic area with birch-filled walking trails. The property offers two and three bedroom apartments for rent.
Willow Woods Apartments
If you’re looking for a centrally located one or two bedroom apartment for rent in Fairbanks, then Willow Woods is your go-to destination. The property, adjacent to Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, lets you quickly access downtown Fairbanks, Ft. Wainwright, and plenty of shopping.
Sophie Plaza
Sophie Plaza is a great apartment complex if you plan to travel around Fairbanks by bus. The property, which offers one and two-bedroom apartments in small, medium, and large variants, is situated on the local bus system route. The complex includes tennis and basketball courts, a volleyball pit, and barbeque facilities.
Use Employee Housing
Some Alaska tourism employers offer housing for a limited number of employees. If you’d like the camaraderie of living with your co-workers and enjoy the perks of communal living, reach out to your employer. They might be able to hook you up with a room in employee housing at a reasonable rate. Plus, employee housing allows you to pack light and spend your time and money exploring all the great things to do in Fairbanks.
If you’re considering a seasonal job in Alaska, take the plunge! It’s an incredible experience in a breathtaking state. Take a look at our current job openings to see what catches your interest.