JBER Alaska PCS Guide: Housing, Schools & Alaska Living

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) hosts 8,000+ personnel as Alaska's premier military hub (Air Force + Army) in Anchorage. It offers Alaska adventure, Northern Lights, wildlife, and outdoor paradise—but EXTREME cold (-20°F winters), expensive living (COLA helps but 30% higher costs), 20+ hours darkness in winter, and cultural isolation (4 hours flight to Seattle).

Key Numbers:

• BAH vs. Rent: Tight fit (rent $1,800-2,500/month, BAH + COLA covers)
• Median 3BR Rent: $2,100/month (Alaska premium)
• School Quality: Good (Anchorage schools 6-8/10, military-friendly)
• Deployment Tempo: MODERATE (F-22s, Arctic ops, Alaska strategic hub)

What This Guide Covers: Alaska extreme living, Northern Lights, wildlife reality, and last frontier adventure.

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Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

• Official Name: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER)
• Location: Anchorage, Alaska (largest Alaska city, 290K population)
• Size: 13,000 acres (combined Elmendorf AFB + Fort Richardson)
• Population: 8,000+ (5,000 active duty + 3,000 family/civilians)
• Branch: Joint (Air Force 3rd Wing + Army 25th Infantry Division units)
• Major Units: 3rd Wing (F-22s), 673rd Air Base Wing, 25th Infantry Division elements
• Mission: Arctic operations, F-22 air superiority, Alaska defense
• Climate: Subarctic (extreme cold -20-30°F winters, mild 55-70°F summers, 20+ hours winter darkness)
• Nearest City: Anchorage IS the city, Seattle 1,400 miles (4 hour flight)

Want official data? Check DFAS BAH Calculator for current BAH rates.

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Housing & BAH + COLA

COLA (Cost of Living Allowance): E5 with dependents = ~$800-1,100/month (Alaska = HIGH COLA)

Reality Check: BAH + COLA COVERS Alaska rent—$1,800-2,500/month BUT Alaska is EXPENSIVE (30% higher vs. Lower 48). COLA helps offset but expect to break even.

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Housing Neighborhoods

Top Tier Off-Base (Ranked)

1. Eagle River (15 miles northeast)

• Commute: 20-25 min via Glenn Highway (add 10 min during winter storms)
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,900-2,400/month
• Schools: Ravenwood Elementary, Gruening Middle, Chugiak High (7-8/10)
• Why Families Choose It: Military-heavy suburb, mountain views, trail system, quick access to Anchorage + Mat-Su Valley.
• Watch Outs: Icy Glenn Highway; equip vehicles with studs or Blizzak tires.

2. South Anchorage (Bayshore / Oceanview / Huffman)

• Commute: 15-20 min via Seward Highway
• Median 3BR Rent: $2,100-2,600/month
• Schools: Bayshore Elementary, Goldenview Middle, South Anchorage High (8-9/10; top in district)
• Why Families Choose It: Best schools, shopping (Costco, Target), restaurants, new construction.
• Watch Outs: Highest rents; expect HOA covenants and longer driveway snow shoveling.

3. Chugiak / Peters Creek (20 miles northeast)

• Commute: 25-30 min via Glenn Highway
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,700-2,200/month
• Schools: Chugiak High, Birchwood ABC Elementary
• Why Families Choose It: Rural Alaska feel, larger lots, easy access to Eklutna Lake, snowmachine trails.
• Watch Outs: Moose in driveways, need 4WD + block heaters.

4. Wasilla / Palmer (Mat-Su Valley, 35-45 miles north)

• Commute: 45-60 min (longer in winter)
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,600-2,000/month
• Why Families Choose It: Larger homes, acreage, lower rent, strong homeschooling community.
• Watch Outs: Epic winter commutes, Glenn Highway closures during blizzards.

5. Downtown / Midtown Anchorage

• Commute: 10-15 min
• Median 3BR Rent: $2,000-2,400/month (townhomes/condos)
• Why Families Choose It: Walkable lifestyle, arts scene, breweries, restaurants, short commute.
• Watch Outs: Older homes need energy upgrades; check for prior earthquake damage (2018 quake).

On-Base Housing

JBER On-Base Housing:

• Units: 2,000+ (2BR-4BR duplexes, townhomes)
• Neighborhoods: Moose Crossing, Muldoon, Cherry Hill (Elmendorf side); Cottonwood, Black Spruce (Richardson side)
• Wait Times: 3-9 months (E1-E6 faster; field grade longer)
• Amenities: Playgrounds, community centers, schools, fitness trails, heated garages, backup generators.
• Reality: Popular for winter readiness (no landlord drama, snow removal handled). Apply immediately upon receiving orders.

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Schools

Anchorage School District (No DoDEA)

Neighborhood Schools:

• Eagle River Elementary / Gruening Middle / Chugiak High – 7-8/10 ratings, strong music + hockey programs.
• Bayshore Elementary / Goldenview Middle / South Anchorage High – 8-9/10, top academics, IB and AP options.
• Orion Elementary (On JBER) – K-6, STEM focus, 65% military kids, small class sizes.
• Anchorage STrEaM Academy (6-8 charter) – Lottery-based, project-based learning, bus service limited.

Choice Programs:

• Language Immersion: Spanish Immersion (Chugiak), Japanese Immersion (Sand Lake), German Immersion (Rilke Schule charter).
• Charter Schools: Frontier Charter (homeschool support), Polaris K-12 (experiential learning), Family Partnership (custom curriculum).
• High School Options: Bartlett High (JROTC), West Anchorage (IB Diploma), Dimond High (Engineering Academy).

Childcare:

• JBER CDCs (Elmendorf & Richardson sides): Full-day, part-day, hourly. Waitlist 3-6 months.
• School Age Care: Before/after-school care with homework help and outdoor play.
• Family Child Care (FCC): Licensed providers in base housing—great for infants or shift work.
• Anchorage Daycares: Bright Horizons, Little Steps, and educational preschools (expect $1,200-1,500/month; military discount at some centers).

Registration Tips:

• ASD enrollment online (asdk12.org) opens mid-July. Provide PCS orders, birth certificate, immunizations (Alaska requires additional Hepatitis A, meningococcal for grades 7-12), proof of residence.
• Request counselor appointment for high schoolers transferring AP/IB credits.
• Join Anchorage School Liaison Facebook group for bus updates and snow day procedures.

Homeschool / Virtual:

• IDEA Homeschool and Raven Correspondence (state-funded) provide curriculum and $2,000/student allotments.
• DoDEA Virtual or Florida Virtual for high-level AP if desired.

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Local Intel

Cost of Living

Overall: 30% HIGHER vs. US (Alaska premium = EVERYTHING shipped)
Housing: BAH + COLA covers ($800-1,100 COLA helps)
Groceries: Commissary saves 40% vs Alaska grocery (shipping costs HUGE)
Gas: $4-5/gallon (Alaska produces oil but refining elsewhere)
Monthly Budget (E5 + 2 Kids): $4,500-5,500

COLA Reality: E5 COLA = ~$800-1,100/month. This helps but Alaska EXPENSIVE—expect to break even.

State Taxes: NO Alaska state income tax + Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend ($1,000-2,000/year = FREE MONEY)

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Spouse Employment & Income

• Top Job Channels: 673d Medical Group (healthcare), JBER Civilian Personnel Office (GS positions), Anchorage School District, Alaska Native corporations (Ahtna, Doyon, CIRI), tourism/outdoor outfitters, remote tech roles.
• Licensing: Alaska Department of Commerce offers expedited temporary licenses for 12 months (nursing, teaching, counseling). Apply within 30 days of arrival.
• Remote Work: Stable fiber in Anchorage (GCI, Alaska Communications). Consider Starlink if living in Chugiak/Palmer.
• Entrepreneurship: Alaska business license online ($50/year). Popular ventures—photography, guiding, home baking (cottage food allowed with permit).
• Networking: Armed Services YMCA, Anchorage Chamber Military Spouse Network, JBER Spouses’ Club, BNI (Business Network International) chapters.

Healthcare & Dental

• 673d Medical Group (JBER Hospital): Inpatient, OB, pediatrics, emergency department, specialty clinics (ENT, ortho). Level III trauma.
• Providence Alaska Medical Center (Anchorage): Largest civilian hospital (Level II trauma, NICU). TRICARE partners with International SOS for referrals.
• Alaska Native Medical Center: World-class orthopedics, cardiology; accepts TRICARE with referral.
• Behavioral Health: Embedded mental health in units, MFLC, Cohen Veterans Network clinic downtown, telehealth widely available.
• Dental: JBER Dental Squadron, plus civilian (Anchorage Dental Group) for specialty.
• Medical Evac: Severe cases medevac to Joint Base Lewis-McChord or Seattle. Keep passports for family members up to date.

Transportation & Vehicles

• Ship POVs: Highly recommended. Install block heaters, swap to winter tires (studs legal Sept 16-Apr 30). Maintenance: oil changes using 0W-30 synthetic for cold starts.
• Second Vehicle: AWD/4WD essential for Glenn Highway winter conditions. Subarus, trucks, SUVs dominate.
• Licensing: Alaska honors state license; obtain Alaska DMV license within 90 days to qualify for Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD).
• Driving Reality: Black ice, moose crossings, snowplows. Carry emergency kit (blankets, fuel line antifreeze, shovel, traction boards).
• Public Transit: People Mover buses serve Anchorage; limited routes to Eagle River. Base shuttle covers key facilities.

Utilities & Home Readiness

• Electric/Gas: ENSTAR (natural gas) + Chugach Electric. Budget $250-400/month winter for heat/electric.
• Water/Sewer: Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility (~$90/month). Well/septic in outskirts—budget for water testing.
• Internet: GCI (gigabit fiber), Alaska Communications (DSL/Fiber). Plans $120-150/month for unlimited data.
• Snow Removal: Off-base hire plow service ($400-600/winter) or invest in snowblower. Keep ice melt (pet-safe) and sand on hand.
• Supplies: Purchase Arctic gear (Sorel boots, Canada Goose or Columbia parkas, base layers). Use Outdoor Rec gear lockers before buying everything.

Commissary, Markets & Shopping

• JBER Commissary: Good for basics. Delivery delays after storms—shop early in week.
• Anchorage Grocers: Fred Meyer, Carrs/Safeway, Costco (two locations), Natural Pantry (organic).
• Warehouse & Bulk: Costco, Sam’s Club (Wasilla). Stockpile non-perishables before winter storms.
• Farmers Markets: Anchorage Saturday Market (May-Sep) for fresh produce, salmon, reindeer sausage.
• Online: Amazon Prime ships in 3-5 days (air freight). Order heating supplies, specialized gear early in fall.

Emergency Preparedness

• Earthquakes: Alaska sits on Ring of Fire. Secure furniture, keep go-bag, practice drop-cover-hold. 2018 7.1 quake caused structural damage.
• Wildlife Safety: Keep bear spray in cars/hiking packs. Moose cause more injuries than bears—give 50 feet distance.
• Power Outages: Keep generator or Goal Zero battery, headlamps, and stocked pantry (7-day supply minimum).
• Winter Survival Kit: Flares, blankets, hand warmers, food, water, shovel, ice scraper, tow strap.

Recreation & Community

• Outdoor Rec (JBER): Ski rentals, fat bikes, RV storage, hunting/fishing licenses, skeet range.
• Sports: Alyeska ski passes, Arctic Valley community hill, Anchorage Aces hockey, trail running.
• Family Fun: Alaska Zoo, Anchorage Museum, Polar Bear Plunge, Iditarod ceremonial start, Fur Rendezvous festival.
• Travel: Alaska Airlines hub—weekend fares to Seattle, Hawaii, Fairbanks (Northern Lights), Juneau cruises.

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Alaska Extreme Reality (CRITICAL)

Winter:

• Extreme cold: -20-30°F common (Nov-Feb), record -38°F
• 20+ hours darkness: Winter solstice = 5.5 hours daylight
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): REAL (Vitamin D supplements MANDATORY)
• Reality: Winter is BRUTAL—darkness + cold = depression common. Vitamin D, light therapy, outdoor activities REQUIRED.

Summer:

• Midnight sun: 22+ hours daylight (May-July)
• Mild temps: 55-70°F (pleasant)
• Mosquitoes: INTENSE (billions, no joke)

Wildlife:

• Moose: COMMON (hit cars, charge humans, DANGEROUS)
• Bears: Brown/black bears (encounters common, carry bear spray)
• Eagles: Bald eagles everywhere (fish dumpsters)

Pro Tip: Embrace Alaska or you'll be miserable—hiking, skiing, fishing, Northern Lights. Those who resist Alaska hate it. Those who embrace it LOVE it.

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Northern Lights

Aurora Borealis:

• Best viewing: Sept-March (dark nights)
• JBER location: PERFECT (60°N latitude)
• Reality: Northern Lights are REAL + COMMON—see them 100+ nights/year if you go outside

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Alaska Adventures

Why JBER is Special:

• Denali National Park: 4 hours north, Mt. Denali (20,310 ft)
• Kenai Peninsula: 2 hours south, fishing, glaciers, whales
• Seward: 2 hours south, Alaska SeaLife Center, Exit Glacier
• Skiing: Alyeska Resort 45 min (world-class skiing)
• Fishing: Salmon, halibut, trout (world's best)

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Mission Tempo

F-22 + Arctic Ops = MODERATE:

• 3rd Wing F-22 operations, Arctic air defense
• Reality: MODERATE tempo (strategic vs. combat ops), but Arctic training = challenging

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What's It Like at JBER?

Pros:

• ✅ Alaska adventure (hiking, skiing, fishing, Northern Lights, wildlife)
• ✅ NO state income tax + Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend ($1,000-2,000/year)
• ✅ Anchorage city (amenities, shopping, 290K population = not isolated)
• ✅ Tight-knit community (Alaska = everyone's in it together)
• ✅ Midnight sun summer (22+ hours daylight, endless outdoor time)

Cons:

• ❌ EXTREME cold (-20-30°F winters, brutal)
• ❌ 20+ hours winter darkness (SAD = depression common)
• ❌ EXPENSIVE (30% higher vs. US, COLA helps but still pricey)
• ❌ Remote (4 hours flight to Seattle, $500-800 tickets)
• ❌ Wildlife hazards (moose, bears = dangerous)

Honest Assessment: JBER is best for adventurous families who embrace Alaska—Northern Lights, hiking, wildlife, midnight sun—but EXTREME cold, winter darkness, and expensive living are real. Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, adventurous families, those who embrace unique experiences. Worst for: Those who hate cold, need sunshine, or want easy Lower 48 access.

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Common Questions

Q: Is JBER a good assignment?
A: YES if you love adventure + accept cold. Alaska is once-in-lifetime (Northern Lights, wildlife, Denali)—but extreme cold, winter darkness, expensive living.

Q: Can we save money?
A: NO—Alaska is 30% more expensive. COLA helps but break-even assignment.

Q: How bad is winter darkness?
A: REAL—20+ hours darkness (Nov-Jan). SAD is common. Vitamin D + light therapy REQUIRED.

Q: Are moose/bears dangerous?
A: YES—moose kill more people than bears (charge humans). Bears are common. Carry bear spray, respect wildlife.

Q: Can we see Northern Lights?
A: YES—100+ nights/year (Sept-March). JBER location is PERFECT.

Q: Do we need two vehicles with AWD?
A: Yes. Winter driving demands AWD/4WD plus studded or Blizzak tires, block heaters, and emergency kits. Expect to plug in every vehicle below 20°F.

Q: How hard is it to find childcare?
A: Manageable with planning. CDC waitlist 3-6 months; FCC homes, Anchorage daycares, and co-op preschools fill gaps. Register before arrival.

Q: Are there jobs for spouses?
A: Yes—Anchorage has opportunities. Healthcare, education, tourism, Alaska Native corporations, and remote tech roles actively recruit military spouses.

Q: What gear do we really need?
A: Quality boots, parka, base layers, and vehicle winter kits. Outdoor Rec rents gear before you buy. Use REI Anchorage or Costco for bulk winter clothing.

Q: How expensive is flying to the Lower 48?
A: $500-800 roundtrip to Seattle/Portland. Book 6-8 weeks out, use military fares (Alaska Airlines) or Space-A from JBER.

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Next Steps

1. Check BAH + COLA Rates
DFAS BAH Calculator → | DTMO COLA Calculator →

2. Secure Housing Plan
Apply for on-base housing + research Eagle River/South Anchorage rentals. Budget for deposits + snow removal service.

3. Enroll with Anchorage School District
ASD Enrollment → | Request choice program lotteries if interested.

4. Winterize Vehicles
Order studded tires, block heaters, battery warmers; schedule installation before Oct 1. Carry winter emergency kit.

5. Build Cold-Weather Gear List
Use Outdoor Rec to rent trial gear; invest in quality parkas, boots, base layers, bear spray, headlamps.

6. Update Medical & Dental Records
Transfer to 673d Medical Group, verify TRICARE Overseas coverage, and note medevac procedures.

7. Build PCS Budget & Timeline
Use PCS Copilot → to model COLA, BAH, and winter prep expenses.

8. Join Community Networks
Attend Right Start, join JBER Spouses’ Club, check Armed Services YMCA programs, and follow NWS Alaska for weather alerts.

9. Ask Questions
Use Ask Military Expert → for JBER-specific questions.

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Official Resources

• DFAS BAH Calculator - BAH rates
• JBER Official Site - Base information
• MilitaryOneSource - 24/7 support

Last verified: January 24, 2025. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.

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