I've read the other reviews on Eielson and it's true what people say, you will either love it or hate it, there is no middle ground. Yes, it is cold and the winters are long but it IS Alaska, what did you honestly expect? Get out and do things, sledding, dog mushing, ice-fishing, skiing for starters. Go to the numerous ice-sculpting competitions, dog races, fireworks shows. Summers are beautiful and well worth the long wait. If you're into camping, hiking or hunting then this is definitely the place to live. Get your kids signed up in the Boy Scouts/girl scouts and let them learn survival skills while having a blast. The base is huge land wise but small in population. The Commissary is old and I'll admit it lacks selection, there is a brand new BX that just opened up a few weeks ago. I've had no problem making friends here and personally I find the only people who are rude are the military members who have decided that no matter what they are bound and determined to hate it here and want others to be as miserable as they are. Crawford Elementary is awful but I've heard great things about the Jr. High and High School.
Fairbanks is relatively close and has everything you need, if you want selection then yes, you'll probably have to go down to Anchorage but it's a beautiful drive and well worth the trip. For our family it's wonderful but we like the simple pleasures.
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