Fairchild Air Force Base
Key Contacts
Garrison/Installation Housing Office
210 E. Bong St.
Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
PH: (509) 247-5185
Privatized Housing Contractor
Fairchild Family Homes (Balfour Beatty Communities)
210 Bong St, Bldg 2190
Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
PH: (509) 244-6500
School Liaison
7 W. Arnold St., Suite B3
Fairchild AFB, WA. 99011
PH: (509) 247-2559
Family Support Center
Airman and Family Support Center
4 W. Castle St, Bldg 2364
Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
PH: (509) 247-2246
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. As always, call first to confirm the hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time frame.
About Fairchild Air Force Base
“. . . backbone of the . . .Air Force’s tanker fleet . . . ”
Fairchild Air Force Base is home to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing and the Washington Air National Guard’s 141st Air Refueling Wing. Founded in 1942, Fairchild Air Force Base began as a key World War II repair and supply depot. It was named in honor of General Muir S. Fairchild, a World War I aviator from Washington state, who also served as the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Today, the base serves as the backbone of the Air Force’s tanker fleet on the west coast.
Fairchild Air Force Base is also home to the 336th Training group, responsible for the Air Force’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) school. Other tenant units include the 36th Rescue Squadron and the 509th Weapons Squadron. Fairchild Air Force Base encompasses more than 11,000 Active Duty, Air National Guard, tenant unit members, dependents, and civilian employees, along with the more than 31,000 eligible military retirees in the area.
While Seattle gets much of the attention and fame in Washington state, Spokane is quite possibly the state’s best-kept secret. This area lives up to Washington's “Evergreen State” nickname, thanks to its beautiful mountains, lakes, and rivers bordered by evergreen trees. Come ready to enjoy all of the excellent outdoor recreations this area offers - boating, rafting, fishing, hiking, skiing, and more. When you’re ready for a change of pace, you can hit the town to enjoy Spokane’s museums, restaurants, theaters, and other nightlife. Truly, those coming to Fairchild Air Force base will enjoy the best of both city life and the great outdoors.
About Spokane County
LOCATION
Fairchild Air Force Base is located in eastern Washington in beautiful Spokane County, about twelve miles southwest of Spokane. Fairchild AFB is only 45 minutes from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. It is just over three hours from Missoula, Montana, and four hours from Seattle, Washington. For those traveling in and out of Fairchild Air Force Base by air, the most popular airport is Spokane International Airport (GEG), less than ten miles from the installation.
ATTRACTIONS
Spokane is a city that offers something for everyone. As the largest city in eastern Washington, Spokane has become a center of arts, culture, and recreation in its own right. The Spokane River runs through the city, with the city’s vibrant downtown occupying the southern shore. City highlights include the Riverfront Park and a cable car ride with views of Spokane Falls. The Davenport Arts District offers abundant theater and musical performances. You’ll also find several top-notch museums, including the Smithsonian affiliate, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. Sporting enthusiasts will enjoy the college athletics at Gonzaga University and several other regional teams. If that isn't enough, outdoor recreation opportunities range from hiking, biking, and skiing in the mountains to boating, swimming, rafting, and fishing in the lakes and rivers.
WEATHER
Don’t confuse Spokane’s weather with Seattle’s infamously rainy climate. Protected by the Cascade Mountains and the Rocky Mountains, Spokane receives less than half the annual rainfall of the Seattle area and enjoys beautiful weather through the spring, summer, and fall. Summers are mild and slightly humid, with average highs between 74 and 84 degrees during the hottest months. Winters are chilly, with highs between 33 and 40 degrees. Occasional snow is likely between November and January, with an average annual snowfall of about 5 inches.
HELPFUL HINTS
Fairchild Air Force Base is considered to be an average cost of living area compared to the rest of the United States. Still, it is considered quite affordable when compared to Washington state averages. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Fairchild Air Force Base.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
HOUSING
Fairchild Air Force Base offers privatized housing managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Housing options include two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes in three main neighborhoods. Homes feature fenced-in backyards and garages. Neighborhood amenities include playgrounds, picnic areas, sports courts, a community center with a fitness room, and a dog park. Students on base attend Michael Anderson Elementary (K-6), which is part of the Medical Lake School District. In addition to the on-base options, there are several off-base communities where many service families choose to reside. Spokane, the largest city in the area, is a popular choice, but there are several lovely small towns, such as Medical Lake, Airway Heights, Cheney, and Spokane Valley.
Spokane
ABOUT
Spokane offers something for everyone with its excellent mix of culture, arts, business, and family. Singles and twenty-somethings can revel in the vibrant downtown city life, while families can find cozy, family-friendly neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Rockwood
- Spokane Valley
- Fairwood
Nearby Attractions
- Riverfront Park
- Manito Park
- Spokane Falls
By the Numbers
- Population 229,000
- Household Income $52,600
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Abundant options for entertainment, culture, and events within the city
- Housing options to fit all budgets, from condos to single-family homes
- Wide range of school options, from public schools in the Spokane School District to local private schools
Things to Consider
- Commutes from the north or west of Spokane will be longer and may experience more rush-hour traffic
- As with any large city, some areas aren’t as well-maintained. A great real estate agent can help you evaluate the neighborhoods
- The state allows families to “choice” a school outside their attendance zone, but it is not guaranteed, so research your options carefully
Four Lakes District
ABOUT
The Four Lakes District encompasses several charming small towns tucked around the lakes located just south of Fairchild Air Force Base. They offer a great combination of small-town charm and Northwest outdoor recreation that will appeal to anyone wanting to savor life in the great outdoors.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Silver Lake
- Medical Lake
- Cheney
Nearby Attractions
- Medical Lake Trails
- Waterfront Park
- Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
By the Numbers
- Population 27,900
- Household Income $57,400
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
Big Plus
- The cost of living here is considerably more affordable than in Spokane
- Great recreation options on the lakes and extensive trail systems
- Students are zoned for either Medical Lake School District or Cheney Schools
Things to Consider
- Cheney and Medical Lake offer local shops and restaurants to meet everyday needs, but residents may need to head to Spokane for additional options
- Commute times will vary based on the specific location, and can range from 12 to 20 minutes
Airway Heights
ABOUT
Located just a few miles from Fairchild Air Force Base, this rapidly growing area offers affordable housing options and is convenient to both the base and Spokane. This balance makes it appealing to young professionals and families and drives the development here.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Copper Landing
- Cedar Summit Estates
- Aspen Grove
Nearby Attractions
- Spokane Tribe Casino
- Aspen Grove Park
- Spokane County Raceway
By the Numbers
- Population 11,000
- Household Income $54,700
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- 5- to 8-minute commute to Fairchild Air Force Base
- Many affordable options for newly-constructed single- and multi-family homes
- Downtown Spokane is approximately 20 minutes away via US-2 E and I-90.
Things to Consider
- Tucked between Fairchild AFB and Spokane International Airport, so will likely see the neighbors overhead
- The Elementary is located in town, but the middle and high schools are further south
7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home
1. TAX ADVANTAGES
To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS
Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.
3. HOUSE HACKING
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
4. Increased Privacy
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
5. Pets Are Welcome!
For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!
6. Pride of Ownership
One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.
7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings
Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.
FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS
Your PCS is underway!
The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.
Consider these five resources to help you in the process
1. MOVING COMPANIES
Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.
2. STORAGE
Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.
3. TEMPORARY HOUSING
It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.
4. USPS/IRS
Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.
5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES
No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.
