Why is crime high in Fairbanks? (Anchorage, North Pole: houses, rent, travel)

[icthy]

Howdy, everyone. This is my first post in this forum...

I've been offered a job in Fairbanks, and am seriously considering it. However, as someone that lived in a comparable size town a few years back (Laramie, WY), I'm rather shocked at the high crime rates I see for Fairbanks. Should I be worried? Can someone opine on why crime is high there (winter + alcohol, I'd guess)? Are there safe and unsafe areas of town?

I've got two little kids, and I'd really like to raise them in a city where they can do things by themselves, like bike to friends' houses (in the summer, at least), etc.

Thanks!

[mal_flisk]

On neighborhoods, you'll need a Fairbanks resident for commentary. Outside of Fairbanks proper are some smaller towns within 10 miles or so. North Pole, and Tenana among others. Crime is more a function of lifestyle and mindset. Alcohol and drugs are the most common denominator of crime throughout the state. And the quality of your circle of friends and acquaintences are the other prime source of popular sorts of crime. As the saying goes, people who might lie down with dogs might get up with fleas. If you choose quality people to come within your circle of friendship, the chances of being involved with crime drops. Most of the people I know have had little or no brushes with crime. And I live in Los Anchorage.

[icthy]

Thanks mal...I've lived areas with high crime rates and I agree with you mostly. But I don't want my kids to be afraid of going to high school because of gangs or violence, and I'd love to live in a place where my wife could walk in the evening and not be worried. But it concerns me that Fairbanks has one of the highest crime rates in AK, and the rate of rapes is astronomical, 3 times the average for a comparable sized community, and 5 times that of Laramie. Perhaps there is a Fairbanksian that could comment?

Don't get me wrong, I love small communities and the outdoors, and I think Fairbanks might be ideal for us. I've lived in a few places now, and I am hoping our family can settle down in a place where we don't need burgler alarms on our house and have to drive at night because we're afraid--I've already done that . (Granted driving at night = most of winter = cold = not wanting to walk anyways).

[mal_flisk]

I understand every point you made, and agree with them. Haven't lived in Fbanks, so I can't make an intelligent statement about neighborhoods or schools.

[c.adam]

Most of the violent crime in Fairbanks is more... between people who know each other. Two guys, fighting for years over the same woman, in their home village... that sort of thing. I don't think there is much RANDOM violence upon strangers. there in lies the problem.. you compare fairbanks to a normal town, but it isn't. Its the central hub for a Frontier of western civilization, butting up against Traditional Villages and such. so you have to take those factors into consideration. Another thing to look at, and people don't want to agree because they view it as being non-patriotic.. but there is ALOT more military here than before, and almost all of them are young, dumb.. and back from iraq with a lot of cash.. saw it in colorado springs, seeing it here too. and there's a history of this going back further (Lock up your daughters, the navy is in town.. type of mentality).

So you have alot of factors going on.. but really.. fairbanks is nice, and I feel safe enough here. This place has nothing on DC.. or even Colorado Springs.. or Decatur, Illinois...

you'll probably die of the cold before someone shoots you...

[icthy]

Thanks, that's good to know. Although I prefer not to die of the cold...

[Tressa]

What else is there to do up there in the winter time except to freeze your buns, not the I agree with crime just a pun.

[trilumn8]

My parents met, married, had a son in, and lived in Fairbanks for about 10 years before they moved to Juneau. I can't give you up-to-date information about the crime, but... I also have considered moving to Fairbanks and wondered the same thing. My mom told me a story about a pretty and pregnant woman hitchhiking in the summer late at night (albeit still brightly lit outdoors). She was picked up by some young men who raped and beat her - they figured she was asking for it by hitchhiking in the middle of the night...and they got off scot-free. That was the 70's, and one would hope that things have changed a little by now, but the crime rate persists. Whatever the causes, they are not just winter and not necessarily alcohol; whoever the victims, they do include strangers.

[Arcticthaw]

Originally Posted by icthy

Howdy, everyone. This is my first post in this forum...

I've been offered a job in Fairbanks, and am seriously considering it. However, as someone that lived in a comparable size town a few years back (Laramie, WY), I'm rather shocked at the high crime rates I see for Fairbanks. Should I be worried? Can someone opine on why crime is high there (winter + alcohol, I'd guess)? Are there safe and unsafe areas of town?

I've got two little kids, and I'd really like to raise them in a city where they can do things by themselves, like bike to friends' houses (in the summer, at least), etc.

Thanks!

I grew up in Fairbanks, and raised my children here also. I have traveld a bit when I was young so I have an idea of what life is like outside. Fairbanks has changed since I was a boy. Gone are the days of leaving your house unlocked and keys in the cars. The influx of people during the pipeline started the changes, then post pipeline the military buildup and rotation of new young men and women. No I am not blaming the military for our problems but they do contribute by bringing their big city ways to Squarebanks. Normally the issues involveing them are upon their own.
Alcohol his an issue here, I just looked at the Judjments in the paper, and most were alcohol related. We have made it such a taboo issue with special DUI police cars (city and state) and $ form the feds, that it is like the forbidden fruit for kids. Alcoholism in the villiges has been a problem for years, some villiges have voted to be dry (alcohol free).

Like a previous poster I believe the company you keep effects your crime statistics. Like any town there are some real nice areas and some you wouldn't like. There isn't anywere I would be afraid to drive in. There are several subdivision that would suit the lifestyle you describe. Close to schools and all.

[Arcticthaw]

Originally Posted by Tressa

What else is there to do up there in the winter time except to freeze your buns, not the I agree with crime just a pun.

Lets start with the weather and what to do to keep thoose buns warm and small! So go to the below link and scroll down to average tempature. In actuality -10 to -20 is the worse case average. -40 makes us special!
http://www.city-data.com/city/Fairbanks-Alaska.html

For most people once aclimated you can be out in -20 for quite a while and most snowmachiners stop riding at that tempature due to chill factor. I think the dog mushers go to -35 or so. Dogs like to run in the cooler temps. Now if you have a pair of skis, you can: downhill, cross country, telemark, skijor, and for the really brave there is Arctic Man in April! Google it. Oh by the way kids as little as 4 can dog mush! Lots of fun to watch. Ok so maybe you would rather look out at the cold and be nice and warm, then how about dancing, there are several clubs and groups that teach various kinds of dancing. Not at the bars either. Of course there is Hockey, and other sporting events locally and through the University. Various lectures and tours of things they are up to at UAF. The museum! Lots of intramural sports like volleyball and indoor soccer for the kids. Several dance studios around for your little angel. We have a few groups that put on plays and light opera, the local concert association brings in lots of talent, along with other venues. There is a hot spring an hours drive into the woods on a nice paved road where the adults can swim in the outdoor rock pool and stare up at the northern lights. Remeber to dunk once in a while to melt the frost off your hair! Keep in mind this is from a guys perspective and there are lots of things that interest the ladies that will require hubby to babysit while she goes quilting, cross stitching, line dance lessons. The outdoors woman classes.
Indoor pistol range, well if your nice she may let you come too.