Military Relocation to Alaska: Homes Near JBER and in the Mat-Su Valley
Got PCS orders to Alaska? Jason L. Adkins is a retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant and award-winning Alaska REALTOR® who helps active-duty service members, veterans and military families buy and sell homes in the Mat-Su Valley, Eagle River, Chugiak and Anchorage.
A Military Move Is Different. Jason Understands.
Before becoming a REALTOR®, Jason served in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. He knows what a PCS really involves: report dates that don't move, orders that sometimes change, house hunting from thousands of miles away, and families balancing schools, jobs and a new climate all at once.
Jason brings the same accountability and clear communication he practiced in uniform to every military move, so you always know where things stand and what comes next.
How Jason Helps Military Families
- Buying from a distance: live video tours, neighborhood overviews and regular updates, so you can shop for a home before you arrive in Alaska.
- Timing around your report date: planning your search, offer and closing around your orders and travel dates.
- VA loan guidance: connections to lenders experienced with VA loans, and an agent who understands VA appraisal and property requirements.
- Choosing where to live: straight answers about commute, schools, lot size and lifestyle in Wasilla, Palmer, Eagle River, Chugiak and Anchorage.
- Selling or renting when you PCS out: help deciding whether to sell your Alaska home or keep it as a rental when your next orders come.
Where Military Families Live in Southcentral Alaska
Most military families moving to Southcentral Alaska are assigned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Anchorage, home to both Air Force and Army units. Many JBER families choose to live off base in Eagle River, Chugiak or the Mat-Su Valley, where homes often come with more space and larger lots.
Wasilla and Palmer are roughly 45 minutes to an hour from JBER by way of the Glenn Highway, depending on where you live, traffic and winter road conditions. Eagle River and Chugiak sit closer to base.
Assigned to Fort Wainwright or Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, or to another installation elsewhere in Alaska? Reach out anyway. Jason can talk through your plans and connect you with trusted local agents.
Using Your VA Home Loan in Alaska
The VA home loan is one of the most valuable benefits of military service. For eligible buyers, it can offer:
- No down payment for eligible borrowers with full entitlement
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Competitive interest rates
- Limits on certain closing costs a VA buyer can be charged
Start by requesting your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and getting pre-approved with a lender who knows VA loans. Most VA borrowers pay a one-time VA funding fee, though veterans who receive VA disability compensation are generally exempt. Your lender can explain your entitlement, fees and loan options.
Your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) depends on your duty station, pay grade and dependency status. Many families use it as a starting point when setting a monthly housing budget.
Alaska Home Buying Tips for Military Families
- Plan for winter. Look closely at the heating system and its costs, garage space, driveway slope and snow removal.
- Ask about wells and septic. Many Valley homes have a private well and septic system. Your lender may require water testing and a septic inspection.
- Build in travel time. If you're driving the Alaska Highway or shipping a vehicle, plan your closing date around your arrival.
- Know the tax picture. Alaska has no state income tax and no statewide sales tax. Property taxes apply, and some cities charge a local sales tax.
Your PCS Home Buying Checklist
- Share your orders and report date with Jason as early as you can.
- Request your VA Certificate of Eligibility and get pre-approved.
- List your must-haves: commute, schools, bedrooms, garage, yard and lot size.
- Tour homes on a house-hunting trip or remotely by live video.
- Make an offer, then complete inspections and the appraisal.
- Close on your home and get your keys, timed to your arrival in Alaska.
Buying for the first time? See Jason's guide for first-time home buyers in the Mat-Su Valley.
Selling Your Alaska Home When You PCS Out
When new orders take you out of Alaska, Jason can help you decide whether to sell or rent out your home, price it using recent local sales, and manage the sale on your timeline, even after you've moved. Curious what your home is worth today? Get an instant property valuation or learn more about selling with Jason.
Military Relocation FAQs
Does Jason L. Adkins work with military families relocating to Alaska?
Yes. Jason is a retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant who helps active-duty service members, veterans and their families buy and sell homes in the Mat-Su Valley, Eagle River, Chugiak and Anchorage.
Can I buy a home in Alaska before I arrive?
Yes. Many military buyers shop and make offers remotely using live video tours, electronic signatures and a trusted local agent. Jason can help you plan a remote purchase around your report date.
How far is the Mat-Su Valley from JBER?
Wasilla and Palmer are roughly 45 minutes to an hour from JBER by way of the Glenn Highway, depending on your exact location, traffic and road conditions. Eagle River and Chugiak are closer.
Can I use my VA loan more than once?
Yes. VA home loan benefits can be used more than once. A VA-experienced lender can tell you how much entitlement you have available and whether any of it is still tied to a previous loan.
Should I buy or rent when I PCS to Alaska?
It depends on the length of your assignment, your budget and whether you might keep the home as a rental later. Jason can walk you through the numbers and the trade-offs so you can make the right call for your family.
Ready to Plan Your PCS to Alaska?
Talk with Jason about your orders, timeline and budget. No pressure, just straight answers from someone who understands military life.
Contact Jason Call (907) 606-0583VA loan eligibility, entitlement and fees are set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and your lender. This page is general information, not financial or legal advice. Learn more about Jason L. Adkins.