Steele Creek, Alaska: Enjoying fresh growth prospects from the ashes of the gold rush.
Whoever says that Steele Creek is just a ghost town from the remnants of the gold rush should come and see for themselves what it is now. Rich in mineral deposits, it was part of the Fortymile Country in the Interior Alaska region that thrived during the mining boom of 1886. With proofs of its mining legacy withered in time (a post office, trading house, marathon mill, mine camps and miners' cabins), residents refocused their livelihood towards education, healthcare and social services while modern developments are seen in Steele Creek's construction boom. The town was part of the Athabascan Indian homelands, before they were driven away by aggressive mining activities. Today, it is a Census Designated Place belonging to the Fairbanks North Star Borough. It covers a vast 92.84 square miles but only has a population of 6,662 as of the 2010 Census.
Planning to move to Steele Creek? First things first: consider the distance. Steele Creek is near the North Pole, which sounds pretty far. The main highway branches off to a dirt road that leads to the Yukon Territory in Canada, outside of the U.S. already--just saying. If you're already from Alaska and just need to relocate to Steele Creek, then it's no big deal. There are small residential communities while short-term residents are mostly campers. The challenge lies in the accessibility to the town.
The fastest and safest way is to fly by plane. The nearest airport is the Fairbanks International Airport in Fairbanks City. Planes from out of Tok, Alaska transfer to a smaller plane that will land in North or South Fork. Then the land journey begins.
Preparing for the Move
First, getting into town by land is another story, or more aptly, an adventure. The Taylor Highway which starts from Tetlin Junction along Alaska Highway and ends on Eagle town on Yukon River is the only viable transport access. From here, one will ascend the "Top of the World" drive, reach South Fork then Eagle town that passes the Fortymile River and watch out for Steele Creek. The road trip will take you an average of 3 days, depending on weather conditions.
Second, be prepared for a rough road trip. Taylor Highway is a gravel road with several narrow winding spots and curves, particularly along the Jack Wade junction. Drive most carefully on this part, and note that motorists' facilities are located far between the small communities along Taylor Highway. Make sure your automobile is of the best condition, and prepare tires, fuel allowance, food and water beforehand. Service shops should be available when you reach the towns of Eagle or Chicken.
Third, Taylor Highway is closed for the winter. Needless to say that nobody travels to Steele Creek (and its neighboring towns for that matter) via this route between November and February. As it is, contact the Alaska Bureau of Land Management before going on a trip. All things considered, better have someone very familiar with the route to accompany you, especially if it's a first-time trip.
Benefits of Your New Home
A move to Steele Creek can also have some perks. Alaska has a residents reward program to entice people to live in the state and help in invigorating its vast lands. Residents of good conduct who live in Alaska for over a year enjoy an annual share from the Alaskan Permanent Fund oil revenues, as much as $900 for each resident in 2013 alone. Not bad! This and other relocation promotion efforts paid off well with a marked increase in population growth in the state compared to the overall U.S. rate.
Steele Creek is a homeowner town. Rental properties in Steele Creek are sparse and there are no apartments for rent or condos here. Nearby Fairbanks City would be the place for apartment rentals. As you cross out the search for studio or 1 bedroom apartments for rent in Steele Creek, also note that available homes for rent are scarce, meaning there may be vacant homes but they are not up for rent. In this regard, it may take you more than 6 weeks to two months if you really want to find a suitable home rental location here.
Don't despair yet though. As part of its state promotion, you can ask the help of the Alaska Community Development Association which works in improving housing issues and economic development and assists would-be residents. Be prepared with your rental application documents: proofs of income (payslips, Form 1040), credit history, character references and IDs.
Gilmore Estates: This is a predominantly homeowners neighborhood, and a mere 15 percent of dwellers rent their homes. There are no big stores nor restaurants, but with newer homes here (built from the 1970s to 2000) and its proximity to schools like Barnette Magnet School, Hutchison High School and Fairbanks B.E.S.T., this area may cost a bit more compared to other neighborhoods in Steele Creek.
Tungsten: This neighborhood sits on the site of the old ore mining camp and is near the Tungsten Trail, and covers 1.5 square miles. Cabin-style homes and some mobile homes can be found here.
Wild View Acres: Located on the eastern side of Tungsten, Wild View Acres covers 1.34 square miles with most of the lands being developed for single family housing. While there is no night life or retail activities here, residents enjoy proximity to the Chena Hot Springs, a popular camping site.
Gold Country Estates: This is a neighboring community located in Fairbanks City and is found along Goldstreak Road, accessible via the Steese Highway. It covers 0.57 square miles with mostly small to mid-size homes. Residents live close to the Gold Mine Trail, a rough path that led pioneering Klondikers to the Yukon gold mines.
Steele Creek has relatively moderate to cold weather, around 28 degrees, lower than both the state and national average. You'll definitely become an expert at bundling up here.
Road improvements in the greater Fairbanks Borough including Steele Creek are in the works, and travel time to work is at 25 minutes on average, including for those who work in nearby Fox or Fairbanks City. Overall, you'll need a dependable SUV for going around, while an all-terrain vehicle for rugged landscapes is handy.
Recreation in Steele Creek centers around the Fortymile Wild and Scenic River Corridors with its abundance of wildlife such as the caribou herd migration trail, the endangered peregrine falcon, bears, waterfowl and wild game, Arctic grayling and various fish species. Hunting, fishing, boating and kayaking are the order of the day for wild water adventurers.
For leisurely sightseeing, the so-called float trips offer a scenic river trail that includes views of old goldmine dredges, 19th century cabins and abandoned mining sites.
Numerous mountain peaks dot the rugged terrains of Steele Creek such as the Steele Creek Dome measuring 3,894 feet. These strenuous areas are reserved only for daring and professional climbers. There's also the Porcupine Hill, Trace Hill, Baldy Mountain, Mount Morrison and Mount Gladman.
Outside of nature treks and camping, Steele Creek has no active commercial district within the town itself. Dining, shopping and cultural recreation are taken cared of by neighboring Fairbanks City, about 10 miles from Steele Creek. It is one of the two cities in the Fairbanks North Star Borough (the other being North Pole with its Santa Claus House on Saint Nicholas Drive).
Fairbank's Old Steese Highway is a popular stomping ground for Steele Creek visitors, with great dining spots that more than make up for the trip. These include the Turtle Club with its delectable seafood and steak meals and Boston's Restaurant and Sports Bar great for meal-booze-chat combos. The Fairbanks downtown hop often include a trip to the Bentley Mall on College Road and a quick stop to the Ice Museum on 2nd Avenue.
