Anchorage is awash in natural beauty that you won't find in many other cities. Flattop Mountain is one of the most climbed mountains in the state, while Cook Inlet is home to several mudflats that can be seen when the tide is out. Mount Denali is close to Anchorage while the Prince William Sound is another natural landscape that you should check out if you have the chance.

In addition to a variety of natural scenery that you can look at, you may have a chance to mingle with the wildlife as well. While there aren't a lot of bears, moose or deer on the base itself, you may find some during a walk in the surrounding suburbs or during a drive down the highway.

This is partially because the base is built in the animal's natural habitat and partially because the animals have associated the food that humans leave out as a potential source of food. If you do encounter a wild animal, it is a good idea not to feed it or otherwise interact with it. Instead, back away and call animal control to handle the situation.

You may think that Alaska is cold and snowy throughout the year. However, that is not the case in and around the base. During the winter months, temperatures can get as warm as 30 degrees while rarely dropping below zero. During the summer months, you will find temperatures in the mid-60s and lows that stay in the 50s. You will also find that days during the summer can last for almost 24 hours due to the base's location near the Arctic Circle.

The area around the base is known for its vibrant arts scene. One event that you are going to watch to go to is the Sitka Summer Music Festival. Each September as part of the festival, the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra and the Anchorage Youth Symphony play at the campus of Alaska Pacific University. Furthermore, the Anchorage Concert Association is responsible for bringing plays to town such as the Lion King and the Phantom of the Opera.

There are also several sports teams that play their games in the Anchorage area near the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The Alaska Aces play in the East Coast Hockey League while the University of Alaska Anchorage is host to the Great Alaska Shootout NCAA basketball tournament. Although UAA plays its basketball at the Division II level, it brings in several prominent Division I teams to play, which means you may get to see your favorite team play every so often.

There is one annual event held on the base that you won't want to miss whether you are in the military or a civilian. The Arctic Thunder Air Show takes place each July or early August and is free and open to the public. It features air performances by well known pilot groups such as the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds. It routinely draws 100,000 visitors and is one of the largest public events in the entire state. In addition to the air show, it serves as an open house for the base where the public can get an idea of what happens there.

If you are a history buff, you are going to love living at the base. In addition to being close to the former Fort Richardson, you will be close to Fort Marrow at Kodiak Island and Fort Randall at Cold Bay. These and other air force bases actively fought against the Japanese as they attempted to seize territory in the state. The bases were also part of a lend-lease program that actually aided the Soviet Union during the war. Other places to visit if you are curious about Anchorage's history include the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum.

While you may be assigned to the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, you should know that you will enjoy your time there. The natural beauty and the vibrant history will provide you with experiences that you will never forget, and it may provide you with enough to want to stay in town even after your time in the military is up. If you want to know more or want to see available properties in the area, contact the Jarratt Team today.