Living in North Dakota can be a great experience. If you’re thinking about relocating to North Dakota, you may be wondering which cities and towns are the best places to live. This state is known for its natural beauty, friendly people, and strong economy, making it an attractive option for those looking for a new place to call home. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best places to live in North Dakota, exploring factors like housing, employment opportunities, quality of life, and more.
Best Place To Live In North Dakota
- Fargo
- Bismarck
- Grand Forks
- Minot
- West Fargo
- Williston
- Dickinson
- Jamestown
- Wahpeton
- Valley City
- Mandan
- Horace
- Beulah
Fargo
Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota and the economic hub of the state. With a population of just over 120,000, it offers a perfect mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class dining options, and bustling downtown, Fargo is an excellent choice for those who crave excitement and culture. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Fargo is around $800 to $1,000 per month.
Bismarck
As the capital city of North Dakota, Bismarck is an excellent place to call home for those who value history and civic engagement. With a population of around 73,000, it offers all the amenities of a modern city while maintaining a strong sense of community. Bismarck is also home to the North Dakota State Capitol, which offers stunning views of the city and a glimpse into the state’s political history. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Bismarck is around $800 to $1,000 per month.
Grand Forks
Home to the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks is a vibrant college town with a population of around 57,000. Known for its beautiful parks and outdoor recreation opportunities, Grand Forks is an excellent choice for those who love the outdoors. It also boasts a lively downtown area, complete with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Grand Forks is around $700 to $900 per month.
Minot
Located in the heart of North Dakota’s oil country, Minot is a growing city with a population of just over 47,000. Despite its recent growth, Minot maintains a strong sense of community and small-town charm. It offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Minot is around $800 to $1,000 per month.
West Fargo
Just a short drive from Fargo, West Fargo is a family-friendly community with a population of around 37,000. Known for its excellent schools and safe neighborhoods, West Fargo is an excellent choice for those who value community and family. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in West Fargo is around $900 to $1,100 per month.
Williston
Located in the heart of North Dakota’s oil country, Williston is a booming city with a population of around 27,000. Despite its recent growth, Williston maintains a strong sense of community and small-town charm. It offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, and camping. The city has experienced significant growth over the last decade, thanks to the oil boom in the region. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Williston is around $1,000 to $1,200 per month.
Dickinson
Located in the western part of the state, Dickinson is a growing city with a population of just over 23,000. Known for its proximity to the stunning Badlands National Park, Dickinson offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. It’s also home to Dickinson State University, which offers a wide range of educational opportunities. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Dickinson is around $800 to $1,000 per month.
Jamestown
Jamestown is a vibrant city located in the central part of North Dakota with a population of approximately 15,500 people. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Jamestown is around $600 per month. It’s known for its natural beauty, history, and recreational opportunities. The city offers a low cost of living, excellent schools, and a variety of outdoor activities. With its charming downtown and friendly residents, Jamestown is an excellent place to call home.
Wahpeton
Wahpeton is a thriving city located in the southeastern part of North Dakota with a population of just over 7,800 people. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Wahpeton is around $450 per month. It’s home to the North Dakota State College of Science and has a strong agricultural presence. The city offers a range of amenities, including parks, shopping, and restaurants. With its affordable housing, low crime rate, and excellent schools, Wahpeton is a great place to live.
Valley City
Valley City is a small, picturesque city located in the eastern part of North Dakota with a population of around 6,400 people. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Valley City is around $500 per month. It’s known for its beautiful scenery, historic downtown, and friendly residents. The city offers a low cost of living, excellent schools, and a variety of recreational activities. With its small-town charm and close-knit community, Valley City is an excellent place to call home.
Mandan
Mandan is a growing city located in the central part of North Dakota with a population of approximately 22,500 people. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Mandan is around $750 per month. It’s known for its vibrant downtown, excellent schools, and strong community spirit. The city offers a range of amenities, including parks, shopping, and restaurants. With its affordable housing, low crime rate, and proximity to Bismarck, Mandan is an excellent place to live.
Horace
Horace is a small, quiet city located in the southeastern part of North Dakota with a population of around 3,200 people. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Horace is around $750 per month. It’s known for its natural beauty, excellent schools, and low crime rate. The city offers a range of amenities, including parks, shopping, and restaurants. With its affordable housing and friendly community, Horace is an excellent place to call home.
Beulah
Beulah is a picturesque city located in the western part of North Dakota with a population of just over 3,200 people. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Beulah is around $800 per month. It’s known for its scenic beauty, excellent schools, and friendly residents. The city offers a range of amenities, including parks, shopping, and restaurants. With its low cost of living and a strong sense of community, Beulah is an excellent place to live.
Why North Dakota?
Before we dive into the best places to live in North Dakota, let’s take a moment to explore what makes this state such a great place to live. There are many reasons to consider moving to North Dakota, including:
- Low Cost of Living: North Dakota has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States, making it an affordable place to call home.
- Strong Economy: North Dakota has a robust economy, with low unemployment rates and high job growth in a variety of industries.
- Natural Beauty: From the rolling prairies to the Badlands to the Missouri River, North Dakota is a state full of stunning natural landscapes.
- Friendly People: North Dakotans are known for their warm hospitality and friendly demeanor, making it easy to feel at home in this state.
Now that we’ve explored some of the reasons why North Dakota is a great place to live, let’s dive into the best places to call home in this state.
Is North Dakota a Good Place to Live?
North Dakota can be a great place to live for some people, depending on their lifestyle and preferences. The state has a low crime rate, a strong economy with a low unemployment rate, and a relatively low cost of living. However, the climate in North Dakota can be harsh, with long and cold winters, and the state is mostly rural with fewer amenities compared to larger cities.
What is it Like to Live in North Dakota?
Living in North Dakota can be a unique experience, especially for those who enjoy the outdoors. The state is known for its beautiful landscapes, including rolling plains, prairies, and Badlands, making it a popular destination for camping, hunting, and fishing. The state’s population is relatively small, which can create a tight-knit community feel, but also limited opportunities for entertainment and cultural events.
What is the Most Populated City in North Dakota?
Fargo is the most populated city in North Dakota, with a population of over 124,979 people. The city is home to several universities, including North Dakota State University, and has a diverse and growing economy with opportunities in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.
Is it Expensive to Live in North Dakota?
The cost of living in North Dakota is 3% lower than the national average, especially in terms of housing and utilities. However, expenses can vary depending on the city or town, with larger cities generally having a higher cost of living. The state also has a relatively high-income tax rate, which can offset some of the savings in living expenses.