Located in the upper Midwest, North Dakota is known as the Peace Garden State. Nearly 90% of the state’s land is dedicated to farming, leaving many communities spread far apart in this vast and breathtaking expanse. If you’re looking for a place to call home in this state, we have a lineup of some of the top options. Consider one of these best places to live in North Dakota.
1. Grand Forks, ND
- Population Change: B
- Price: B
- Stores: C
- Schools: B
- Health care: C
- Entertainment: B
- Restaurant: B
Grand Forks sits along the Red River on North Dakota’s eastern border. The city is home to the University of North Dakota as well as the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages just $635 here. Grand Forks has good schools and ample entertainment making it a great pick for families. Splasher’s of the South Seas offers 40,000 square feet of indoor water park delights while The Greenway provides 2,200 acres of open space with trails, golf courses, disc golf, and fishing. Local restaurants are pleasantly diverse with French, Chinese, Mexican, Indian, and American cuisine.
2. West Fargo, ND
- Population Change: A
- Price: A
- Stores: D
- Schools: D
- Health care: D
- Entertainment: B
- Restaurant: C
West Fargo hugs the eastern border of North Dakota in the Red River Valley Region. This rapidly growing city offers surprisingly low rent averaging just $558 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. West Fargo features intriguing attractions like the Bonanzaville Pioneer Village and Museum. The West Fargo public school system maintains an outstanding indoor aquatic center with both a lesson pool and a competition pool. The area has plenty of pubs and grills for casual dining with must-taste highlights like Spitfire Bar & Grill and Blarney Stone Pub.
3. Fargo, ND
- Population Change: B
- Price: F
- Stores: B
- Schools: B
- Health care: A
- Entertainment: A
- Restaurant: A
You’ll find Fargo on the Red River just opposite Moorhead, Minnesota. Fargo offers plentiful entertainment including Thunder Road Family Fun Park and Selfie WRLD. The city has ample dining, ranging from the wildly popular pizza at Rhombus Guys to the distinctive German fare at Wurst Bier Hall. You’ll find good schools, convenient shopping locations, and outstanding health care options here. As a coveted place to live, Fargo commands an average rent of $925 for a one-bedroom apartment.
4. Minot, ND
- Population Change: C
- Price: D
- Stores: B
- Schools: C
- Health care: B
- Entertainment: D
- Restaurant: D
Minot sits on the Souris River, just 50 miles from the Canadian border. The city is home to Minot State University and Minot Air Force Base. The average rent in Minot is $900 for a one-bedroom apartment. The city offers above-average public schools and family-friendly highlights like the Roosevelt Zoo. The Trinity Health system is the city’s largest employer, offering great access to health care. The Dakota Square Mall contributes to this area’s high shopping grade, ensuring that all the essentials are close at hand.
5. Bismarck, ND
- Population Change: D
- Price: F
- Stores: A
- Schools: A
- Health care: B
- Entertainment: C
- Restaurant: B
The state capital of North Dakota, Bismarck lies in the south-central portion of the state along the Missouri River. Rent is rather pricey in this desirable area, averaging $1,050 for a one-bedroom. Local highlights include the Dakota Zoo, Gateway to Science, and North Dakota Heritage Center. The Bismarck School District and local health care system both get excellent grades. The city is a major retail hub with easy access to both the Gateway Mall and Kirkwood Mall. Local dining includes everything from the elegant Butterhorn restaurant to the laid-back Lucky’s 13 Pub.
6. Dickinson, ND
- Population Change: F
- Price: C
- Stores: D
- Schools: D
- Health care: D
- Entertainment: D
- Restaurant: F
Dickinson lies in the southwestern part of the state at the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This eclectic city features attractions like the Badlands Dinosaur Museum, Dickinson Museum Center, and Pioneer Machinery Hall. This is also the home of Dickinson State University. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city is $784. The downtown area offers shops, boutiques, and distinctive dining like the BrickHouse Grill which is the oldest fine dining restaurant in the city.
7. Williston, ND
- Population Change: F
- Price: B
- Stores: F
- Schools: F
- Health care: F
- Entertainment: F
- Restaurant: D
Home of Williston State College, Williston lies just 18 miles from the Montana border. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is $693. Local highlights include Eagle Ridge Golf Club, Painted Woods Sporting Complex, and James Memorial Art Center. Local dining options are varied and include sushi, Mexican food, and hearty Southwestern fare.
8. Mandan, ND
- Population Change: D
- Price: D
- Stores: F
- Schools: F
- Health care: F
- Entertainment: F
- Restaurant: F
Mandan lies just 4 miles west of Bismarck. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is $895. This vibrant community has adopted the slogan, “Where the West Begins.” Local attractions include the Mandan Aquatic Center, North Dakota State Railroad Museum, and Mandan Municipal Golf Course. The Copper Dog Cafe is a must-taste on Main Street, offering custom-made waffle creations.
Final thoughts
North Dakota offers a range of diverse and appealing options for those looking for the best places to live in the state. From the thriving city of Fargo with its abundant entertainment, excellent healthcare, and dining options, to the family-friendly atmosphere and affordable rent in Grand Forks, North Dakota provides something for everyone. West Fargo offers rapid growth, low rent, and unique attractions, while Bismarck stands as the state capital with a strong retail presence and high-quality schools. Minot offers a balance of education, healthcare, and family-friendly amenities, while Dickinson boasts unique museums and a charming downtown area. Williston and Mandan provide affordable rent options and opportunities for outdoor recreation. No matter which city you choose, North Dakota’s vast landscapes, close-knit communities, and a sense of tranquility make it an attractive place to call home.
Frequently asked questions
North Dakota generally has a lower cost of living compared to the national average. Housing, utilities, and groceries tend to be affordable, although prices may vary depending on the specific city or town you choose to live in.
North Dakota has a diverse economy with opportunities in various industries. The state is known for its strong agriculture sector, energy production (including oil, natural gas, and wind energy), manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. The job market is often stable, and the unemployment rate is typically low.
North Dakota experiences a continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing, while summers are generally mild to hot. The state also experiences distinct seasons, with beautiful spring blooms and colorful autumn foliage.
North Dakota is a primarily car-dependent state with an extensive network of well-maintained roads and highways. Public transportation options are more limited, particularly in rural areas. However, some cities have public transit systems, and there are regional airports for air travel.
Yes, North Dakota is often considered a good place to raise a family. The state’s strong sense of community, low crime rates, quality education options, and access to outdoor activities make it an attractive choice for families.
North Dakota boasts stunning natural attractions that showcase its unique beauty. From the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park to the scenic drives along the Missouri River and the charming lakes and state parks, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration and appreciation of nature’s wonders. The International Peace Garden, located on the border between North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada, is another notable attraction, offering beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and a symbol of international peace and friendship.
Methodology
- 1-bedroom median rent price – Zumper.com
- Population change – American Community Survey 2021 and 2019
- Stores, schools, entertainment, restaurant, transportation – OpenStreetMap
To determine the best places to live in North Dakota we analyzed data on seven key metrics, including median 1-bedroom rent prices, population change, and the quantity of stores, schools, healthcare, entertainment, and restaurants. 1-bedroom rent prices accounted for 30 percent of the weighted grade. Population change accounted for 20 percent. Stores, schools, healthcare, entertainment, and restaurants accounted for ten percent each.
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