If you’re looking for the best places to live in North Dakota, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. From the thriving economy and reasonable cost of living to the quaint, rural towns, you’ll have plenty of reasons to fall in love with this state.
Attractions To Live In North Dakota
For starters, North Dakota’s capital city, Bismarck, is a great choice for those who want a job in the state government. The city boasts a diverse economy, with manufacturing and healthcare among its largest employers.
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It also has a low crime rate, making it one of the safest cities in the state. Property crime is less than the national average, and violent crime rates are below those of most American cities.
If you are looking for a smaller, rural town with friendly people, then Beulah might be the perfect fit for you. It has a lower crime rate than many other parts of the state, as well as an array of parks and community fields for you to enjoy at your leisure.
With a large population of people who are either students or working in the Mercer County area, there is a strong sense of community here. The crime rate is relatively low, and the schools in this neighborhoods are of a high standard.
Bismarck is a top contender as it’s a centrally located city that offers a diverse economy, low crime rate, and friendly people. In addition, there are many unique sites and attractions that make it worth a visit.
With a booming economy, safe neighborhoods and affordable housing, North Dakota is one of the best places to live in the country.
Fargo #1
Located on the Red River bordering Minnesota, Fargo is North Dakota’s largest city and a thriving business hub. It offers a warm welcome to newcomers and features a variety of quality amenities, including an affordable cost of living and affordable housing.
For families, the city’s low crime rate and excellent public schools are a plus. It is also home to North Dakota State University, where a large student population creates a lively atmosphere.
Residents are able to enjoy a vibrant arts and culture scene while experiencing the great outdoors in the beautiful Red River Valley. They can hike or bike on one of the many trails, or watch ice hockey at Scheels Arena.
The city is also home to the Plains Art Museum, which features regional and national exhibits. It is a wonderful place to explore and learn about the history of the area. The city has a small town feel and is a fun place to live. It has lots of coffee shops, bars and restaurants to choose from. It is also very safe and has a lot of parks.
| Weather | 3 °C, Wind NW at 26 km/h |
| Population | 1.27 lakhs (2021) |
| Area | 131.5 km² |
| ZIP Codes | 58102–58109, 58121–58122, 58124–58126 |
| Area code | 701 |
West Fargo #2
West Fargo is a great place to live if you’re looking for a safe community with tons of local events. It’s also affordable and has a great public school system. When you compare this to most places in the United States, West Fargo is a pretty good deal.
You can bring your family here and enjoy all the things that West Fargo has to offer. In the summer, there are tons of events going on in the city and in Cass County. There are even several attractions to visit such as the Red River Zoo and Bonanza Ville USA.
This is a great place for families and people who want to get out and enjoy the outdoors. There are plenty of restaurants and stores to check out in the area. The cost of living in West Fargo is 15% lower than the national average. This makes it one of the best cities to live in North Dakota if you’re looking for a low-cost place to start your career or save for a house.
| Population | 39,487 (2021) |
| Weather | 3 °C, Wind NW at 27 km/h |
| Area code | Area code 701 |
| Area | 42.53 km² |
| Elevation | 273 m |
Bismarck #3
The capital city of North Dakota, Bismarck is a historic and cosmopolitan place to live. It’s home to many attractions and cool outdoor activities. It has scenic parks, art galleries and the state’s third zoo.
The tall art deco North Dakota State Capitol towers over the downtown area and is the centerpiece of the city’s skyline. The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum and the restored Former Governors’ Mansion are also nearby.
This beautiful state capital is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. The imposing building is a popular spot for Instagram photos and it’s always a great sight to see at night, when the lighted atrium is illuminated. It’s the perfect spot to take a selfie and it’s a must-visit for history buffs, too!
The atrium is engraved with the North Dakota state seal and names of all 53 counties. Besides the historical and cultural aspects, Bismarck is also a popular place to visit for its many family-friendly activities. It’s home to the Dakota Zoo and Raging Rivers Waterpark, among other things.
| Weather | 2 °C, Wind E at 0 km/h |
| Population | 74,138 (2021) |
| Area code | 701 |
| Elevation | 1,686 ft (514 m) |
| Founded | May 14, 1872 |
Grand Forks #4
Grand Forks is a great place to live, combining a robust economy with a strong sense of community and a vast range of outdoor adventure. It’s home to a university and an Air Force base, which provide a diverse population and offer plenty of employment opportunities for new residents.
The city also boasts an innovative economy, with its presence as a major agribusiness, biomedical and energy and environment hub. Its largest employer is Altru Health System, which has several clinics and hospitals.
Agribusiness, manufacturing and the unmanned systems industry are also prominent in the area. The region is known as a leader in drone technology and is home to Grand Sky, the first unmanned aircraft business and aviation park in the United States.
The city is also known for its opulent Japanese gardens, and it has been home to the University of North Dakota for more than 120 years. The Ralph Engelstad Arena, a large indoor sports facility, hosts many sporting events, including the University of North Dakota football games and concerts.
| Weather | 2 °C, Wind NW at 23 km/h |
| Area code | Area code 701 |
| Population | 58,781 (2021) |
| Elevation | 843 ft (257 m) |
| Founded | June 15, 1870 |
| ZIP codes | 58201–58203 |
Horace #5
Located just across the border from Fargo, Horace is a small town that also offers the amenities and conveniences of a big city. It’s home to the best schools in North Dakota, an abundance of outdoor activities, and a low crime rate. This city is an excellent choice for those looking to raise a family.
It’s also ranked as one of the safest cities in the state and has an impressive median household income. Apartments in Horace are plentiful, with a variety of floorplans and sizes to choose from. Studio apartments represent 0% of the city’s rental units, while larger apartment buildings typically offer floorplans with 3 or more bedrooms.
The average age of multifamily buildings in Horace is 0 years old, and none have been built since 2000. These older options are typically more affordable than newer ones on the market and often offer a wider selection of amenities.
| Population | 3,358 (2021) |
| Weather | 3 °C, Wind NW at 29 km/h |
| Area code | Area code 701 |
| Elevation | 279 m |
| Area | 30.17 km² |
Devil’s Lake #6
If you’re looking for a good place to live in North Dakota, then you should look into Devil’s Lake. This city is located in a great location and has all of the amenities you need for a comfortable life.
This community has a strong economy and is full of exciting opportunities for those who are looking to start a new career. It also has excellent schools and low crime rates, so you can rest assured that you’ll be safe wherever you go in this town.
In addition to that, the cost of living is also very reasonable here, which makes it an ideal choice for people who want to enjoy a quality of life that’s on par with those in our top five. Moreover, renting a property here will only set you back around $524 per month, so you’ll be able to make the most of your time here and live comfortably.
Devil’s Lake is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream and offers many recreational opportunities throughout the year. It’s also home to a variety of hotels and motels that offer a wide range of amenities.
| Weather | 2 °C, Wind NW at 0 km/h |
| Population | 7,182 (2021) |
| Elevation | 441 m |
| Area | 18.03 km² |
| University | Lake Region State College |
Jamestown #7
Jamestown is a city in Stutsman County, North Dakota. It lies at the confluence of the James River and Pipestem Creek, halfway between Bismarck (west) and Fargo (east). The city has a number of recreational opportunities.
This city has a strong manufacturing base, and food processing and agriculture are also important sectors of its economy. It is a service hub for trucking and heavy equipment repair, and it has four designated industrial parks.
The University of Jamestown is based here, and several hospitals are located within the city. Among the facilities are the North Dakota State Hospital and the Anne Carlsen Center for Children, both opened in 1885.
There are several golf courses, including Hillcrest and Jamestown Country Club, as well as a series of artificial lakes formed by Jamestown Dam. It also has a variety of other sporting facilities, including Jack Brown Stadium.
| Weather | 0 °C, Wind NW at 11 km/h |
| University | University of Jamestown |
| ZIP codes | 58401, 58402, 58405 |
| Population | 15,750 (2021) |
| Elevation | 429 m |
Valley City #8
Valley City has some of the best public schools in North Dakota and is a great place for people of all ages. It also has a variety of job industries that suit all demographics.
When it comes to things to do in Valley City, you can explore the beautiful Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway or enjoy a hike on the North Country Trail, which is the longest trail in the nation.
There are also numerous parks to choose from, including Medicine Wheel Park that overlooks Valley City and features a solar calendar replica and Native American burial mounds.
For a more casual way to spend your day, you can check out Chautauqua Park, which is equipped with a sand volleyball court and barbecue grills. Other parks to explore include Pioneer Park, which has an ice skating rink and City Park, which has a playground, picnic tables, and a community outdoor pool with a 148-foot waterslide.
When it comes to shopping in Valley City, you can find an array of specialty shops, including Blush Boutique on Central Avenue and Real Deals on West Main Street. There are also a number of restaurants and eateries to try out during your stay.
| Weather | 0 °C, Wind NW at 14 km/h |
| Population | 6,559 (2021) |
| Elevation | 371 m |
| Area | 10.9 km² |
| University | Valley City State University |
FAQs about Live In North Dakota
What do I need to know about moving to North Dakota?
North Dakota is a state located in the northern region of the United States. It has a relatively low population and is known for its cold winters and vast agricultural lands. It’s important to research housing and employment opportunities before moving, as well as prepare for the harsh winters.
Why is it good to live in North Dakota?
Living in North Dakota can offer a lower cost of living, good job opportunities in various industries like energy, agriculture, and healthcare, and a strong sense of community. The state also boasts beautiful natural scenery, outdoor recreational activities, and a low crime rate.
