Living in Fargo, ND
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Fargo, ND? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Fargo, ND

Situated in the Red River Valley on the banks of the Red River, Fargo, ND, is known for its low cost of living, hip arts and culture scene, and diversified economy. Career opportunities range from a growing biosciences sector to companies exploring Unmanned Aircraft Systems and opportunities for entrepreneurs. Plus, the downtown area is booming with live music venues, brewpubs, terrific dining options, fun shops and more. So, it’s no wonder that people love living in Fargo.

The city’s nearly 136,000 residents who put down roots in this prairie town have access to all kinds of places to play, including pine forests and lakes, so lace up your boots, pack the tent, rack the canoe and head out for the wild blue yonder. If you’d rather be enlightened closer to home, enjoy a musical at the Stage West Theatre or visit the Plains Art Museum, which houses an outstanding collection of Native American artwork. Or just stroll the city’s streets to gaze at the many murals that adorn the town. 

The city also gets an A+ for its emphasis on education. Citizens will find excellent K-12 public and private schools, as well as North Dakota State University, making it a great place to raise a family.  

Top Reasons to Move to Fargo

• Fargo is a great place for entrepreneurs and has one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing tech and startup scenes.
• Home to North Dakota State University, which brings Big 10 sports, an influx of events and delicious dining options, Fargo is a quintessential college town.
• Fargo is affordable, offering residents a high quality of life and a low cost of living.
• There are plenty of economic opportunities in Fargo, and the city has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. 

Fargo is a welcoming city in the eastern part of the state, right along the Red River, which forms the border with Minnesota. It’s accessible via Interstates 94 and 29, keeping it well connected. Hector International Airport is right in the city, making travel a snap. When you’re ready to venture out, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Minneapolis, MN, is just 235 miles southeast, where you can shop at the Mall of America or visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
• Sioux Falls, SD, sits 245 miles south, famous for Falls Park and the Washington Pavilion.
• Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is about 220 miles north and offers The Forks and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Residents experience a humid continental climate with four highly distinct seasons: warm, humid summers and famously cold, snowy winters. The city is known for its wide temperature variations and breezy conditions, though it enjoys a high percentage of sunny days during spring and summer.

Fargo also has a strong economy and a growing job market. Health care, educational services, and trade, transportation and utilities all shape the local economy. Some of the largest employers in Fargo include Sanford Health, North Dakota State University (NDSU), Essentia Health and Marvin Windows, a manufacturer of windows and doors with a facility here.

New to town? Let Fargo’s community champions, along with community employers and a welcoming committee, help you transition. Also, check out the Find the Good Life in ND Relocation Help Desk.

The cost of living in Fargo is below the national average. The median home value in Fargo is $282,900, and the average household income is $69,135.

North Dakota has a state income tax, and Fargo residents can expect a combined 7.75% sales tax rate in 2026.

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You might recognize the city from the aptly named film Fargo. The film and subsequent television series have left a huge mark on the city’s identity, and the woodchipper has become an iconic spot in town. The Fargo Theatre, for example, has an 8-foot-tall chainsaw carving called Wood Chip Marge, and the CVB boasts the woodchipper from the movie (it has its own Facebook page, by the way), which it acquired back in 2011. Other items at the CVB include photos, the original screenplay, a limited-edition snow globe and more.

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Fargo packs arts, culture and entertainment into a city full of character. The Plains Art Museum and downtown murals turn the city into an open-air gallery. The historic Fargo Theatre screens indie films and hosts concerts. The Hjemkomst Center dives into Scandinavian heritage with a full-scale Viking ship replica, and downtown buzzes with unique boutiques like MINT + BASIL and vintage shops. Monthly events like Fargo-Moorhead First Fridays showcase local art and culture.

For family-friendly fun, the Red River Zoo is home to rare cold-climate animals, and the Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm offers hands-on exhibits. Live performances thrive at Trollwood Performing Arts School, while the Fargo Film Festival draws cinephiles. Root, root, root for the home team at the Fargodome. History buffs can explore the Comstock House, and pop culture enthusiasts can visit the infamous Fargo wood chipper at the Visitors Center. The community comes together each winter for the annual Frostival celebration.

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The city makes the most of every season with outdoor activities for all interests. Warmer months bring scenic walks and bike rides along the Red River, as well as playgrounds and splash pads at Lindenwood and Island Park. Kayaking, canoeing and fishing are favorites on the river, while golfers hit the greens at Rose Creek Golf Course. For family fun, Thunder Road Family Fun Park offers go-karts, mini-golf and laser tag.

Winter turns the city into a snowy playground with cross-country ski trails, ice skating, curling, and broomball leagues. Residents bundle up for snowshoeing, sledding and ice fishing on the Red River while Island Park transforms into a frosty retreat. Just beyond Fargo, Buffalo River State Park offers year-round hiking and wildlife viewing. Special events like the Fargo AirSho add even more excitement to the city’s outdoor lineup.

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Farm-to-table spots like Rosewild spotlight local ingredients, while Drekker Brewing Company fuels the city’s craft beer culture. International flavors shine with Somali fusion dishes at Hooyo’s Kitchen and inventive ramen at Slurp Ramen.

Downtown Fargo is packed with eateries, from The Toasted Frog to Mezzaluna, plus cozy cafés like Nichole’s Fine Pastry and Twenty Below Coffee Co. Wurst Bier Hall nods to the city’s German roots. At the same time, Camp Lonetree and CRAVE offer unique dining experiences. Brewhalla showcases local bites, Marge’s Diner serves classic flavors and coffee lovers can sip on expertly brewed drinks at Atomic Coffee.

Families here have many educational options, including a mix of public, private and charter schools. Fargo Public Schools is one of the largest public school districts in the state. West Fargo Public Schools also serves certain parts of the city, particularly in the western and southwestern areas. There are several religious and independent private schools, often with a long history of high-quality education and smaller class sizes. Something to keep in mind is that North Dakota has open enrollment policies, allowing families to apply to schools outside their assigned district, but availability can be limited.