Buildings in Grand Forks, North Dakota

Best Places to Live in the US in 2022 Sponsored by: eXp RealtyeXp Realty

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

Grand Forks, ND is the #95 Best City to Live in the USA

Downtown Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Grand Forks, ND
Quality of Life
Liv Score

598
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 61
Demographics 26
Economy 62
Education 62
Health 56
Housing 61
Infrastructure 47
Amenities 65

Why Grand Forks is one of the best cities to live in

All are welcome in Grand Forks, ND, a diverse community of 58,000 residents. As one of the best places to live in the U.S., Grand Forks has a comprehensive “Welcoming Community Roadmap” to help make the city as inviting as possible for new residents, allowing them to connect with the community and ensuring economic opportunities for newcomers. Grand Forks also boasts an innovation-driven economy with the presence of an air force base and university. In addition, the region is pioneering drone technology and is home to Grand Sky, the country‘s first unmanned aircraft business and aviation park. 

But it isn’t all business here! Grand Forks residents can take advantage of the numerous outdoor opportunities and a real sense of community, thanks to an abiding love for University of North Dakota hockey. Affordable living, four seasons of fun, and a flourishing arts and culture scene round out the good life in Grand Forks.

What are Grand Forks major industries and employers?

Agribusiness, biomedical, energy and environment, manufacturing, technology and unmanned systems are key industries in Grand Forks.

What are the major colleges and universities in Grand Forks?

University of North Dakota

What is the weather like in Grand Forks? 

Grand Forks gets four distinct seasons. While the winters are pretty darn freezing, it‘s the perfect time to learn how to play broomball at the Downtown Ice Rink.

What is there to do outside in Grand Forks?

The Greenway is 2,200 acres of natural open space spread out between Grand Forks, ND, and East Grand Forks, MN. This area has three disc golf courses, two golf courses, 20 miles of multipurpose trails, shore bank fishing, several parks and a campground.

Grand Forks, ND is Remote-Ready

What makes Grand Forks a great place for remote workers?

Grand Forks’ cost of living is lower than the national average, with the average price of utilities close to 15% lower than the national average. Nearly 100% of residents in Grand Forks have access to high-speed internet with Midcontinent Communications. In addition, Grand Forks provides several financial and tax incentives for businesses looking to hire and expand in their city.

What Locals Love in Grand Forks, ND

What is the best local bookstore in Grand Forks?

Ferguson Books and More, which sells new and used books, is a local favorite and has an extensive collection and book trade program. 

How do you spend a weekend in Grand Forks?

Splasher’s of the South Seas is a 40,000-square-foot indoor waterpark with a lazy river, slides, pools and a kid’s play area with a giant waterfall bucket.

What can you do for free in Grand Forks?

Visit the North Dakota Museum of Art. Kids can bring home free “take and make” art kits to help stoke their creativity. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. 

What’s the best way to spend happy hour in Grand Forks?

Rhombus Guys Brewing Company is located in a former opera house where you can drink beer and dunk pretzels in a beer cheese sauce. 

Whats something only locals know about Grand Forks?

The city has a reputation as a leader in drone technology, and the first hamburger delivery by drone occurred at a Grand Forks municipal golf course. 

Is Grand Forks, ND a good place to live?

A robust economy, a strong sense of community and easy access to outdoor adventure make Grand Forks a best place to live in North Dakota.

Thinking of Moving to Grand Forks?

What is the Grand Forks, ND Real Estate Market Like?

Grand Forks, ND, sits on Minnesota’s border and along the Red River, a little over an hour from the frontier with Canada, and offers a slow-paced lifestyle in any of its nine neighborhoods surrounded by rolling farms and picturesque riverfront parks. Buyers looking to purchase a home for sale in Grand Forks, ND, will find the median sale price is around $259K, with homes spending an average of 42 days on the market. For families, the Grand Forks, ND real estate market has plenty of single-detached properties in family-focused suburban and rural areas, while students and young professionals can enjoy all the perks of urban living in the affordable condos near University Park, just steps from the University of North Dakota. Contact a local real estate agent today and start exploring your options.

Quick Facts About Grand Forks, ND

Average Commute
11.43
Median Home Value
$240,071
Med. Household Income
$54,395
Total Population
58,497
Median Property Tax
$2,659

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