Fargo, NDBest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024

Fargo experiences all four seasons, sometimes in a single day! The average highs and lows are 80°F and 58°F (summer) and 21°F and 4°F (winter). The good news? Residents can have fun during all four seasons thanks to the number of recreational opportunities in Fargo.

The average annual snowfall in Fargo is 54 inches. Winters can be long and cold with significant snowfall, but Fargo residents know how to have fun in the snow. 

The average annual rainfall in Fargo is 24 inches. June is typically the wettest month in Fargo. 

Fargo averages 198 sunny days a year.

Fargo’s oldest park — Island Park — is the perfect place to hike during warmer months and cross-country ski when the weather turns cold. Or gather your friends (and furry friends) for some fun at Yunker Farm Park & Dog Park. 

Check out Bonanzaville, a historic village with over 40 buildings showcasing the region’s history. Some special events may have admission fees, but exploring the grounds is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Or, take a self-guided walking tour to explore the outdoor mural scene and pose for a photo at the Nintendo-inspired Mario Wall. For more outdoor art, be on the lookout for painted bison. There are a few dozen of these fiberglass statues roaming the area. On weekend nights, enjoy live music, which usually provides the soundtrack at Fargo’s breweries and many restaurants. 

Davies Recreational Pool doubles as a water park with slides, a playground and a 400-gallon drop bucket that tips every four minutes.

You can stop by Fargo’s Visitors Center to take a photo with the original wood chipper prop from the movie “Fargo.” 

Locals often shop in downtown Fargo, where you can find a good mix of boutiques, specialty stores and eclectic shops. Pro tip: spend a few hours perusing the dozens of great shops along Broadway.

Vinyl Taco is a popular spot for delicious tacos and a lively, upbeat atmosphere. They boast a great selection of craft beers and cocktails, and the restaurant has a solid reputation for its funky, music-themed decor.

The Fargo Theatre is a historic venue that regularly hosts live music, films and arts performances. Those more interested in the alt/indie music scene should catch a show at The Aquarium.

Find a darn good matcha latte and immaculate vibes at Youngblood Coffee Roasters, where ethically sourced beans and fair wages are prioritized.

Fargo’s diverse economy includes several different industries, such as health care, technology and agriculture. Sanford Health, North Dakota State University and Doosan Bobcat are some of the city’s largest employers. 

In 2024, the sales tax rate in Fargo is 7.5%. 

Yes, North Dakota has a state income tax.

Fargo residents are in good health thanks to providers like Sanford Health and Essentia Health, both of which operate several hospitals in the area. Sanford Medical Center Fargo and Essentia Health-Fargo are high performers in several categories. 

There are several colleges and universities in Fargo, ND, including North Dakota State University and Rasmussen University – Fargo.