North Dakota: How I Got Connected to My Community
Two transplants share how they made friends and planted roots in their new cities.
No matter where you relocate, getting connected and making friends, especially as an adult, can be tricky. In North Dakota, however, friendly communities readily welcome newcomers, and thanks to the state’s countless job options, hobbies, groups, recreation opportunities and organizations, finding your place is easier than you might think.
“No two areas of North Dakota are the same,” says Janna Pastir, who lives in Garrison. “From geography to amenities and even weather, there is something for everyone here … Some people say we are in the middle of nowhere. Those who understand know we are actually in the middle of everywhere.”
Ahead, hear how transplants Pastir and Melyssa Diebold, who lives in Bismarck, got connected and planted roots in their new hometowns.
How did you end up in North Dakota?
Pastir: I originally moved to Grand Forks (from New Hampshire), where my now-husband returned home after serving in the military. We moved to Bismarck briefly before buying our first and second houses in Mandan. We moved there as I took a job with the North Dakota Department of Health (now Department of Health & Human Services), and my husband took a job in local law enforcement. We moved to Garrison in 2021 after my husband accepted a job with the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation Tribal Drug Task Force.
Diebold: I am originally from Ontario, California. I moved out to Bismarck, North Dakota, to live with my twin sister, Monique, in September 2012. Monique was already in North Dakota attending the University of Mary’s nursing program … but she really struggled not being near family. She asked me to move to North Dakota just until she finished her degree, but we both fell in love with North Dakota – it is and always will be our forever home. When I came to North Dakota, I was a single, recent college grad. I married a North Dakotan in 2018 and we have two children together, ages 4 and 1.
What has making friends been like?
Pastir: We have met so many people through our church, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garrison, by participating in monthly festivals and community events, and through our children and their friendships. But all of the churches in Garrison and the other towns put on lots of community events for everyone to attend – trunk or treats, parties at parks, children’s after school programs, sewing/quilting clubs and other fun engagement activities.
Diebold: Making friends has been relatively easy. Besides joining organizations, I think hanging out where you genuinely enjoy is another way to make friends. For example, I love fitness, so getting a gym membership was important to me. I was able to meet several amazing people that way. People are incredibly friendly here.
What have you done to get involved in your community?
Pastir: I am the grant coordinator for the Garrison Area Resource Center Board, an elementary volleyball coach, and I have participated in the Garrison Dickens Festival play with my daughters. We also have enjoyed being part of the St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Diebold: I’ve joined a lot of organizations over the years. I got connected with the Bismarck Mandan Chamber of Commerce very early on. I volunteered for them, and we would go celebrate new businesses with a ribbon cutting. I was also in the Bismarck Rotary Club and Community Elderly Service Network. I am extremely busy now, but I would love to get back into volunteering for the chamber soon.
What are some local events people should attend to get to know your community?
Pastir: The Dickens Village Festival is our favorite three-weekend holiday event, where the whole city transforms with carolers, a wonderful nightly play, a nightly parade, double-decker bus rides, cookies with Santa, vendor shopping, street food vendors, etc. We also love Tuesdays in the Park during the summer (an evening featuring free food, inflatables, yard games, etc.), the North Dakota Governor’s Walleye Cup in July, monthly night hikes at Fort Stevenson, Sky Fest in May – there’s always something.
Diebold: I love the Bismarck Event Center for concerts and vendor shows. We really do have something for everyone, whether you are looking for something family-friendly, entertainment or a great restaurant.
What advice do you have for others considering a relocation to your community/North Dakota?
Pastir: My tips would be that if you want to meet people, shop on Main Street in Garrison – come out to the community dinners, breakfasts and park events. Everyone is so friendly. You’ll meet your future best friends here. And there is always a way to get involved with all the different events and activities. But there are amazing Main Streets all over North Dakota that are great places to hang out, meet people, shop and eat.
Diebold: I love the travel advisors available through the North Dakota Department of Commerce. They helped me understand the state and all the beauty and seasonal activities North Dakota has to offer. My tip for newcomers is to be open and friendly to meeting new people. Dive into the things you love, whether it is joining a professional network, signing up for fitness classes or scoping out a local bookstore. Don’t be afraid to say hi. People are friendly here, and we genuinely want to help you love North Dakota the way we do.
This article was sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Commerce.