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Best Places To Live in North Dakota

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Best Places To Live in North Dakota

North Dakota offers wide open spaces and a low cost of living, plus booming industries and growing cities. Here are 6 cities you'll want to call home.

By Livability on November 10, 2023

North Dakota, named after the Dakota Sioux, is bordered by Minnesota to the east, Montana to the west and South Dakota to the south. To the north are the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Agriculture is the leading industry sector in North Dakota, second only to energy and natural resources. The state offers affordable living and access to the great outdoors. Travel and tourism is also important to North Dakota — think Badlands, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, fishing and Fargo (the city and the movie!). 

North Dakota is the fourth least-populated state in the country with 774,900 people calling the Great Plains state home. Affordable living, which includes housing and health care, is part of what entices new residents to put down roots here, along with friendly neighbors, excellent schools and all four seasons. 

The state is a perfect place to explore the outdoors, get a better understanding of history and experience one of the nation’s “happiest states.” North Dakota scores high in categories such as health, work-life balance and the environment. Here’s a list of the best places to live in North Dakota.

Bismarck

Early-morning view south toward the iconic Missouri River High Bridge in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Bismarck is a best city in North Dakota.

As the state capital of North Dakota, Bismarck has plenty of perks to enjoy, starting with affordability. This city of 75,000 people boasts a healthy economy with oil and energy, construction, health care, government and agriculture as the primary business sectors. Along with a thriving job market, Bismarck offers a stellar quality of life, with good schools, a low crime rate and a wide array of outdoor activities like fishing on the Missouri River, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding. This Great Plains city is also a hub for history, culture and shopping with a delicious assortment of restaurants and shops downtown. These amenities and more make Bismarck a great place to live.

Why is history so important in Bismarck? 

History is ever-present in Bismarck. In 1804, Lewis and Clark paddled up the Missouri River. The city was founded in 1873 and important for both its railroad and steamboat history. Some of that history is on view at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, which showcases thousands of artifacts and features displays with interactive exhibits that are fun for the whole family.  

Read more about living in Bismarck, ND.

Dickinson

Wheat fields in Dickinson, North Dakota.
iStock/Cavan Images
Wheat fields in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Dickinson is a best place to live in North Dakota.

Dickinson is a small town — population just 25,000 — which is part of its charm. Known as a friendly and close-knit community, Dickinson is situated in the scenic North Dakota prairie, which offers trails, parks and places to view wildlife. It also offers easy access to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and all of its varied outdoor opportunities. Dickinson State University, a private institution with a student population of about 2,300, adds to the local educational and cultural atmosphere of the city. Dickinson has historical sites and museums that honor the region’s history and heritage, and the city hosts numerous annual festivals that appeal to kids of all ages. The energy industry, particularly oil and gas, was the main reason Dickinson experienced an economic boom in the early 2000s. 

Why is the energy industry so important in Dickinson?

Located in the heart of the Bakken Formation, Dickinson has one of the largest shale oil and gas reserves in the United States, which is why the energy industry is significant here. The energy sector has continued to grow, creating new jobs in a variety of related oil service companies.

Read more about living in Dickinson, ND.

Grand Forks

Grand Forks is the third-largest city in the State of North Dakota and is the county seat of Grand Forks County.

Grand Forks is a great city to live in North Dakota.

Grand Forks, a city with a population of 58,781, gets its name from its location at the fork of the Red River and the Red Lake River. It’s situated just 80 miles south of the Canadian border and straddles the border of Minnesota. In fact, 2,000 acres of open space called The Greenway — a National Recreation Trail — connect Grand Forks with East Grand Forks, MN. Grand Forks Air Force Base and the University of North Dakota both make their homes here, contributing to the city’s economy. The aerospace industry has a strong presence in Grand Forks, and the city is pioneering the development of drones. The Red River provides outdoor enthusiasts with places to enjoy fishing and boating, and ice hockey fans love following the UND’s Fighting Hawks. Arts and culture flourish here, with places such as the North Dakota Museum of Art and Empire Arts Center. These amenities and more are why Grand Forks ranked as a best place to live in the U.S. 2022.

Why is the military a critical part of the Grand Forks economy?

The Grand Forks Air Force Base is an important part of the Grand Forks’ community and home of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing. The base has 3,500-plus military members and civilians and is an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Base. Grand Forks is known for supporting the military, which is one reason veterans choose to stay here.

Read more about living in Grand Forks, ND.

Fargo

A view of downtown Fargo, N.D., one of the best places to live in North Dakota.
iStock/DC_Colombia
A view of downtown Fargo, North Dakota.

Fargo is a best city in North Dakota.

Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota, with a population of a little more than 128,000, and is becoming a growing regional hub with a sophisticated urban vibe. The downtown area is thriving, with both great restaurants and cool shops. The city has top-rated schools, including North Dakota State University, known for its strong engineering and agricultural programs — not to mention the passionate fans of Bison football!

Fargo also has a strong economy and a growing job market. Some of the city’s largest employers are Sanford Health, North Dakota State University, Scheels and Doosan Bobcat. 

What are some of the city’s best attractions?

There’s plenty of things to do in Fargo for residents and visitors alike. Families love the Red River Zoo, where some 89 species from around the world reside. The Fargo Marathon — celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024 — is one of the largest events in the city and attracts spectators and participants from across the globe. Other sites worth a visit include the Plains Art Museum with Native American and modern art, the Fargo Air Museum and downtown’s historic Fargo Theatre. The original wood chipper prop from the 1996 movie “Fargo” is also on view at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center. Amenities like these make Fargo a great place to live.

Read more about living in Fargo, ND.

Minot 

A Stave church of Norwegian design found in Minot, North Dakota, with architecture similar to structures found in Norway.
iStock/jasony00
A Stave church of Norwegian design found in Minot, North Dakota, with architecture similar to structures found in Norway.

Minot is a best place to live in North Dakota.

Minot, named after railroad investor Henry Davis Minot, started out as a winter camp for construction of the Great Northern Railway. The town of nearly 47,000 people is now home to robust energy, logistics and agricultural sectors. The Minot Air Force Base is situated about 13 miles north of Minot, with approximately 5,000 people. Minot is a family-oriented community with a low cost of living and boasts the Roosevelt Park Zoo, Dakota Territory Air Museum and is the site of the annual North Dakota State Fair. The Scandinavian Heritage Park honors the five Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and includes a full-size replica of Oslo’s Gol Stave Church.

Why is Minot a cultural hot spot for Scandinavian heritage?

North Dakota’s strong European heritage stems primarily from a mix of Scandinavian and Germanic immigrants, and that history is certainly evident in Minot. The city celebrates its roots at the annual Norsk Hostfest, North America’s largest Scandinavian festival, drawing visitors from all over the world. In addition, Scandinavian Heritage Park showcases European history and architecture, including a Finnish sauna, a Dutch windmill and a Hans Christian Andersen statue.

Read more about living in Minot, ND.

Williston

Railroad Park is a cute spot in downtown Williston where you can sit and watch the trains go by while you visit the park.
©Journal Communications
Railroad Park is a cute spot in downtown Williston where you can sit and watch the trains go by while you visit the park.

Williston is a great city to live in North Dakota.

It’s no wonder Williston is a city on the move, primarily because of the economic boom from its oil and gas industry. In fact, the city of approximately 24,000 is located at the center of the Bakken Formation (a huge source of oil) and has been named one of the fastest growing micropolitans (cities under 50,000) in the nation for the past five years. Williston is also known for industries such as alternative energy, health care, agriculture and education, including more than 200 oil service companies. And with lots of local resources for entrepreneurs, Williston also is a great place to start a business.

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy access to water recreation, thanks to its proximity to the upper end of the Lake Sakakawea reservoir and near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers. Williston offers a great quality of life with fun things to do in the downtown area, including quaint shops and interesting restaurants.

Why is the oil and gas industry so important in Williston?

The city’s location at the center of the Bakken Formation has resulted in a population boom, more than tripling over the last decade. With more than 200 oil service companies, it’s easy to see why people have been moving to Williston. The city is also active in alternative energy, from wind and water to biofuels.

Read more about living in Williston, ND.

Thinking of Moving to North Dakota?

Finding a great place to live in North Dakota doesn’t have to be a chore. We have more resources for moving to North Dakota as well as other best places to live out West. No matter where you want to live, we can help you decide where to move and discover the best places to live in the U.S .

Other Great Places To Live Near North Dakota

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