Sense of Community
Its no secret that North Dakota is out there.
That can seem pretty isolating (more on that below) but the opposite is actually true as well.
Because of the awareness of this remoteness, communities are pretty close-knit.
Bismarck, North Dakota (Shutterstock/Ace Diamond)
People are often happy, eager even to help one another out in small and big ways.
Obviously theres always a bad apple or two in any situation but overall people help one another here.
Its hard to imagine a person in need being ignored on a sidewalk here.
Winter Wonderland
In my experience, you either love winter or you hate it.
There really isnt too much in between.
Ice hockey is wildly popular.
Ice fishing is a major activity along with ice skating, and more.
Perhaps its a form of Stockholm Syndrome but there are ways to love our longest season.
In recent years housing costs have gone up but such is the case all over America.
Bismarck, North Dakota (Shutterstock/Ace Diamond)
Utilities, groceries, healthcare, and education all fall well below the national averages.
First off, our personal income tax rates?
Theyre super low, were taking 1.1% 2.9%.
On top of that our property taxes are some of the lowest in the country.
Were talking an average rate of around 0.99%.
Its a huge relief, especially for homeowners like me.
Makes owning a home way more manageable.
So many of my retired neighbors are happy about that.
But its not just great for us individuals.
Fargo, North Dakota | Living in North Dakota (Shutterstock/Jacob Boomsma)
Thats definitely helped our local economy, bringing in jobs and all that good stuff.
Cons of Moving to North Dakota
1.
And the darkness is downright awful.North Dakota is one of the least sunny states in Americaclocking in at 42/50.
Fargo, North Dakota | Moving to North Dakota (Shutterstock/filedimage)
The Isolation
Everyone works a little differently.
Some folks claim to love their alone time and prefer a solitary existence over one surrounded by fellow humans.
If this sounds like you then living in North Dakota will fit you like a glove.
North Dakota is a vast place with lots of open space and a small population.
Towns and cities are spread out, and neighbors arent always just a stones throw away.
The long distances to travel for basic amenities and social gatherings can be a bit tiresome.
The aforementioned harsh winters amplify this feeling of isolation.
Social activities slow down, and just getting around is a challenge.
Around here, everything is spread out, and I mean everything.
you should probably go to the grocery store?
And the distances arent small either.
Ive had times where Ive spent more time in my car than I did at my destination!
Then, consider the harsh winters I detailed earlier.
Snow, ice, freezing temperatures they make driving tough and time-consuming.
So yeah, living here means youre going to be spending a fair bit of time in your car.
Oil Pump Jacks in North Dakota (Shutterstock/Real Window Creative)
Its just part of life in North Dakota.
You get used to it, but its definitely something that can take a bit of adjusting.
Lack of Shopping & Stores
Ill cut to the chaseThere are no Trader Joes in North Dakota.
There are two Costcos in North Dakota (Fargo & Bismarck) officially making it a habitable state.
And its not just shopping for fun stuff; sometimes, even finding basic necessities can be a trek.
Summer Mosquitoes
The mosquitoes come as a surprise to lots of folks I talk to outside of the state.
Luckily the worst of the mosquitoes typically doesnt last too long.
One-Sided Politics
Living in North Dakota, youll notice the politics tend to lean pretty heavily in one direction.
This can make it tough for folks with different viewpoints to feel heard or represented.
Its not that alternative perspectives arent here; its just that theyre not prominent or influential.
Dont get me wrong, there are pockets of diverse thought, and people generally respect one anothers views.
First off, the oil industry is pretty volatile.
When things are good, theyre really good.
Its this boom-and-bust cycle that makes things unpredictable.
Then theres the impact on our small towns and infrastructure.
Prices for housing and rent skyrocket, making it tough for locals.
And the increase in traffic and heavy machinery has taken a toll on our roads.
Also, theres the environmental aspect.
FAQ Living in North Dakota
Is North Dakota a good place to live?
What is the cost of living in North Dakota?
Housing costs in North Dakota are particularly reasonable, with median home prices and rent below the national figures.
This affordability in housing significantly reduces overall living expenses.
Groceries and healthcare also tend to be more affordable compared to other parts of the United States.
What is North Dakota Known for?
North Dakota is known for its vast, picturesque prairies, rugged Badlands, and rich agricultural heritage.
North Dakota is a major producer of wheat, making it a key player in the nations agriculture.
North Dakota has a strong Native American presence, with several reservations and a rich indigenous history.
