{"id":511619,"date":"2026-04-22T06:37:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T10:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/?p=511619"},"modified":"2026-05-06T05:20:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T09:20:01","slug":"best-places-to-live-in-north-dakota","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-north-dakota\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Best Places to Live in North Dakota in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Oakes, Williston, and Dickinson are some of the best places to live in North Dakota. ND is ranked as the 2nd<\/a>best state in the U.S. in terms of infrastructure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rankings are based on seamless internet, roads, good amenities, and overall economic structure. Also, the housing costs in the state are 16%<\/a> cheaper than the national average. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apart from affordable housing, Peace Garden State offers excellent job opportunities. On average, the state has created 24,000 new jobs every month in the past year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49 Download the Houzeo mobile app<\/strong><\/a> and start your North Dakota home search today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>

3 Reasons to Live in North Dakota \ud83c\udfd4\ufe0f <\/b> <\/p>\n

  1. Flourishing Job Market: <\/strong>North Dakota has one of the most stable job markets in the country. The state ranks 4th<\/a> in terms of best labor participation. <\/li>\n
  2. Quality Education:<\/strong> North Dakota is ranked as the 8th<\/a> best state in the country, in terms of education. Dickinson State University and North Dakota State University are among the highly rated institutes. <\/li>\n
  3. Enormous Tax Benefits:<\/strong> In ND, there is no tax on social security income. Also, homeowners over 65 are exempt from paying property taxes. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Best Places to Live in North Dakota in 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s our ranking of the top cities to live in North Dakota. We\u2019ve evaluated each city based on community well-being, affordability, and housing trends. Explore the <\/span>North Dakota housing market<\/a> at these locations with strong home values and a great quality of life.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

    \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/colgroup>\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
    #<\/th>City<\/th>Population<\/th>Median Home Price<\/th>Monthly Expenses<\/th>Unemployment Rate\t<\/th>Community Well-Being Score\t<\/th><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    1.<\/td>Oakes<\/a><\/b><\/td>1,798<\/td>$132,390<\/td>$6,862<\/td>1.70%<\/td>63\/100<\/td> <\/tr>\n
    2. <\/td>Williston<\/a><\/b><\/td>27,332<\/td>$314,921<\/td>$7,476<\/td>1.50%<\/td>63\/100<\/td> <\/tr>\n
    3.<\/td>Casselton<\/a><\/b><\/td>2,459<\/td>$273,282<\/td>$6,840<\/td>1.4%<\/td>64\/100<\/td> <\/tr>\n
    4. <\/td>Dickinson<\/a><\/b><\/td>25,167<\/td>$274,789<\/td>\t$7,417<\/td>1.40%<\/td>64\/100 <\/td> <\/tr>\n
    5.<\/td>Horace<\/a><\/b<\/td>3,358<\/td>$377,712<\/td>$6,840<\/td>0.52%<\/td>68\/100<\/td> <\/tr>\n
    6.<\/td>West Fargo<\/a><\/b><\/td>39,487<\/td>$315,074<\/td>$6,840<\/td>1.40%<\/td>64\/100<\/td> <\/tr>\n
    7.<\/td>Wahpeton<\/a><\/b><\/td>7,943<\/td>$198,217<\/td>$6,799<\/td>1.70%<\/td>61\/100<\/td> <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

    1.<\/strong> Oakes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Home Value<\/strong><\/td>\u2b07\ufe0f 9.3%<\/td><\/tr>
    Median Income<\/strong><\/td>$37, 380<\/td><\/tr>
    Monthly Expenses<\/strong><\/td>$6,862<\/td><\/tr>
    Unemployment Rate<\/strong><\/td>1.70%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Oakes is a perfect option for those moving on a budget. The median home price in the city is $132,390<\/a>, which is quite affordable. Moreover, the cost of living is 12%<\/a> lower than the national average. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Oakes is ideal for young professionals and the job market in the city is projected to grow by 18.3%<\/a> in the coming decade. Moreover, it is known for its top-rated education system. The city is home to 41 school districts, one of the largest in North Dakota. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u00bb Homes for Sale in Oakes, N<\/strong>D<\/a>:<\/strong> Find your dream home in this beautiful city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2.<\/strong> Williston<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Home Value<\/strong><\/td>\u2b06\ufe0f 0.1%<\/td><\/tr>
    Median Income<\/strong><\/td>$41,688<\/td><\/tr>
    Monthly Expenses<\/strong><\/td>$7,476<\/td><\/tr>
    Unemployment Rate<\/strong><\/td>1.50%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The median home price in Williston is $314,921<\/a>. The cost of living is 3%<\/a> less than the national average. Also, the city has a booming job market, with a monthly average salary range of $4,830<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Western Star City has excellent connectivity and the Williston Basin International Airport (XWA\/KXWA) is just 15-20 miles away from the city center. Moreover, the city scores A+<\/a> in the air quality metrics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u00bb Homes for Sale in Williston, ND<\/a>:<\/strong> View the best properties in the Western Star online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3.<\/strong> Casselton<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Home Value<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>\u2b07\ufe0f 9.3%<\/td><\/tr>
    Median Income<\/strong><\/td>$44,914<\/td><\/tr>
    Monthly Expenses<\/strong><\/td>$6,840<\/td><\/tr>
    Unemployment Rate<\/strong><\/td>1.4%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The median home price in Casselton is $273,282<\/a>, 9.3% lower than last year. The cost of living is 10%<\/a> lower than the state average. Moreover, the city has a stable job market with an unemployment rate of 1.4%<\/a>, which is less than the national average. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Casstown created 20,455 new jobs in 2023. Securities America, CHS Inc., and AT&T are the major employers. Also, the city scores an A+<\/a> in the air quality metrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4.<\/strong> Dickinson<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Home Value<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>\u2b06\ufe0f 1.5%<\/td><\/tr>
    Median Income<\/strong><\/td>$40,553<\/td><\/tr>
    Monthly Expenses<\/strong><\/td>$7,417<\/td><\/tr>
    Unemployment Rate<\/strong><\/td>1.40%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The median home price in Dickinson is $274,789<\/a>. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $975<\/a>, 50% lower than the national average. Also, the city is home to the prestigious Dickinson State University which is ideal for higher education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The cost of living in the Queen City is 20%<\/a> lower than the state average. Moreover, the city’s job market is projected to grow by 13.48%<\/a> in the next few years. TAM International, Patterson-UTI Energy, LUFKIN, and TMI Systems are some of the major employers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u00bb Homes for Sale in Dickinson, N<\/strong>D<\/a>:<\/strong> Find your dream home on Houzeo.
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5.<\/strong> Horace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Home Value<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>\u2b07\ufe0f 11.4%<\/td><\/tr>
    Median Income<\/strong><\/td>$58,696<\/td><\/tr>
    Monthly Expenses<\/strong><\/td>$6,840<\/td><\/tr>
    Unemployment Rate<\/strong><\/td>0.52%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The median home price in Horace is $377,712<\/a>. The cost of living is 2%<\/a> lower than the national average. Moreover, the city has a great educational setup. Prestigious institutions like Minnesota State University and Concordia College are in close proximity to the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Horace is home to big corporations like Sysco, Red River, Aerotek, and Walmart. The city’s unemployment rate is 0.52%<\/a>, which is excellent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \ud83c\udfe1 Ready to Buy a Home in North Dakota?<\/strong>Try North Dakota’s Mortgage Calculator<\/strong><\/a> to see how much house you can afford. Get an instant amortization schedule and a detailed cost breakdown for free\ud83d\udcb2.<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    6.<\/strong> West Fargo<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Home Value<\/strong><\/td>\u2b06\ufe0f 2.0%<\/td><\/tr>
    Median Income<\/strong><\/td>$43,997<\/td><\/tr>
    Monthly Expenses<\/strong><\/td>$6,840<\/td><\/tr>
    Unemployment Rate<\/strong><\/td>1.40%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The median home price in West Fargo is $315,074<\/a>. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city is $1422<\/a>, which is quite affordable. Moreover, the cost of living is 7%<\/a> lower than the national average. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The City on the Grow has a booming job market, with a steady annual growth rate of 3.93%<\/a>. Over the years, the city’s economy has flourished in sectors like health sciences, transportation, and retail marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u00bb Homes for Sale in West Fargo, ND<\/a>:<\/strong> View thousands of properties for sale in the City of Grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7.<\/strong> Wahpeton<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Home Value<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>\u2b06\ufe0f 0.5%<\/td><\/tr>
    Median Income<\/strong><\/td>$24,613<\/td><\/tr>
    Monthly Expenses<\/strong><\/td>$6,799<\/td><\/tr>
    Unemployment Rate<\/strong><\/td>1.70%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The median home price in Wahpeton is $198,217<\/a>. The cost of living is 22%<\/a> lower than the national average. Moreover, Wahpeton is cheaper than Thompson when it comes to housing costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wahpeton is ideal for job seekers, with over 4,000 active employees. The city is home to big corporations like Bremer Bank, Bobcat Company, Titan, and American Federal Bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u00bb Homes for Sale in Wahpeton, N<\/strong>D<\/a>:<\/strong> Find the best properties in Home of the Wapper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Best Places to Live in North Dakota for Young Adults<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    North Dakota offers some of the best places for young adults looking for employment opportunities. Here are the best cities in ND for young adults:<\/p>\n\n\n\n