Considering a job in Fargo, ND (West Fargo: real estate, apartments, rental)

[portsmouthjoe]

I'm considering a job at a clinic that I'm told is on the south side of Fargo. Is that a good area? Being able to walk to work is always nice, are there nice neighborhoods in that area? What about downtown Fargo? I'm single and don't have to worry too much about school districts. I would probably rent first and then buy if I decide to settle in Fargo. I don't know what real estate prices are like in the Fargo-Moorhead area. I hear that it is a fast-growing area with low unemployment, which can drive up real estate prices, I suppose. The starting salary would be about $250,000. Do you think that I would be able to afford a nice place? And, in general, what do people think of life in Fargo?

[dutchinnd]

Yes, at $250K/year, you will be able to live rather nicely in Fargo. Is it Innovis or MeritCare on South University? Both have really nice neighborhoods within walking distance and both have rental options. Innovis is in a newer area, so the surrounding apartments would most likely be larger and have more amenities. There are a couple of buildings to watch out for, but the vast majority are pretty good.
Housing prices are holding steady here--not wildly escalating, but not rapidly declining like in other areas of the country, either.
Downtown is having a bit of a renaissance--several buildings are getting converted into upscale condos. You will always have some of your downtown "characters," but that's part of any downtown.
Fargo overall is very safe, but still don't be stupid. There is some property theft--typically theft by opportunity--doors left unlocked, etc.
For real estate options, you can look at either www.homeshq.com or www.fmrealtor.com. For apartments, take a look at www.apartmentshq.com.
And what do people think of life in Fargo?? Overall, the quality of life is very good. Commutes are almost non-existent. It is very safe. Although you don't have to worry about schools at the moment, the school districts here are great. With the three universities/colleges, there are many cultural opportunities. For a city its size, there are a lot of options for recreation/entertainment (theatre, opera, symphony, jazz peformances, expanding libraries, readings, art museum, etc.) There's minor league baseball and junior league hockey, in addition to all of the college sports events.
If you have additional questions, let me know. We moved here 19 years ago.

[portsmouthjoe]

Thanks for the advice. It would be at the MeritCare clinic. I haven't visited Fargo or interviewed for the position yet. I've only discussed it informally on the phone.

A short commute would definitely be nice. I've been in situations where I could walk to work in the past and have really liked it. Currently I have to commute 60-90 minutes each way four days per week, and it has been getting old. I am in upstate NY and am used to winter weather. I think we get more snow than Fargo (average about 120" per year), but I think that Fargo is colder. We don't really need engine block heaters for our cars here, but I heard that they are almost mandatory in North Dakota. (Is that true?).

I've read that there are a lot of lakes not too far from Fargo. Are they on the MN side or ND side, or both? How far away are the ND badlands? Close enough for a weekend trip, or too far for just a weekend? Do any of the local colleges have evening or weekend classes?

Thanks again for the advice.

[FargoBison]

Originally Posted by portsmouthjoe

Thanks for the advice. It would be at the MeritCare clinic. I haven't visited Fargo or interviewed for the position yet. I've only discussed it informally on the phone.

A short commute would definitely be nice. I've been in situations where I could walk to work in the past and have really liked it. Currently I have to commute 60-90 minutes each way four days per week, and it has been getting old. I am in upstate NY and am used to winter weather. I think we get more snow than Fargo (average about 120" per year), but I think that Fargo is colder. We don't really need engine block heaters for our cars here, but I heard that they are almost mandatory in North Dakota. (Is that true?).

I've read that there are a lot of lakes not too far from Fargo. Are they on the MN side or ND side, or both? How far away are the ND badlands? Close enough for a weekend trip, or too far for just a weekend? Do any of the local colleges have evening or weekend classes?

Thanks again for the advice.

Lakes Country is in Minnesota and is only about a 45-60 minute drive from Fargo; however, the badlands are across the state so that would be a bit if a drive. I'm sure their plenty of weekend classes available, the Fargo area has two state universities, a private college, and a few tech schools.

As for block heaters, if you park in a garage you should be fine and I actually park outside and have never had to use one. That said, I know quite a few people that do use them.

[portsmouthjoe]

Thanks for the advice!

[TravisW]

Originally Posted by portsmouthjoe

I'm considering a job at a clinic that I'm told is on the south side of Fargo. Is that a good area? Being able to walk to work is always nice, are there nice neighborhoods in that area? What about downtown Fargo? I'm single and don't have to worry too much about school districts. I would probably rent first and then buy if I decide to settle in Fargo. I don't know what real estate prices are like in the Fargo-Moorhead area. I hear that it is a fast-growing area with low unemployment, which can drive up real estate prices, I suppose. The starting salary would be about $250,000. Do you think that I would be able to afford a nice place? And, in general, what do people think of life in Fargo?

You can buy a really nice place for one year's starting salary. In fact, I'll sell you my house in Moorhead for exactly that much.

[Cain]

Yeah, you can get some really nice homes here easily for that salary for the total cost of the home. say in the 2500 sqft range or more.

South Fargo is really nice, lots of new housing.

Rents are pretty reasonable too. When we got a rental a few years ago, was about $550 for a nice 2BR rental with utilities paid.

With that income, you should have ZERO issues getting housing.

[codym]

You will be very good to go. You can get a very nice house on that salary. South Fargo and West Fargo would be the place to go.

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[tmston2]

Originally Posted by portsmouthjoe

I'm considering a job at a clinic that I'm told is on the south side of Fargo. Is that a good area? Being able to walk to work is always nice, are there nice neighborhoods in that area? What about downtown Fargo? I'm single and don't have to worry too much about school districts. I would probably rent first and then buy if I decide to settle in Fargo. I don't know what real estate prices are like in the Fargo-Moorhead area. I hear that it is a fast-growing area with low unemployment, which can drive up real estate prices, I suppose. The starting salary would be about $250,000. Do you think that I would be able to afford a nice place? And, in general, what do people think of life in Fargo?

honsetly, on a scale 1 to 10, ten being the best frago falls at about a 5. for 1). the weather is fair about 4months out of the year, otherwise its about 20degrees, 2). people seem less open if ur not from ND 3) theres no culture here so people are completely ignorant to other culture's! 4). the cops have nothing to do but harrass innocent hard working citizens, 5) there's not much to do here so people get drunk when ever they can

[Cain]

funny, I must have missed the mandatory cop harrassing sessions.