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The problem is that those small town are not where the oil boom is and they are also experiencing many of the same issues as the boom areas. Prior to the boom, ND was losing population and was in danger of becoming a collection of small interspersed settlements rather than a functioning state.
The boom essentially saved North Dakota but it has also come with a price. People not realizing that prior to trying their luck are bound to face serious disappointment or worse when they discover that they are relocating to an area which cannot easily accommodate them.
That’s kind of a half cooked falsity. The state has always had a huge agricultural and growing industrial economy. It’s almost kind of sad that people think North Dakota they only think oil.
That’s kind of a half cooked falsity. The state has always had a huge agricultural and growing industrial economy. It’s almost kind of sad that people think North Dakota they only think oil.
What is a "half-cooked falsity?"
Is that even an accurate term?
The largest increase in population during that time was only 15K. That's fewer people than would be expected due to births and relocations. It was almost no growth at all.
Clearly all of the above show that the current oil boom is THE ONLY reason that North Dakota's population has risen in the last 10-20 years. People were moving out; they weren't moving IN.
The problem is that those small town are not where the oil boom is ...
Sure they are ( where the oil boom is ).
There are wells all over the place and there are service businesses headquartered in the small towns.
Just because there are less jobs in the small towns doesn't mean they aren't part of the boom.
The suggestion of looking at the nearby small towns was for the housing. It's possible to work in Williston and not live there. I wouldn't be surprised if most of the "imports" to ND for work didn't actually live in Williston.
Actually, most are packed into Williston, Watford, and nearby mancamps as most of the other towns are dinky and have little housing available. Housing prices in Minot are quite affordable now and if a person didn't mind an hour commute to an oil town like Stanley then that's a decent option to consider.
Actually, most are packed into Williston, Watford, and nearby mancamps as most of the other towns are dinky and have little housing available.
Irrelevant. Every dinky little town has multiple housing options available. I only need one house/apartment.
Even towns with only 100 permanent residents can have 100 to 200 living quarters where people who have no intention of staying more than a couple of years. The turnover in the small town within 50 miles of Williston and Watford and Dickenson, where I live, has been mind-boggling. There are less than 200 residents here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by f2tornado
Housing prices in Minot are quite affordable now and if a person didn't mind an hour commute to an oil town like Stanley then that's a decent option to consider.
Decent? After a 12-hour work-day? I don't think so.
People that are willing to put up with 1-hour one-way commutes are people willing to waste a significant portion of their lives just staring out a windshield. Live simpler and live closer. 1-hour commutes are just stupid unless it is very temporary.
That’s kind of a half cooked falsity. The state has always had a huge agricultural and growing industrial economy. It’s almost kind of sad that people think North Dakota they only think oil.
While I think he missed the mark on the gist of his post, it was indeed true that ND was losing population to the point of asking the question, "how many people does a state NEED in order to still function?"
It was a fear every legislative session addressed in the early 00s. It was a constant conversation on the local TV stations. And let's not forget the brief drive to remove "North" from the state's name to make it more appealing to those who might be interested in moving to the state. lol
And don't forget the "Buffalo Commons" proposal of Frank & Deborah Popper (Urban Planners, Rutgers U.). In 1989 they proposed that since there was depopulation of the Northern Plains anyway, that the Western part of ND should be turned into one vast nature preserve--without residents. Their proposal included forced relocation.
It wasn't well received in the region . . .
Decent? After a 12-hour work-day? I don't think so.
People that are willing to put up with 1-hour one-way commutes are people willing to waste a significant portion of their lives just staring out a windshield. Live simpler and live closer. 1-hour commutes are just stupid unless it is very temporary.
No need to be condescending. Commuting is stupid for you perhaps but hour commutes are common in Minneapolis where I'm originally from. Live in the ghetto or drive. Hell, I worked with a guy in Grand Forks who commuted from Moorhead. Whatever floats a boat. At least Minot has (cheaper) shopping, dining, and entertainment options not available in the Bakken. It's an option that saves money despite the added fuel cost. And more so if you work with a roommate and spit cost.
Suppose I'm Willing to live out of my car in North Dakota
Willing to work 100 hours per week
Am fine with 1 week of total annual sick+vacation pay
Will work for under $15/hour
I do not take lunch breaks
Will work indoors, outdoors, -30 degrees, makes absolutely no difference
What are my options? I happen to have a CPA license and I can recommend numerous federal tax minimization strategies. Also will be glad to internal audit for some oil field persons.
What are my options in the most undesireable part of the state?
Obviously I am not totally nuts. Would negotiate up and would want a fixed contract and some stock options or profit-sharing agreement.
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