Considering relocating from Fargo to Williston (Dickinson, Rugby: apartments, rental, condos)

[jhf2140]

Hello,

Have lived in Fargo most of my life. But always enjoyed spending summers and as many weekends as I could on my grandparents farm in Botno/Rugby area. Have been considering a move to Williston for an oilfield job for several years (even before the current BOOM). Fargo offers more of the same, dead end jobs that you will work at forever. I enjoy the country and being a "farm boy" don't mind working hard to get paid decent. Anyone here have any thoughts/suggestions/advice. I haven't been to Williston since 1999.

31 years old, single at the moment, but hope to get married and have kids someday,

Thank you in advance,

[chester]

Williston is not Fargo, so if you like shopping malls, you will not like it there. But Williston has what you need to get by... like most towns its size. I'm guessing with the boom, you will see more and more stores, etc. coming in. Housing is in short supply, but they are building some new apartments this fall and houses are being built everywhere. Jobs are unlimited. I would suggest going on to the states jobs service sight and check out what is open up there. But, I know you can drive around town and stop at the hundreds of oil company shops and apply. I've heard they will hire on the spot if you fit the bill. You sound like you have the determination, so doubt you will NOT have any problems getting an oil job. You might have to rent a trailer or live in a motel until you can get into an apartment or house. I think you should drive up there, check out a few potential places and get a feel for the area. It is very busy right now. Stop by the local Job Service in downtown Williston, I'm sure they will guide you to many opportunities. Good Luck.

[chester]

There is a news release on this site about this company "Marcilgroup" who are planning on building up to 600 new houses, condos and apartments up in Williston. Things really are booming up there.

Marcil Group

[jhf2140]

Hey Chester,

Thanks for the reply....

No I honestly hate malls, hadn't been to the one in Fargo in years, stopped in a few months ago, but it was only to visit a younger cousin, who had just gotten a job out there after moving to Fargo.

I shop at Walmart for what I need, wear cheap or used clothes, enjoy high watching High School hockey (or the FM jets when I get a chance). I had thought of staying w/ relatives in Stanley for a few weeks to check out the Williston area. I also have relatives in Rugby/Botno area and a place to stay, so I can visit relatives if I have time off and don't want to hang around Williston (as i've heard the schedules can be anywhere from 7 on / 7 off or 4 on 4 off, etc etc.) I enjoy the simple life, love the outdoors, as long as I can internet access somewhere to check e-mail I'm fine.

JHF2140

Originally Posted by chester

Williston is not Fargo, so if you like shopping malls, you will not like it there. But Williston has what you need to get by... like most towns its size. I'm guessing with the boom, you will see more and more stores, etc. coming in. Housing is in short supply, but they are building some new apartments this fall and houses are being built everywhere. Jobs are unlimited. I would suggest going on to the states jobs service sight and check out what is open up there. But, I know you can drive around town and stop at the hundreds of oil company shops and apply. I've heard they will hire on the spot if you fit the bill. You sound like you have the determination, so doubt you will NOT have any problems getting an oil job. You might have to rent a trailer or live in a motel until you can get into an apartment or house. I think you should drive up there, check out a few potential places and get a feel for the area. It is very busy right now. Stop by the local Job Service in downtown Williston, I'm sure they will guide you to many opportunities. Good Luck.

[Cain]

As a single guy, i would say working the rigs and putting money away is a great idea. Would I personally put roots in Williston, no, its not my thing. But, others will like it. I could do Dickenson though.

I would say just keep in mind that if the whole oil thing goes to crap, all those new houses will be worth just as much. A town needs to be reliant on more than just one form of income. But as a single guy, nothing wrong with taking advantage of the boom, working hard out there and storing away ALOT of money. Just don't do like I see a lot of my in-laws doing, making a killing on the rigs and driving around in vehicles that without the rig work, they would not be able to even pay to rent.

[jhf2140]

Originally Posted by Cain

As a single guy, i would say working the rigs and putting money away is a great idea. Would I personally put roots in Williston, no, its not my thing. But, others will like it. I could do Dickenson though.

I would say just keep in mind that if the whole oil thing goes to crap, all those new houses will be worth just as much. A town needs to be reliant on more than just one form of income. But as a single guy, nothing wrong with taking advantage of the boom, working hard out there and storing away ALOT of money. Just don't do like I see a lot of my in-laws doing, making a killing on the rigs and driving around in vehicles that without the rig work, they would not be able to even pay to rent.

Cain,

I was only planning on renting for the time being in Williston. I have a job/business that keeps me busy about 6 months of the year from Mid October til Mid March. Looking for something to fill in the rest of the year and also to save $$$. I live comfortably w/ what I make now, but would like to save to buy a house. I'm not into the shiny new cars, drive "junkers" til they fall apart & then buy another. I don't like tying up thousands of dollars in a depreciating asset.

I couldn't do Dickinson, but then I have relatives within 2 hours drive of Williston, so if I can always visit on my days off if I need familiar surroundings.

JHF2140

[Cain]

You should be good to go then. Only thing to remember, when you get married, you will be suprised how fast a junker won't do!

[ComputerUser000]

I lived in Williston for a few months.

It's got a Walmart, 2 grocery stores, a movie rental place, PLENTY of places to eat.. several hotels and motels.

It's got 3 radio stations, 2 of em are pretty good.

There's usually something to do in Williston, a community event or whatnot going on.

[jhf2140]

Originally Posted by Cain

You should be good to go then. Only thing to remember, when you get married, you will be suprised how fast a junker won't do!

Cain,

LOL... yes I realize that... well atleast a junker won't work for the missus..... I probalby will never buy a NEW car though, too much depreciation, too fast..

[ComputerUser000]

Originally Posted by Computergeek2007

I lived in Williston for a few months.

It's got a Walmart, 2 grocery stores, a movie rental place, PLENTY of places to eat.. several hotels and motels.

It's got 3 radio stations, 2 of em are pretty good.

There's usually something to do in Williston, a community event or whatnot going on.

I should also state that if I could've stayed in Williston after I got let go, but there was nothing in town for me to do... I work in a very specialised industry, heh