PLEASE HELP! I'm Moving to ND (Fargo, Bismarck: job market, to buy, quality of life)

[RelocatingFam]

We want to buy and move to ND from Los Angeles (no jobs and and way expensive here!), but have no idea what are the BEST areas for a 35 yr old couple with a 1 yr old little boy, and a 2 yr old little baby girl. PLEASE HELP! We also need to know if there are jobs, and where in ND its better?...would it be good or possible to live closer to Canada for jobs? PLEASE help us! We're looking on moving March 01, 2008, but want to take a drive and check out some areas first..

[TravisW]

For jobs, Fargo and Bismarck are probably the easiest. Either city is a pretty decent place to raise a family.

[RelocatingFam]

THANKS! Any other recommendations..

[MikeyToo]

Adding to what TravisW said, North Dakota is a big place. Yes, job searching would be best in the larger cities (Bismarck, Grand Forks, Fargo & Minot). There is a big oil boom going on in the western part of North Dakota, namely Williston, Tioga areas. Because of the oil boom, there are many jobs (short on housing) in that part of NoDak. North Dakota is pretty safe no matter where you live, so if winter isn't your concern, just about anywhere in the state would be good, providing there are jobs waiting for you there. Also, I would recommend that if you do find a smaller town to live in, as those places tend to have the most affordable housing, you may want to be located not too far from one of the larger cities, as they have more to offer when it comes to shopping, restaurants, etc. If there is a certain type of work you are looking for, you may want to mention it as well, because there are others on this fourm that may be of help in finding jobs in a particular area. I presently live in Santa Maria, CA, but wife and I will be moving to Lake Metigoshe next spring (near Bottineau) and we will be looking forward to the slower pace from California...

Also, check out: Job Service North Dakota - Job Seekers - Find a Job (broken link) for jobs in NoDak.

[RelocatingFam]

OMG THANKS, THANKS!!! I've work in oil fields here in Cali before, how do I go about finding out more or perhaps getting a job.

[Corbay]

You might also take a look at Jamestown. Right in between Fargo and Bismark. A little smaller town (great for families), and a good job market.

Welcome to Jamestown, North Dakota

[TravisW]

Williston oil jobs: Williston Wire: Plays, Class Reunions, and Oil Jobs

[ebitdadada]

For quality of life and non oil related jobs, I'd go with Bismarck-Mandan or Fargo, maybe Grand Forks but that's kind of a stretch. There's a chance there's another place in ND you'd like better (I don't know you) but the fact is the majority of non-NDers (especially those under 50) seem to like Fargo and Bismarck best - sad to say but there is a reason why ND has two and only two areas with consistent population growth.

If you're looking for Oil jobs, western ND has a massive labor shortage. Job Service ND- Job Service North Dakota -I'm sure has a huge number of jobs listed. You might also look to live in Dickinson - has almost as many oil jobs as Wiliston and is 100 miles from Bismarck & 30 miles from the Badlands. I think Minot may be sort of close to some oil jobs also but I'm not sure. Bismarck has quite a few white collar energy jobs but I'm not sure if that's what you're looking for.

[AndersonRM]

You might take a look at th article. Minot Daily News (broken link)

[goose7]

Another possibility for you worth looking into is Dickinson. It lies to the west of Bismarck. The western side of ND is alot "nicer" scenery-wise than the east side. Fargo is considered to be in the valley and seems to have colder, longer winters compared to Bismarck/Dickinson. Hope this helps!