Anyone move to ND from Southern Calif? (Bismarck, Lignite: living, air quality)

[magiccity]

Originally Posted by Sassenach

I'm considering it, and people around here think I'm crazy. [Of course, they know nothing about ND.]

Was the adjustment difficult--especially to the winters? The coldest place I've ever lived is NYC, so I'm concerned about driving in snow.

Are you glad you moved?

I want to live in a smaller, friendlier and more affordable area. I'm considering both Bismarck and Grand Forks.

I just visited with a gentleman who moved from San Diego to Minot, ND, and he loves it. You stay outside for 3/4 of the year and the other 1/4 you stay inside and read, play video games, or etc. It breaks up the year from mowing to just enjoying. I think once you adjust your body time clock, you'll like it.

[MaxGrody]

I moved from the hills of Burbank CA to a tiny town in ND 5 years ago. Was in the entertainment business and everyone thought I was insane. Lot's of jokes about red-necks and such... none of them even got near this state. Most drove from NYC area to LA without stopping anywhere in fear of getting raped. Fools.

It's cheap, peaceful, and stress free. Wanted to go back to LA after 2 years, but decided to stay.

Takes a winter or two to get used to the cold, and also the sunlight diminishing in winter. But now it seems second nature and i can walk around in 0ºF weather with summer clothes on to do quick tasks outside. Marvelous. In LA I would turn on the heater if it was 65ºF. Ridiculous.

[BreaOC]

Originally Posted by Sassenach

I'm considering it, and people around here think I'm crazy. [Of course, they know nothing about ND.]

Was the adjustment difficult--especially to the winters? The coldest place I've ever lived is NYC, so I'm concerned about driving in snow.

Are you glad you moved?

I want to live in a smaller, friendlier and more affordable area. I'm considering both Bismarck and Grand Forks.

Hi! My family moved to Bismarck in the spring of 1994. It was small at the time, it has grown considerably. At last check the cities metro was over 101,000. Of course compared to Cali the entire metro would be considered a normal suburb. I knew quite a few people from all over California who moved to Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks. Grand Forks and Bismarck are very different cities, and I am bias because I really never liked Grand Forks. To start it is the coldest city in the state, as opposed to Bismarck being the warmest of the large cities in ND. I remember numerous times there would be thunderstorms in Bismarck and it would be snowing in GF. Grand Forks does have a very nice university, not that big, around 8,000 students, but it's the gold in the coal in the city. Grand Forks never really fully recovered from the flood of 1997. Another thing about Grand Forks.... IT IS SOOOOOOO FLAT!!!! It drove me crazy driving there because you see nothing but flat fields and hay. For miles. And miles. And miles.
Now Bismarck, what a beautiful city. It has natural beauty you don't find in many cities. The Missouri River runs through the two main cities that make up the metro, which offers endless recreation during the summer. There are stunning private marinas surrounded by beautiful homes that in California would sell from 5-10 million easily. There are two major indoor malls, the largest being Kirkwood Mall with Herbergers, JC Penny's and a new Target and numerous national retailers (AE, wet seal, Pac Sun, Victoria's Secret... the usual mall stores). Then there is the Gateway Fashion Mall, which is currently going under a $10 million dollar renovation and will be quite impressive when it is finished. It has Sears, CVS pharmacy, Hancock Fabrics, Jo Ann Fabrics, a very large Hobby Lobby, and numerous little independent stores. There has been considerable growth over the last few years. Two new outdoor malls were built in 2005-2006 which brought Lowe's, Home Depot, 2 Super WalMarts, Sam's Club, Kohl's, Best Buy, Petsmart, 2 Dollar Trees with a 3rd on it's way (they love their dollar stores!!!), Old Navy, a new TJ Maxx, and numerous other national retailers and tons of restaurants. I loved living in Bismarck (especially when Starbucks finally came to town, there's 6 now!). Housing is on average $161,000 for an existing home, and the housing market definitely hasn't been suffering from the downturn we got in California, Bismarck's housing prices rose 15% this past year. Taxes are high, I couldn't believe it was twice what you would pay in OC, but they use that money to keep the city up like their suppose to. In 2006 I finally came back to Orange County because it was home, but I still miss Bismarck. Grand Forks has it's finer points too, and you'll want to check out both cities. Which ever you decide on I wish you best of luck!

[DaninEGF]

Originally Posted by BreaOC

Grand Forks and Bismarck are very different cities, and I am bias because I really never liked Grand Forks. To start it is the coldest city in the state, as opposed to Bismarck being the warmest of the large cities in ND. I remember numerous times there would be thunderstorms in Bismarck and it would be snowing in GF. Grand Forks does have a very nice university, not that big, around 8,000 students, but it's the gold in the coal in the city. Grand Forks never really fully recovered from the flood of 1997. Another thing about Grand Forks.... IT IS SOOOOOOO FLAT!!!! It drove me crazy driving there because you see nothing but flat fields and hay. For miles. And miles. And miles.

Since I live in greater Grand Forks....wanted to clarify a few things with more recent info... UND has 12,500 students....and the flood wall/levee system built by the Corps is now complete and certified and the cities now have a wonderful greenway system with many trails. Population has fully recovered from 1997 with population now exceeding pre-flood levels and just like all of North Dakota...housing and businesses have been booming in the last 5 years.

But you are so right about the weather difference....totally different worlds and Bismarck is hilly while GF is in the flat valley. Since I prefer the flat and cold I am very happy in GF.

Dan

[ebitdadada]

Originally Posted by DaninEGF

Since I live in greater Grand Forks....wanted to clarify a few things with more recent info... UND has 12,500 students....and the flood wall/levee system built by the Corps is now complete and certified and the cities now have a wonderful greenway system with many trails. Population has fully recovered from 1997 with population now exceeding pre-flood levels and just like all of North Dakota...housing and businesses have been booming in the last 5 years.

But you are so right about the weather difference....totally different worlds and Bismarck is hilly while GF is in the flat valley. Since I prefer the flat and cold I am very happy in GF.

Dan

I actually like Grand Forks but, to clarify the clarification, as far as the extent to which business and housing are booming, Bismarck & Grand Forks are still two different worlds: YTD through November, the valuation of new Housing in the Grand Forks MSA was $28 Million. During the same period, the Bismarck MSA surpassed $130 million.
http://www.census.gov/const/C40/Table3/t3yv200711.txt

On the other hand, I think Grand Forks has a better downtown area than Bismarck and its closer to Minneapolis. Also, I'll take UND (in Grand Forks for those keeping score) over U Mary anytime.

[BreaOC]

Originally Posted by ebitdadada

I actually like Grand Forks but, to clarify the clarification, as far as the extent to which business and housing are booming, Bismarck & Grand Forks are still two different worlds: YTD through November, the valuation of new Housing in the Grand Forks MSA was $28 Million. During the same period, the Bismarck MSA surpassed $130 million.
http://www.census.gov/const/C40/Table3/t3yv200711.txt

On the other hand, I think Grand Forks has a better downtown area than Bismarck and its closer to Minneapolis. Also, I'll take UND (in Grand Forks for those keeping score) over U Mary anytime.

Mary is so expensive now that it's impossible to afford when you can get into one of the state U's for half the cost. UND has a very nice campus. I have to say all 3 cities are doing a great job on their downtown renaissance zoning.

[DaninEGF]

Originally Posted by ebitdadada

I actually like Grand Forks but, to clarify the clarification, as far as the extent to which business and housing are booming, Bismarck & Grand Forks are still two different worlds: YTD through November, the valuation of new Housing in the Grand Forks MSA was $28 Million. During the same period, the Bismarck MSA surpassed $130 million.
http://www.census.gov/const/C40/Table3/t3yv200711.txt

On the other hand, I think Grand Forks has a better downtown area than Bismarck and its closer to Minneapolis. Also, I'll take UND (in Grand Forks for those keeping score) over U Mary anytime.

Thanks for the link....I like to look at housing/construction to see how things are going locally. I know Bismarck has been building like crazy I have heard. Their housing is still rising in prices unlike the other main cities in ND where things have stabilized due to the national downturn. But I had no idea Bismarck had that much building. I have only been there twice since moving to the area in 1998. Too hilly for me.


Dan

[Macdonni]

Sassenach if I were you I would chose Fargo over Bismarck or Grand Forks. Fargo is a great city and the only city I would suggest to live in. It's the only real place in ND the has enough going on. That's just my opinion I guess....

[coyotedave611]

I am a native of So. Ca. I moved to Grafton ND in the late 70's and lived there for twelve years, I moved back to Ca. some years ago, after all these years, I am thrilled to go "Home" back to ND! I love the people, and there is lot's to do in the winter...Be it ever so humble, North Dakota is the best place in the country!

[rach123]

Hello

I am moving to Dickinson from the UK, moving early 2009. Does anyone know of a running club in the area?
thanks

Rachel