What about Northwest North Dakota. (Fargo, Bismarck: sale, real estate, apartments)

[Malcolmf]

Hi,

I came across this website Prairie Opportunity --

and not sure if anyone familier with the Northwest ND, or anyone here in the fourm been there Before in NWND, i heard it is getting expensive up in this part of ND?!! and there is an ecnomic booming as well in this part

I would appreciate any inputs

Thanks a lot

[chester]

Yes, NW North Dakota is going through an economic boom of sorts. They are having an energy boom. The shortage of housing from the influx of new people has pushed up the prices of houses and apartments. But, not to the extent that they exceed house prices of other major towns in ND. Most of the new homes being built in Williston are in the 200,000 to 250,000 range. New apartments being built are pretty spendy...but they are higher end though. A single bedroom apartment will go for around $800.00 and the 2&3 bedrooms for $1.000.00 to 1,200.00. I think for ND that is somewhat high, considering you can get a newer 3 bedroom in Bismarck for around $850.00.
Williston moved up from 6th in average income to 2nd , just behind Beulah-Hazen. They surpassed Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot for 2006...will be interesting to see what the 2007 statistics show. Jobs are abundant, and pay very well if you like energy service and outdoor type work. It is very tough work. Housing is very limited, new homes are usually sold while the foundations are being poured. I drove around and had to laugh when I saw holes in the ground with SOLD or SALE PENDING on the signs in front of the holes. This boom is expected to last longer than the last boom/bust...because of the Bakken oil formation in the Williston basin. The entire NW area of ND and NE area of MT are benefiting the most from the boom. Hope this gives you some insight. I'm sure others will give you their opinions...some positive, and some negative.

[ComputerUser000]

I only lived in Williston for 3 months but because of who I worked for , I learned a fair amount about the town. if you have some questions, feel free to ask and I'll see what I can give ya for an answer

[johnnyreb]

Originally Posted by Malcolmf

Hi,

I came across this website Prairie Opportunity --

and not sure if anyone familier with the Northwest ND, or anyone here in the fourm been there Before in NWND, i heard it is getting expensive up in this part of ND?!! and there is an ecnomic booming as well in this part

I would appreciate any inputs

Thanks a lot

It's good old supply and demand out west. There's a lot of new workers there due to the oil boom, and they're all looking for housing, hence the price is driven up a bit. However, there's more jobs than workers, so they're paying better than average wages. In the long run, I think it's a wash, so I wouldn't base my decision on perceived cost differences.

[nope]

What a great website that Prairie Opportunities is! It sums up what is great about NW North Dakota wonderfully(don't tell anyone about what North Dakota is really like! They'll all want summer homes here!) And I'd say their criteria and checklists for relocating here are right on! This area is not for everyone, but it is for some. And there is some opportunity. The only criticism I can come up with quickly about the website is they don't say much about the commuting. Nearly every job offered in the oil field involves lots of driving and distance--especially now since it seems much of the action in the future will be south of Stanley or Parshall. Just a thought--

[alaska315]

I think posters and readers need to also keep in mind that this is not the first time that western ND has seen an oil boom,and it probably will not be the last.
The Williston area went thru a similar event years ago and probably before many of you were born.At that time,the town went boom then bust,as has been seen in any area of the country with oil production.The reason it is in a boom the cost of oil is so high and therefore worth the extra money to get it out of the ground.Also the advent of new drilling techiques have made it more affordable unlike the past.
I would certainly not wish to spend my hard earned dollars on "possibly" over priced real estate,only to be stuck with it in 5,10 or so years when it will certainly go bust again.
Unless of course your young enough that you don't/won't care and can move to the next green pasture.
Granted,the oil boom is a wonderful thing,,,,,,,,,right now.