Grand Forks or Bismarck? (Fargo: apartments, rent, condos)

[mkde]

Hello everyone,

I've been residing in Florida for the last three years or so, having originally moved here from Michigan, and I'm absolutely desperate to get out. My plan is to transfer to one of my company's northern divisions, preferably in either North Dakota or Connecticut (I'm heavily leaning towards ND because of the supposedly lower living costs). My company actually has two facilities in ND — one in Grand Forks and one in Bismarck. I'm wondering which city those of you here would consider more desirable to live in, and why.

Also, what is the rent like in these two cities for modest but decent (ie, on the cheaper side but not in the slums) one bedroom apartments, and how much should I generally expect to pay in heating costs for such a dwelling?

[dutchinnd]

I don't live in either place, but certainly for professional meetings and other events have spent some time in each city. In terms of making a choice--as with most things, it depends what you're looking for. If you enjoy academic communities, with the multitude of cultural events that they bring, then it would be Grand Forks. If you're more into outdoor recreation, then it would be Bismarck with the Missouri River and closer proximity to the badlands, etc. At the moment, Bismarck is a growing economy and housing market, in part due to the development of energy resources.

[Corbay]

Having been in both cities several times, I would probably choose Bismarck also.

Dutch summed it up best as far as the differences go.

Also Bismarck's weather is a little better.

[FargoBison]

Bismarck, and I wouldn't even think twice about it.

[ebitdadada]

I'd agree with the previous posters: It really depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a place where you'll want to shoot yourself in the head about 90% of the time, I'd go with Grand Forks. If you're looking to enjoy life &/or go outside sometime before June, I'd go with Bismarck.

Reguarding cultural experiences / opportunities, etc., if Bismarck hasn't already passed Grand Forks, it will in the next 5-10 years.

Finally, in the relm of cold, hard facts, Bismarck is one of the fastest growing cities in the midwest. Grand Forks is shrinking. If the wisdom of crowds suggests anything, its suggesting you shouldn't live next to a potato plant.

Applogy: My appologies for being blunt but the original poster appears to be making a major life choice here.

[DaninEGF]

Originally Posted by ebitdadada

I'd agree with the previous posters: It really depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a place where you'll want to shoot yourself in the head about 90% of the time, I'd go with Grand Forks. If you're looking to enjoy life &/or go outside sometime before June, I'd go with Bismarck.

Reguarding cultural experiences / opportunities, etc., if Bismarck hasn't already passed Grand Forks, it will in the next 5-10 years.

Finally, in the relm of cold, hard facts, Bismarck is one of the fastest growing cities in the midwest. Grand Forks is shrinking. If the wisdom of crowds suggests anything, its suggesting you shouldn't live next to a potato plant.

Applogy: My appologies for being blunt but the original poster appears to be making a major life choice here.

Grand Forks is not shrinking...yes it did after the flood of course....but since about 2001 things have rebounded quite nicely. I live in EGF now building a home in a new subdivision near the south end schools. If Grand Forks is shrinking who is buying the new homes at the golf course and south end of town, as well as new condos downtown, and let me tell you about all the Canadians coming to town for shopping. Now, GF AFB has been shrinking in size and that is true...and taking people with it. But the actual city has grown in the past 5 years....not by much....but if you loose a couple of thousand from the base and then end up still about even year to year is that a shrinking city or a stable one. No doubt though Bismarck is growing right now and will for a long time.

The biggest difference by far between GF and BIS has to the weather...BIS is much drier and warmer climate than the Red River Valley....if you dont like the cold BIS is certainly better.

Here is an interesting link on the whole census estimate and brew ha ha that it can cause.
Grand Forks Life: Population estimates

Dan

[roundball]

I've only been to Bismarck a few times so I can't really speak on it.

I do know Grand Forks and while I can't compare the two I can point out that Fargo is an hour South and Winnipeg is and hour and a half North. The Twin Cities are a couple hours closer also.

Something to consider.

[FargoBison]

Originally Posted by roundball

I've only been to Bismarck a few times so I can't really speak on it.

I do know Grand Forks and while I can't compare the two I can point out that Fargo is an hour South and Winnipeg is and hour and a half North. The Twin Cities are a couple hours closer also.

Something to consider.

You are right, Bismarck is certainly more isolated, and if you want to have a relatively easy escape to something bigger that is something to consider.

However, for somebody coming from Florida the weather in Bismarck would be provide an easier adjustment. That said, if hockey is your thing GF would be a slam dunk.

[brian.mernitz]

Yep i have been living in north dakota forever now i would not want to move here bismarck or grand forks the weather is miserable the people are rude fact the weather is miserable thats my opinion well unless you would like twenty below 0 plus add on another 30 below windchill in the winter its aweful and it never rains its dry as all hell up here this is bismarck im talking about grand forks their weather is worse they actually get some snow

Originally Posted by mkde

Hello everyone,

I've been residing in Florida for the last three years or so, having originally moved here from Michigan, and I'm absolutely desperate to get out. My plan is to transfer to one of my company's northern divisions, preferably in either North Dakota or Connecticut (I'm heavily leaning towards ND because of the supposedly lower living costs). My company actually has two facilities in ND — one in Grand Forks and one in Bismarck. I'm wondering which city those of you here would consider more desirable to live in, and why.

Also, what is the rent like in these two cities for modest but decent (ie, on the cheaper side but not in the slums) one bedroom apartments, and how much should I generally expect to pay in heating costs for such a dwelling?

[ndgirl82]

bismarck or grand forks? 3 things to consider.
1. Bismarck is extremely conservative, while Grand Forks is much more progressive.
2. GF is a college town with culture and music. Bismarck is a mix of successful professionals, and high school grads who support the corporate retail and restaurant chains.
3. Weather is almost the same. GF has more moisture than Bismarck.
ALso note that GF has several national and state parks within a couple of hours. Plenty of outside rec opportunities. cross country skiing is growing in popularity along the greenway.