Jamestown or Wahpeton?? (Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks: crime, schools, property tax rates)

[Christi321]

Hi,

My husband works for a company that we can relocate from Omaha, NE to either Jamestown or Wahpeton. We are moving because I don't like the violence and unfriendliness of Omaha. I want to move somewhere that is affordable and a good place to raise a family. I am not familiar with either of these cities and have a couple of questions.

1) What city is safer to raise a family?
2) More affordable?
3) Things to do outdoors?
4) Any nursing jobs for me?

Thank you for any replies...it will help a lot!

[dutchinnd]

My guess is that they would be very close in most categories. Jamestown is somewhat larger (15,500) than Wahpeton and Breckingridge (MN) combined (12,000). Jamestown has both the Jamestown Hospital, or if you're interested in psych nursing, the State Hospital. The medical center for Wahpeton is just over the Bois de Sioux River in Breckinridge--St. Francis Hospital and long-term care facility.
In terms of outdoor recreation, it probably depends on what you like. In Jamestown, there are reservoirs on the James River for fishing boating, etc. and the recreation areas on the Missouri River are under 2 hours drive to the west. In Wahpeton, you're within an hour of the multitude of lakes in Ottertail County, MN. Hunting abounds all over, though more pheasant hunting SW of Jamestown. There's snowmobiling and X-country skiing in winter in both places, though finding downhill skiing from either location would be a major drive.

[DaninEGF]

I agree with dutchinnd....in most categories the differences between Jamestown and Wahpeton would be minor. Crime and safety issues are very minor...I dont know about housing much...but Jamestown would have a edge over Wahpeton in location being about midway between Bismarck and Fargo right on I-94 thus making at trip west to the badlands of southwest ND and Medora easier than from Wahpeton. Jamestown would also have more shopping and restaurant choices. Being a resident in the Grand Forks ND area I have never heard anything really bad about either place. Wapheton seems to be on a slight downturn in terms of overall economy wise as compared to the rest of the state though. Jamestown does have a regular hospital and a state psych hosptial so might be more options job wise. I did check the jamestown hosptial website and there were some openings for an RN.

Here is a link from the Grand Forks city web page comparing property tax rates among some ND cities....

City of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Dan

[Corbay]

Coming to you from Jamestown.

Jamestown has a lot to offer, as others stated great location. Abundant recreation VERY close to town, great schools (brand new H.S.), AND last but not least, plans were just announced to build a brand new state of the art hospital and joint clinic (joint clinic would potientally have 3 clinics in one). It should be a great boost for our medical industry, and provide more jobs.

Feel free to send me a private message for further contact information. I am more than willing to talk to you in person if you want.

Corey

[Old Surrender]

I have to echo Daningf, the location of Jamestown trumps Wahpeton.

[jwmn]

Originally Posted by Old Surrender

I have to echo Daningf, the location of Jamestown trumps Wahpeton.

Although it depends on where you want to go. Wahpeton is closer to Fargo, it's closer to Minnesota lakes country, and it's closer to Minneapolis. If I were choosing based just on location, I would pick Wahpeton, but that's just my opinion.