Relocating to Minot from Florida...terrified, thanks for any help. (Bismarck: low crime, homes)

[theenforcer8487]

Greetings,

I was born and raised in Florida, I enlisted in the Air Force in '05 and got stationed back in Florida. Now I have orders to Minot. I've never even seen snow and know next to nothing about ND. Any info, help, pictures would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You

[Corbay]

LOL!

Pack a jacket

[theenforcer8487]

WHY didn't I think of that??!?! Umm... thanks but Ithink I've got that part covered lol, I'm going to look like the little kid in the christmas story movie, so many layers I can't move. I just really want to know about the town.

[nightowlnurse]

What a change for you! I lived at Minot AFB when I was a kid, and then later near Eglin in Florida after returning from Asia. It really depends on what you're interested in. Lots of great hunting/fishing and outdoor activities like golf, tennis, skating and snowmobiling in winter. Low crime rate. Dress warmly in the winter and be prepared for hot summers--definite four seasons. No reason to be terrified. Make the best of it.

[TSN]

Terrified? Being in the service, I am sure you have or will see much worse. Sure the winters are cold and uncomfortable, but no worse then the hot and uncomfortable summers of Florida. (Grew up in North Dakota, currently live in Florida)

[ricksr]

With an open mind you will be fine in Minot. I got orders from AF Tech school to Minot many years ago and everyone told me it was the worst place to go. Once there I found it was very enjoyable, even took care of a horse at the on base stables (not sure if they still have it though). People are friendly and night life in town was good. If single, the college in town allows for distractions from on base rigor. Is it cold, yes but you'll get used to it. Just don't limit yourself to on base activities, there is plenty to do in summer and winter.

[huttah]

if you don't drink alcohol, you will start ^_^

nd kinda makes you start :P ha.

but... when driving, don't be dumb, drive like a grandma! it may sound dumb, but it works!
dampen on the brakes.
rock at life ^_^

[jbub22]

I don't like North Dakota and I will not return but ND does have some good points.
Positive: School systems are the best, homes are reasonable, cost of living is good, alot of outdoor sports and NO crime. In addition, more "Me" time, for example go to college and more time to raise kids.
Negative: The people are not the friendliest(sp) and unbelievable long cold winters. This point really challenged me so prepare.
BUT, since leaving NODAK I say with pride I survived a decade in ND. My advice, turn into a challenge/positive because it's a strong challenge with those crazy low wind chills. To this day, whenever the job sends me somewhere unreasonable I always use ND as a baseline. If you can survive ND you can live anyway so I would go there with a positive attitude because every place has it's positives and negatives. Enjoy!

[Superbecky79]

Originally Posted by jbub22

I don't like North Dakota and I will not return but ND does have some good points.
Positive: School systems are the best, homes are reasonable, cost of living is good, alot of outdoor sports and NO crime. In addition, more "Me" time, for example go to college and more time to raise kids.
Negative: The people are not the friendliest(sp) and unbelievable long cold winters. This point really challenged me so prepare.
If you can survive ND you can live anyway so I would go there with a positive attitude because every place has it's positives and negatives. Enjoy!

What they said!
Minot AFB is not that bad, and Minot is OK too. If you like car racing, check out the Minot SCCA. They may be just a ND SCCA, but I do know they race at the fair grounds. Hubby is active duty, and we both grew up in Bismarck. He lived in Minot AFB, and we now live in Florida(and hope not to leave any time soon!)
Flying from ND to FL will be roughly $500-$600 normally from the Tampa area(I haven't looked at other FL cities).

There is one good thing, no alligators??? LOL. Though I will live amoung the alligators in my back yard rather than retun to ND any time soon!

[seastar311]

It's got an Amtrak station!