Minot, North Dakota (Kenmare: to rent, home, schools)

[magiccity]

We have had a very nice Minot summer, albeit, just a little cooler than normal. It was funny the other day when it was around 85 degrees, and my friends who arrived from Las Vegas commented how cool it was. The weather may be cool, but the people are warm.

[Dopefish]

I've lived in Minot now for about 4 years, and am from the Bottineau area which is about 80 miles north of Minot. As far as weather goes, I'm going to guess you will be in for a rude awakening when you experience your first winter here. It can get pretty cold, and the winter driving is definitely something you have to adjust to. Many people also have "block heaters" installed in their cars, which basically warm your car's engine overnight so it will start normally the next morning. It's pretty common to see people's vehicles plugged in like a Christmas tree as you drive by homes. Also, it's pretty much essential that you warm up your car before driving in the winter, unless you have a heated garage which should keep it fine.

As far as things to do, the Dakota Square Mall in Minot is the number one place to go for shopping. Pretty much all the basic stores (JC Penny, Sears, Target, Old Navy, Aeropostale, Hot Topic, American Eagle, etc.) are located there and it's a nice, clean mall that's easy to navigate. I actually work in the mall at GameStop, so I can attest to the friendliness of the mall employees.

Other shopping includes Super Walmart, Kmart, and other small local businesses in downtown Minot. There's plenty of good restaurants around, including the staple fast food places like McDonald's and Burger King. The actor Josh Duhamel (Las Vegas, Transformers) actually owns a restaurant here since he's from Minot originally.

For other activities, a lot of people spend their summer days at Lake Sacagawea, which is southwest of Minot, and Lake Metigoshe which is north of Minot near Bottineau. It's not exactly the ocean, but there are beaches there where you can sun bathe and go swimming at. The water is clean and cool. Also, if you're into outdoor activities at all, many people hunt, fish, and skii in the winter. The Bottineau winter park is pretty popular for skiiers and they rent equipment for beginners.

On the jobs front, I'm not too sure what to suggest, but like others have said, I would try Trinity Hospital and the Dakota Boys Ranch which is near Burlington, west of town. It's maybe a 20 minute drive from Minot to get to the Boys Ranch.

Hope that helps a little. If you have any other questions, please ask and I'll try to tell you what I know.

[crisan]

Look at the bright side. You are closer to the Canadian Rockies.

[moneil]

The rudeness you see on some of these posts, you will never find these people when you move here. Positive #1.
My husband is in law enforcement. Meth is also not something you will have an encounter with while here, unless you seek it out.
We moved here 3 years ago. I'm from Houston. I was terrified. I wondered how I'd survive a winter. Honestly, I made a survival kit for my car when I got here, right away!
Now we are moving and I am so very sad.
This place IS a well kept secret. The people are down to earth. Period. They smile at you, they talk, they stop their cars for pedestrians, they pull over to help a stalled vehicle. At the end of the day, it is the quality of your interactions with PEOPLE that make a good day a good day. You'll find that here.
Yes, the winters are rough. I was trapped inside last winter with 2 little boys and went nuts. But, man oh man, when Spring comes, it's like you are born again. It's an incredible feeling. To me, that alone is worth the winters. Which really is all about bundling up if you need some sunshine. Maybe 20 days out of the winter (?) you really would not want to be outside because of the wind combined with low temperatures.
The winters bring you closer to your family, if you let it. It forces you to slow down and take some time there, which I appreciated.
Great lakes around here.
Excellent parks.
Some beautiful views west and north of town, but in town.
It's a slower paced place. It is not all ritzy, progressive, trendy. Honestly, it's not very polished. BUT you can find anything you are looking for here. It's big enough and diverse enough to accomplish that. Well, sort of. There are no Buddhist temples or sushi places here (that I know of). Off hand, I can't thing of anything I miss from the big city.
I do have to agree with what one person said, just would not put it nearly as harshly.
I understand your fears. Change is hard, especially when the place is so foreign, so far away and so very different.
But I promise you that if you believe that Minot will a good place to live, it will. You will find the things here that you need.
Best Wishes.
I'm going to be doing this too in a month, so I get it.

[etjaipleure]

Thanks! Now the only problem we are having is that we will be without on base housing for about 6 months. There is NO WHERE to rent and the apartments that are for rent don't take pets and we have a dog. Do people in North Dakota not have pets? I understand it's cold but I also know that dogs will go outside to use the bathroom even up to -50 degree weather, so I'm not sure why so many places don't allow pets. And without there being anywhere to rent we will be forced to stay in a hotel. I don't know why there is nowhere to rent, it really is becoming a problem.

[Dopefish]

Originally Posted by etjaipleure

Thanks! Now the only problem we are having is that we will be without on base housing for about 6 months. There is NO WHERE to rent and the apartments that are for rent don't take pets and we have a dog. Do people in North Dakota not have pets? I understand it's cold but I also know that dogs will go outside to use the bathroom even up to -50 degree weather, so I'm not sure why so many places don't allow pets. And without there being anywhere to rent we will be forced to stay in a hotel. I don't know why there is nowhere to rent, it really is becoming a problem.

You haven't found even one place to rent? There are tons of apartments around Minot, so I don't think you are looking hard enough. Try Glacial Holdings, IMM, etc. Also, check the local classifieds from the Minot Daily News [Mod cut]

Just by briefly looking, there are 10 apartments currently available. Not sure about pets, but I know most places in Minot don't allow pets in the apt. other than fish.

[etjaipleure]

Dopefish:

I have found plenty of apartments, yes but as I mentioned in my post we have a pet and NO apartments in Minot allow pets. I have searched all apartments, duplexes and property managements. If there is a house that is in our price range and I contact someone about it, they do not respond to me and try to contact me and then I look again and the listing is gone. So yes, we are having a problem trying to find rentals in Minot.

[etjaipleure]

I do have a job now at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, so that is a plus!

[DaninEGF]

Hi

My wife worked at the boys ranch many years ago just after graduating from Minot State. Say hello to Suzi S there. She is a therapist.

Dan R

[Dopefish]

Originally Posted by etjaipleure

I do have a job now at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, so that is a plus!

That's great! Hope you will soon have some luck on your apartment search.