Garrison area (Bismarck, Minot, Washburn: homes, campers, income)

[AlaskaErik]

My wife wants to retire sooner rather than later. We're looking for a small town, within a couple of hours of a military base and a large town. Since an early retirement means less income, the lower cost of living in ND means we should be able to get by on $4000.00 a month, because we'll be paying cash for our home. Other factors are liberal gun laws and no helmet requirements for riding my Harley. Garrison also has an airport with a hard surface runway, which means all year flying for me.

Anything we should know about? How do people in smaller towns react to newcomers with no North Dakota history? I'm thinking about something outside of town with good sized shop/barn where the wife can have a vegetable garden or greenhouse. Thanks for any info and insights.

[Roloff1976]

Garrison is a very nice little town. As far as flying...I am assuming you have your own plane coming from Alaska (I know many Alaskan's are pilots). If not, Garrison does not have commercial flights, so you would have to drive the hour to either Minot or Bismarck. You are close to some of the best hunting and fishing in the region if you live in Garrison. Garrison is a busy town during the summer because of the boaters, campers, and people coming and going to their lake homes, etc... they also have a small hospital for your emergancy needs. Your drive to Minot or Bismarck is short...either town has great shopping and restaraunts. Bismarck being the best. Minot sitting at around 36,000 people with another 10,000 in the Minot rural (because of the air force base)...Bismarck has around 60,000 people (with around 100,000) in their small metro area. I think Garrison is a good choice for you, but you might also look at the Washburn area. Good Luck.

[AlaskaErik]

Thanks, Roloff. Yes, I have my own plane, which is why Garrison appealed to me. It's also about midway between Minot and Bismark, which is another reason it appeals to. That, and it's a few miles off the main highway. We'll see. We'll be doing some recon missions before we make any firm decisions.

[Fischer_girl]

YAY Garrison. It is where I was born and raised and a place I miss dearly. If you have ANY questions, please ask!
As for the run down: There is one grocery store but its of a decent size and has everything you need. There are four bars, a handfull of places to eat out and as Roloff stated, tons of hunting and fishing areas. NOT to mention.. ALL of my amazing family! *laughs*
My grandparents especially like to take a cruise up to New Town to the casion and my brother thinks very fondly of the Stoney End. Oh, and nothing..absolutely nothing beats pizza at Totten Trail!
Be sure to wave as you're taking off at the airport, our property is within sight!
Garrison is great, and they are so very friendly there. Of course, everyone will know you're new in town long before you even arrive, but they are very welcoming and super friendly. Kinda like Cheers, its a place where everybody knows your name. Infact, if you're up for it, the same retired crew meets at Four Seasons for lunch and supper every day. Of course, with my aunt cooking, why wouldn't you?
One thing to think about: consider where you are going to live. We live about 3 miles out of town, and there are times during the winter (even this past winter) where our place is blown shut with snow for two weeks at a time. It takes our own crew and our equiptment to get us out. Coming from Alaska I'm sure you're not afraid of a little snow, but realize the reality of it all.
Again, you have questions- I got answers.