Should I move to ND? (Minot, Velva: fit in, renting, home)

[krystalbeth]

I am a mother of three boys gaes 9, 6, and 4. We live in CO, but my husband recently lost his job. After a month of heavy duty searching, he still couldn't find any work and our bills were piling up! My mother lives in Berthold,ND and told him that companies up there were screaming for help. He called one and was hired at a really good pay rate. He went 2 weeks ago and has been worknig and staying at my mother's. The plan is for me and the boys to move up there in a few months but I am so worried!! I was born in Stanly,ND and my grandparents and mother live in Berthold. We would probably want to live in Minot, but I am just concerned. I hear the housing is scarce and getting more expensive, and that teenagers drink and do drugs alot out of boredom. Am I just imagining an idyllic happy place to raise kids where they can take off on their bikes for hours and I don't have to worry? Or is that all imagination? Would my kids adjust OK to a new school? Are NoDakkers really cliquish and stand offish about newcomers? Would I fit in, would my kids fit in? I am not really outdoorsy although my husband is. Anyway, I would just like to hear some people's opinions...

[StilltheSame]

You dont mention if you have a job or home where you are and the circumstances around that. If you have neither, in ND you have family in the state and your husband has a good paying job. You are in a far better place than most.

[krystalbeth]

I have a part time job and we are renting a home. He is sending me his checks for now...He thinks if we live there I won't need to work. But the housing in ND is looking more expensive than we were thinking...And is it a good place to raise little boys?

[Cain]

I think kids will be kids where ever they are at. If you instill in them what is ok to do and what is not ok to do, they ultimately have a better chance to make the right choices, which ultimately are still there's to make regardless of what we feel they should do since we can't be with them 24/7.

As for the housing situation, a lot of the higher prices is being driven by the fact that there is a boom going on in that area. I have relatives who work the rigs who have wives who pretty much stay at home or have a "fun" job in smaller towns and the husbands commute as its cheaper than trying to live in the town.

I think kids fit in better than adults do since they adapt, and they are around the new people all the time anyway. If you however are not an outgoing type of person, no one is going to be beating down your door to change that in ND. My wife is similar in not being an outgoing person, and as such, she has a few close friends only. Maybe this would be a good opportunity for you to get out there. THe great thing I see with ND people is that if you are willing to make the effort, they will repay you in kind, more so even. You will develop some really close friendships too.

All in all, ND is a great place to live. The only other advice I have would be to make sure you guys are socking the money away as you never know what could happen with the oil industry. Don't be like some of those I have seen, relatives of mine who are spending every dime they get, and they sure do get a lot of dimes.

[krystalbeth]

Thanks for your responses. I think our plans are changing from looking for housing in Minot to something close by but cheaper like Velva (?). His job is not on the oil rigs though I guess it is somewhat oil related. He says it is a construction company called Grey-tek (sp?) and they are working on state hi-ways and the company has been in business for 50 years. Anyone know anything about this? I was also concerned about what seems to be a somewhat seasonal or temporary job (but he assures me thats not the case). I want to make sure the job can sustain us for a long time before I commit completely to moving.

[eisner08]

I have 2 children ages 12 and 5. My husband grew up in Voltaire ND and I have lived in illinois all of my life. My husband got a job with a construction company up there and is making good money. He moved at the beginning of September and im still in illinois. My exhusband wont let me move with our 2 children so i have to take him to court to be able to relocate my kids. He swears that the job industry is poor and that the towns around there are full of drugs. He claims he read on a blog that there is nothing to do in ND so the children have turned to drug use. Can anyone reassure me that ND does not have a drug problem and the job market is booming and not declining? And how easy is it for a 12 year old girl that is shy and a 5 year old boy that is ALL BOY to make friends at the Velva school.

[dutchinnd]

I certainly can't answer all those questions, but the young adults that I've met from Velva certainly don't fit that characterization. You may want to contact the Velva Public Schools; the school library also functions as the community's library and could be a great source of information for you.

[Cain]

Originally Posted by eisner08

I have 2 children ages 12 and 5. My husband grew up in Voltaire ND and I have lived in illinois all of my life. My husband got a job with a construction company up there and is making good money. He moved at the beginning of September and im still in illinois. My exhusband wont let me move with our 2 children so i have to take him to court to be able to relocate my kids. He swears that the job industry is poor and that the towns around there are full of drugs. He claims he read on a blog that there is nothing to do in ND so the children have turned to drug use. Can anyone reassure me that ND does not have a drug problem and the job market is booming and not declining? And how easy is it for a 12 year old girl that is shy and a 5 year old boy that is ALL BOY to make friends at the Velva school.

you may want to try a few forums out there for specific child custody issues that you are having and review the laws for your state. (sent you a pm with a link to one of the sites).

[mtlogger]

Originally Posted by krystalbeth

IHe called one and was hired at a really good pay rate. He went 2 weeks ago and has been worknig and staying at my mother's. The plan is for me and the boys to move up there in a few months but I am so worried!!

Pack your bags, cuz your hubby now has a decent paying job and needs you and the boys to be there!

[TXknitter]

krystalbeth, mtlogger just gave you good advice. Pack your bags honey. Your hubby needs you! Be very thankful that he wasn't unemployed very long. I was just reading that ND has a very low unemployment rate - what a blessing. Your children will do fine. As for finding that perfect place where you can just "let the kids go off and ride their bikes," honey, you have to watch your darling kids now constantly even if you are living in Mayberry. That is just the way it is. Drugs and drinking teens are everywhere, many times its even worse in small towns. However, do not worry. You go to ND with your darling boys and have a wonderful wonderful life! All the best !