Should I move to North Dakota (Fargo, Bismarck: apartments, renters, townhouse)

[kiara_angel]

So I live in Fl with my folks, twenty years old, and going out of my mind. I am taking a Customer Service technology class in November so by February I am hoping to move out on my own and start my adult life. I wanted to know if North Dakota was right for me? From the sounds of it, it is mostly farming and construction. Doesn't sound like a place for a customer care specialist or data processor. So in here lies the question, sound I move to North Dakota and hope for the best? All comments are appericated.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by kiara_angel

So I live in Fl with my folks, twenty years old, and going out of my mind. I am taking a Customer Service technology class in November so by February I am hoping to move out on my own and start my adult life. I wanted to know if North Dakota was right for me? From the sounds of it, it is mostly farming and construction. Doesn't sound like a place for a customer care specialist or data processor. So in here lies the question, sound I move to North Dakota and hope for the best? All comments are appericated.

Your search should include the larger cities like Fargo which have a diverse range of employment opportunities. In fact, Fargo has had a higher percentage incrase in non-farm employment of any city in the Upper Midwest since 2000. It is also has more of a younger demographic with the university in town. The cost of living would likely be much lower than Florida so your paycheck will go further. Good luck...

[Prophet815]

As someone who lives in Fargo I tell you, DON'T DO IT!

If you happen to be lower-middle class like the rest of us and you want to move to the midwest I would recommend Minnesota. Plus the outdoors is much more enjoyable. You've got trees and lakes. Know what ND's got? A state full of fields and the worst wind in the country. In the winter it gets just as cold as MN but we have this violent wind that cuts through you like a hot knife on butter.

If your mind is really set on ND I would say move to Fargo (since other than Bismark and Grand Forks you don't have a lot of other options). Or move to Moorhead. You're a stones throw away (literally) and you can still be a Minnesota resident. Otherwise I would recommend someplace like St. Cloud or Duluth. Cities are about the same size (if not a little bigger) but you don't have the madness of Minneapolis.

Oh, and what they say about the cost of living, dead true. If you're paying much more than 500 bucks for a 2 bedroom apartment in a good location, you're either in a really fancy place or you're getting ripped off. I used to live in a gorgeous 3 bedroom townhouse in South Fargo for 740 a month (until I lost my roomates)! Cost of living is even cheaper in Moorhead. They have considerably cheaper apartments but it's much harder to find a nice one. Plus, in MN you can qualify for a renters refund AND there's no tax on groceries or clothing.

And as long as you don't live in one of the small hick towns you should definatly be able to get a decent job. Honest to god, I've lived here for 7 years and I don't know anyone who works on a farm.

[TravisW]

Originally Posted by Prophet815

As someone who lives in Fargo I tell you, DON'T DO IT!

If you happen to be lower-middle class like the rest of us and you want to move to the midwest I would recommend Minnesota. Plus the outdoors is much more enjoyable. You've got trees and lakes. Know what ND's got? A state full of fields and the worst wind in the country. In the winter it gets just as cold as MN but we have this violent wind that cuts through you like a hot knife on butter.

If your mind is really set on ND I would say move to Fargo (since other than Bismark and Grand Forks you don't have a lot of other options). Or move to Moorhead. You're a stones throw away (literally) and you can still be a Minnesota resident. Otherwise I would recommend someplace like St. Cloud or Duluth. Cities are about the same size (if not a little bigger) but you don't have the madness of Minneapolis.

Oh, and what they say about the cost of living, dead true. If you're paying much more than 500 bucks for a 2 bedroom apartment in a good location, you're either in a really fancy place or you're getting ripped off. I used to live in a gorgeous 3 bedroom townhouse in South Fargo for 740 a month (until I lost my roomates)! Cost of living is even cheaper in Moorhead. They have considerably cheaper apartments but it's much harder to find a nice one. Plus, in MN you can qualify for a renters refund AND there's no tax on groceries or clothing.

And as long as you don't live in one of the small hick towns you should definatly be able to get a decent job. Honest to god, I've lived here for 7 years and I don't know anyone who works on a farm.

What's so great about Minnesota? It has the same wind, flatness, etc...that ND has, unless you move further east, and more economic problems. I live in Moorhead which, as a homeowner, makes sense (lower property taxes). If you're going to be renting, live in Fargo where the income taxes are lower.

[woodyburner]

Hi-tech is located in cities like Bismarck (Unix) and Fargo. The state has a good University system.
Only move to ND if you want a more natural way of life and possess some of the old frontier mentality and plan to contribute more than take from the state.