Bismarck or Grand Forks? (Fargo, Lincoln: 2010, apartments, homes)

[TobyC]

After visiting ND this fall, I'm considering a move. I liked Grand Forks and Bismarck, but couldn't get a sense of what they'd be like in the winter. The natural beauty and friendly people remind me of Minnesota.

If I move, I'd look for an apartment that is close to a grocery store/mall, like the Columbia Mall area of Grand Forks. (Suggestions for either community are welcomed)

What type of activities keep people engaged within their communities during the winter? What is public transportation like when the weather is extremely cold or following a heavy snowfall? Which areas are on the flood plains?

Another thread talked about avoiding central heating. Is that gas or electric?

Thanks so much for your assistance.

[Roloff1976]

Toby, I think it depends what you are looking for as far work? college? retiring? Both towns are good towns. Grand Forks is a University town...so it is geared more in that direction as far as atmosphere. If you are looking to go to school, party, etc... Grand Forks. It also has access to Minnesota lake country and close to Winnepeg. If you are looking for a growing, friendly, family type town. Bismarck. Couple of small Universities...U-Mary and Bismarck state. Nice mix of young people, families, retirees. Along the Missouri river with great walking and biking paths...great parks and pretty good shopping. BOTH Bismarck and Grand Forks have public transit with good routes. Both have pretty cold winters, but Bismarck is a little milder, and less snow. I guess it all depends what you are looking for. I personally like Bismarck...but I'm sure others will have their own opinions.
Both towns have small metro areas...Bismarck being a little larger...I think Grand Forks metro is in the upper 90,000's and Bismarck is similar with a little over 100,000. (according to the latest estimates)...but I think after the 2010 census, you will see Bismarck's numbers higher than is estimated...just by the explosion of new neighborhoods, housing developments, commercial and retail construction, etc... Bismarck is 2nd only to Fargo for growth in numbers. Bismarck is still building like crazy as the town expands to the North, south and east.

[TobyC]

I appreciate your thoughts. I've lived in larger communities, like Denver and the Twin Cities, but I'm looking for a quieter, slower pace of life. During the winter months, the Twin Cities comes to life with everything from the Ice Palace to cross country skiing. People are always outside. I've also lived in places that define cabin fever, as people shut themselves away until the first thaw. So, I was wondering where ND stands between those extremes.

I'm in midlife and ready to enjoy more volunteer work and community activities. It seems both of these communities offer that. Diverse populations that work toward cohesive, cooperative efforts is a bonus that is of great interest.

Again, thanks for guidance.

[DaninEGF]

In terms of winters....Grand Forks is hands down colder than Bismarck on most days. Bismarck can get some into the chinook zone at times as warmer winds blow in from the west and temperatures there climb to above 32F while Grand Forks stays in the single digits and teens. Snow cover is much more prevelant and last longer on the ground than Grand Forks. I work as a meteorologist at NWS Grand Forks and we call Bismarck and points west the banana belt because they can get quite a bit warmer in summer and winter. Grand Forks has a completed levee system to protect from Red River floods so flooding from the Red River in the spring is no longer a major concern thankfully. Grand Forks is very flat and the soil is dark clay. Bismarck is much more hilly. I would agree with the other assessments...Grand Forks is a more college type town with college hockey (UND) being king but there are other Division I sports too with Sioux football....basketball. Also GF is closer to Minnesota lake country to the east and close to the forests of north central Minnesota.

Bismarck is growing much faster and would have a newer look versus Grand Forks. Exception being the 32nd Ave corridor in Grand Forks and points south where growth has occurred in the past 5-8 years. Bismarck housing and apartment prices have caught up to GF in recent years so dont think there would be a great difference. As for public transportation the GF city bus service is OK....but never having to ride it I cannot comment much. As for apartments in Grand Forks...they are building lots of them in the past few years so you can likely have your pick. Most of the newer ones can be a bit pricey though....850 to 1000/mo for 2 BR with underground parking included.

In terms of winter activities....I would give the nod to Grand Forks just because we have a much longer winter in terms of the cold and thus outside ice rinks can stay frozen over for several months. You will find outdoor hockey rinks and skating rinks at most major parks and youth hockey is very very huge here. For sledding, there is the one large hill creating by the flood control project at Lincoln Park and cross country skiing along the Greenway along the Red River is quite popular. Snowmobiling outside the city is also very big.

In terms of population...the metro figures present with GF metro having in the 90,000 range is combined Grand Forks county ND and Polk county MN. The actual Grand Forks-East Grand Forks population total runs about 60,000.

Any more ? on Grand Forks I can help out as I work in GF and live across the river in EGF.


Dan

[TobyC]

Dan, that's a wealth of information about Grand Forks. Good to know flooding isn't as much of a concern as the past. Your guidance is valuable. Thanks.

[DaninEGF]

Originally Posted by TobyC

Dan, that's a wealth of information about Grand Forks. Good to know flooding isn't as much of a concern as the past. Your guidance is valuable. Thanks.

The extensive flood wall and levee (hill) system was put in place along the Red and Red Lake rivers after the 97 flood. Took about 6 yrs or so to finish once started. The older section of the city south of downtown a bit in the Lincoln Drive neighborhood was devastated after 97 and all the homes were destroyed. The flood wall went in west of this area so that neighborhood became Lincoln Park and is an extensive park with a dog park...frisbee golf course and a large area for cross country skiing. Now in high water years this area will flood some as it is supposed too but only grass and trees are affected and not homes or people. Last winter was a record breaking one for snowfall for Bismarck and they had some flooding issues along the Missouri which was a first in my 11 years in the area. And that only affected a small area as Bismarck is hillier than Grand Forks.

I have only visited Bismarck once or twice as I am not a native of the area. But Bismarck is the center of ND government and more white collar in nature whereas GF tends to have a more industrial feel to it especially the north side.

Take some time and visit and see what you prefer. Bismarck is warmer on average than GF and snow on the ground their usually doesnt last all winter...with the odd exceptions such as last year. So if cold wx plays a factor than BIS is warmer than GF in most winters.

Dan

[mtlogger]

Travelling thru GF today - will check it out for myself.

[TobyC]

Dan, I'm grateful to hear that flooding is no longer a concern. Winter weather is ideal. It sounds like summers are milder in GF, as well. Thanks!

mtlogger, I can't wait to hear what you discover.

[Cain]

a lot of it is relative to what you consider mild as far as weather. I live in Fargo, but travel a lot to Grand Forks and Bismarck due to family. Personally, I would prefer to live in Bismarck, as even when it is hot in bismarck, its still pretty much hot in Grand Forks.

[gaduchman]

Bismarck is much more preferable than either Fargo or GFK