Lookin to move and have questions (Fargo, Bismarck: crime, home, job market)

[lookin2move2ND]

We are two soon to be newlyweds looking to move to North Dakota. We have done alot of searching on our own but really wanna know from the locals, what are some of the most fun things to do in Bismarck and Grand Forks? Where are the cool places to go? Whereabouts are the best parts of these cities to raise children? Which is better for jobs and schooling? Finally, what are some random facts you can tell us about the cities good or bad? Thank you very much.

[fourwinds]

Originally Posted by lookin2move2ND

We are two soon to be newlyweds looking to move to North Dakota. We have done alot of searching on our own but really wanna know from the locals, what are some of the most fun things to do in Bismarck and Grand Forks? Where are the cool places to go? Whereabouts are the best parts of these cities to raise children? Which is better for jobs and schooling? Finally, what are some random facts you can tell us about the cities good or bad? Thank you very much.

Both are good places for schools and raising children. There isn't any part of Bismarck or Grand Forks that has "bad" schools.

For adult education, Grand Forks is better because of the presence of UND as well as vocational training available at Northland College in East Grand Forks. Bismarck offers Mary U (private and pricier) and Bismarck State (2-yr college) which may offer what your interests are.

Bismarck has more hunting and fishing immediately available, as well as more western-type recreation (hiking, mountain biking). Grand Forks has a very nice trail system along the Red River for walking and biking and for skiing/snowmobiling in the winter. Minnesota lake country is about 90 minutes.

Both cities have a ton of job openings right now, although most are relatively low wage. It may be harder to find housing in Bismarck right now. due to recent flooding.

[Kamsack]

Fourwinds summarized nicely...

I live in the Grand Forks area... and Grand Forks is home to UND which has a growing student body and during the school year does make its presence known with a younger mix of population in town. Bismarck has less of a college flavor... Fargo, of course, being much bigger has even more of a young vibe.

There are no bad parts of town, per se, and public schools in both cities are just fine. In Grand Forks, the north end is the older, more industrial end, while the south end....especially along and south of 32nd Ave S is the more commercial and newer housing end of town. Crime is low in both places.

Bismarck has seen more growth in the last decade than Grand Forks, so might be a bit better in the job market. But there are jobs to had in both cities. Grand Forks is far removed from the oil areas out west....whereas Bismarck a bit closer.

Grand Forks and the red river valley is very flat and has a generally colder and snowier climate than Bismarck. Bismarck has more hills and a bit drier and closer to the badlands of southwest ND, and overall Bismarck feels more like a Plains town whereas Grand Forks faces east and is closely tied to Minnesota and lake country. Agriculture is big in both areas...with the Red River valley famous for sugar beets, potatoes, and the more typical wheat and some corn.

One thing to note....cost of living is not likely as cheap as you may think. The cities cost of living can be quite comparable to other parts of the nation.

Dan