The North Dakota grasslands are an idyllic place to spend your retirement years. Crisscrossing the state are abundant wildlife refuges and endless acres of farming and ranching lands. Another stunning attraction is the International Peace Garden, adjacent to the Canadian border. From corner to corner, North Dakota is a peaceful, relaxing state to call home.
NewHomeSource has collected the top nine cities for retirees in North Dakota. Find the perfect city for the ideal lifestyle in your retirement and get ready to buy your dream retirement home.
1. Jamestown
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.4%
Median Home Value: $144,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 37
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 315
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Jamestown is best known for its buffalo, but there is more to that in this North Dakota city. Nature enthusiasts will love the boat launches, picnic shelters, beaches, walking and biking trails. And if you are feeling adventurous, you may want to spend a day on the world-class disc golf course. Jamestown is proud to present the World’s Largest Buffalo and the National Buffalo Museum.
2. Minot
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.0%
Median Home Value: $208,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 130
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 984
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Retirees in Minot never lack something to do. The Magic City keeps its residents busy with a wide variety of attractions and activities for everyone. Check out the local history at the Dakota Territory Air Museum or get your car fix at one of the two racing tracks: Magic City International Dragway or Nodak Speedway. If you want to practice your swing, you can spend a day on the golf course. Sample some local cuisine at Charlie’s Main Street Cafe, one of Minot’s oldest restaurants.
3. Grand Forks
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.0%
Median Home Value: $210,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 171
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,528
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 4
This college town is helping retirees stay young. The live local music and historic downtown in Grand Forks keep the atmosphere buzzing year-round. In the summer, you can enjoy activities like biking, camping, and birding. When Mother Nature drapes the mountains in snow, you can ski and sled. If that isn’t enough, you can also attend the University of North Dakota hockey games during the season.
4. Fargo
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.9%
Median Home Value: $212,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 576
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 4,058
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 4
Thoughts of the Old West may come to mind when you think of Fargo, North Dakota, but have no fear; those days are stored away in this vibrant city’s history. Downtown offers a unique range of eating establishments and entertainment venues like the Fargo Theater. You can also support the local sporting events like the RedHawks baseball team, the Fargo Force Hockey team, and the NDSU Bison football team.
5. Mandan
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.7%
Median Home Value: $215,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 85
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 660
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Mandan prides itself on its close community and hometown atmosphere. The residents keep themselves active on 30+ miles of walking and biking trails that wind through neighborhood parks and the family wellness center. Additionally, you will find many sports complexes, tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool, and two public golf courses. Marion hosts special seasonal events that bring the community together, such as Buggies-n-Blues old car show, Rodeo Days, and Oktoberfest.
6. Dickinson
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.3%
Median Home Value: $238,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 52
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 446
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Dickinson is a fun and friendly community that’s proud of its rich history. You can take a walk back in time and explore the “pre-history” of this unique city at the Dickinson Museum Center. If you want to stay active, Dickinson’s West River Community Center offers a gym, an indoor track, a fitness center, and tennis courts. You can also enjoy a round of golf at the Heart River Golf Course or spend the day at the Patterson Lake Recreation Area, which is ideal for hiking, biking, boating, fishing, camping, and picnicking.
7. Williston
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 7.9%
Median Home Value: $238,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 133
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 795
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Williston is a great place for active retirees to call home. The Williston Area Recreation Center offers indoor tennis courts, basketball courts, and an indoor golf simulator. If exercising with a group is your cup of tea, you will be happy to know classes are available. And when the weather cooperates, you can play a round or two of golf. You can choose between an 18-hole course, Eagle Ridge Golf Club, and a 9-hole course, Williston Municipal Golf Course. It is a short drive from Lake Sakakawea where you camp, fish, and boat year-round.
8. West Fargo
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 8.7%
Median Home Value: $241,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 55
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 584
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 4
Like its eastern counterpart, West Fargo is big on its community feel. The exciting nightlife and downtown atmosphere make living in West Fargo the best option for retirees looking to keep their social schedules full.
9. Bismarck
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.0%
Median Home Value: $245,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 229
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,080
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Bismarck is the place to be for North Dakota culture, art, history, and shopping. The capital city is brimming with rich history and picturesque landscapes. Retirees can spend their days on the river or biking on the trails. At night, they can enjoy the unique shopping and dining experience in Bismarck’s bustling downtown.
Common Questions About Retiring in North Dakota
Yes. Once you took up residence in North Dakota, all your income from that point on, regardless of its source, became subject to North Dakota income tax.
Social Security benefits are not taxed for joint filers with a federal adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less and other taxpayers with a federal AGI of $50,000 or less.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare, and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Jessi Gonzalez writes on the topics of home-buying, home decor, and home-ownership for New Home Source. She has a degree from Coastal Bend College and is currently enrolled in the English degree program at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
The 10 Best Places to Retire in Maine