11 Best Places To Live In North Dakota In 2025
Between its revitalized oils and gas industry and thriving agricultural sector, North Dakota enjoys a flourishing economy that lures movers from across the country to settle in this little-spoken-of state. Despite being one of the smallest and least populated, the Peace Garden State boasts a rich blend of history, culture, and outdoor opportunities, making it a suitable destination for anyone seeking to put down roots.
Furthermore, its rich diversity of cities and towns presents an array of choices compatible with your desired lifestyle. Whether searching for a peaceful and friendly community to spend your sunset years or a growing town with immense possibilities to progress your career, the best places to live in North Dakota in 2025 deliver all that and then some.
Beulah
Beluah’s economy rides on the back of a thriving mining industry, being home to the country’s largest lignite mine. The Dakota Gasification Company employs most residents with a median household income higher than the national average. This makes it a suitable option for young families, with the promise of fun moments at the Molco Lanes Family Entertainment Center. The facility offers everything from bowling and golf simulators to pizzerias and pool tables.
Incoming residents can visit the Mercer County Historical Museum for a glimpse of the community’s dynamic past, including the early settlement days by Norwegian, Swedish, and Irish immigrants. Meanwhile, the median home price in Beulah is $208,000.
Tioga
Tioga’s location in the heart of the Bakken oil fields makes it a regional epicenter for the energy sector. This has led to numerous job opportunities that attract young professionals looking to kick off their careers and an unemployment rate way below the United States average. Home to about 2,000 residents, Tioga offers adequate outdoor recreation, inviting locals to take refreshing walks with their canine companions at the Tioga Dog Park.
The Norseman Museum tells a compelling story of the town’s past, dating back to the settler days, using a collection of photographs, artifacts, manuscripts, and relics. Meanwhile, the community can access reliable medical services courtesy of the Tioga Medical Center. A love home in the city will cost you around $37,500.
Stanley
Stanley is a peaceful town in Mountrail County known for its enduring history, small-town feel, and close-knit ties. The municipality was established in the early 1900s and preserves its heritage at the Flickertail Village Museum. This remarkable complex comprises dozens of historical structures replicating a pioneer village, including a depot, school, and jail. Citizens live in harmony because they constantly interact and bond at social venues like the Regis Theatre while watching a movie.
Furthermore, the Ina Mae Rude Aquatic Center brings together the young and old for exciting fun in the water in a state-of-the-art aqua therapy facility. Stanley is conveniently affordable, and newbies will appreciate a median home value of $235,000.
Bowman
This pleasant village of Bowman County boasts a winning mix of rich, rural atmosphere and affordable cost of living, putting it among the best places to live in North Dakota in 2025. Given a median home value of $152,500, the townspeople do not struggle to buy a house. The Pioneer Trails Regional Museum presents a unique perspective of the area’s archeological and paleontological history using a selection of quirky exhibits, ranging from early settler relics to dinosaur fossils.
Downtown Bowman is a lively neighborhood with an eclectic mix of restaurants, pubs, and shops. Residents gather at Grazers Burgers and Beers to enjoy delicious food and drinks. However, those who prefer open spaces feel at home picnicking or relaxing at Bowman’s City Park.
Cavalier
This picturesque village of Pembina County charms potential residents with unmatched natural landscapes, which open doors to incredible adventures in the great outdoors. Cavalier is notably home to Icelandic State Park. Sprawled at least 900 acres, this offers fishing, camping, hiking, and nature photography opportunities. It also hosts a Pioneer Heritage Center with two restored buildings providing an idea of early settler life in Cavalier. Meanwhile, Cavalier City Park is the perfect escape for families, thanks to its quiet atmosphere and picnic areas.
Almost a dozen buildings on the Pembina County Historical Museum grounds preserve the rich heritage of Cavalier and its surrounding neighbors. Finally, buying a decent home in this small town requires a budget of approximately $182,500.
Grafton
Grafton is a charismatic community in Walsh County with welcoming residents and a pedestrian-friendly downtown area. Almost four miles of well-marked walking and biking paths wind through the urban core, allowing townsfolk to stay active through exercise. One of the best outdoor spaces for the Grafton community is Leistikow Memorial Park. This idyllic sanctuary boasts an array of amenities that call for recreation, like picnicking, camping, kayaking, walking, and even golfing.
The Strand Twin Theatre has been a staple since 1946 and treats residents to riveting movie screenings in a vintage venue with an intimate atmosphere. Also, the local farmers market, which runs between July and September, provides the perfect opportunity to acclimatize to your new home from up-close interactions and networking. Finally, the average home price is $212,500.
Hazen
Home to the largest lake in North Dakota, Hazen calls on those who appreciate laid-back lakefront living to make it their new home. This guarantees ready access to fun aquatic adventures at Lake Sakakawea, ranging from paddling and fishing to swimming. The downtown region harbors a well-rounded business district with diverse local ventures, which complements a bustling energy sector to provide adequate career opportunities for the townspeople. Jimmy’s Lounge is among the famous social spots in the area, flocked by local patrons for its delicious pizzas and refreshing craft cocktails.
Hazen also presents exciting encounters in the open spaces, welcoming golfers of all skill levels for a worthy challenge on the nine holes of Hazen Golf Course. Meanwhile, a decent dwelling in Hazen costs about $242,500.
Jamestown
This vibrant college town in Stutsman County, situated one and a half hours east of Bismarck, is known for housing the World’s Largest Buffalo Monument, a monstrous roadside sculpture of an American bison that ushers new residents into the city. Jamestown was established in 1883 and features a rich heritage that is chronologically preserved at the Stutsman County Memorial Museum. A lively local arts community welcomes residents to support local creatives by browsing artworks and watching stage performances at the Arts Center.
Residents often rally behind the home team whenever there is a college basketball game at the 61,000-sq ft Harold Newman Arena, fostering a strong sense of belonging. Jamestown’s high-rated public school system consists of the celebrated University of Jamestown, and its median home price is around $215,000.
Kenmare
Kenmare is a well-planned town in Ward County that is built around a park. It boasts a quaint atmosphere with beautiful natural spaces, with the Danish Windmill Park sitting at the epicenter of the community. This recreational space is popular among picnickers and lazy strollers and features a 1902 Danish windmill built by Christian Jensen. Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge provides a 10,000-acre playground where adventurers get lost in the great outdoors, with activities ranging from birdwatching and hiking to camping and hunting.
On the other hand, indoor enthusiasts prefer to watch a family-friendly flick at Kenmare Theatre, which screens the latest of Hollywood. Those seeking medical assistance can find it at the Trinity Kenmare Community Hospital, while house hunters can expect to pay around $150,000 for the average home.
Harvey
Harvey is a tiny community in Wells County that credits its origins to the passing of the Soo Line Railway. It has a captivating backstory dating back to its 1893 founding, and the Harvey Public Library stores a lot of resourceful information about the town’s history and other essential aspects. The Peaceful Valley Golf Course provides an escape to the open spaces, with a chance to spend quality time challenging yourself on a 9-hole course in a serene natural setting.
The downtown area has a fair share of entertainment venues to keep the local community engaged. This includes the Harvey Central Cinema, where you can watch the latest movies and enjoy gourmet popcorn with friends. Harvey’s median home value is $129,500, below the North Dakota average.
Rugby
Taking up residence in Rugby offers an opportunity to be part of a friendly community that takes pride in its quaint rural atmosphere and unique location in North America’s geographical center. This is underscored by a pyramid-like stone monument in the heart of the city, which presents a popular photo opportunity and a place to chill and look around. The Prairie Village Museum transports guests to the formative years in the region in a historic building exhibiting an extensive collection of Native American antiques and other historical artifacts.
Golf lovers of all skill levels gather at the Rugby Country Club to showcase their swing and challenge their technique on a beautiful 9-hole course. Finally, buying a property in Rugby costs an average of $152,500.
The towns mentioned above are some of the best places to live in North Dakota in 2025, thanks to their impressive balance of small-town community life, safety, affordability, and access to crucial social and health facilities. Together, they showcase an authentic character of the Peace Garden State that can’t be replicated in big cities like Fargo. If you plan to live alone or with family in North Dakota, any will make an excellent destination.
