7 Budget-Friendly Towns in North Dakota for Retirees

The state of North Dakota is located along the northern border of the United States, with its top half running alongside the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. On its other three sides, it is neighbors with Montana, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Known for its affordable cost of living, lower taxes, and a more laid-back attitude toward daily life. Don't stress about chaotic freeways, high crime, and mass tourism, and instead focus on a sense of community and exploration as you take in the state's beautiful landscapes. Enjoy plenty of health care options, including ones dedicated to more rural communities, senior programs such as social clubs and senior centers, and tax breaks on social security benefits.

Jamestown

Experience the small town of Jamestown, located on Interstate 94, about halfway between Bismarck and Fargo. There's plenty to do here, including golfing at courses like Hillcrest Municipal Golf Course and Jamestown Country Club, catching a race at the Jamestown Speedway, and fishing at the Jamestown Reservoir, where you can catch walleye, northern pike, and perch. Walk the campus paths at the university, or enjoy birdwatching and flowers at the McElroy Sensory Garden. There are also plenty of adorable parks, including McElroy and Klaus Park, which are both on the James River.

Take the grandkids down to Frontier Village, or snap a picture with the World's Largest Buffalo statue. There is also the National Buffalo Museum, or the Arts Center, where you can watch live performances and attend workshops. Walk around downtown and stop in at the boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, with many of them being locally owned. Look forward to festivals such as Buffalo Days and the Kite Festival, and find something to do during every season including hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

The Jamestown Regional Medical Center serves as the main healthcare hub. The town also offers home care services, as well as senior living facilities with excellent initiatives. Shop at major grocery hubs like Walmart, and grab everything else you could need at stores like TJ Maxx, Dollar Tree, Hugo's Family Marketplace, and Dollar General.

Homes in Jamestown average around $248,500.

Wahpeton

Located along the border near Minnesota, Wahpeton sits on the Red River, which opens up recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and hiking along the banks. Other outdoor activities to look forward to include the Kidder Recreation Area, which hosts disc golf courses, walking trails, and lots of spots to set up a picnic. You can also golf at the Bois de Sioux Golf Course or explore Chahinkapa Park, where the zoo is located.

Connected by a bridge to the town of Breckenridge in Minnesota, there is a whole host of amenities that come along with the privilege of having two towns at your fingertips instead of one. This includes the St. Francis Medical Center, as well as walk-in and family clinics, dental offices, vets, and all other health aspects. Enjoy shopping at big names like Walmart, Econofoods, Dollar General, and more. There are also plenty of everyone's favorite restaurants, such as Subway, Dairy Queen, and McDonalds. The two towns also house dozens of local options as well, whether you're looking to shop locally grown, organic produce, purchase some handmade goods, or dine at a family restaurant.

Find a sense of community with events such as Blue Goose Days, Borderline Chalk Fest, Headwaters Music Festival, and Winter Wonderland. Stay active with an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor rec center offering racquetball, a walking track, an indoor pool and gym, and outdoor activities such as tennis, horseshoes, and softball.

Homes in Wahpeton average around $299,200.

Valley City

Located between Jamestown and Fargo, Valley City falls along the Sheyenne River, which provides residents with plenty of recreational activities, including a dedicated water trail, fishing, hiking, and swimming. There is also nearby Lake Ashtabula, where you can kayak, boat, and paddleboard. Enjoy town parks like Valley City Park, Medicine Wheel Park, and Chautauqua Park. Explore the various bridges throughout, or golf at Bjornson Park Municipal Golf Course. Enjoy hot summer days with the outdoor pool, and spend winter days snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Healthcare options include a 24/7 hospital, mental health services, family clinics, dental clinics, chiropractors, and home healthcare-based services. Grab the essentials at Leevers Foods, Dollar General, and Family Dollar. There is also every other amenity you could desire, such as cafes, auto parts stores, mechanics, hardware stores, pharmacies, boutiques, and convenience stores.

Find a club or embrace a new hobby with hubs like the library, VCSU Center for the Arts, cinema, historical society, planetarium, and auditorium. Support local with major stops like Brockopp Brewing and Wild Prairie Bakery.

Homes in Valley City average around $257,300.

Dickinson

If you love getting outdoors and exploring nearby parks, as well as staying active through community sports, you'll love Dickinson. Take advantage of the boat ramp at Patterson Lake Recreation Area, where you can spend a day out on the water kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and fishing. Turtle Park has a fishing pier where you can get comfy, as well as a volleyball court. Play a round at the Heart River Golf Course, or head to Eagles Park, which offers tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts. The town also has a dedicated dog park where you can hang out with your furry friend and not have to worry.

Other amenities in town include the public library, which offers shelves upon shelves of amazing reads as well as club opportunities. The 24/7 hospital covers all emergencies, and the town is host to many other medical facilities, including walk-in clinics, dental offices, and physical therapy centers. Enjoy shopping at big retailers like Menards, Walmart, Dollar General, and Family Fare Supermarket, or shop local with stores such as greenhouses, thrift stores, convenience shops, and health food stores. Big-name restaurants include Applebees, Buffalo Wild Wings, Little Caesars, and Burger King, and local options include popular stops like Pops Soda Shack, Dakota Diner, Phat Fish Brewing, and Fluffy Fields Vineyard and Winery located just outside town.

Homes in Dickinson average around $325,000.

Williston

No matter the weather, there's always something to do in Williston. On colder days, enjoy the amenities at the rec center, including an indoor pool that offers aquatic fitness options, a large gym, batting cages, lacrosse, volleyball, pickleball, softball, and tennis. The Raymond Center is home to the town's arena, which offers public skating. There are two golf courses to choose from; the Municipal Golf Course, and the more luxurious Eagle Ridge Golf Club, located at Spring Lake Park. Spring Lake Park also has a disc golf course. Explore an abundant system of multi-use trails, perfect for walking, cycling, and jogging. More laid-back indoor options are the senior center, with coffee and sewing clubs, a bowling alley, a movie theater, and a public library.

Grab the essentials at stores like Ace Hardware, Cash Wise, and Walmart, and stop locally at the bookstores, antiques, and outdoor enthusiast stores. Craving lifelong favorites? There are major restaurants like Dairy Queen, Dominos, KFC, and Starbucks, as well as plenty of family-owned options such as Mexican, steakhouses, sushi, and bistros. For nights out with friends, check out popular stops, including Busted Knuckles Brewing and Petes Brewhaha.

Medical needs are also covered here in Williston, with an always-open hospital, an urgent care center, and more specific clinics catering to needs such as women's health.

Homes in Williston average around $387,300.

Mandan

Want convenience but still a small-town feel? Enjoy this beautiful little community located right across the Missouri River from the major city of Bismarck.

The town of Mandan makes sure you're never bored, with opportunities for fun and recreation in every season. In the winter, head to Huff Hills Ski Area and spend the day on the slopes. You can also enjoy the warmth at the indoor aquatic center in town. During warmer months, the Dacotah Speedway puts on amazing races and shows, and the town's two golf courses are perfect for a sunny afternoon. When it's raining, bowl at Midway Lanes or find your new favorite book at the library. Here, you can also join book clubs, take advantage of their passport program, attend the concert series, shop for used book sales, or attend fun events like dancing classes and outdoor film screenings.

Catch up with friends and try something new at popular businesses like Buffalo Commons Brewing Company, where you can try some unique craft beers. there is also Dialectic Brewing and Ciderhouse. If you prefer not to drink or want to head out earlier, Balancing Goat Coffee Co. has you covered. There is also a seniors center offering activities like bingo and card games. Keep up with self-care with the locally owned salons, barber shops, nail salons, and dog grooming shops in town. Browse the boutiques, home improvement stores, and restaurant options. Or head into Bismarck for all the big purchases.

Homes in Mandan average around $399,900, compared to Bismarck's average of $459,500.

Watford City

Slightly more pricey than the other small towns in North Dakota, Watford City still remains affordable and makes up for it with an extensive list of amenities.

Golf at Fox Hills Golf Course, featuring 18 holes. Enjoy sports club options like curling, cornhole, softball, tennis, pickleball, wiffleball, and water aerobics. There are also plenty of parks, such as Tourist Park with beautiful picnic areas and Kent Pelton Nature Park with its own fishing pond. Centennial Park has a sand volleyball court, and Linear Park has outdoor fitness equipment so you can stay active while enjoying a summer's day. Wild West Water Park offers lap swimming, water slides for visiting grandkids, and a hot tub.

In town, shop in Cash Wise Grocery and Jack & Jill, or stick to more local storefronts such as the Watford Market. There is also a Dollar General, Family Dollar, Caribou Coffee, Godfather's Pizza, Subway, and Hardees, to name a few more options. If you're hoping to check out family-owned businesses, dine out at a steakhouse, or check out JL Beers, where you can sample craft beer options and meet with locals. Another fun place is Stonehome Brewing Company, which has TVs that play sports, and bar games like shuffleboard.

As for health, feel secure in the hands of the McKenzie County Healthcare System, as well as more options in town like chiropractors, dental clinics, and family doctors.

Homes in Watford City average around $450,000.

Discover Your Perfect Retirement Haven in North Dakota

North Dakota has it all. From quiet streets and close-knit communities to major hubs like Bismarck, you can check off all the boxes when it comes to finding a quaint place to retire. And with its proximity to other states, as well as Canada, you open up a whole list of opportunities for travel, shopping, and access to other amenities. So whether you're looking to be close to a city without the traffic and chaos or find somewhere more secluded amongst the hills and farm fields, you'll find the town you're looking for in North Dakota.