8 Best Small Towns To Retire In North Dakota In 2024
North Dakota is a midwestern US state full of community-oriented small towns. Many of these towns have lots of opportunities for retirees or those looking to settle down in the state for both short and long-term retirement. With plenty of natural and historical landmarks to also consider for a retreat, it is easy for travelers to find vibrance while choosing the Great Plains region as a retirement option in 2024!
Mandan
A rugged small town with 24,654 residents, Mandan is perfect for retirees since it caters to a lot of cultural heritage and history. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park has a large 19th-century foundation that portrays the 1900s way of life for Native Americans living in earth lodges. The Missouri and Heart Rivers are also close by, making it easy for hikers, horseback enthusiasts, and the elderly to enjoy relaxing hills and shorelines. Fort Lincoln Trolley has a lot of historical significance as an open-air ride that is friendly to settlers looking to find an escape from indoor workspaces.
At Midway Lanes Club & Trophy, it is not hard to spot retirees and friendly locals enjoying bowling alleys and enormous slices of pizza. One can also find plenty of natural vibrance and socialize at the DogTown Dog Park, a famous resting spot for retirees and residents who like friendly chatter while their dogs get to know each other.
For lodging options in 2024, travelers can pick the Baymont for a family-friendly temporary stay, or the North Country Inn and Kays Bed & Breakfast in the southeast since those are quite safe (below the national average!) and less expensive than other suburbs, especially the northeast region. This town also provides retiree satisfaction for anyone needing senior care and local amenities like Vibra Hospital of the Central Dakotas, or the Hay Creek Lodge for affordable housing without added taxes for retirement planning.
Jamestown
A vibrant town with 15,632 inhabitants, Jamestown is great for retirees needing to escape from their usual working routine. The "World's Largest Buffalo" sculpture is one of the best welcoming spots for settlers and familiar locals to enjoy American Bison art that stands high above the James River Valley. The nearby National Buffalo Museum is open-arms for newcomers who want to explore a Native American lifestyle while settling down or retiring with some history lessons. Fort Seward grants a worthy 18th-century railroad tour of the frontier days, which is pretty well known among the locals and settlers who live close to town.
For retirees who love Catholic architecture, the St. James Basilica has lots of selling points with its parish history and annual church events which are heartwarming for new settlers. Those looking to retire by playing sports can check out Jack Brown Stadium for high-quality sports events and photo sessions with famous baseball players on the field.
Those looking to retire in Jamestown this year may want to check in at Gladstone Inn for luxurious suite living (both short and long-term), or the Frontier Village for easygoing retirement planning and rural vibes near the University of Jamestown campus. The town also provides amenities like Eventide Jamestown, a special hospice care facility for retirees with strong nursing ratings, as well as low-cost and safety-friendly senior living spaces in Central Jamestown at The Jameshouse, which is conveniently made for retirees to be able to trek to Jamestown Regional Medical Center as well.
Rugby
A friendly suburban town of 2,487 residents, Rugby is special for retirees and locals who already know how welcoming it is. Anyone who chooses to reside here may enjoy the Geographical Center of North America, a stone monument that is generally seen as the centerpiece for happy tourists in town. The Prairie Village & Museum has a lot of pioneer history and vintage cars up close with friendly museum vibes that would suit anyone trying to fit in. A sense of community can also be found at Coffee Cottage Cafe, where outgoing locals mesh well with retirees who want to share their stories and experiences while sipping on many delicious flavors of coffee.
This 'N' That Antiques is a lovely locale that has a variety of classic souvenirs and is known for pleasing newcomers and settlers. Retirees who want to relax in the hot spa may enjoy Flawless Medical Spa, one of the best luxury stops in town, with wellness and hospitality in mind.
Anyone retiring in Rugby for 2024 may want to settle in at Cobblestone Inn & Suites for convenience and fancy living or the Northern Lights Inn for friendly customer service and long-term retirement stay. This town has a lower-than-average property crime rate, making it easier to decide on this option thanks to added features like the Haaland Estates, a facility that combines medical service with affordable apartment living right in the heart of town! For low-cost housing, almost every area around Dewey Street is inexpensive.
Valley City
A laidback retirement destination with 6,560 residents, Valley City is worth seeing for its parks and natural scenery. At Medicine Wheel Park, settlers of all professions can enjoy 30 acres of splendid rock structures and Valley City State University vibrance. The 63-mile Cheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway is another charming stop that fulfills outdoor travel needs with its quaint farmlands, rolling hills, and open fishing zones that are perfect for retirees and locals who want to road trip around town.
Sabir's Dining & Lounge may appeal to younger retirees with its delightful assortment of cooked prawns, rib sandwiches, and mushroom soups. The Mel Rieman Campground and Recreation Area has 70 acres of shoreline activities and eastern sunset views of Baldhill Dam, making it easy for settlers to find solace here for a lifetime!
For lodging in 2024, Valley City offers the Three Oaks Guest Inn for short-term enjoyment, surrounded by friendly staff, or the GrandStay Hotel for award-winning kitchen suites. The Bennett and Jefferson neighborhood areas are the most peaceful and satisfying for retirees to consider with a decreased property crime rate and below national average crime ratio. It is also easy to find amenities like Bjornson Park and the Gaukler Family Wellness Center, a top-notch fitness facility with medical support included for anyone who needs affordable care. The best neighborhoods for permanent stay are around Main Street (low crime rates and hospital proximity).
Dickinson
A peaceful town of 33,423 inhabitants, Dickinson is a must-see for retirees seeking to move to somewhere new across the Great Plains. The Dickinson Museum Center & Badlands Dinosaur Museum is a highlight in town that has 12 acres of dinosaur skeleton displays, fossil collections, and colorful minerals. At the Theodore Roosevelt Center, visitors can take a closer look at historical documents from Theodore Roosevelt's legacy and other members of the American presidency.
The retirement-friendly West River Community Center may be just the right place for any settler or newcomer who wants to enjoy leisure swimming and indoor basketball. Nature lovers can check out Patterson Lake Recreation Area for cute picnics and sand volleyball fun. Casual retirees may enjoy Southside Saloon for seaside cocktails and a taste of nightlife. Brewhouse fans may prefer Phat Fish Brewing, a fireplace locale with taproom barrels full of the tastiest beer in town!
Anyone looking to make Dickinson their new home in 2024 may want to consider Candlewood Suites or Red Roof Inn for balanced amenities with higher-than-average safety, or the Roosevelt Grand Dakota Hotel for upscale dining options mixed with a spacious hot tub resort not findable elsewhere in the state. Across Dickinson North and Dickinson West districts, crime rates are among the lowest and provide easy access to the CHI St. Alexius Health facility, an excellent retiree-friendly hospital.
Wahpeton
As a southeastern town with 8,036 residents, Wahpeton is quite retirement-friendly for travelers. It has the Chahinkapa Zoo, a popular 29-acre locale that has over 200 animal species, including gibbon apes, white rhinoceros, and Bengal tigers. The "World's Largest Catfish" is a pleasant selfie motivator for those who like amusing fiberglass sculptures along the Red River of the North. For many retirees, Bois de Sioux Golf Course has a vast green field with plenty of ways to golf and relax among grassy plains.
Further relaxation can be had at Scandinavian Heritage Massage, a frequented Nordic locale for retirees who love to have friendly conversations with the managers while they are comforted by soothing massages. Those who love cozy bar games with a neighborhood view of the town may enjoy Driftwood Lounge, where retirees of all ages feel encouraged to chat with the locals. Oxcart Trail Park, on the other hand, is more pleasing for nature fans who adore playground visits and dog-friendly adventures near adorable farm sheds!
For anyone seeking to retire here this year, Lady on the Lake offers fireplace warmth and top-notch European cuisine, while the Vintage Cottage provides a clean and friendly atmosphere with charming architecture. Amenities like St. Catherine's Living Center have perfect retiree ecosystems and some of the best quality service around town, while the Leach Home has pet-friendly estates designed for children and the elderly both ways in a modern household environment. Northern Wahpeton has a lower-than-average crime rating, making it one of the neighborhood's most prosperous for retirement and low-cost housing across Breckenridge and general Richland County.
Williston
A small town with 26,393 residents, Williston is not a bad idea for retirement planners who like breweries and interesting landmarks. The Busted Knuckle Brewery is one reason to stay here for a long time, with its comforting family-owned delights and beer-tasting events. At the James Memorial Art Center, tourists can see 19th-century exhibits of human anatomy and visual artistry, and it also has special holiday and photography workshops planned for 2024 to help retirees settle in even more easily!
The Willison Games and More locale has wholesome family owners who love to meet retirees and gaming enthusiasts alike, while Larry Lynne Antiques has nostalgic trinkets and relics that make one feel like they are living in the past. Fort Union Trading Post is a historic site full of Northern Plains Tribes foundations and buffalo herding that would make anyone want to retire here to see it all in person.
If Williston is anyone's choice in 2024 for retirement, the Yearling Cabins are quite notable for their cozy and rural lifestyle amenities. For a finer taste of living with a unique Mexican ambiance, El Rancho Hotel has a lot of nice benefits for retirees seeking solace and comfort. In terms of living safety, anywhere west, south, or east of the town is expected to have safe and comfortable retirement living, with facilities like Trinity Health providing easy access and affordable care for the elderly. Younger families may enjoy the Arbor House neighborhood, which has not only fine dining but also Tioga Medical Center accessibility right next door for retirees who feel less healthy.
West Fargo
One of the fastest-growing towns in the state with 41,065 residents, West Fargo is a top contender for retirees who like dense suburbs and safe residential living. Those wishing to retire here may enjoy Bonanzaville, US, for a mix of museum history and village town foundations from years past. The Fargo Escape Room may appeal to retirees and locals who love some interactive thrills while searching for clues and solving mysteries, a great distraction for anyone wanting to have fun away from work duties. At Rendezvous Park, one can experience gorgeous lakeside creeks and dozens of walking and biking paths for settlers needing fresh air.
Retirees can visit Young Field for some athletic exposure and baseball stadium excitement, while those with a penchant for yearly amusement fairs and Red River exposure may like the Valley Fairgrounds for pumpkin patches, campfire conversations, and hand-picked dining options.
If retirees decide on West Fargo for their travel plans this year, then they can choose Element Fargo for extended-stay resort luxury with poolside window views or the DoubleTree Hilton for easy convenience to reach grocery stores and hospitals nearby like the Family Fare Supermarket and Sanford Medical Center, respectively. Crime rates in West Fargo are less hefty than in the last five years, making it more affordable and safe without property crime risks. It is also convenient to live in the town as it provides easy access to the Retirement Planning Center, a family-friendly benefits agency for independent living and assisted itineraries. Northeastern sides of West Fargo are considered the best for neighborhood retirement (safety and affordability combined).
These small towns in North Dakota are essential for travelers looking to retire in the state. With countless ways to experience indoor and outdoor enjoyment surrounded by hospitable people and vibrant locales and landmarks, there is no doubt that this list will help newfound settlers adjust to living in the Midwest. These safe and tranquil towns are just the right options for retirees who want to find their perfect escape within the Peace Garden State this year!
