8 Top-Ranked Towns in North Dakota for Retirees

It is not often that one hears about the Peace Garden State, as North Dakota is known, on the news. Because of this, North Dakota may remain one of the nation’s best-kept secrets. However, retiring here comes with numerous upsides. And no. Winters here, except for a couple of weeks in January or February, are not brutal — just unpredictable.

Plus, North Dakota is affordable. Perhaps more affordable than your typical rural state. With flat wheat fields that go on forever or fields of yellow sunflowers, North Dakota's beauty is unique as it is astounding. Residents are friendly. And then there is the criminally underrated Theodore Roosevelt National Park. If you are about to retire and seeking to explore North Dakota, discover below eight top-ranked towns in North Dakota for retirees.

Bottineau

Bottineau has numerous features that would draw a retiree or a potential retiree. However, Pride Dairy Ice Cream is enough reason to retire here, especially if one is an addicted ice cream connoisseur. Plus, one will be close to what could be the most beautiful lake in North Dakota. Lake Metigoshe State Park is unmatched for its spellbinding beauty and serenity. Also, Bottineau Winter Park is an excellent venue for learning snowboarding or skiing.

This town boasts a median age of 33. Expect, therefore, to interact with young people, an encounter known to give retirees a sense of purpose. Bottineau is also relatively affordable. Considering what it offers, a median listing price of $249,500 looks like a steal. And while the SMP Health - St. Andrews in town may suffice, the highly-regarded Heart Of America Medical Center in Rugby is just a couple of minutes away.

Minot

While Theodore Roosevelt's birthplace is New York City, it is North Dakota, more than any other state, that influenced the course of his life and put him on the trajectory to lead the United States. North Dakotans called him "our president." Minot celebrates the legacy of the 26th president through sites such as Roosevelt Park, where the Roosevelt Park Zoo, North Dakota's oldest zoo, is located.

Besides, a retiree will enjoy afternoon strolls on the Riverwalk amid sumptuous waterfront views and a copious dose of heart-gripping local history. Homes in Minet are listed for a median price of $270,000 — but sold for a median price of just $211,000. Trinity Hospital, which has been serving residents in the area since the 1920s, meets the medical needs of retirees. With a median age of 32, this town ensures retirees retain their young, child-like sparkle.

Hazen

Let's face it. It is not pleasant for a retiree to be constantly glancing over her shoulders — worried stiff about the intention of the person across the road and wondering if she is about to be mugged. Fortunately, according to Safewise, Hazen is the second-safest city in North Dakota. Plus, a retiree here will find nearly all the shopping items he needs at the famous Krause's, including groceries. On the medical front, the Sakakawea Medical Center is in town and will come in handy in case of a medical emergency.

With a median age of 42, one can be hearing the tunes of Taylor Swift one hour — and the next — enjoying the emotive delivery of Elton John in his characteristic thin, ethereal tone. Finally, buying a home here should not involve breaking the bank. Homes in Hazen are listed for a median price of only $212,500 — as of January 2024.

Valley City

Valley City is often mentioned as one of the best places to retire in North Dakota. This town offers a lot, including Valley City State University. The presence of the university makes the town vibrant, diverse, and reasonably rich in amenities, including restaurants and entertainment venues. Also, a retiree can always enroll in a program — to keep her brain active and engaged. Boasting an intimate, small-town feel and set close to many sparkling lakes, most retirees will enjoy spending their sunset years here.

With a median age of 40, Valley City is mellowed and subdued without being dull or boring. In January 2024, homes in Valley City were listed for a median price of $295,000. Do not worry about healthcare access, Chi Mercy Health is in town and will meet a retiree's medical needs. Still, Lisbon, Jamestown, and Cooperstown — all of which are less than an hour away — present more options.

Jamestown

A retiree will feel safe and valued in this bustling, small North Dakota town mostly known for the World's Largest Buffalo Monument. The signature landmark is at the end of Louis L'Amour Lane and is 26-foot-tall. Sunny faces — if not sunny weather — will make a retiree feel welcomed and accepted. Homes here are not eye-wateringly expensive. You can set aside about $247,000, the January 2024 median price.

Jamestown’s median age stands at about 38 years; you will be interacting with a young but mature crowd — and feeling young again. Concerning access to healthcare, numerous options abound; some right in town, some a short drive away. Jamestown Regional Medical Center, for instance, is right in town and often gets positive reviews.

Beulah

Boasting a population of about 3,000 residents, Bealah is a small town that strives to know and accept new residents. Expect a sparse suburban feel here in environs where a significant majority are homeowners. Safewise ranked Beaullah as one of the safest cities in North Dakota for 2023; therefore, expect to feel safe and secure.

Bronson's Marketplace & Liquor is a nice grocery store, especially for a town of Beaulla’s size, and meets the shopping needs of residents. Moreover, Hazen is next door and boasts numerous amenities, including hospitals such as the Sakakawea Medical Center. And with a median age of 40, Beaullah is neither lifeless nor uncomfortably wild. The median listing home price in Beulah, as of January 2024, stood at only $215,000.

Mandan

Expect the best of both worlds: A small-town feel and convenient access to North Dakota’s second-largest city. For perspective, downtown Bismarck is just a 10-minute drive away. Both Sanford Medical Center and CHI St. Alexius Health are in Bismarck and meet the medical needs of Mandan residents. CHI St. Alexius Health was in the top 250 hospitals in the nation (for 2022) and is a recipient of the Critical Care Excellence Award.

With a median age of 35.5, the crowd here is mostly young but mature and cultured. Fort Mandan, where the Lewis & Clark expedition team lived, is in the area. Today, a full-scale replica of the fort is one of Mandan’s defining attractions. Because it is close to Bismarck, homes here fetch a slightly higher median price compared to the rest of the state — but nothing insane —-$389,900.

Wahpeton

One of Wahpeton’s defining features is the North Dakota State College of Science, which is among the oldest two-year, comprehensive, residential colleges in the United States. One can pick up any program here, including adult development and aging. The brain, scientists believe, needs to be kept active and engaged. Chahinkapa Park, with its beautiful Sculpture Garden, is an excellent place for a stroll and is absolutely breathtaking.

Plus, the 18-hole Bois de Sioux Golf Course can make for a daily afternoon routine. With a median age of 38, Wahpeton is vibrant and dynamic. If concerned about medical access, the Chi St. Francis Hospital in Breckenridge was recognized for America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Pulmonary Care Award (for 2022) and is within a hairbreadth of town.

Your Next Chapter Begins in North Dakota

If you have not considered North Dakota for retirement, it is time you did. It is one of the latest states in the country to stop taxing Social Security. And while it maintains an income tax, the rates are refreshingly low. 2.5% — and that’s the highest rate. But the state is also visually stunning and scores big on outdoor fun and adventure. If sold out, explore places such as Bottineau, Northwood, Hazen, and Valley City. These towns are some of the top-ranked for retirees.