10 Best Towns In North Dakota To Retire Comfortably
The relatively low cost of living in North Dakota is causing some who are on the cusp of retirement to consider moving to this Midwestern state. Its friendly communities, beautiful prairie landscapes, and median home listing price of just over $300K are attractive features for retirees on a fixed income looking to escape the urban sprawl. The 10 towns featured here all offer home prices near or under that state median. Read on to discover your ideal retirement retreat in North Dakota.
Beulah
Described as a progressive city in the heart of coal country, Beulah has a population of around 3,000 and homes here average a comfortable $260K. This friendly, community-oriented town could be the perfect spot for retirement. Every July, Beulah hosts the Mercer County Fair, featuring carnival rides, horses, agricultural exhibits, and food.
The Mercer County Museum tells the story of Beulah's history, from its first German settlers to its mining roots. Beulah Bay is just minutes from downtown on Lake Sakakawea and offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The nearest hospital to Beulah is the Sakakawea Medical Center, just nine miles down the road in Hazen.
Bottineau
The town of Bottineau is just 10 miles south of the border with Canada at the foot of the Turtle Mountains. Homes here average $280K. Although this northern town enjoys a hearty winter, it is considered a four-season playground, with Bottineau Winter Park featuring skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, and the surrounding Turtle Mountains providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring in the warmer months.
Lake Metigoshe State Park is one of the most popular year-round spots in the state and is located right in Bottineau. This small town also has its own hospital, Sisters of Mercy of the Presentation Health of St. Andrews, which includes an assisted-living facility with 14 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Devils Lake
The town of Devils Lake is named after the largest natural body of water in the state. Just over 7,000 people live here, where homes average $275K. Less than 90 minutes from Grand Forks, relatively easy city access may spur retirees to check out the possibilities of moving to Devils Lake. There are several parks in town and nearby, including Ruger Park, with a walking/biking path, fenced dog park, picnic shelters, and even a skating rink in winter.
Almost 400 businesses can be found in the downtown area, including Camora Clothing Co. on 4th Avenue and Quilt Essential fabric shop. Spirit Lake Casino is right on the shores of Devils Lake in nearby St. Michael, and offers entertainment, gambling, and food and drink. Residents of Devils Lake are served by CHI St. Alexius Health, with a 25-bed critical access hospital right in town.
Grafton
The county seat of Walsh County, Grafton is home to about 4,000 people. While the low median home price of around $170K might drive retirees to make the move, they will also soon discover that this town in the Red River Valley promises breathtaking natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a thriving business district.
Grafton boasts more than four miles of bike paths, as well as a nine-hole golf course, Fair Oaks, for those who want to spend their recreational time outdoors. The Heritage Village Farmers Market runs Tuesday evening from July through September and, with themed nights like Community Paint Party and Fall Festival, this is a popular gathering place. Indoor fun can be had catching a flick at the historic Strand Twin Theater, which has been serving Grafton for nearly 80 years. Even though the charming town of Grafton is small, it still has its own hospital, Unity Medical Center, should the need for medical care arise.
Jamestown
On the vast plains of eastern North Dakota, where buffalo still roam and where the famous western writer Louis L'Amour was born, is the town of Jamestown. Today, Jamestown is home to 16,000 and houses average a relatively affordable $275K. The world's largest buffalo monument stands 26 feet tall and weighing 60 tons in Frontier Village.
Those who want to learn more about the beasts native to North Dakota should visit the North American Bison Discovery Center in town. Other famous landmarks worth a visit include the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame and Hansen Arts Park, an artful garden and green space next to The Arts Center & Arts Studio. For health care, Jamestown Regional Medical Center is ready to serve the needs of retirees and others living in the area.
Lisbon
Nestled in the Sheyenne River Valley, Lisbon is the county seat of Ransom County. Retirees may be attracted to Lisbon's median home prices of just under $200K as well as to the town's vibrant Main Street and close-knit community feel.
Fort Ransom State Park takes its name from an 1860s military fort and offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and walking along the Sheyenne River. Lisbon Bissell Golf Club, also on the river, is a 9-hole course perfect for retirees who want to keep up with their game. Main Street includes The Bronc Bar & Grill serving up great food and cocktails, and the Cattleman's Club Lounge for snacks, drinks, and nightly entertainment. Meanwhile, CHI Lisbon Health, a 25-bed critical access hospital with a 24-hour Emergency Level V Trauma Center, takes care of the town's medical needs.
Oakes
The most populated city in Dickey County in southeastern North Dakota, Oakes is still only home to fewer than 2,000 people. With home prices averaging around $170K, small-town atmosphere, and access to outdoor activities, there are many reasons to consider the move.
The James River is about a mile east of Oakes and provides many opportunities for fishing, hunting, and basking in the river valley's beauty. The town is full of parks, including Hockenberry Park, with picnic shelters and playground equipment, and Westside Park, which also features a disc golf course. Shopping at downtown businesses like B&B Gardens Greenhouse and JQ Clothing Company is also a popular pastime for folks living in Oakes, and for medical needs, CHI Oakes Community Hospital is right in town.
Rugby
Named after the town of Rugby in England, Rugby, North Dakota is known as the geographic center of North America. A monument marks the actual spot in the town that is the "Heart of America." Homes here average around $200K, which is well below the state median.
Prairie Village and Museum is a great place to learn more about the history of this town, founded in the 1880s. Another can't-miss landmark is the Niewoehner Bell Tower; at 30 feet and with 15 bells of various sizes, it is truly a sight to behold. The Rugby Swimming Pool is an indoor pool open to the public for lane swims and classes. 3rd Street Station offers fresh, simple comfort food, while Heart of America Medical Center cares for the community's medical needs.
Valley City
Founded in 1874, Valley City is in the southeastern part of the state's Sheyenne River Valley, about 60 miles west of Fargo. Homes here average an affordable $225K, and about 6,500 people call Valley City home. Retirees looking to enjoy life in a small town that is still close to larger city amenities will find lots to keep them healthy and happy.
The North Country National Scenic Trail stretches 4,800 miles across eight northern states from Vermont to North Dakota, part of which runs through Valley City. This makes for great hiking and biking, weather permitting. The Rosebud Visitor Center tells the history of the Sheyenne River Valley and includes an 1881 superintendent's railcar, housed in a building designed to look like an old depot. Valley City is also known as the City of Bridges, boasting 11 bridges, including the Hi-Line Bridge. At 3,860 feet long and 162 feet high, it is one of the longest and highest single-track railroad bridges in the United States. As for access to health services, CHI Mercy Health Valley City delivers high-quality, compassionate care.
Wahpeton
Wahpeton sits along the Bois de Sioux River in the southeast area of the state, near the border with Minnesota. About 8,000 live in Wahpeton, and homes here average $220K. The town's strong sense of community and opportunities for outdoor activities are among the top reasons folks choose to call this place home.
Chahinkapa Park includes a zoo, sculpture garden, carousel, and the adjacent Bois de Sioux Golf Course. This public course on the Red River of the North along the North Dakota-Minnesota border is the only course in the US to feature 18 holes that span two states. The Richland County Historical Museum is a great place to learn more about Wahpeton and the area, and the nearest hospital to Wahpeton is CHI St. Francis Hospital in Breckenridge, Minnesota, just two miles from town.
Retire to the Rough Rider State
North Dakota might not be the first state to come to mind when considering your retirement options, but its low housing costs, friendly atmosphere, and natural beauty are inspiring many retirees to relocate to the Rough Rider State. Whether you opt for a small town that is nearer to a large city, like Valley City, or a truly remote, rural town like Bottineau, moving to any of these 10 North Dakota towns for retirement might be one of the best decisions you will ever make.
