11 Best North Dakota Towns For Retirees
When it comes to retirement, North Dakota might not be the first place that comes to mind, but the state offers plenty of charm, affordability, and natural beauty, making it a hidden gem for retirees. Per Zillow.com, the average home price in the state is just around $320K. With a low cost of living, friendly neighborhoods, and access to outdoor recreation year-round, the state has much to offer to those looking to enjoy their golden years. Here are 11 of the best towns in North Dakota for retirees to consider calling home.
Dickinson
The town of Dickinson, home to 25,000 people, is the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Stark County, southwestern North Dakota. The park consists of over 70,000 acres and maintains a herd of up to 500 bison. Homes in the town of Dickinson are slightly above the state median, at $370K. However, the slower pace of life, ample outdoor resources, and dense, suburban feel draw many retirees to make Dickinson their new home.
Heart River Golf Course in Dickinson is ideal for retirees, with 18 holes overlooking Heart River and Patterson Lake. Market Press Coffee Co. at The Market on State Avenue serves hot drinks and lunch favorites, and is a great spot to gather with friends. Gladstone Senior Center, just 15 minutes from Dickinson, hosts programs and meals for senior citizens in the area, and St. Joseph's Hospital & Health Center is located in downtown Dickinson for any medical needs.
Wahpeton
The county seat of Richland County, Wahpeton, on the Bois de Sioux River, borders Minnesota in the southeastern area of North Dakota. Approximately 8,000 call Wahpeton home, and its average home prices of $220K are attractive to retirees looking to relocate. Despite the town's affordability, there are several parks and amenities in Wahpeton. Kidder Recreation Area, off of 4th Street North, has a boat ramp and provides a great fishing hole in the Red River of the North, formed by the confluence of the Otter Tail and Bois de Sioux Rivers.
The Prairie Rose Carousel, a restored 1926 Spillman carousel, is in Chahinkapa Park and open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day. When you don't feel like cooking, The Grill Room is a popular spot for home-cooked comfort food in a relaxed setting. The Wahpeton Senior Center caters to the area's senior citizens with programs like community dining and transportation services, as well as a range of activities to keep people engaged and connected. The nearest hospital to Wahpeton is CHI St. Francis Health in Breckenridge, Minnesota, just about two miles out of town.
Valley City
In the heart of the Sheyenne River Valley in southeastern North Dakota, you'll find Valley City, 60 miles west of Fargo. About 6,600 live in this lovely town, where homes average a comfortable $225K. Valley City's proximity to the big city and small-town atmosphere entice many retirees to move here. Lake Ashtabula is just 12 miles northwest of Valley City and is a popular spot for fishing, snowmobiling, and bird watching.
Medicine Wheel Park is home to ancient Native American burial mounds and traditional solar calendars, while the North Dakota Winter Show is the oldest and longest-running agriculture show in the state, held each March. South Central Adult Services offers meal support, as well as transportation and outreach services, and the town's CHI Mercy Health Valley City provides medical care to area residents.
Hazen
The small town of Hazen is home to about 2,000 people. It is 15 minutes south of Lake Sakakawea State Park, where you'll find the largest lake in North Dakota and the third largest man-made lake in the US. Homes in Hazen fall well below the state average, and the area's high quality of life and proximity to outdoor recreational areas make it a favorite of retirees.
Hazen is situated on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, which runs through 16 states for nearly 5,000 miles. Another popular outdoor attraction just north of Hazen is Harmony Lake, which is stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, and fathead minnows. The Hazen Senior Citizens Center features a range of activities and services for older adults, while Sakakawea Medical Center caters to the community's medical needs right in town.
Oakes
In the southeastern part of the state, Oakes is home to about 1,800 people. The low cost of living, strong sense of community, and welcoming atmosphere make this an attractive option for newcomers. Hockenberry Park provides residents of all ages with outdoor recreational opportunities, including a disc golf course. For a more traditional round, the Oakes Golf Club is a 9-hole course with a full-service clubhouse.
The town also holds its spirited "Oh Deer Weekend" in November, with craft vendors, a fashion show, and lots of shopping in the boutiques downtown. Meanwhile, the Oakes Senior Center provides services year-round and a wide range of activities for community members, and CHI Oakes Community Hospital is conveniently located for high-quality, compassionate care.
Lisbon
Lisbon, in the Sheyenne River Valley, has a population of just over 2,000 people. Homes here are very affordable and fall well below the state median. This, along with the strong community and vibrant atmosphere, makes Lisbon a great place for retirement in North Dakota. The Stiklestad Lodge & Learning Center in nearby Fort Ransom is a hunting lodge with a trap range and various community events, such as seasonal dinners throughout the year. Dead Colt Creek Recreational Area in Lisbon has a boat dock and ramp for outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, and paddling.
For a bit of culture, Lisbon Historic Scenic Theatre on Main Street has been hosting audiences since 1911, and shows new releases in one of the oldest continuously-run theatres in the country. Valley Senior Services also runs a senior center in Lisbon, with Meals on Wheels, dining and transportation services, and a long list of social events for Ransom County residents. For medical needs, CHI Lisbon Health is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital serving the town and the surrounding area.
Jamestown
Jamestown is centrally located between Bismarck and Fargo, and is also home to the University of Jamestown. It is located in the valley where the James and Pipestem Rivers meet. About 16,000 live in the "Buffalo City," where homes average $275K. It is a popular spot, with its proximity to the larger cities and the amenities found in Jamestown itself.
The Jamestown Reservoir has boat launches and marinas, and is perfect for water sports. Jamestown is also home to 35 miles of trails, including the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge's Historic Fort Totten Trail, which is a beautiful route for long walks or even horseback riding. Babb's Coffee House is a great place for meeting up with friends, while the James River Senior Center and Jamestown Regional Medical Center provide essential services for seniors.
Grafton
Grafton, in the Red River Valley, is the county seat of Walsh County and home to approximately 4,000 residents. Homes here are comfortably priced well below the state average. Grafton's suburban, community atmosphere and slower pace of life appeal to many retirees. The Grafton Performing Arts Center hosts live musical and theatrical performances throughout the year in a state-of-the-art auditorium.
There are miles of walking trails in town, and Leistikow Park is a hub for outdoor recreation, with tennis courts, disc golf, an outdoor pool in summer, and a skating rink in winter, and wooded trails for walking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. The Grafton Armory is another highlight for seniors, featuring an indoor walking track, weekly card games, and social activities throughout the year.
Rugby
The county seat of Pierce County and the geographic center of North America, the town of Rugby was named after Rugby, England. A monument in town marks the exact spot that is considered to be the "Heart of America." Approximately 2,500 people live in Rugby, and homes are very affordable relative to the state median listing price. If it has long been your wish to live in middle America, consider retiring to Rugby.
Rugby's Heart of America Library is a city/county library located in the downtown area. Beyond lending books, they offer computer courses and other social and community services, creating a welcoming space for all. The Victorian Dress Museum holds a stunning collection of 23 reproduction, prize-winning Victorian-style dresses, and Rugby's Northern Lights Tower is an 88 1/2-foot-tall steel structure dedicated to the Aurora Borealis. The Rugby Senior Citizens Center offers services and programs for the town's seniors, such as meals, health screening clinics, and opportunities for socializing.
Bottineau
Just 10 miles south of the border with Canada, the town of Bottineau sits at the foot of the Turtle Mountains and is home to about 2,000 people. Homes in Bottineau average $280K, which makes this northern gem of a town affordable and accessible to those on a fixed income. Pride Dairy, the last small town creamery in the state, has been serving North Dakota since the 1930s, and their ice cream alone is enough to make anyone want to move to Bottineau.
Mystical Horizons, also called the "Stonehenge of the Prairie," is found in Bottineau and offers spectacular views of farmland west of the Turtle Mountains, as well as a unique working sundial. As for dining, 5th & Main serves home cooking and daily lunch specials in a casual, convenient location downtown. Meanwhile, Bottineau Senior Center also provides meals and programs for senior citizens in the area.
Medora
A small, historic town in the Badlands of North Dakota, Medora, is home to just over 120 people. Its historic downtown, reasonable home prices averaging $350K, tight-knit community, and outdoor recreational opportunities make for an attractive retirement destination.
The Medora Musical is a popular outdoor performance from June through September, billed as "the greatest show in the West," and telling Medora's history through music. Bully Pulpit Golf Course in downtown Medora features 18 holes set against the dramatic backdrop of the Badlands and is open to the public. History buffs may be interested in the Maltese Cross Cabin, once owned by Theodore Roosevelt. For medical care, CHI St. Alexius Health in Dickinson is just about 36 miles away, providing 24-hour emergency services, a critical access hospital, and wide-ranging clinical care under one roof.
Retire to the Roughrider State
Each of these 11 towns is affordable and accessible, making them desirable destinations for retirement living. Small towns such as Medora, Oakes, and Hazen have their own welcoming atmosphere with a strong sense of community, while larger centers like Jamestown and Dickinson offer proximity to big cities and a wide range of amenities. Whichever town you choose, you can't go wrong in making the decision to retire to the Roughrider State.
