11 Best Places To Call Home In North Dakota In 2025
North Dakota may have a small population, but therein lie a couple of hidden gems where movers can find a home, especially for anyone interested in a quiet and isolated community where the cost of living is particularly low. These places provide a slower pace of life, strong local ties, and access to natural beauty, making them ideal for those seeking tranquility without breaking the bank.
Whether you're retiring, working remotely, or simply desiring a fresh start, North Dakota's small towns offer a welcoming environment and financial relief. From peaceful suburbs near cities to mining towns and countryside villages, here are some of the best places to call home in North Dakota in 2025.
Cavalier
Everybody knows everybody in this unpretentious village of Pembina County, which draws new residents with its genuine sense of community, low-cost living, and plenty of outdoor recreation. The 900-acre wilderness of Icelandic State Park welcomes campers, fishermen, hikers, and nature photographers to make the most of the beautiful countryside during their free time. However, most families opt for a more accessible location for their outdoor moments at Cavalier City Park, where quiet picnic areas allow them to relax and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
The Pembina County Historical Museum connects residents to their heritage with a curated collection of historical exhibits related to the area's past. The Cavalier Senior Citizens Center is also a welcoming space where retirees can interact with peers and engage in various social activities. Cavalier's median home listing price, $194,000, is lower than North Dakota's median of $319,283.
Rugby
Rugby is a village in Pierce County whose claim to fame is being North America's geographical center (though this claim is disputed). Founded in 1886, the community boasts a longstanding heritage that new residents can connect with at the Prairie Village Museum. This crucial complex hosts a cluster of 20 historic structures with diverse artifacts from the past, including Native American antiques. A 21-foot-high stone monument, built in the shape of a pyramid, underscores Rugby's (debated) location as the Geographical Center of North America.
Residents also make time for their outdoor engagements at the Rugby Golf Club, which offers a nine-hole course for aspiring and seasoned golfers to gauge their play. In case of medical needs, Heart of America Medical Center is always on hand to render reliable health services. Finally, Rugby's median home listing price of $180,000 makes acquiring a new home easier.
Hazen
About 87 miles from Minot, Hazen's proximity to Lake Sakakawea opens doors for fun aquatic opportunities on North Dakota's largest lake. This laid-back community ensures adequate fun in the open spaces, with fishermen, paddlers, swimmers, and other adventurers finding time for recreation along the reservoir's extensive shoreline. But away from the water, residents can head to the Hazen Golf Course for laid-back strolls and a friendly challenge on the nine holes, while basking in a serene natural setting.
The lively business district houses several hangouts where residents gather at the end of a long day. Jimmy's Lounge is an excellent example, known to serve delicious pizzas and great cocktails in a down-home atmosphere. The Sakakawea Medical Center handles any medical needs among Hazen residents, and the local median home listing price is $202,500.
Stanley
An honest camaraderie makes this Mountrail County town a delightful prospect for those seeking a retirement destination. Stanley traces its origins to the early 20th century and shares its backstory at the Flickertail Village Museum. This resourceful complex provides a vivid window into the past using a pioneer settlement replica with a school, depot, and jail. A vibrant live performance scene helps to draw townsfolk close together inside the Sibyl Center for the Arts, where musical and theatrical shows entertain audiences throughout the year.
Outdoor opportunities are available at Stanley Park North, with amenities like a playground and ball fields for the public's amusement. Meanwhile, the Ina Mae Rude Aquatic Center serves as a social gathering spot where the kids and adults can freely interact in a free environment. Stanley's median home listing price of $237,500 is below the country's average $462,000.
Beulah
Seventy-seven miles from Bismarck, Beulah promises young professionals plenty of employment opportunities at the Dakota Gasification Company, which calls the town home. It also has thriving power production and coal mining industries that fuel the local economy. Several recreational facilities, including Beulah Water Park, provide a nice space for residents to exercise and enjoy fun in the water. The downtown area maintains a buzzing atmosphere with plenty of entertainment spots, such as the Molco Lanes Family Entertainment Center.
Another exciting stop in the town is the Pfennig Wildlife Museum, where a world-class collection of animal specimens provides a unique glimpse into natural history. Elsewhere, the presence of the Coal Country Community Health Center means that residents can access reliable medical care locally. Lastly, the median home listing price here is $295,000.
Grafton
Forty-five minutes from Grand Forks, small-town charm meets artsy vibes in this quaint village of Walsh County, known for its walkable downtown district and chill nature areas. Grafton's thriving business district sees a lot of activity in the urban core, with local vendors gathering every Tuesday to sell their wares at the Grafton Farmers Market. Residents also love to watch the latest Hollywood releases at the Strand Twin Theatre, which has served as a crucial entertainment hub since it was opened in the 1940s.
Outdoor enthusiasts can escape to the quiet environment of Leistikow Memorial Park to be one with nature. The sanctuary offers an array of amenities for camping, picnicking, walking, and other activities. Grafton also guarantees ready availability of medical expertise at Unity Medical Center, while its median home listing price is $193,000.
Kenmare
This village in Ward County boasts a rich network of green spaces and unlimited room for those who enjoy the great outdoors. The town is surrounded by 10,500 acres of the Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, a sprawling natural area perfect for hunting, camping, hiking, and bird-watching activities. An additional 27,000 acres at Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge ensures there is no limit to the amount of time you choose to spend exploring the open spaces.
On the other hand, among the indoor pursuits available in downtown Kenmare is watching a movie at Kenmare Theatre, a popular social hub for the community. Kenmare Senior Citizens assures pensioners of crucial programs for their well-being, while the median home listing price is $137,500.
Bowman
The seat of Bowman County is one of the most affordable places to call home in North Dakota in 2025, enticing potential residents with a median home listing price of $174,500. Bowman has a beautiful history that freshly settled community members can explore at Pioneer Trails Regional Museum. This whimsical resource center interests people with a rare collection of dinosaur fossils and other interactive exhibits about natural history. For their recreation, townsfolk can always escape to the lush grounds of Bowman City Park.
Grazers Burgers and Beers is a delightful social spot where you can grab a beer and delicious burgers in a high-spirited setting whenever you feel like unwinding at the end of a taxing day. Multiple assisted living facilities, such as Southwest Healthcare Service, are helpful for older adults without immediate dependents.
Harvey
Harvey is a historic railroad settlement established in the late 19th century when the Soo Line Railway cut through the area. It hosts several social hubs where residents constantly interact, resulting in a strong sense of community. This included the Harvey Swimming Pool, which welcomes children and adults for fun aquatic entertainment. Also, the Harvey Central Cinema is always bustling with movie enthusiasts looking to watch the latest releases on the big screen.
Elsewhere, a 33,000-acre wilderness at the Lonetree Wildlife Management Area compels residents to hit the great outdoors along 16 trails for hiking and biking adventures. Patients in Harvey find medical attention from SMP Health, whereas aspiring homeowners are encouraged by a median home listing price of $105,000.
Tioga
Tioga guarantees young professionals in the energy industry with numerous job opportunities while providing them with a low cost of living, ensuring the best scenarios. This small town sits in the middle of the Bakken oil fields, and its median home listing price is $41,300, one of the cheapest in the state. There is enough room for everyone to wander in the open spaces, and those with pets can have fun times with them at the Tioga Dog Park. Alternatively, you can golf with friends on the manicured fairways of the Tioga Country Club course.
Newcomers curious about the area's history can check out a diverse collection of exhibits inside the Norseman Museum, highlighting everything from early settlers to farming, schools, and churches. The community also boasts the Tioga Medical Center for prompt response during medical contingencies.
Wahpeton
Wahpeton is a riverfront community in Richland County, nestled along the banks of the Bois de Sioux River. It is a great place to raise a family and offers a variety of kid-friendly attractions, including Chahinkapa Zoo. This delightful sanctuary houses over 200 animal residents, ranging from Bengal tigers to gibbons. Chahinkapa Park is where citizens get their daily dose of outdoor activity. It has a vintage carousel where children enjoy old-school fun and beautiful green surroundings.
Meanwhile, artists and art enthusiasts often meet at the Red Door Art Gallery and Museum to inspect an impressive catalog of artworks. Also, the Wahpeton Senior Citizens Center caters to the needs of older adults in the community, whose median home listing price is around $255,000.
North Dakota offers a balanced blend of affordability, economic vitality, and community well‑being in the United States. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, favorable rent‑to‑income ratios, and strong job markets fueled by diverse sectors. Whether seeking stability, opportunity, or a welcoming environment, this state delivers key ingredients for a fulfilling life. The above places to call home are only a fraction of the many worthwhile destinations that should be on your radar before moving.
