9 Cost-Effective Retirement Towns In North Dakota
North Dakota sits between Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, and Canada. It remains one of the least populated states in the country, marked by wide stretches of prairie. Because of its low population, homes statewide have a median sale price of about $345,950. While the state is not among the most expensive to live in, you may still want the best deal possible. If you are looking for cost-effective places to retire, consider any of these nine destinations.
Jamestown
With a median sale price of $214,900, Jamestown is one of the most cost-effective places to live in North Dakota. You can enjoy plenty in town without spending much, including Klaus Park, set inside a bend of the James River. The park offers daily walks along the creek and space for picnics.
To the north, the Island Trail leads to Jamestown Reservoir Beach, which has 45 miles of shoreline and boat ramps. The surrounding area is a good spot for hiking and wildlife viewing. Retirees can also use the James River Seniors Center, which provides public transit, meal delivery, and a newsletter that highlights local and national events.
Valley City
Valley City is very cost-friendly, with a median sale price of $146,000. You can spend little while enjoying days at Chautauqua Park, which offers an outdoor fitness area, a fishing dock, and views of the Hi-Line Bridge. Nearby, membership at the Barnes County Historical Society is low and includes access to its quarterly newsletter.
The museum is the oldest in the country and features exhibits ranging from scale models of local architecture to lecture series on regional history. Just north of town, Lake Ashtabula offers no-fee day visits at the Mel Rieman Campground, where visitors can enjoy the shoreline or fish from the pier.
Beulah
Homes in Beulah are well priced, with the median at $270,000. Residents can spend time in the center of town at McKenzie Park, where they can walk the grounds or play tennis. The nearby Black Sands Golf Club offers modest daily green fees and senior discounts. North of town, Lake Sakakawea and Beulah Bay attract visitors for picnics, fishing, and time on the water. The area is also the site of the Dakota Walleye Fishing Tournament, making it a popular spot for anglers.
Devils Lake
With a median sale price of $210,000, Devils Lake is a popular and cost-effective place to live. The city borders Creel Bay and Devils Lake, and residents can spend days at Lakewood Park, which offers walking trails, picnic shelters, tables, and a bike path.
The town also hosts modestly priced events such as the Lake Region Fall Film Festival, which features films about life in North Dakota over several weeks. The Lake Region Heritage Center provides another way to connect with the community, and volunteering at the museum is free, allowing residents to learn about the region while meeting other local history enthusiasts.
Dickinson
Dickinson is a modestly sized city with a median sale price of $344,900. A straightforward way to enjoy the area while keeping your budget in mind is at Edward Arthur Patterson Lake. The Patterson Lake Recreation Area charges modest fees for overnight camping or shelter rentals, and entrance fees and season passes remain low. These make it easy to enjoy the hiking trails and fishing. In town, the West River Community Center also offers modest daily, monthly, and annual rates. The center provides group fitness classes, personal training, a golf simulator, an indoor track, and other amenities. The annual Roughrider Days Fair and Expo charges little for a day of live music, rodeo events, and Fourth of July fireworks.
Wahpeton
Wahpeton offers a median sale price of $246,000, making it a place where your budget can catch a break. Breckenridge Lake sits just outside town and is a popular spot for anglers spending a day on the water. Tom Richels County Park provides trails, picnic areas, and the Cherish the Child Memorial Garden.
In town, the Red River runs through the center, and golfers can find affordable daily rates at the Bois de Sioux Golf Course. Nearby, Chahinkapa Park remains a daily destination for residents, with volleyball and tennis courts that are well-suited for retirees who want to stay active.
Grafton
Grafton is one of the most cost-effective places to live in North Dakota, with a median sale price of $217,000. Residents can spend a day at Leistikow Park, which offers tennis and volleyball courts, trails for walking and skiing, and several picnic areas. Fair Oaks Golf Course provides affordable days on its 18-hole layout.
The Collette Community Fitness Center also remains budget-friendly and includes a weight room, racquetball court, cardio room, and more. The range of low-cost activities makes it easy for residents to stay active throughout the year.
New Salem
Toward the upper range of prices is the city of New Salem, yet the median sale cost remains only $255,000. New Salem suits those who enjoy spending time outdoors. Anglers can head just outside town to Gaebe Pond, which has a floating fishing pier and a variety of fish, including rainbow trout and bluegill, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon. Not far to the east, Sweet Briar Lake attracts residents seeking scenic photos. As a designated scenic area, it is one of the most picturesque locations in the region and offers boat ramps, fishing piers, and campsites. Green fees at nearby Red Trail Links are very low, making it easy to enjoy a day on the 9-hole course.
Hazen
Hazen is friendly to the cost-conscious, with a median sale price of $145,000. The city sits along the Knife River, giving residents easy access to Riverside Park for wildlife viewing or a day of fishing. Coal Country Community Fitness offers affordable plans that include fitness classes, cardio and strength machines, and access to a personal trainer. For an active day outdoors, Sakakawea Park Campground lies just east of town along the Missouri River. Rates remain affordable for camping, boating, fishing, and hiking the area’s trails.
Cost-Conscious Living in North Dakota
You do not have to break the bank to live well in North Dakota. Homes throughout the state are affordable, and there is plenty to see and do. Residents enjoy access to natural spots such as the Missouri River and popular festivals like the Lake Region Fall Film Festival. With affordable pricing across the state, these nine towns are strong options if you are looking for a cost-effective place to retire.
