9 Most Hospitable Retirement Towns In North Dakota
North Dakota has a relatively low cost of living, peaceful scenery, high-quality health care facilities, and an environment made for active retirement living. Despite its frigid winters, cold weather does not stop North Dakotans from getting their fair share of fresh air, even when the temperature dips below freezing. A good mix of both indoor and outdoor activities offers fulfilling ways to spend your days, from volunteering to clubs and classes to art programs.
Learn more about the nine most hospitable retirement towns in North Dakota to call home.
Valley City
Valley City’s location along the banks of the Sheyenne River is just 60 miles west of Fargo. The college town is no stranger to hospitality, as it welcomes a new group of first-years into its fold each fall. The scenery, warmth, and infusion of lively students make Valley City a welcoming place for retirees looking for a laid-back lifestyle with a hint of youthful exuberance.
“The City of Bridges” welcomes kayakers from surrounding states to follow the scenic water trail at their annual Sheyenne RiverFest. Join the colorful crafts floating down the waterway, or get a bird’s-eye view from one of the town’s historic bridges.
The University’s Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts offers an ongoing calendar of events, arts programs, and lectures. Free student and faculty musician performances, along with rotating artist exhibits, provide a wealth of new experiences and opportunities to meet new people.
Retirees will find an active community at the Gaukler Family Wellness Center, participating in fitness classes, finessing their cooking skills, or attending health and wellness events throughout the year.
City Valley keeps life active and social in the winter as well. Take advantage of the many cross-country ski trails or try your skills at a local ice fishing derby. Invite the grandchildren to help you build a cardboard sled and join the band of town tobogganers for a companionable competition to see whose sled is the fastest at the annual Charlie Brown 500 Sled Races.
Cavalier
Cavalier sits on the Tongue River near the Canadian border. It is a fun little town that believes in keeping up its appearance for visitors and locals alike.
Avid gardeners discover a growing number of community projects and peaceful spots to take in the scenery. The Community Giving Garden grows fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs to share access to healthy, garden-fresh food with the town. The pollinator garden is abloom with native plants from early spring into late fall, where endangered Monarch butterflies can find a safe place to reproduce. The community orchards at The Pembina County Historical Museum are also a “growing” concern.
Cavalier Public Library's book club meets once a month to discuss the latest group read over light refreshments. Large print and audiobooks are also available for your reading pleasure.
A strong sense of community is driven by volunteers who participate in a wide range of events, including the area’s best free music festival, Off the Charts. Everyone is welcome to pitch in to help bring this live concert and gathering together, along with other Music & Art in the Park events.
Hit the greens at Cavalier Country Club to play a round with neighbors or improve your swing at the driving range. The course welcomes everyone to enjoy the lovely grounds and fairways, no membership required.
Medora
Medora is in North Dakota’s Badlands, where a strong western heritage and convenient entry to Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer an interactive mix of activities. Retirees who appreciate state history and nature “become part of the legacy” as volunteers in their new community.
Whether you have a green thumb and join the Medora flower crew to keep town gardens beautiful or welcome visitors to events and attractions, the town has ongoing and new volunteer sessions to participate in throughout the year. From scavenger hunts to the Burning Hills Amphitheatre and tons of outdoor activities, you can share your talents or simply enjoy being in the moment with young visitors.
Bully Pulpit is USA Today’s #1 Best Public Golf Course in 2025. This golfer's dream offers endless rounds from spring into late fall and a chance to perfect your technique with a golf pro. The sweeping views of the badlands are tough competition for the immaculate greens! You can also volunteer to help visiting kids at Lil’ Bully Pulpit Mini Golf Course or participate in course tournaments.
Wahpeton
Wahpeton sits on the Minnesota state border, where the Bois de Sioux and Otter Tail rivers merge into the Red River. This town helps retirees live a vital lifestyle with a focus on social activities.
Kidder Recreation Area sits on one of North America's top catfish-producing rivers, where you can tempt over 50 fish species with your lure. Meet fellow fishers at the fish-cleaning station, sharing stories about their catch.
The Leach Reads Book Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at Leach Public Library to participate in lively discussions with fellow bookworms. Release your inner creative at the Crafty Adults program, the third Thursday of each month, to share projects across varied skills from quilting to Christmas decorations, or get involved in crafty events. Classes and events are also available at the Red Door Art Gallery and Museum, where talented artists are also welcome to submit their art for upcoming gallery exhibits.
Animal lovers can lend a hand at Chahinkapa Zoo, where unique experiences include zoo events, assisting with educational programs for kids, and contributing to the well-being of zoo residents.
Grand Forks
Grand Forks is another Red River gem with more of a cosmopolitan feel. The University of North Dakota provides a focus on arts and culture, and you can explore the local galleries, attend concerts and performances, and immerse yourself in the community as an active participant.
Art lovers never get tired of the collection and changing exhibits at the University’s Colonel Eugene E. Myers Art Gallery. Ongoing educational experiences and opportunities to submit your artwork continue to challenge your creativity.
If you live for the theater, the Empire Arts Center puts on colorful performances and welcomes volunteers to participate in theater events. Meet people in the community while experiencing the excitement of theater production.
Audition for a spot with the Grand Forks Chorales to be part of a vibrant choir group that performs at local and surrounding town concerts. If you don’t consider yourself a songbird, you can buy tickets to one of their uplifting concerts.
Devils Lake
Devils Lake sits on the largest natural lake in the state. The town’s lovely natural surroundings help bring the community together at local parks and exciting local downtown events.
Retirees appreciate year-round attractions that keep them from spending long winters indoors. ShiverFest brings everyone out to celebrate outdoor activities, eat tons of food, and participate in friendly competitions from the 5K Frozen Fanny Run to hockey and fishing tournaments.
All-year fun keeps you active at the municipal Creel Bay Golf Course. Take in the lake views while working on your game, kayak on sunny summer days, and switch gears to enjoy scenic cross-country skiing when the greens are covered in snow.
Every Saturday from May until October, you can chat with neighbors while shopping at the Saturday Farmers Market at Roosevelt Park. Meet the local vendors selling their diverse wares, from fresh, seasonal produce to home-baked goods, local crafts, and jams and pickles.
Join fellow wine enthusiasts at the annual September Wine Walk, strolling downtown, savoring wine samples, and discovering new offerings from local businesses. Get into the spirit of things, toasting your neighbors over a wide array of hand-selected wines.
Give back to the community by volunteering at the Fort Totten State Historic Site military post, where the original buildings house museum exhibits. Train to give tours as part of the docents program, man the front desk or store, or participate in behind-the-scenes projects.
Williston
With its picture-perfect spot where the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers meet, Williston is a friendly town where everyone instantly feels welcome. It is an all-season town where retirees are welcome to step into local activities and events as if they have been living in the community for years.
Enjoy a companionable group skate at the Raymond Family Community Center or take in the wintery scenery, cross-country skiing at nearby Lewis and Clark State Park. This expansive park also offers endless trails for hiking in the summer, spring, and fall, and its picturesque location on Lake Sakakawea is ideal for boating and fishing. The scenic landscape includes the peaceful lake shoreline, scenic buttes, and tranquil hills where nature lovers find hours of outdoor experiences.
Local history provides a new pastime for retirees willing to step in as volunteers at Fort Union Trading Post. Lead a fun social life connecting with fort visitors, assisting in a wide range of events, working in the visitor center, or participating in interpretive, living history, or educational programming. The annual August Chokecherry Festival at Davidson Park is just one example of local events you can attend or volunteer your time.
Mayville
As home to Mayville State University, this town keeps retirees young with ongoing local events, programs, and sporting events sure to rouse your hometown spirit. The university also helps infuse the town with an innovative arts and culture twist.
Mayville State University encourages people in the community to participate in enriching activities and access campus resources. It is never too late to discover hidden talents. Students in the music program also perform recitals and concerts, including the community-favorite Christmas concert.
Retirees can find themselves part of the vibrant theater community participating in productions at the MSU Theater Department. The university openly welcomes people in the community to get involved across a wide range of behind-the-scenes work or even showcase their talents by participating on stage. Meet new friends, stay social, and unleash your artistic abilities.
If history is more your style, there is always something happening at The Plummer House Museum in nearby Hillsboro. Their very social Wednesday Dessert & Coffee Hour serves up sweet treats while chatting with neighbors and browsing museum exhibits.
The Mayville Public Library is another retiree hub where events such as the monthly Adult Craft Night and ongoing book club meetings gather like-minded people together to learn new skills and join in compelling conversations.
Watford City
Watford City is the gateway to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with access to both the park and the Little Missouri River. Retirees looking for an active life filled with hikes and canoe rides, balanced with a generous serving of lazy days, will find a hospitable town known for its warm welcomes. Stunning country aside, Watford invites you to discover hidden talent and gather with community members at unexpected events.
Night owls gather at Theodore Roosevelt National Park to take in the night sky. The area has minimal light pollution, allowing for easy observation of the stars and astronomical phenomena, including the Milky Way. In fact, on clear nights, you do not even need a telescope. When conditions are just right, you might catch a glimpse of the colorful Northern Lights dancing across the sky.
Join the McKenzie County Sportsman's Club range and education center to test your archery skills and participate in a challenging selection of courses.
The nine most hospitable retirement towns in North Dakota eagerly greet new arrivals with warmth and are open to sharing the communities they call home. Retirees will find ample opportunities to participate in community life and attend diverse events to keep them busy. Whether you are ready to learn new skills or prefer to stick to the activities that bring you pleasure, North Dakota allows you to live out your retirement years in your own unique way.
