Is Moving To North Dakota Worth It?

North Dakota is ranked amongst the happiest states in the United States for the right reasons. The low crime rates, affordable housing, cost of living, spectacular landscapes, and incredible wildlife make it a coveted state. But besides these, several other factors should influence the decision to move to North Dakota permanently. So, if you are still on the fence about whether to move to North Dakota, this guide is for you. Let’s discuss what to expect when you are living in North Dakota.

Population

North Dakota’s population is very balanced. It is neither too big to make everything crowded nor too small to make it feel like you are living in the wilderness. With a population just north of 780,000, it is the 19th largest state in the US. Furthermore, because there is so much land for such a small population, the population density is ranked 47th in the US states. Most of the population is young, and the gender ratio is very balanced. Because of a smaller population, the communities in the state are tightly-knitted, and hence the crime rate is also the lowest in the United States.

Furthermore, the abundance of land for the residents has made real estate quite affordable as well. The average house price in North Dakota is about $204,500, which is way below the national average. And the rents are also quite affordable, with an average of just $613.

Weather

North Dakota gets all four kinds of weather, but none of them are extreme. On average, the state records 201 sunny days per year. The temperature fluctuates between different seasons but does not restrict or limit everyday activities. It can go as high as 82 degrees in summer and as low as zero in winter.

Job Opportunities

Job opportunities are the first thing that one should note while moving to another state. Fortunately, there are plenty in North Dakota. The unemployment ratio is one of the lowest in the country and is declining further every year. However, while the job market offers many opportunities, it is not as diverse as in some other states. The top industries in the state include Energy, Agriculture, and Health Care Services. Tech startups are also growing in the state but still have not reached the point where residents of other states come looking for a job.

Hence, while you would not have a problem finding a job in the mentioned industries, it may be difficult in other sectors. But farming is a very profitable option if you want to start a new business. The land in the state is very fertile and grows some finest crops. These include hay, sunflowers, corn, wheat, and soybean.  You can also generate decent profit by farming cattle and running a honeybee farm. Since the land price and rent are very affordable, you do not need to invest much to raise an extensive farming infrastructure.

Educational opportunities

North Dakota might seem like a rural area, but the quality of education is just as good as in other states in the US. The two state’s flagship educational institutes are North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota. The former offers some of the best and most widely regarded courses in agriculture, while the latter is known for its top aviation, aeronautics, and aerospace-related technologies. Furthermore, these colleges’ tuition fees are cheaper than in the rest of the country. The average loan on students after graduation is insignificant compared to other states.

In addition to these universities, several other educational institutes also offer a variety of courses to students.