Why You Should Move to Fargo, ND

Okay, maybe Fargo isn't for everyone. If you're here, you're likely considering Fargo, ND for your next possible home. As a person that lived in California from birth until four years ago, I have quite the perspective to share with you.

For starters...if most of what you know about Fargo is from the 1996 thriller "Fargo", you'll want to toss all of that information in your mental trash can. It was actually filmed in Brainerd, ND. I haven't seen the movie personally, but Fargo natives like to make sure you know that.

Now, if you're like me (someone that was a self-professed hater of the cold), you may have some concerns about Winter. Ahh...Winter. As I write this, it is the beginning of March and 'Second Winter' has hit. Four years into living here, I have just been made aware that 'Fool's Spring' is a phenomenon each year. Let me explain.

Imagine its January or February and suddenly the temps are a warm 35 degrees. Snow is melting, your Vitamin D is through the roof, then...BAM! Negative temps and a blizzard (or two) rear their frosty head and a thick blanket of snow covers the earth, yet again. You're back to wishing the snow away.

Not to sound like a drama queen- I am simply eager for summer. That being said, the snow isn't always so bad. It's one of those things that gets tiresome, but isn't enough to make me regret moving here or enough to make me want to move elsewhere. Living in a city like Fargo/Moorhead has perks in that the snow is frequently plowed and the interstate (or freeway if you're a West Coaster) is shut down when unsafe. Living out of town is a different story entirely.

Don't let that discourage you too much if you're hoping for a small homestead or a home that isn't practically sharing a yard with neighbors (most homes don't have fences here. I know. Very strange). Fargo has just 30k more people living in it than my old hometown, Vacaville, CA (Fargo roughly 130k and Vacaville roughly 100k). Yet, its size is almost double the size of Vacaville! Not to mention West Fargo is it's own city, Moorhead is on the other side of the Red River, and Horace (South of Fargo) is an up-and-coming city. To sum it up, you can achieve the "out of the city" feel while still living in town. This is one of my favorite contrasts to California's overcrowded cities.

Speaking of homesteading, I recently discovered you are allowed to own hens in town! We don't own a home yet, but when we do that will be near the top of my list (just don't tell my husband).

There is much said about living in Fargo/Moorhead. There is significantly more diversity than I anticipated, which was a happy surprise. The people here are friendlier, it feels much safer, and the cost of living is AMAZING. Have I mentioned the jobs and wages? Minimum wage might be just below $8 an hour, but I don't believe I have heard of anyone actually paying that. I have seen fast food chains advertising wages starting at $17 per hour and it's fairly easy to get into trades out here.

I hope this helps give a more personal look into what it is like living here. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out!

Check out this Cost of Living Calculator: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/real-estate/cost-of-living-calculator/

"Oofda" - Every North Dakotan Ever