There is a certain charm to living in the Midwest that can only be described as “Minnesota Nice.” Not only are the people generally friendly and welcoming, but the winters are beautiful and nothing beats sitting by the fireplace with a nice glass of wine. Unfortunately, the nice doesn’t stop at the shore; the winters can be brutal and make living in the North Dakota prairie seem appealing. There are plenty of jobs in North Dakota, with enough opportunities for everyone. The state is also incredibly affordable. Even those who are considered to be “wealthy” might not consider the cost of living there to be a luxury.
Demographics
Statistics Canada ranks North Dakota as the 5th most populous state in the country, with around 719,000 individuals. Around 76% of the state’s population is Caucasian, with a significant minority being of Asian descent. The state is also relatively well educated, with 39.4% of its population having a college degree or higher. The state also has one of the highest employment rates in the country, with around 37% of its jobs being in the healthcare sector. The state’s economy largely centers on the oil industry, with North Dakota being the fifth largest oil producer in the country. Unfortunately, as with many other states in the area, the price of oil has taken a significant dive in the past year, so it’s not clear what impact this will have on the economy. Regardless, oil-related jobs tend to be fairly high-paying and there is plenty of work for everyone.
Clothing & Grocery
The people of North Dakota are generally casual, which could be described as “dress-down friendly”. This is in stark contrast to Minnesota, where the clothing code is much more formal and individuals tend to wear more subdued colors. It would be best to be prepared for cold weather in North Dakota as the winters can be pretty harsh. For clothing, Canadians are actually pretty lucky, as the country is known for its high standard of living and the affordability of its goods. This is largely thanks to its close proximity to the United States, which means that many Canadian brands are readily available for purchase. It’s also worth shopping for deals, as quality clothing for men and women can be found for extremely cheap prices. For those who want to venture outdoors, Canada is a mecca for backpacks and sleeping bags, as the country is not only warm all year round, but also has lots of hiking trails and campsites available for tourists. It’s not just about the weather in North Dakota though, as outdoor activities are some of the things that draw people there, along with the stunning vistas and the abundance of wildlife. The only setback to Canada as a place to live is the distance from family and friends in case you do decide to move there – it’s nearly two weeks by train!
Cost Of Living
One of the biggest draws of North Dakota is the fact that it’s one of the most affordable states in the country. The cost of living is relatively low, with many goods and services being heavily discounted and there being many places where one can find a bargain. In fact, some estimates put the cost of living in North Dakota as no more than two-thirds of what one would pay in a major city. This is largely thanks to the fact that the state has largely avoided the economic downturn that has plagued other parts of the country. Even those who are considered to be “wealthy” might not have enough money to spare, with individuals in the state reporting an average net worth of just over $150,000. If you decide to move there, you’ll be able to support yourself financially and have enough left over to enjoy your life – provided you don’t spend beyond your means of course!
Quality Of Life
As we’ve established, the cost of living in North Dakota is low and there are lots of opportunities for those who live there. This coupled with the cost-effective ways in which you can afford to live your life gives the state a reputation as a “good life” option. Indeed, there is plenty to do in the area, with over 80 parks and recreation centers available for individuals to enjoy. There are also several museums and galleries where one can spend a fun afternoon discovering something new and interesting. One could also go on a beautiful bike ride and take in the scenery or find a cozy little nook by the fireplace to read a book. It might not sound like much, but having a place to call home can make all the difference in your quality of life. It’s clear that those who live in North Dakota value their lives and how they live them, with many noting that it is a “good life” and “quality of life” state. It’s safe to assume that with all that good living, crime and delinquency rates are pretty low too!
Final Takeaway
The above factors should make it clear to you that North Dakota is a good state to live in. Of course, there are plenty of negatives to the state as well, not the least of which is the weather – it gets pretty cold and windy and there aren’t a lot of nice days. That being said, it’s still a relatively affordable place to live and there are plenty of opportunities for those who are there. It is also a good option if you’re looking for a quieter life away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, as there isn’t a huge population center in North Dakota. If you decide to move there, make sure you check out the crime and delinquency rates as well as the cost of living, as everything is relatively reasonable. It would be best to arrive by train as this will make traveling much easier. Once you’re there, you can explore the area and its many attractions and maybe even join a hiking group to take a walk in the woods. This would be a good way to get close to nature and see all the wildlife there is to see. If you go this route, make sure you have the proper gear with you, as the weather can be pretty harsh. Also, don’t be alarmed if you see lots of snow at first – this is normal for the area and nothing to be scared of! Best of luck out there!
