North Dakota

8 Towns Perfect For Retirement In North Dakota

Published

2 years ago

May 16, 2024

8 Towns Perfect For Retirement In North Dakota

As one of thirteen states sharing a border with Canada, North Dakota gets its name from the American Souix name for “ally ” or “friend.” The “Peace Garden State” might be best known for its colder climate and wide-open landscapes, but in recent times, it has emerged as a surprising haven for retirees seeking a place to spend their golden years. For senior adults looking for close-knit communities, affordable living costs, and a rich historical heritage with numerous outdoor activities to explore, North Dakota delivers. The following eight communities are hidden gems perfect for retirees looking to find a tranquil and peaceful lifestyle far from the rigors and congestion of daily urban life.

Jamestown

The World’s Largest Buffalo in Jamestown, North Dakota. Editorial credit: Daniel M. Silva / Shutterstock.com.

Jamestown sits in Stutsman County in the south-central part of the state, with a population of over 15,000 residents. The town was formed in the 1870s and has a rich heritage as a railroad stop, supplying local ranchers with a place for commerce and community to help support their homesteads. The town boasts the North American Bison Discovery Center (formerly the National Buffalo Museum). This fantastic museum is dedicated to restoring the Buffalo through educational and preservation initiatives. The grandkids will love exploring the Frontier Village, with its original pioneer buildings filled with antiques and artifacts. In addition, the world’s largest buffalo sculpture makes for a memorable photo opp. History lovers will enjoy exploring the Stutsman County Memorial Museum, a free historical venue with several floors of interesting displays and stories about local culture.

The median home price is $229,000, and with very reasonable fuel and food costs, seniors will not have to worry about making ends meet. Residents enjoy a cost of living that is about 11% less than the national average and is about average compared to other areas of the state. Healthcare is supplied by Jamestown Regional Medical Center, a 25-bed critical care facility serving a nine-county area. When you visit, be sure to eat at the Buffalo Grill, an excellent dining establishment committed to offering affordable meals to locals and visitors alike. If you can stay during the summer, don’t miss the Buffalo Jam, North Dakota’s premier music festival.

Devil’s Lake

Devils Lake is aptly named for the large mineral-rich lake it borders in the northeastern part of the state. The region has plenty of stunning natural beauty and boasts an extensive list of outdoor activities to enjoy. Retirees can enjoy fishing, boating, and birdwatching around the lake, and Graham’s Island State Park has extra-large camping spots that are perfect for RVs. This community of just over 7,100 residents is close-knit, with very little traffic and a priceless small-town charm.

History enthusiasts will love exploring the Lake Region Heritage Center, housed in the 1910 old Post Office/Federal building. The downtown area features many local businesses, shops, and boutiques. If you visit, the best place for a meal is Old Main Street Cafe, with its eclectic array of old photos, weird collectibles, and delicious meals.

The average home price in Devil’s Lake is a reasonable $240,000, and the living cost is 17% less than the national average. Alexius Health, a 25-bed facility that can handle most medical situations, offers medical care. With nearly 22% of the town’s residents aged 65 and over, it is easy to see why this tranquil place might be the perfect retirement destination.

Minot

Minot is a city in Ward County in the north-central part of the state. With 47,000 residents, it is one of the largest cities in North Dakota and is known primarily for the Air Force Base, which sits fifteen miles north of town. The town began as a railroad hub supplying settlers who ventured across the northern Plains in search of their fortunes. Today, the community is home to Minot State University, serving about 2,500 students every academic year.

Retirees can explore the Scandinavian Heritage Park with its many artifacts and buildings or enjoy strolls along the Souris Valley Trail. The downtown area has many historic buildings and shops that lend to its small-town charm. The Roosevelt Park Zoo, with over 65 species of animals, is a nice way to spend a day with the grandkids when they visit. After visiting the menagerie, try the Starving Rooster downtown for great pizza or homemade sandwiches.

Owning a home in Minot will cost about $289,900, and living costs are just under the national average. One of the best things going for Minot is Trinity Health Regional Healthcare, which just opened a 167-bed medical campus in 2023.

Valley City

Valley City is known as the City of Bridges due to the eight historical bridges surrounding it. This historic town charms retirees with its picturesque landscapes and historic downtown. Residents will enjoy the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway, which offers scenic drives, while Medicine Wheel Park provides a serene setting for relaxation overlooking the town. If you like hiking, the North Country National Scenic Hiking Trail is a must-see. The 4,800-mile trail stretches across eight states, offering several memorable once-in-a-lifetime excursions.

The median value for a home in Valley City is $292,000, with a living cost 14% less than the national average. Healthcare is provided by CHI Mercy Health, which operates a 25-bed hospital, with more specialized care offered in Fargo, which is about an hour away. When you visit, be sure to eat at the Bridges Bar and Grill, which has an excellent beer selection and tasty burgers.

Williston

Known for its robust economy fueled by the oil industry, Williston thrives in the northwest corner of the state, offering retirees a unique blend of urban amenities and small-town charm. This community has numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, from fishing on Lake Sakakawea to exploring the Maah Daah Hey Trail. History buffs will love exploring the Fort Union Trading Post, which operated as an important site for the fur trade between 1828 and 1867.

The downtown area has many boutiques, antique stores, and delicious dining establishments to choose from. Every Mother’s Day weekend, the town celebrates band day, where marching bands show their skills in a large parade and competition. The Williston Basin Air Show is one of the town’s premier events, happening every August.

The average price for a home is a stout $429,000, with home prices being driven up by the oil revenues brought into the community. (The town’s population nearly doubled during 2010 – 2020). Still, the living costs are about 6% less than the national average. Medical care is supplied by the Williston Medical Center and CHI-St. Alexius Healthcare.

Wahpeton

Wahpeton is a hidden gem for retirees seeking a serene and fulfilling lifestyle. Nestled along the Red River’s scenic banks in the state’s southeast corner, this charming town offers good schools, safe streets, and a caring community. Retirees can immerse themselves in the town’s rich history at the Chahinkapa Zoo and explore the fascinating exhibits at the Red Door Art Gallery. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Chahinkapa Park provides picturesque walking trails and tranquil picnic spots. The town also boasts the Wahpeton Wahper, the world’s largest catfish. This unique work of art is a great photo op.

The median price for a home in Wahpeton is $296,000, with a living cost factor 22% less than the national average. In addition, healthcare options include the St Francis Medical Center, a critical care facility that can handle almost any medical situation. With its blend of local attractions, affordable housing, and access to quality medical care, Wahpeton, North Dakota, stands out as a prime destination for retirees seeking a fulfilling and comfortable retirement lifestyle.

Watford City

Watford City is located in McKenzie County on the western edge of North Dakota. It owes much of its recent development to the state’s oil boom, which has brought significant growth to the town over the last couple of decades. Watford City has seen a remarkable transformation in recent years, but with a solid infrastructure, a warm community spirit, and abundant recreational activities, this small town of 6,000 residents strives to be a great place to live.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing. The park is home to bison and wild horses, so keep your eyes peeled as you explore the park’s many hiking trails. It’s not uncommon to spot these majestic animals during your visit. The best place for a steak is Outlaws Bar and Grill, located on South Main.

The median home price is $375,000, and the living cost is slightly higher than the national average. With excellent access to medical care through McKenzie Healthcare System. Nearly 7.4% of the resident population is over 65, but more retirees are flocking to the area every year.

Mandan

Mandan is a small town sitting on the western side of the Upper Missouri River across from Bismarck. The community has a population of just under 25,000 residents and has a rich Native American heritage. History buffs will enjoy the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, where visitors can explore reconstructed military buildings and the iconic On-A-Slant Indian Village. Additionally, Mandan boasts an array of outdoor recreational opportunities, from fishing and boating on the river to hiking and camping in the nearby hills. With its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community spirit, Mandan provides residents with a tranquil retreat amidst the rugged beauty of the North Dakota plains.

With its close access to Bismark, there are ample healthcare options, including the Vibra Hospital of the Central Dakotas, a 41-bed critical care facility. The median home price is $370,000, with a living cost of 11% less than the national average. The downtown area has plenty of quaint shops and boutiques to venture through. If you need a place to eat, try Friends Family Restaurant, a local eatery serving home-cooked food and drinks.

In conclusion, North Dakota’s small towns offer retirees a tranquil haven to embrace a slower pace of life, connect with nature, and foster meaningful community ties. Whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or simply seeking a close-knit community, these eight towns provide the perfect backdrop for a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.

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North Dakota

Broncos won’t repeat as NCHC hockey champs, lose to N. Dakota: ‘We broke down’

Published

2 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Broncos won’t repeat as NCHC hockey champs, lose to N. Dakota: ‘We broke down’

Kalamazoo — There’ll be a new champion in the NCHC.

Will Zellers scored the game-winning goal in the third period as No. 3 North Dakota downed No. 4 Western Michigan, 5-3, Friday night at Lawson Arena. The Broncos never led and trailed all of the third period, though a late push nearly tied the game with the net empty.

“Overall in the game, I thought it was a pretty tightly contested effort. I thought they just scored too easy,” Western Michigan coach Pat Ferschweiler said. “You know, for us, we had a couple breakdowns, and they’re so talented, so good, they took advantage when we broke down.”

The teams finish the regular season Saturday night. Western Michigan came into Friday’s game tied with Denver in standings points and five points behind North Dakota, needing that many to get a share of the Penrose Cup it won last season en route to an NCAA championship, too.

As far as regular season results go, the Broncos will play for second seed in the NCHC Tournament, needing to outpace Denver, which plays Arizona State this weekend.

Western Michigan (23-9-1, 15-7-1 NCHC) goaltender Hampton Slukynsky made 16 saves on 20 shots in the loss while North Dakota’s Jan Spunar stopped 22 of 25 shots. It was a battle of two of the NCHC’s top netminders, and each made key stops in a tight-checking, physical game.

Zellers put North Dakota (25-7-1, 17-5-1) up 4-2 4:42 into the third period off an assist from Detroit Red Wings draft choice Dylan James.

“He kind of made a play out of nothing there,” said North Dakota coach Dane Jackson, who is in his first season as head coach after being on the coaching staff since 2006. “And that was a really nice kind of moment where you go OK, we got a little got a little leeway here, and we can just kind of play a little bit more free.”

North Dakota took a 3-2 lead into the third period with goals from defenseman Sam Laurila alongside forwards Ollie Josephson and Josh Zakreski. Defenseman Zach Bookman and forward Liam Valente scored for Western Michigan.

One too many times in the second frame, Western Michigan’s blue line let a North Dakota forward in all alone to face Slukynsky, who stopped a couple of rushes in the opening minutes of the period.

With four minutes until the intermission, the Broncos finally got burned. On a feed from linemate Anthony Menghini, Lakreski cut to the glove side of a sprawling Slukynsky and beat him with the backhand. The goal gave North Dakota the 3-2 lead, after a seeing-eye shot from Bookman along the right wall had tied it up two apiece 8:10 into the period.

“I actually thought the second period was our best period,” Ferschweiler said. “… We started to take over. We got the goal, tied 2-2, and are kind of just humming along. Four minutes left, we just hand them a goal. Blown coverage. That was inexcusable, honestly, with some of our better players on the ice.”

The opening period played out as a back and forth track meet through the neutral zone as each side settled in. Laurila put North Dakota up 1-0 with his first career goal. After Slukynsky denied him on a trio of tries earlier in the shift, he fired a shot to beat the Western Michigan netminder 4:40 into the game.

It took just a minute and 34 seconds after Laurila’s opener for Western Michigan’s top line to get it right back. A blue-collar shift from captain Owen Michaels fed linemate Will Whitelaw along the left boards, and he sprung Valente for a breakaway goal that evened up the score.

“I thought we gave it to them too easy a couple times tonight,” Whitelaw said. “And I think when you’re playing a team like that, obviously they’re gonna put it in your net. But I think it’ll be a big lesson for our group going forward.”

For the better part of the first period, the Lawson Lunatics peppered North Dakota defenseman Jake Livanavage with jeers, but he got his own licks in with 7:48 left in the first period as he fed Josephson right at the net for the 2-1 goal. That score held through the first period.

With 2:02 remaining and Slukynsky pulled, forward Zaccharya Wisdom pulled Western Michigan within one. He nearly had the equalizer with 40 seconds on the clock on a backdoor try, but he mistimed the shot. Mac Swanson scored an empty-netter with 20.7 seconds on the clock to clinch the win, and with it the Penrose Cup, presented to North Dakota in the locker room and then paraded around the ice.

“It’s the hardest regular season championship to win, in my opinion,” North Dakota forward Ben Strinden said. “So it’s awesome. Obviously, it’s not our end goal, but we’re going to enjoy it for sure.”

cearegood@detroitnews.com

@ConnorEaregood

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