Fargo, North Dakota, the largest city in the state, is known for its friendly community, strong economy, and vibrant cultural scene. Located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota, Fargo offers a unique blend of Midwestern charm and modern amenities. The city's growing population and diverse cultural offerings make living in Fargo an appealing choice for families, students, and professionals.
Residents of Fargo enjoy a variety of recreational activities and community events. The city's numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The Red River, which flows through Fargo, offers scenic views and opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Lindenwood Park and Island Park are popular destinations for picnicking, sports, and family gatherings.
Fargo is home to several higher education institutions, including North Dakota State University, which contributes to the city's youthful and dynamic population. The presence of these institutions supports a range of cultural and sporting events, as well as educational and research opportunities. The Fargo Theatre, Plains Art Museum, and the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra are cultural highlights that enrich the community's artistic and educational landscape.
The cost of living in Fargo is relatively affordable compared to other parts of the country, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market offers a variety of options, from historic homes in established neighborhoods to new developments in suburban areas. The city's economy is supported by industries such as healthcare, education, and technology.
Public transportation in Fargo is provided by MATBUS, which operates bus routes throughout the city and the surrounding metropolitan area. Fargo's climate features cold winters and warm summers, with a variety of seasonal activities available year-round. Overall, Fargo offers a blend of Midwestern hospitality, cultural vibrancy, and a strong sense of community.
Amenities
The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Crime
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Fargo is a medium-sized city located in the state of North Dakota. The city has a population of 128,361 people. According to the most recent Census, 83% of Fargo residents are White, 8% Black and 4% Asian. Fargo could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 31 years old is below the nation’s average. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Fargo, only 49% of the population is married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Fargo offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Fargo is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in North Dakota, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, commute, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Fargo and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Fargo to North Dakota and the national average.
The livability score in Fargo is 84 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 98th percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the United States average, Fargo ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Fargo also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Fargo scores well for amenities (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+) Unfortunately for Fargo, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Fargo, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Fargo undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Fargo are: Red River Zoo, Fargo Theatre, and Fargo Air Museum.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Fargo can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Assuming that Fargo meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Fargo. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Fargo are simply unattainable. The median home price for Fargo homes is $397,466, which is 35.2% higher than the North Dakota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Fargo, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.6, which is 39.4% higher than the North Dakota average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Fargo | North Dakota | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 17min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.3% | 80.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.1% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.3% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.4% | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.8% | 4.9% | 4.6% |
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