Fargo 84 Exceptional
Fargo Livability #1 ranked city in North Dakota#516 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas

Fargo, ND - The Gateway to the West

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.

Pros and Cons of Living in Fargo

PROS
  • 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.

CONS
  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Fargo?

Fargo is a moderately-sized city located in the state of North Dakota. The city has a population of 123,550 residents. According to the most recent Census, 83% of Fargo residents are White, 8% Black and 4% Asian. Fargo tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 31 is far below the national average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 49% of the Fargo population is married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Fargo is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Fargo, North Dakota. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like amenities, commute, health & safety, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Fargo and in the areas around Fargo is a much easier task.

The livability score in Fargo is 84/100 and the city is ranked in the 98th percentile of all cities across America. This is a terrific score, as Fargo ranks well in multiple categories! Fargo has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we explore each of the categories on their own, we see that Fargo ranks well for amenities (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A). Fargo does not rank well for the following: crime (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Living in Fargo offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Fargo provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Fargo: Red River Zoo, Fargo Theatre, and Fargo Air Museum.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Fargo excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Fargo. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Fargo are affordable. Median real estate prices in Fargo come in at $225,500, which is 37.5% higher than the North Dakota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Fargo, the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 39.3% higher than the North Dakota average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Fargo

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Compare Fargo, ND Livability

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      Fargo transportation information

      Statistic Fargo North Dakota National
      Average one way commute15min17min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.3%80.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.1%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.3%0.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.4%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home3.8%4.9%4.6%
      Source: The Fargo, ND data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).