The Appeal of Living in North and South Dakota

The Dakotas are two expansive states in the Midwest. With sprawling plains, jagged mountains, running rivers, and thick forests, North Dakota and South Dakota are gorgeous states with diverse geographies. Both states have small populations but offer much to enjoy and offer residents an excellent lifestyle. 

Many people have considered relocation over the past several years as the pandemic reoriented what we prioritize regarding where we live. If you are hoping to live somewhere scenic, quiet, and pleasant, few places stand out more than the Dakotas. Let’s look at some of the best aspects of living in North Dakota and South Dakota. 

If you are hoping to live somewhere with unmatched scenic beauty, North Dakota and South Dakota are the places for you. Both states are famed for their incredibly appealing landscapes with much to explore. They each boast famous national parks and ideal destinations for outdoor recreation.

One of the must-see natural areas in North Dakota is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This park, situated on the Little Missouri River, lies where the Great Plains meet the Badlands and is famous for its canyons and deep forests. In South Dakota, you’ll find Badlands National Park. It has an otherworldly appearance, with amazing rock formations and grassy plains. It is known for its wildlife, including bison and mountain lions.

One of the biggest incentives for people considering relocating to North Dakota or South Dakota is the low cost of living. They are both sizable states with minuscule populations, so there are plenty of options for housing. This makes it a less competitive market, with a relatively modest median cost for a home.

According to FortuneBuilders, the median listing price for a home in North Dakota is just below $290,000. In South Dakota, FortuneBuilders states that the median home value is around $222,000. These mild costs contribute to making North Dakota and South Dakota relatively affordable states to live in the country. 

While there are no major urban hubs in either state, with no cities in the 100 most-populated metro areas, both North Dakota and South Dakota have pleasant towns and cities that present buyers with various options to explore and much to enjoy.

Fargo, the biggest city in North Dakota, is an appealing place home to more than 125,000. It is known for its growing economy, excellent museums, and outdoor recreation. Over in South Dakota, Sioux Falls is the biggest city and home to nearly 200,000. It is famous for its gorgeous parks, including Falls Park, which has a large flowing waterfall. Both Dakotas also have plenty of quaint small towns for those who prefer a quieter lifestyle.

North Dakota and South Dakota have histories stretching back thousands of years. Each has distinctive cultures that make them desirable places to live. They have top-notch museums, famous landmarks, and excellent dining options with thriving farm-to-table food scenes. The most famous cultural attraction is Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

In North Dakota, the Plains Art Museum showcases works by Native American artists and other modern artists, and the Fargo Air Museum is a shrine to innovation in aviation. In South Dakota, the Adams Museum showcases the Wild West history of the area. The South Dakota Air and Space Museum is another aviation gallery with incredible displays.