North Dakota is the “legendary” state according to the signs, and it may be legendary for a lot of reasons. We’re one of the lesser populated states, and maybe there’s a reason for that. Living in North Dakota isn’t for everyone and yet we’re still here, and many of us actually enjoy it. Everything this state throws at us seems worthwhile when compared to the perks of living in a relatively quiet, large, and beautiful state. That’s not to say everyone would be able to do it, our toughness just makes it seem easy when we have to. You might want to consider the following if you plan on moving here…

1. It really does get cold in winter.
profmeg/Flickr
Who is ready for the sub-zero temperatures? You better be - because they're pretty common during the wintertime on the prairie! This is one of the North Dakota stereotypes that is very much true, except it isn't year-round. We do have spring, summer, and fall, here, as a matter of fact.
2. So much wind!
Geof Wilson/Flickr
The wind makes winter driving even more fun with the added bonus of blowing snow and drifts. Not to mention the chilliest windchill ever.
3. We've got lots of wild animals here.
Mike Hoff/Flickr
And they seem to have a perfect sense of when the worst possible time to cross the road is.
4. And yes, sometimes that actually does include bison.
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
Don't mess with these guys, seriously. Just let them pass or else risk getting a nice big dent in your car.
5. There's too much good regional food here, it's hard to stop eating.
joyosity/Flickr
Dieting? Does that include eating North Dakota's massive, amazingly delicious caramel rolls? Because if not, I think I'll pass...
6. When it's summer, the humidity and bugs are out to get you.
confier/Flickr
As previously mentioned, we experience all the seasons here and hot, humid summers are one of them. Maybe not quite southern states humid, but some days it does get up in the high percentages plus above 90 degrees. The mosquitoes, ticks, and other creepy crawlers that come with that are not fun either, but are just a part of the characteristics of North Dakota.
7. Speaking of bugs, be prepared to see a lot of these trying to find some warmth in your home every fall.
Seabrooke Leckie/Flickr
Luckily these guys are mostly harmless. There are other beetles that enjoy cozying up in your window frames, too.

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8. Oh, and let's not forget the summer storms.
clizbiz/Flickr
A lot of us like to sit out and watch the summer storms roll in, myself included. However, sometimes those storms spawn tornados, and that's definitely when it's time to head inside.
9. Outsiders rarely understand you when you say you're from North Dakota.
Ken Lund/Flickr
No, Mount Rushmore is not here, you're thinking South Dakota, and no, the movie "Fargo" is not very accurate. Seriously, some people out there think this state doesn't exist and is just part of some weird conspiracy theory.
10. People might look at you funny when you talk about what North Dakotans do for fun.
uusijani/Flickr
I swear, it really is fun sitting around a hole in the ice on a lake during the frigid winter. Seriously! Why are you looking at me like I'm crazy?
11. There are a lot of lonely stretches of roads.
clizbiz/Flickr
On the bright side, traffic is pretty low! Except when...
12. During certain times of the year, tractors have to share the road, too.
Chuck Coker/Flickr
Farmers, I love and respect you, but sometimes I just have places to be and no way to pass you.
13. We have to borrow professional sports teams from other states.
Mark Powell/Flickr
You're either a Vikings fan or a Packers fan, no other options. When it comes to college sports teams, however, we're covered on our own with the best college football and hockey teams. Go Bison and Fighting Hawks!
14. It's a place where you don't have to look up to see the sky.
Wes Peck/Flickr
I personally consider this a perk, especially for sunrises and sunsets. Not to mention the absolutely incredible stargazing you'll get out here.
15. The outside world seems oblivious to the beauty the state has.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
It's hard to show off when people think you don't exist or only associate you with a weird movie or the oil fields. There's so much here they are missing out on, and they don't even know it.

If you liked these, you should check out our list of extremely weird things only North Dakotans do. We’re certainly a one-of-a-kind state and that’s just one reason we love living in North Dakota.

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Living In North Dakota

Leah | February 21, 2020

Is North Dakota a great place to live?

While we can poke fun and make light of some of the inconveniences of living in North Dakota, it is actually a really wonderful place to live. With tons of space, generally low cost of living, ample job opportunities, low crime rates, and plenty to see and do, it is perfect for people just starting a family or people trying to decide where to settle down permanently. North Dakota consistently ranks among the top states for livability and happiness and the statistics certainly don't lie. If you are looking for a more quiet life or a place to set some roots, the Peace Garden State might be perfect for you.

What stereotypes are there about North Dakota?

North Dakota stereotypes range from the absurdly incorrect to the strange but true. When you tell people who aren't from the area that you live there, they often say something along the lines of, "the state with the mountain that has heads of presidents on it, right?" North Dakotans are also often stereotyped to go with the famous Coen Brothers movie, Fargo, including the thick "ya, you betcha" accents, despite that being a more Minnesotan thing and extremely exaggerated at that. People also love to joke that the landscape is completely flat and boring, despite this being entirely untrue. There are tons of beautiful rolling prairie hills, buttes, and the rugged terrain of the west easily disproves that. Being a place where the buffalo roam, however, is true - whether you mean the animal or the dedicated college sports fans.

How has North Dakota changed over the years?

The characteristics of North Dakota have remained relatively the same, with small towns still thriving and the big cities of the past still being the urban centers of today. There are still acres upon acres of farmland, strong moral values, and plenty of history kept alive. However, North Dakota has had changes over the years. The population has been on the rise, and big cities like Fargo and Bismarck continue to grow and expand. There are new businesses started in North Dakota all the time - in fact, it's considered one of the best states to start a business. Oil booms like the one that happened in the 2010s bring in thousands of temporary residents that completely change towns like Williston and then leave just as quickly. Still, despite all of this, much of the Peace Garden State has remained quiet over the decades, and people like it that way.

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