There are a lot of huge, major cities out there that are known for many things. A state's biggest city is usually quite notable for the different attractions, history, people, and regional culture that become what everyone thinks of when they hear about that place. What about North Dakota's biggest city? How does it compare to all the other big cities in America? Most people outside of the state know of it from a single scene in a movie named after it, but there is so much more to this city that, quite frankly, should push its rank to the highest. Here's why:
Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota at a population of 118,523. It's known as the "Gateway to the West."
Fargo was founded in 1871, originally under the name Centralia until the railroad came through. Because it became such a big and busy hub at the time, and having been located right on the Red River, people referred to it as the "Gateway to the West" since so many people traveled through it on their way during the great expansion to the west.
It was ranked as one of the top five fastest growing small cities by Forbes and one of the most livable cities.
Fargo is definitely one of the centers of regional culture, retail, education, industrial, and health care in the Red River Valley. Not only has it been ranked that, but other publications have named it one of the most livable cities in the country. It consistently has a low unemployment rate, low crime rate, and a good amount of affordable housing. Compared to other huge cities in the world that are low on available jobs and notorious for high crime, Fargo definitely is better.
It has a place for everyone. The hip city scene, the quiet suburbs, and the surrounding farm community, all within one metropolitan area.
Whether you are more of an urban dweller or prefer the comfort of suburbia, maybe even like living on a farm but still being just minutes away from the convenience of a city, then Fargo has it. There are so many local shops, restaurants, and businesses unique to the city that make it a fun place to explore and try new things. It has been considered a city great for entrepreneurs to start a business, so new things are popping up all the time.
There are beautiful spots of nature and outdoor opportunities all throughout Fargo.
If you want a peaceful stroll or even a night camping out in a beautifully forested area right within the heart of Fargo, try Lindenwood Park. Or you can check out the Red River and all the things you can do with that. There is plenty of places for walking, jogging, biking, and more, without having to go out of your way to get to it.
Fargo is an arts and culture hub.
You can find these bison all around downtown Fargo, painted in different and unusual - yet beautiful - ways. Fargo is home to the Plains Art Museum, a hidden gem that has a permanent collection of over 4,000 works, and constantly shifting exhibitions for local, regional, national, and international artists. The Fargo Theatre hosts a great film festival every year to showcase a variety of amazing films, plus plenty of other great events and showings throughout the year.
Fargo has a little bit of everything when it comes to the arts!
Fargo also isn't afraid to have a little fun with the movie that brought on the most stereotypes about it!
In the visitors center of Fargo, you can see the real wood chipper from one of the most famous scenes from the well-known cult classic movie under the same name as the city. Even though none of it was actually filmed in Fargo and a majority of the movie was set in Minnesota, the city isn't afraid to have a little fun with it. There is even a yearly event for Fargo movie fans that does include a special appearance by the wood chipper then, too.
Fargo is definitely one of the best cities in America.
With so much going on in the city while still being able to avoid the kind of issues in other major cities, Fargo certainly rises above the rest as a great place to live and visit for many people. For all of these reasons and more, North Dakota's biggest city deserves recognition.
What is your favorite city in North Dakota, and do you think that one deserves a spot as the best city in America?
The great thing about North Dakota is that it has both big cities and itty bitty small towns. Anyone could find a place for them here. If you want to know what the very BEST places to live in North Dakota are, click the link.
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