Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of living in an urban area? These small towns in North Dakota offer a nice change of pace and allow you to just enjoy life at your own speed, and without the loudness of a city. The low populations and tight-knit communities in some of the most serene areas of the state result in the ultimate calm and quiet places to live, and they might just be perfect for you!

1. Hazelton
Andrew Filer/Flickr
The quiet city of Hazelton in south central North Dakota only has a population of 235 residents. The classic small town setting is in full force here, single water tower, grain elevators, and all, and you can be sure that you won't be bothered much here.
2. Kulm
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Founded in 1892, this delightful town is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and wildlife management areas, as well as clean wind farms, giving you the chance not only to enjoy the cute, quiet town, but to see some amazing waterfowl and other animals in the area year round. The only sound that will be greeting you in the morning in this town is the morning songs of birds - and nothing else!
3. Elgin
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Time goes by at a lovely pace in Elgin, a town named after a nineteenth century pocket watch brand. You won't feel rushed or overwhelmed very often when you're living in this town, the day to day life is pretty peaceful to most of the 642 residents, and has been since it was founded in 1910.

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4. Milnor
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Located in Sargent County, Milnor has been around since 1883 and the historic town moves at a leisurely pace. There isn't much hustle and bustle here and that works out just fine for those who enjoy it that way. It's great to slow down and be able to enjoy life a little more!
5. Wilton
Andrew Filer/Flickr
This town has a huge Ukrainian influence due to the many immigrants that settled the land in the 1880s. Today, a beautiful Ukrainian orthodox church still stands as well as this train station. The town's motto is "A city rich in its past and future" and it truly sticks to that.
6. Buxton
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Just over 320 people call Buxton, North Dakota their home, and that number has been fairly constant over the years it's been in existence. Not many people are ever coming or going; it's just a nice quiet setting of people living and enjoying their lives.
7. Gilby
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Not far from Buxton is the delightful town of Gilby. It's a little smaller at 237 residents and offers a bit more remoteness, adding to the peaceful ambiance that the town has had since 1887.

If you REALLY want to get away from it all and live in the tiniest, most remote towns in North Dakota, check out the absolute smallest towns in the state. You’ll easily know everyone’s names there because there are not many names to remember!

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More to Explore

Small Towns In North Dakota

Leah | February 12, 2021

What is the smallest town in North Dakota?

If you really want to find quiet places in North Dakota, look no further than the state's tiniest town. Ruso, North Dakota holds that title. With only 4 residents, it's the tiniest incorporated town in the state. It's located in McLean county and was founded in 1909. A fun fact about Ruso, it played a role in an international film called The Cut that was part of the 71st Venice International Film Festival. Despite it being so small, no other town in North Dakota can say it has the same kind of worldwide recognition!

Where is the best place to live in North Dakota?

Are you considering living in North Dakota? There are many great small towns like the ones featured above, as well as cities of many sizes. Depending on the type of lifestyle you have, different places will be better for you. If you want city life, Fargo or Grand Forks are great options. Their vibrant urban centers and sprawling suburbs are ideal for those seeking that kind of environment. Thinking of something a bit quieter but not too remote? Try places like Devils Lake, Wahpeton, or Valley City. They have populations range from 6,000-8,000 and have all the local amenities you need without too much hustle and bustle. Go even smaller than that in towns like Mayville, Oakes, or Killdeer, in the 1,000-2,000 residents range.

What are the most charming small towns in North Dakota?

Besides making great places to live in North Dakota, the state's small towns are also perfect for day trips just to take in their local charm. Kenmare, North Dakota is a great example of this. It's scenically located between two lakes and among prairie hills. It has a handful of charming local businesses, like a retro movie theater and family-owned restaurants, and the cutest city park that features a Danish windmill. Other similar towns include Park River, Hankinson, or Bottineau.

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Featured Addresses
Hazelton, ND 58544, USA
Kulm, ND 58456, USA
Elgin, ND 58533, USA
Milnor, ND 58060, USA
Wilton, ND 58579, USA
Buxton, ND 58218, USA
Gilby, ND 58235, USA