Firstly why Fargo, North-Dakota?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Fargo
• State: North-Dakota
• Population: 129,489 people
• Fargo’s quick summary would be Known for its vibrant arts scene, historic downtown, and as the setting of the popular TV series ‘Fargo.’

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 12,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 10,000 annually
• Net Migration: 2000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 800
• Number of Homeless people: 200

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a growing economy and vibrant arts scene attracting families

Perk #1: Fargo Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 66%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $80,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Fargo is $70,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-10000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Fargo’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,950
• Property Tax %: 1.49%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,100
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown Fargo
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Fargo, Moorhead, West-Fargo, Dilworth, and probably could include Horace
• Avg. Age of Homes in Fargo: 40 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Fargo’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Fargo are  Technology, Education, and Healthcare
• Fargo Job Scene: growing job market in technology and education
• The General Tech Scene: emerging tech hub focused on software innovation and local industries , ,
• Fargo Resident’s pay $1,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Fargo: 5%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 60 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 4

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Fargo

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-29 runs through Fargo providing north-south access
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy congestion on I-29
• Transportation Score: 40 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Fargo: 58,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 7 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Fargo: vip.nd.gov/
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 61 of 100
• Local Airport: Hector International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Fargo’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Winter storms
• General Weather in Fargo is best described as has harsh cold winters and warm summers with significant snowfall
• Winter Weather in Fargo i’d describe as very cold with heavy snow
• Spring Weather in Fargo can be described as cool with rain expected
• Summer’s in Fargo are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Fargo is usually chilly with possible snow
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 16 days in summer
• Days in a row in Fargo below Freezing: 60
• Average Annual Rainfall: 17 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely supported by regional initiatives
• Fargo Winter Air generally good air quality minimal pollution impacts

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Fargo Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Fargo 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Fargos’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Fargo Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Fargo Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 12 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Fargo only Doctors is about 50
• Local Hospitals here is  6
• Full-time Fargo only Police Officers is about 120
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Fargo’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Fargo’s Monthly Gym Membership: $38
• Fargo’s Water Quality Score: 82

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Fargo

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: cultural hub with a mix of community and university influence
• You might enjoy local theater performances at the Fargo Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Fargo  offers a lively nightlife with a mix of bars restaurants and cultural events appealing to the community

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Fargo

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a range of ethnic restaurants and casual dining
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 25 scattered around Fargo
• The Popular Sports Team is Fargo Force
• Top Level Political Climate in Fargo can be described as politically mixed urban area with a focus on growth and economy
• Fargo’s Longer standing religious establishment is Fargo First Congregational Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Fargo Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Fargo has 30 Parks?
• Island Park is Fargo’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Fargo Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Fargo Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Fargo can be described as active urban lifestyle with a focus on education and diversity
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Fargo community events local sports activities exploring parks
• The Cities people commute to from Fargo are Fargo 80 miles away East-Grand-Forks 5 miles away Bemidji 60 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Fargo or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy congestion on I-29. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Fargo’s Winter storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown Fargo is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Fargo are Fargo 80 miles away East-Grand-Forks 5 miles away Bemidji 60 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Fargo has 60 days in a row below freezing and 16 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Fargo people have an average (positive or negative) $-10000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   200 homeless people living in Fargo. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed urban area with a focus on growth and economy could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Fargo.

Retiree & Senior Life in Fargo

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might benefit from state programs providing property tax credits
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Sheyenne Crossings
• Fargo Senior Center offers meals health workshops and recreational activities for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Fargo, North-Dakota?

If Fargo, North-Dakota ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Fargo, North-Dakota, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!