Firstly why Grand-Forks, Montana?

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

• City: Grand-Forks
• State: Montana
• Population: 59,322 people
• Grand-Forks’s quick summary would be recognized for its universities and vibrant downtown this city seamlessly blends education and entertainment for residents.

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: 1,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 303 annually
• Net Migration: 697 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,100
• Number of Homeless people: 56

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to the University of North Dakota attracting students and young professionals

Perk #1: Grand-Forks Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 75%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $59,879
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Grand-Forks is $73,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $13121 in positive 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 & Grand-Forks’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,400
• Property Tax %: 1.17%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,300
• Rent for an average house: $1,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Grand Forks
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Grand-Forks, East Grand Forks, and probably could include Thompson
• Avg. Age of Homes in Grand-Forks: 32 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 & Grand-Forks’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Grand-Forks are  Education, Healthcare, and Retail
• Grand-Forks Job Scene: moderate job market focused on education and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech community concentrated on education and local economic development , ,
• Grand-Forks Resident’s pay $1,400 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Grand-Forks: 5%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 200 (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 Grand-Forks

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-29 connects Grand Forks to Fargo and beyond
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on Highway 2
• Transportation Score: 33 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Grand-Forks: 35,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Grand-Forks: dojmt.gov/motor-vehicle/
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
• Local Airport: Grand Forks 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: Grand-Forks’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
• General Weather in Grand-Forks is best described as experiences cold snowy winters and warm humid summers with moderate precipitation
• Winter Weather in Grand-Forks i’d describe as very cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Grand-Forks can be described as cool and rainy
• Summer’s in Grand-Forks are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Grand-Forks is usually chilly with wind
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 5 days in summer
• Days in a row in Grand-Forks below Freezing: 70
• Average Annual Rainfall: 16 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality primarily with low pollution
• Grand-Forks Winter Air generally good air quality with few local concerns

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: Grand-Forks Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Grand-Forks 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Grand-Forkss’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Grand Forks 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 & Grand-Forks Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Grand-Forks only Doctors is about 100
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Grand-Forks only Police Officers is about 45
• Crime Rate Index: 21/100

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

• Grand-Forks’s Monthly utility bill average is $185
• Grand-Forks’s Monthly Gym Membership: $38
• Grand-Forks’s Water Quality Score: 78

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 Grand-Forks

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 2 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: home to a university with a vibrant local culture
• You might enjoy live events at the Empire Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Grand-Forks  features an energetic nightlife scene with bars clubs and live events catering to college students and locals

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 Grand-Forks

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes local eateries and fast food chains
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 80 scattered around Grand-Forks
• The Popular Sports Team is University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks
• Top Level Political Climate in Grand-Forks can be described as liberal college town with a focus on education and social issues
• Grand-Forks’s Longer standing religious establishment is Bethel 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: Grand-Forks Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Grand-Forks has 7 Parks?
• Grand Forks City Park is Grand-Forks’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Grand Forks Farmers Market normally open Thursday 3:30pm-7pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and fishing

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: Grand-Forks Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Grand-Forks can be described as moderately paced college town known for its vibrant culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Grand-Forks hiking trails picnicking visiting local attractions
• The Cities people commute to from Grand-Forks are Bismarck 108 miles away Williston 59 miles away Devils-Lake 87 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 Grand-Forks 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: backups on Highway 2. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Grand-Forks’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Grand Forks is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Grand-Forks are Bismarck 108 miles away Williston 59 miles away Devils-Lake 87 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 21 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Grand-Forks has 70 days in a row below freezing and 5 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 Grand-Forks people have an average (positive or negative) $13121 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   56 homeless people living in Grand-Forks. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal college town with a focus on education and social issues 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 Grand-Forks.

Retiree & Senior Life in Grand-Forks

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can receive assistance through local exemptions reducing tax liabilities
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Summit
• Grand Forks Senior Center features diverse programs health resources and social activities for seniors

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 Grand-Forks, Montana?

If Grand-Forks, Montana 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 Grand-Forks, Montana, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!