You could live here...
Small town Community
Downtown Fargo
but you don’t have to.
See the GREAT in the greater Fargo-Moorhead communities
There’s more to Fargo than snowy winters and thick accents. We have the suburbs! These are communities surrounding Fargo and Moorhead, an easy to commute to work or shopping, but a great place to raise a family and build a community to be proud of.
Hillsboro, ND
Population: 1,654
Commute time to Fargo: 42 mins
Town Highlight: Nestled in between two of North Dakota’s largest cities and surrounded by some of the world’s most fertile farmland, Hillsboro is a perfect location. Between its active and friendly people, as well as its top-notch school district with rising enrollments, there’s a lot to love about this town.
Harwood, ND
Population: 818
Commute time to Fargo: 16 mins
Town Highlight: Our tight-knit community blends small-town charm with modern living, offering a warm embrace to all. With rich history, top-notch schools, and endless opportunities, Harwood invites you to join our vibrant story.
Milnor, ND
Population: 615
Commute time to Fargo: 1 hour 10 mins
Town Highlight: Having been honored by several North Dakota state awards, including “City of the Year” for planning and growth, Milnor demonstrates innovative efforts to enhance the livability, health, and attractiveness of its community. From a new residential subdivision to four parks within the community, Milnor has it all for new residents who enjoy a safe, slower paced lifestyle with a great sense of community.
Hawley, MN
Population: 2,296
Commute time to Fargo: 30 min
Town Highlight: A Minnesota jewel with much to offer, Hawley is a true example of friendly, small-town charm combined with a progressive and enduring legacy. As with many smaller communities, school activities take center stage and bring an array of opportunities for residents to gather together to enjoy the arts and sporting events of its students.
Barnesville, MN
Population: 2,781
Commute time to Fargo: 29 mins
Town Highlight: Located on the edge of the Red River Valley, Barnesville is surrounded by beautiful terrain including flat fields, rolling hills, creeks, and lakes. This town has everything you need to thrive including medical, dental, optometry, banking, grocery, fuel, and year-round events for the whole family. As a resident, you'll love all that Barnesville has to offer.
Mayville, ND
Population: 1,820
Commute time to Fargo: 56 mins
Town Highlight: Complete with a university and countless amenities, Mayville-Portland is an excellent place to do business and a great place to call home. With a wellness center, golf course, community-wide walking trails, water park, and hockey rink, this town’s activities provide the best of rural North Dakota living for residents of all ages.
Wahpeton, ND
Population: 8,014
Commute time to Fargo: 53 mins
Town Highlight: In Wahpeton you’ll find an excellent public school system, multiple healthcare options, and beautiful parks for recreation and relaxation. This town has an array of activities for everyone – from places to shop and eat, along with public art attractions and sporting events.
Hankinson, ND
Population: 919
Commute time to Fargo: 59 mins
Town Highlight: Between its excellent educational system with many new hands-on learning opportunities, a thriving business environment, and countless recreational opportunities, Hankinson is a place where residents can truly thrive. With more than 75 businesses across various sectors including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and services, Hankinson’s robust business landscape provides residents with convenient options for shopping and all of life’s needs.
Finely, ND
Population: 394
Commute time to Fargo: 1 hour 20 mins
Town Highlight: Finley is building a community rich in people, pride, and progress while actively developing and improving the quality of life for its residents. With a wide range of academic offerings and extracurricular activities available to serve the needs of all students, its public school boasts an excellent student to teacher ratio.
Gwinner, ND
Population: 919
Commute time to Fargo: 1 hour 20 mins
Town Highlight: With several up-to-date parks, 9-hole golf course, summer youth programs, swimming pool, fitness center, and bike paths, the residents of Gwinner enjoy a lively, small-town atmosphere with many services and plenty of activities for people of all ages. This town strives to be a great place to call home by making continuous updates within the community, ensuring it keeps moving forward for its residents.
Enderlin, ND
Population: 861
Commute time to Fargo: 58 mins
Town Highlight: Located in picturesque southeastern North Dakota, Enderlin is a friendly, progressive, growing community with deep ties to agriculture. Outdoor opportunities are abundant and go beyond farming to include hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife, and bird watching. This small town with a big heart invites you to come and stay a while.
Lisbon, ND
Population: 2,185
Commute time to Fargo: 1 hour 11 min
Town Highlight: Main Street in Lisbon is the center of the community. From the Scenic Theatre to the city offices, this vibrant downtown extends to include a great school system, hospital, and many amenities that provide everything its residents need.
Casselton, ND
Population: 2,460
Commute time to Fargo: 29 mins
Town Highlight: Casselton is a vibrant and growing city known for its small-town charm and friendly atmosphere. Offering a unique blend of walkability, community spirit, and economic growth, this town is an inviting place to call home.
Competitive Cost of Living!
*Data courtesy of C2ER – Cost of Living Index – Quarter 2, 2024
Far-more than Fargo. Explore the Greater FM area.
Sign-up to our e-mail list to get more information about the affordable, booming communities on the grow around the greater Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo area.
Start living the life you were destined for!
Why a small town?
Low Cost of Living.
Small towns like Wahpeton and Barnesville typically offer even more affordable housing options than Fargo, including larger homes or properties with more land at lower prices.
Everybody knows your name.
Residents in small towns often describe a strong sense of community, where neighbors know and support one another. This tight-knit social fabric fosters a sense of belonging, safety, and connection that can be harder to find in larger cities.
Close to Fargo.
Our small towns offer the peace and quiet of country life, they are close enough to Fargo for easy access to its broader range of amenities, including shopping, healthcare, and entertainment.
Slower Pace of Life.
There’s less traffic, noise, and stress, which can contribute to a better quality of life for people who value tranquility and relaxation.
Outdoor Recreation and Nature
Rural areas have opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping. Some towns are located near the Red River, providing easy access to water-based activities, and the surrounding countryside offers scenic drives, parks, and wildlife viewing.
School & Class Sizes
These small towns offer good public schools, with smaller class sizes and a more personalized approach to education. These towns are often seen as ideal places to raise children, thanks to their safe environments and strong community values.
Strong Local Identity and Traditions.
Our towns have unique local traditions, festivals, and events that foster community pride and participation. Wahpeton celebrates “Harvest Fest,” and Barnesville is known for its “Potato Days Festival,” both of which bring residents together and contribute to the area’s cultural identity.
Less Traffic and Easy Commuting
Commuting to Fargo or other nearby areas from small towns is generally hassle-free, with minimal traffic compared to larger cities. This can significantly reduce stress for those who work in Fargo but prefer to live in a quieter, more rural environment.
Safe and Quiet Neighborhoods
Small towns often have low crime rates and a sense of safety that appeals to families, retirees, and those looking for a peaceful living environment.
Local Economy and Job Opportunities
While Fargo provides a wider range of employment opportunities, small towns have their local economies and job markets. These towns are booming with agriculture, small businesses, and local industries that provide employment.
Historic Charm and Unique Character
Many small towns in the region have historic downtowns and buildings that contribute to their unique character. These towns often have a slower rate of development, preserving historic landmarks, quaint shops, and a traditional feel.
Agricultural and Rural Heritage
The surrounding small towns often have a deep connection to agriculture and rural life, making them appealing to people who appreciate or participate in farming, gardening, or other agricultural activities.
Far-more than Fargo. Explore the Greater FM area.
Sign-up to our e-mail list to get more information about the affordable, booming communities on the grow around the greater Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo area.
Start living the life you were destined for!
