11 Things to Know When Moving to North Dakota
North Dakota is a state in the upper Midwestern United States. The state offers a high quality of life, a welcoming community, friendly neighbors, and plenty of job opportunities. North Dakota is ranked number 1 among all states for quality of life. It is a serene prairie paradise full of beauty and nature. In addition, North Dakota is a tax-friendly state. It is also a great place to raise a family. So, if you are considering moving to North Dakota, there are several things you need to know and prepare. Here are 11 things you need to know before moving to North Dakota.
What to Know Before your Move to North Dakota
1. Before you Arrive in North Dakota
Find a reliable moving company, truck rental or moving container
For your move to North Dakota, you will need to hire a reliable moving company or take on the move yourself. To find the best moving company in North Dakota, look for good reviews, a professional-looking website, and years of experience.
Planning a move to North Dakota? Have a look at our selection of
Forward your mail
If you are moving to North Dakota permanently and you receive a lot of mail (excluding packages), you may want to sign up with USPS’s mail forwarding service. Mail forwarding will allow your mail to be redirected to the right address for a given period of time. The fee for regular mail forwarding is only a little over a dollar for 6 months. If you want to extend the service, you will have to pay around $20 for 6 months more. You can begin your mail forwarding process by signing up on USPS’s website or directly at your local Post Office.
Sell or donate the items you won’t need in North Dakota
Moving to a new place is an opportunity to start afresh. If you’re moving to North Dakota, selling or donating the items you won’t need will go a long way in making your move easier. You can sell your old household items and personal possessions, and anything that will not be useful. Pick out the items that will not be useful for you in North Dakota, then decide if you want to sell them on websites like Craigslist or Facebook MarketPlace or donate them to a non-profit organization.
2. What are the First Steps to Take When Arriving in North Dakota?
Change your address
Along with mail forwarding, you will also have to update your new address with the concerned authorities in North Dakota like the DMV. To exercise your right to vote in North Dakota, you can simply fill this quick online voter registration form. Once you have voted for the first time, your name will be entered into the state’s central voter file within 45 days after the election.
You should also change your address with your employer, bank, doctor, insurer, and service providers so that you can avoid any complications further down the road.
Exchange your driver’s license
Once you move to North Dakota and establish residency, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license within 60 days. In order to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, you’ll need to visit a ND DOT office in person and bring your proof of identity, social security number and cash to pay a fee. To avoid long wait times, you can book an appointment online to exchange your driver’s license.
Register your vehicle
If you have just moved to North Dakota, you’ll have to register your out-of-state vehicle as soon as you establish residency. Failure to do so might result in penalties and additional charges. To get your car registered in North Dakota, you will need to visit your local ND DOT office in person and submit a completed Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle (SFN 2872), and some additional documents. To avoid long wait times, you can book an appointment online to register your vehicle.
Consider getting health insurance
Getting health insurance is an excellent way to get peace of mind when it comes to your health. With health insurance, you will not have to worry about spending a ton of money in case of a health-related emergency. The state of North Dakota proposes a website to help you with your health insurance search. Simply choose North Dakota as your state and create an account.
Consider getting home insurance
Getting home insurance is essential, whichever state you are residing in. It is a kind of financial protection that will cover for your expenses if a natural disaster damages your home. Residents in North Dakota are at a high risk to severe storms, floods, tornadoes, winter storms and landslides. Therefore, getting home insurance will prove to be valuable.
3. Best Places to Live in North Dakota
If you are a couple, you might want to consider living in Bismarck. Bismarck is a safe place with plenty of job opportunities, a diverse culture and it is loaded with museums, multiple theaters, parks, and an art gallery.
If you are a family, you might want to consider Stanley. Stanley is amongst the best cities to live in North Dakota, it offers high education rates, a low cost of living, a high median household income and a lot of amenities.
If you are single, you should consider moving to Fargo. Fargo is the most populous city in North Dakota and is home to the North Dakota State University. It offers a lot of amenities and an active lifestyle.
4. Housing and Renting in North Dakota
How to find an apartment in North Dakota?
If you are looking for an apartment for rent in North Dakota, these websites will help you out.
How to find a house in North Dakota?
5. How to Set Up Utilities in North Dakota?
Electricity, water, and gas in North Dakota
North Dakota State Public Service Commission is responsible for regulating electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication services in North Dakota. They ensure that consumers are provided with accessible, safe and reliable energy services at reasonable rates.
You can visit their website and search for electricity, water and gas providers and even reach out to them if you have any inquiry. The main purpose of PSC is to keep the customers well informed regarding the services they are getting from the utility providers.
Internet and cell phone in North Dakota
Getting a reliable internet service provider is what everyone desires. The state of North Dakota has some of the best internet providers and is the 37th most connected state in the USA with 80 broadband providers and 96% residents having access to 25 Mbps internet service. Internet providers in North Dakota offer a wide range of prices, speed and connection types.
When it comes to a high-speed internet connection, there is a wide variety of options to choose from in North Dakota, including cable, DSL, Fiber and Satellite. The best internet providers in North Dakota will have bundling options, various speeds, and multiple package options at reasonable prices.
6. Cost of Living in North Dakota
The average cost of living in Fargo, North Dakota per month is $2275 for a couple.
Cost of living per month for a couple in Fargo
Expense | USD $ |
Rent – Mortgage | $900 |
Utilities (gas, water, electricity, phone, internet) | $250 |
Groceries | $325 |
Entertainment | $100 |
Insurance (home, car, health) | $550 |
Other (transportation, material goods) | $150 |
Source: Numbeo, TheZebra, Love Money