Livability Score

79
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities B

There are some amenities close to this location.
Coffee (9) B
Tea
Coffee Shop
Urban Stampede
Coffee Shop
Urban Stampede
Coffee Shop
Darcy’s Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bros Bagels
Coffee Shop
Caribou Coffee
Coffee Shop
The Donut Hole
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (12) A+
Firehall Theater
Theatre Arts
Empire Theatre
Theatre Arts
River Cinema 15
Cinema
Memorial Stadium
Stadium
Heritage Village
Museum
NORTHERN LIGHTS RAILROAD MUSEUM
Museum
Leonard Hall Geology Museum
Museum
Ralph Engelstad Arena
Stadium
Red Ray Lanes
Bowling Alley
ND Art Museum
Museum
Hughes Fine Arts Center
Theatre Arts
Carmike Cinema
Cinema
Alerus Center
Stadium
Food and Drink (51) C+
The Loft
Bar
Bonzers Pub
Bar
Joe Black's
Bar
Sledster’s
Bar
Dog Mahal
Fast Food
Pop's Liquor
Alcohol
Burger King
Fast Food
Dairy Queen
Fast Food
Ju Ju Sweets
Sweets
Cherry Berry
Sweets
El Rocco
Alcohol
McDonald's
Fast Food
Little Caesars
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Domino's
Fast Food
Denny's Tavern
Bar
Quiznos
Fast Food
Broken Drum Bar
Bar
Taco John's
Fast Food
Dairy Queen
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Pita Pit
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Taco Bell
Fast Food
Burger King
Fast Food
Fitness (4) F
Planet Fitness
Gym
Anytime Fitness
Gym
East Grand Forks Senior Citizens Center
Community Centre
Choice Health and Fitness
Gym
Anytime Fitness
Gym
ICON Sports Center
Gym
Groceries (8) F
Village Hearth
Bakery
Hugo's
Grocery Store
Hugo's
Grocery Store
Hugo's
Grocery Store
Hugo's
Grocery Store
Hugo's
Grocery Store
Hornbacher's
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Parks (85) A+
Grand Forks Water Wheel Park
Park
Grand Forks Greenway
Park
Mystic Swiss Triangle Park
Park
Red River State Recreation Area
Park
Phoenix Elementary Play Area
Park
Hill Street park
Park
LaFave Park
Park
Sherlock Park
Park
Rydell Skatepark at Kannowski Park
Park
Kannowski Park
Park
Kannowski Park Playground
Playground
Central Park
Park
Central Practice Fields
Park
Eagle Point Park Trailhead
Park
Gateway Triangle Park
Park
River Heights Park
Park
Lincoln Drive Dog Park
Park
Rivrside Park Playground
Playground
Bob Zavoral Memorial Park
Park
Stauss Park
Park
Riverside Park
Park
Elks Park
Park
Wilmar Park
Park
Lincoln Drive Park
Park
O'Leary Park
Park
Shops (43) C+
H&M
Convenience Store
Signature Jewelers
Fashion
TNT Outfitters
Clothing
Knick Knack Paddy Whacks Card
Gift Shop
Valley Dairy
Convenience Store
Eastside Express
Convenience Store
iBeach Tan
Beauty
Holiday
Convenience Store
Acme
Home Improvement
Glitz Glam and Tan
Beauty
Family Dollar
Discount Store
East Grand Floral
Florist
Salon East
Beauty
Valley Dairy #58
Convenience Store
M J Flower Co
Florist
Valley Dairy #204
Convenience Store
The Ski and Bike Shop
Bicycle
Generations Salon
Beauty
Ferguson Books and Media
Books
LePier Oil Co. - University Station
Convenience Store
LePier Oil Co. - University Station
Convenience Store
Ultimate Look
Beauty
Cenex
Convenience Store
Harbor Freight Tools
Home Improvement
Dakota Textbook
Books
See more Grand Forks amenity data

commute C+

Of all people who commute, 1.3% take public transportation in Grand Forks.
Public Transit Stops (3)
Stops & Stations
D-
Grand Forks
Transit Station
Workers Taking Public Transit
1.3%
F
See more Grand Forks commute data

cost of living A+

The cost of living in Grand Forks is 99/100 - which is 5% higher than North Dakota.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
B-
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
A+
See more Grand Forks cost of living data

crime C-

Grand Forks crime rates are 3,280 per 100k, which is 44% higher than North Dakota
Property Crime
2,987 crimes per 100k
F
Violent Crime
293 crimes per 100k
B-
See more Grand Forks crime data

employment C-

The median income in Grand Forks is $50,194 - which is 15% lower than North Dakota.
Med. Household Income
$50,194
F
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
B
See more Grand Forks employment data

health A+

There are some hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (14)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
Grand Forks County Sheriff
Police
East Grand Forks Fire Department - Station Number One
Fire Station
East Grand Forks Police Headquarters
Police
DeMers Dental
Dentist
Grand Forks Fire Department
Fire Station
Station 1
Fire Station
East Grand Forks Fire Department - Station Number Two
Fire Station
Station 2
Fire Station
Fire Station #2
Fire Station
Douglas Place EGF
Clinic
Altru Hospital
Hospital
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Dakota Dental Associates
Dentist
Station 3
Fire Station
Aurora Clinic
Clinic
Station 4
Fire Station
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
A+
See more Grand Forks health & safety data

housing A+

Grand Forks home prices are $209,800 - which is 28% higher than North Dakota
Home Price
$209,800
B+
Home Appreciation Rate
18%
A+
Home Affordability
4.2x (home price to income ratio)
D
See more Grand Forks housing data

schools B+

The Grand Forks graduation rate is 90% - which is 2% higher than North Dakota
School Test Scores
44%
F
High School Grad. Rates
90%
B+
Elementary Schools (19) A+
St Michael'S School
Sacred Heart Elementary School
Phoenix Elementary School
Winship Elementary School
Wilder Elementary School
Riverside Christian School
New Heights Elementary
Valley Middle School
Lewis And Clark Elementary School
West Elementary School
Ben Franklin Elementary School
Holy Family St. Marys School
Viking Elementary School
School For The Blind
Lake Agassiz Elementary School
J Nelson Kelly Elementary School
South Point Elementary
Schroeder Middle School
Century Elementary School
Central Middle
Discovery Elementary School
Grand Forks Spec Ed Unit
Grand Forks Area Career & Tech Center
South Middle School
High Schools (3) A+
Central High School
Sacred Heart High School
East Grand Forks Senior High
Red River High School
Community Alternative High School
See more Grand Forks education data

ratings D-

Grand Forks has an overall rating of 50% from 19 reviews.
User Reviews (2)
From AreaVibes
D-
User Surveys (17)
From AreaVibes
D-
See more Grand Forks user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Grand Forks, ND
( 19 Ratings )

Living in Grand Forks, ND

Grand Forks Area Facts

  • Grand Forks has a Livability Score of 79/100, which is considered exceptional
  • Grand Forks crime rates are 44% higher than the North Dakota average
  • Cost of living in Grand Forks is 5% higher than the North Dakota average
New Real Estate Listings in Grand Forks Area
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Grand Forks Reviews

Write a review about Grand Forks Tell people what you like or don't like about Grand Forks…
Really not good... 1 rating By Anonymous ( May 28, 2024) As one other review said.. Grand Forks on the surface is a great town but once they learn you're from another state or even from another town in North Dakota they will treat you like complete garbage, and people in this town also don't know manners so expect to be stared at if yo ...Read More u just so happen to be in someone's way if you're shopping. The only thing Grand Forks is really good for is shopping btw everything else is horrible Read Less
Not a good place to live in 1 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 02, 2019) As a person who came here with a positive attitude, my daily interactions with the people and area quickly shut that down.
There isn't anything to do or see. Attractions would get a zero but it wasn't an option.
Community for white North Dakotans is high they seem to watch each
...Read More others backs. However, it's pretty low for a minority or someone not from North Dakota. Very small minded people who treat outsiders poorly. The people aren't rude to your face but they are behind your back. They have this unwarranted sense of a superiority complex which threw me off guard as I expected humble and welcoming people. It really baffled me since North Dakota isn't on anyone's radar nor have they accomplished anything of importance. I've been to and lived in small cities in the South where the locals were much more welcoming and friendly despite the bad reputation they get.
In the workplace they will isolate you if you're not a local and will abuse and belittle you. If you stand up for yourself they will act the victim. It's okay for them to abuse you but if you defend yourself it's a problem. HR is on their side so it doesn't matter if you complain about it. They are closeted racists and they dislike the people from the Air force base despite the fact that a good chunk of the money their economy receives comes from the base hiring locals. This experience I've had not only happened to myself but others I've met and talked to.
Nightlife consists of people buying alcohol and getting drunk, that's it. No clubbing or a significant downtown area.
Dinning is decent but only sports bar food and pizza. Fast food restaurants here seem to always get your order wrong. Their ethnic restaurants are garbage especially the "Mexican" restaurants. There isn't even a Chinese take out place here.
Shopping is average there are several chain stores you can go to. I'm not a shopper so it doesn't matter to me however I don't imagine it'd be very impressive to a shopper. The mall is very basic and has no food court. Well it does but the only place there is always closed.
Finally, the weather here is atrocious. Winters are colder than Antarctica and the switch to spring is non existant as it will immediately go from 20 to 90 in a day. The summer here is nothing to write home about. There are mosquitos, it's humid, and the sun is unforgiving. Now add the summer, winter, and everything I've mentioned above, and you have a miserable experience. Read Less
Grand Forks, ND - Great Community on the Northern Plains 4 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 26, 2012) I have lived in Grand Forks, ND, for nearly two years. One of the first things that will impress visitors to the city is its remote location. One almost has to want to go to Grand Forks to get here. That being said, Grand Forks is a great community. Those with families will appre ...Read More ciate the wonderful atmosphere that is low on crime and high on old-fashioned friendliness and family values.

The city has many modern amenities in spite of its seeming like residents are living about thirty years in the past. Grand Forks boasts the largest university along the northern tier of the United States between Minneapolis and Seattle. There are many outdoor parks, including a spray park for young children that will cool them off. A local hotel has an indoor water park that can break the monotony of the seemingly endless winters. There are many restaurants in town that cater to locals and Canadians who come to shop on the weekend. Among the better local restaurants are the Blue Moose in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, and Space Aliens, which in some ways resembles a Chuck E. Cheese's with games for the kids.

There are four golf courses within city limits, and two are owned by the city. One is an Arnold Palmer design named King's Walk that resembles a Scottish links course, complete with frequent winds. The town has an adequate shopping mall, a historical society with a museum and highly-rated schools. The crime rate in North Dakota is the lowest in the country, so families with children should feel very safe. In spite of having a university, my friends who are into nightlife complain about the relative lack of a nightlife in town. The main negatives to Grand Forks are the remote location and very long winters. The closest large city is in another country--Winnipeg, Manitoba. Also, while the months of April to October can have great weather, the winters really are as cold as advertised. Those who live in Grand Forks for quite a while tend to get somewhat used to the cold, however. Read Less
Show All Reviews
Grand Forks, ND - Great Community on the Northern Plains 4 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 26, 2012) I have lived in Grand Forks, ND, for nearly two years. One of the first things that will impress visitors to the city is its remote location. One almost has to want to go to Grand Forks to get here. That being said, Grand Forks is a great community. Those with families will appre ...Read More ciate the wonderful atmosphere that is low on crime and high on old-fashioned friendliness and family values.

The city has many modern amenities in spite of its seeming like residents are living about thirty years in the past. Grand Forks boasts the largest university along the northern tier of the United States between Minneapolis and Seattle. There are many outdoor parks, including a spray park for young children that will cool them off. A local hotel has an indoor water park that can break the monotony of the seemingly endless winters. There are many restaurants in town that cater to locals and Canadians who come to shop on the weekend. Among the better local restaurants are the Blue Moose in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, and Space Aliens, which in some ways resembles a Chuck E. Cheese's with games for the kids.

There are four golf courses within city limits, and two are owned by the city. One is an Arnold Palmer design named King's Walk that resembles a Scottish links course, complete with frequent winds. The town has an adequate shopping mall, a historical society with a museum and highly-rated schools. The crime rate in North Dakota is the lowest in the country, so families with children should feel very safe. In spite of having a university, my friends who are into nightlife complain about the relative lack of a nightlife in town. The main negatives to Grand Forks are the remote location and very long winters. The closest large city is in another country--Winnipeg, Manitoba. Also, while the months of April to October can have great weather, the winters really are as cold as advertised. Those who live in Grand Forks for quite a while tend to get somewhat used to the cold, however. Read Less

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Compare Grand Forks, ND Livability

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      B Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Grand Forks? Yes, there are some amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Grand Forks Water Wheel Park
      Grand Forks Greenway
      Mystic Swiss Triangle Park
      Red River State Recreation Area
      Phoenix Elementary Play Area
      Hill Street park
      LaFave Park
      Sherlock Park

      Entertainment

      Firehall Theater
      Empire Theatre
      River Cinema 15
      Memorial Stadium
      Heritage Village
      NORTHERN LIGHTS RAILROAD MUSEUM
      Leonard Hall Geology Museum
      Ralph Engelstad Arena

      Food & Drink

      The Loft
      Bonzers Pub
      Joe Black's
      Sledster’s
      Dog Mahal
      Pop's Liquor
      Burger King
      Dairy Queen

      F Commute

      Is public transit available in Grand Forks? Of all people who commute, 1.3% take public transportation in Grand Forks.
      Drive to Work
      82%

      5% higher than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      1%

      4% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      5%

      2% higher than the US average

      C- Health & Safety

      Is Grand Forks a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Altru Hospital

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy

      Doctors