Curious what people think. With a population of 39,325, West Fargo is a smaller city. Rent is about $1,075/month for a decent place. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Clara Thompson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 51, moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in East and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
40 upvotes
Axel Kim
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 10 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
wesley_soul
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 6 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Silas Cox
Used to live on the West side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
22 upvotes
Isabella C.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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