Grand Forks

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Grand Forks, ND

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Where life is simply grand

Suburban College Town Vibrant Scenic Active

Regarded as a vibrant college town with a small-town atmosphere, Grand Forks sits in the Red River Valley, sharing its eastern border with the North Dakota-Minnesota state line. Grand Forks is home to the University of North Dakota, the largest college campus in the state, as well as an Air Force Base. As a result, many residents enjoy easy commutes in North Dakota’s third-largest city.

In addition to the many restaurants, cafes, shops, and bars of its thriving downtown area, Grand Forks also offers a laidback pace in its many idyllic neighborhoods. Residents bask in the outdoors at Grand Forks’ many scenic parks and on the lush Greenway Trail that runs along the Red River.

Grand Forks also contains the state’s largest indoor waterpark, Splasher’s of the South Seas, touting a variety of slides, activity pools, a lazy river, kiddies play area, and a hot tub for adults. Shopping opportunities abound in Grand Forks, from big-box retailers in Columbia Mall to independent boutiques in downtown. Quick access to I-29 and Grand Forks International Airport makes getting around from Grand Forks easy.

Rent Trends

As of January 2025, the average apartment rent in Grand Forks, ND is $804 for a studio, $921 for one bedroom, $1,124 for two bedrooms, and $1,395 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Grand Forks has increased by 5.2% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$921/month
695 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Grand Forks, ND

Transportation

51

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

22

Minimal Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

61

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Winship Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

227 Students

7
out of 10

J Nelson Kelly Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

476 Students

6
out of 10

Lake Agassiz Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

426 Students

6
out of 10

Ben Franklin Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

328 Students

6
out of 10

Discovery Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

557 Students

5
out of 10

Schroeder Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

549 Students

7
out of 10

South Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

549 Students

5
out of 10

Valley Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

513 Students

5
out of 10
Rating Unavailable

Red River High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,137 Students

6
out of 10

Central High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,093 Students

3
out of 10
Rating Unavailable

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Airports

  • Grand Forks International

Top Apartments in Grand Forks

Houses for Rent in Grand Forks

Property Management Companies in Grand Forks, ND

Living in Grand Forks

Restaurants

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The town has no shortage of restaurants and food venues. While there are plenty of brand name food sources that can be found in any city, Grand Forks also offers its residents a variety of local fares as well as out-of-town delicacies. Residents can regularly enjoy Mediterranean food, burgers and sodas, garden and vegetarian menus, fish and seafood, and even Mexican food.

In terms of night-time entertainment, the town offers residents card houses, pubs and bars, sports events, hockey and even more hockey, theater and performance arts from the University, bands, and even more food for afterwards late at night.

If you live and work in eastern North Dakota, Grand Forks is the place to set down roots. With the amenities offered, the place is practically light years ahead of other communities in the state, which is particularly important for the younger set who are looking for more than just a place to work and sleep.

Shopping

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Grand Forks has all the big name stores present for retail needs, ranging from resources for hobby enthusiasts to the latest clothing names as well as tools, electronics, motorcycles, vehicles, salon needs, multiple home furnishing stores, and of course outdoor sports and hunting. Many of the retail centers carry some of the latest products in their industries. As a result, residents in Grand Forks are enjoying some of the same state of the art technology and designs as folks in Los Angeles.