Members of the FFA and 4H clubs should get their boots and saddles ready for the annual North Dakota Winter Show, which is held in Valley City every March. It includes rodeo events, live concerts, livestock judging and more.
Sitting in a sea of green (or white, in the winter) between Jamestown and Fargo is the pretty little town of Valley City, ND
Members of the FFA and 4H clubs should get their boots and saddles ready for the annual North Dakota Winter Show, which is held in Valley City every March. It includes rodeo events, live concerts, livestock judging and more.
Sitting in a sea of green (or white, in the winter) between Jamestown and Fargo is the pretty little town of Valley City, ND. Unlike its Hollywood famous neighbor, Valley City hasn't had any Coen movies made about it, but its residents still think it's a winner. And by all accounts they're right. With a low crime rate and some of the friendliest people to ever "don'tcha know" you, any potential resident has a lot to look forward to, assuming they come packing one of those sweet trapper hats. Despite being a grand place to raise cattle, it's not all cowboys and rodeo clowns here. Folks here like to do just about anything, from enjoying the great outdoors, to learning about history at the local historical society, from eating local cuisine to hiking the North Country Trail. A number of parks, country clubs, and a slithering river through the middle of town finish off the charming bucolic setting. It's pretty clear; if you love wide-open spaces, friendly characters and unexpectedly delicious pizza, you've found your new home.
It doesn't matter if you've pulled up stakes and moved more times than you can count or if this is the first serious transplanting you've ever done; there are a number of important details you should know before making your way to a new place, whether it's across town or across country. Valley City is pleasant as pie, but it's still a brand spanking new city with its own quirks. Discover the need-to-know particulars below, and make your move that much smoother and carefree.
License and Registration
Before you even think about pounding the pavement looking for home rentals in Valley City, you'll have to collect some essential paperwork first. It may not be fun, but it's not too difficult either. Gather your pay stubs - three or four should do - and keep your driver license handy for a photo ID. You'll need to prove who you are and what you can afford before any legit landlord will hand you the keys. Next, see if you can score a cashier's check before signing on the dotted line. You'll have to put down a deposit for most rental apartments, and it helps to have this money handy.
One more piece of advice: Double check your credit score, and make sure your credit report has only factual information on it. If you discover someone's been screwing up your status, get that cleared up lickety-split. You don't want some identity thieving fool ruining your chances for renting the cutest two-bedroom bungalow this side of the snow line.
Rental Market Realities
Onto the fun stuff: picking out your new place. Fortunately, Valley City is full of a variety of different housing structures, from the ever-popular single-family home to the more modern high-rise apartment. Whatever situation you prefer, there are plenty of options. Better still, many of the choices here include all bills paid apartments. And with the cost of living so low already, that means you can afford more house for your money. Onward and upward, most homes were built some time ago. Newer architecture exists, but only in very limited supplies. This is great news for folks who like a home with character. Most houses and apartment buildings were built between 1940 and 1990, but there are historic homes aplenty. They may have small closets, but they definitely have a better "vibe."
Finally, owners and renters are fairly equally distributed. Having a college nearby helps the vacancy rate, which sits in a pleasant middle ground, which means you only need a month or so to lock down a fantastic abode of your choosing. If you're forced to show up last minute, you can still find something nice, but a little advance planning is still worthwhile.
With fewer than 7,000 residents, Valley City doesn't have a large enough population to have distinctive neighborhoods like you might find in a big city, but there are a few differences between one area and another that can help you determine the most ideal location for your new residence.
North of Main Street: Living north of the main corridor means easy access to Chautauqua Park, the local country club and Pioneer Park. You also have the Sheyenne River racing down the east side of the city. Hop over one of the many bridges (and thus the moniker "Bridge City") to get in and out of town. Most restaurants and shops are found on Main St. But Vicky's Viking Room and Taco John's are popular spots to the north. What you won't find are apartments. Rental homes exist, but for complexes, head south.
South of Main Street: You still have access to parks and the Sheyenne, but you also have easy access to I-95, which takes you west to Jamestown or east to Fargo. You've also got a greater selection of snack options, like the many restaurants located at the southern edge of town near Medicine Wheel Park. Check out Valley Rental Services to find a great rental apt or house nearby, and don't forget to dine in at the Hilltop Cafe.
North Dakota's beauty comes in part from its uncluttered wide-open spaces, but that does mean you're going to spend more time in the car. There aren't any great public transportation options, though there are some buses. Keep that in mind, and have a car available to get around. Make sure it has snow tires, because winters here are no joke. That being said, this town is pretty walkable if you're situated close to Main Street, but don't pretend like you're willing to walk even two blocks for coffee when it's negative 10. Of course all the seasons are well represented, with hot, slightly humid summers and gorgeous spring and autumn showings. Besides, haven't you always wanted to build a serious snow fort with a snowman army? Of course you have.
Besides snowball fights and other seasonal activities, Valley City has plenty to do, including eating, shopping, riding horses, hiking, and catching a flick. People here make the most of their free time, but a lot of them try to enjoy the great outdoors when there's good weather. You'll no doubt love this place, too, once you're settled, don'tcha know?
Best market dealsThese units are the best deal in town.