Located next to the Red River in Wahpeton is the "Wahpper." And what's the "Wahpper?" It's the world's largest catfish, no less! It measures some 40 feet in length, 12 feet in height and weighs in at a behemoth 5,000 pounds! There's little doubt that this makes for one colossal fish! However, the "Wahpper" is in fact fabricated from plastic, and was constructed as a way to call attention to Wahpeton's excellent fishing potential. Many people even refer to the city as "The Catfish Capital of the North!"
The city of Wahpeton resides in Richland County, North Dakota. It enjoys a humid continental climate, with warm or even very hot summers together with high humidity and cold, frequently freezingly cold, winters. The attractive climate (other than through the winter months, that is), together with the highly fertile soils, help to make Wahpeton an excellent place for agricultural production, and much of the local economy continues to be driven by arable land use. Back in 1888 when the Northern Light Electric Company was founded in the area, Wahpeton became one of the very first cities within North Dakota to gain electricity. Shortly afterwards, the first electrically driven plough was manufactured in the city. It did not gain much success in terms of sales turnover in the locality since the electric power cabling proved to be rather cumbersome.
Moving to Wahpeton
There's not a whole amount of choice with respect to property rentals in Wahpeton, so needless to say, it's wise not to hang around once you do find something that suits your fancy. That said, you should process the paperwork as soon as you can, for which you will need to show proof of ID and also proof of your current income. Additionally, you'll likely need to pay a month's rent in advance, together with what will be the equivalent of a month's rent in the form of a deposit -- don't roll your eyes, this is pretty standard! The landlord may also insist that you pay for a credit check, just to make sure you're in good standing with the powers that be.
How Long?
Due to the lack of supply of rentals in the area, it's prudent to allow at least five weeks to find your new pad. Any less than that and you'd be arguably pushing your luck a little bit too much.
Neighborhoods in Wahpeton
It's pretty cheap to live in Wahpeton. The cost of living is well below that of the state and national averages. What's perhaps even better though is that the cost of renting is bargain basement in comparison to the state average. That said, it's likely that in return for your hard-earned dough, you're going to get a true deal. Welcome to Wahpeton!
5th Street North: With a walk score of 73 out of 100, 5th Street North is an excellent place to find either a one-bedroom apartment for rent or a two-bedroom apartment in Wahpeton.
3rd Avenue North: Another super location within the city if you are searching for a month-to-month rental is 3rd Avenue North. Local amenities within very close proximity to this neighborhood include a gas station and five restaurants -- El Toro, a Mexican eatery on Dakota Avenue, and Vinny's Pizza on 6th Street North being two of the favorites.
3rd Street North: If you like the idea of living close to one of the local parks, as well as near the Chahinkapa Zoo on Hughes Drive, then you've just found the perfect location for your new home!
Dakota Avenue: Having easy access to U.S. Route 75 and being situated close to local shops and a variety of other amenities means that Dakota Avenue should certainly find a place on your list of potentials!
Living in Wahpeton
A fun and healthy way to get around Wahpeton is by bicycle. There's a lengthy cycle trail that travels parallel to Red River, and stretches from 11th Avenue South in the south of the city, past Chahinkapa Park Zoo, and up toward Bois de Sioux Golf Course in the northern section of Wahpeton.
Chahinkapa Park Zoo makes for a fun day out at the zoo, so to speak. The Red Door Art Gallery on Dakota Avenue features a permanent collection of art in addition to a number of temporary showings, which highlight works completed by talented artists within the locality. If you're looking for a bite to eat after sweating it out at the art gallery, then why not head over to Prante's Fine Dining on North 11th Street. This establishment serves up traditional American fare in a "high falutin'" way. It's the only place in town that does lobster (in a high falutin' way), so all you lobster fans out there, you now know where you have to go to get your fix.
