Are you looking for a smaller U.S. city to put down roots in? Perhaps you’re tired of the big city life, stress, and all the traffic. Consider a small city like Thompson, North Dakota, which was recently named one of the best small U.S. cities. With a population of just under 1,200, Thompson is undeniably small. Located in the heart of the Red River Valley, Thompson Valley is just south of Grand Forks on I-29. If you’re looking for a new city for you and your family to move to, keep Thompson on your mind. Here’s a look at 12 reasons to move to Thompson, North Dakota.
1. Good Schools
If you have kids, schools will weigh heavily on where you end up. You want to live somewhere with good schools for your kids. Schools in Thompson consistently rank well, and Thompson High School has a 96% graduation rate, which is somewhat higher than the state median.
2. Low Crime Rates
Small cities typically have lower crime rates, and Thompson is no exception. If you are looking for somewhere safe to raise your family, you’ll take comfort in knowing that crime in Thompson is virtually nonexistent.
3. Healthier Living
Believe it or not, Thompson is home to some of the best football and softball stadiums in North Dakota. That helps set Thompson apart from other similar smaller communities. On a typical Friday night, you’ll find the stands packed with cheering fans.
Thompson is also known for its programs that focus on mental and physical health, especially ones for the kids like Bio Girls, which is available to elementary-aged girls to help them build their own self-worth. Organizers use competitive physical activity and mentoring to help these young girls to develop self-worth.
4. Quality Healthcare
You’ll find that quality healthcare is nearby in Grand Forks, which is only a 20-minute drive away. Grand Forks is home to a state-of-the-art hospital and plenty of private medical providers. In 2019, Altru Hospital was ranked the number one hospital in North Dakota and the best hospital in the Red River Valley by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital also received high rankings for specialty areas like pulmonology and lung surgery, colon cancer surgery, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, hip replacement, heart failure, and knee replacements.
5. Tight-Knit Community
If you’re looking for a new home in a real community, Thompson is a close-knit city but is welcoming to new residents. There are always interesting and fun community events taking place that are great for families, such as summer theater, goat yoga, pancake breakfasts, and craft fairs. The big event is Thompson Days, which is a biannual celebration that includes activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy block parties, live music, inflatable games, and more
You’ll also find that many businesses here are family-owned, like Rydell Auto Group. Rydell Auto Group was initially founded as Rydell Chevrolet in the 1940s by Leonard Rydell. Thompson and other nearby small cities are home to numerous small businesses that you can help support rather than shopping at big box stores.
6. Affordability
People are also drawn to Thompson for its affordability. Grand Forks can be much more expensive. For example, in 2017, the median price of homes in the Grand Forks metropolitan area was $219,900 whereas the median price in Thompson was $180,000. Most people who live in small cities like Thompson commute to Grand Forks, so you’ll be in good company if you move here and drive into a larger city for work. Residents enjoy working elsewhere and then being able to enjoy their quiet community on the weekend or other days off.
7. Numerous Golf Courses Nearby
If you or someone in your family is into golf, you can take advantage of several public courses available in the region. King’s Walk Golf Course, Ray Richards Golf Course, and Lincoln Park Golf Course are in Grand Forks, while Valley Golf Course is in East Grand Forks. There are also other courses in Larimore, Crookston, Maryville, Manvel, and Hillsboro.
8. Plenty of Museums and Other Learning Opportunities
If you are concerned about a lack of museums and other things to do in a small city like Thompson, you’ll be delighted to know there are still plenty of educational and exciting things to see and do nearby. If you enjoy museums, you’ll find several options nearby, including the Dakota Science Museum, the North Dakota Museum of Art, and the Fargo Air Museum.
9. Year-Round Outdoor Adventure
Outdoor adventure is possible year-round in the Grand Forks area. Enjoy neighborhood parks, walking trails, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, and more. During the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowmobiles are very popular.
10. Wineries and Craft Beer Nearby
If you enjoy wine and/or craft beer, the Grand Forks area offers some great options. The Grape Mill Vineyard and Winery is one of the top wine producers in the region. Popular craft breweries like Half Brothers Brewing Company and Rhombus Guys Brewing Company are located right downtown in Grand Forks and offer delicious locally produced beers and great eats.
11. Multiple Places of Worship
If religion is an important part of your life, you don’t have to sacrifice your faith to live in a small community. There are multiple places of worship in Grand Forks, including Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches; a Jewish synagogue; a Jehovah’s Witnesses hall; and more.
12. Local Farmers Markets
Do you like purchasing your food from farmers markets whenever possible? You’ll find no shortage of options in Grand Forks and Fargo. There are also smaller markets in other cities like Park River, Emerado, and Grafton.
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We’ve shared 12 of the top reasons to consider a move to Thompson, North Dakota. Which ones are most important to you? Did we miss any other reasons that would encourage you to move to Thompson? If so, contact us and let us know what we missed to add to our list!
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