wheres should I retire?
You are here: Home > North Dakota > Red River Valley

Retirement Living In Red River Valley - North Dakota


Jump to: Area, Characteristics, Cost, Amenities, Climate, Demographics, Housing, Assistance

Area Description

Greater Grand Forks is comprised of two main cities: Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN. 20 miles west is Grand Forks Air Force Base, one of our nation's top UAS facilities. We are also home to the University of North Dakota, a Division I school with an enrollment averaging just below 15,000. Our two cities embody one lively, bustling community surrounded by tranquil, scenic farm country. It's a place that feels "warm" even in the winter...where you'll find plenty to see and do, in addition to meeting some of the friendliest people to be found anywhere.

Includes Cities/Towns: East Grand Forks, Grand Forks.

Region Characteristics





Area Amenities

Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness










   Shop till you drop at big box southend stores and unique downtown boutiques. Cheer on championship sports teams at Ralph Engelstad Arena or Grammy winning entertainers at the Alerus Center. Check out a Picasso hanging in the North Dakota Museum of Art or say hello to Dali at the Empire Arts Center Gallery. Paddle your way up the Red River, then take a stroll or roll on The Greenway. Indoor and out, we have lots of SimplyGrand ways to entertain you.

Cultural Activities





With a thriving local music scene, flourishing performing arts community and more talented artists than you can shake a paintbrush at, our cultural venues play host to SimplyGrand happenings every day.

Following is a listing of our Top 10 Annual Events:

1. Art & Wine Walk
Get ready to sip, savor and stroll through our beautiful Downtown District, as local businesses host and display works by regional artists while offering samples of fine wines.
Dates: February, May, July, August, October, November 2019

2. Art on the Red
Recognized as one of North Dakota’s best outdoor festivals, Art on the Red features 100+ high-end artisans and quality crafters, tantalizing food concessions, music, live entertainment, kids’ activities and more.
Dates: June 8 & 9, 2019

3. Town Square Farmers Market
Head to the heart of Downtown, every Saturday during the summer, to find all kinds of just-picked produce, home baked pies and kuchen like grandma used to make, mild and spicy salsas, assorted flavors of fudge and jams, jewelry, crafts, live music and lots more.
Dates: June 15-September 28, 2019

4. Blues on the Red
One of the region’s most popular blues festivals, this 3-part summer music series features top notch musicians from around the country; plus, great food and brews.
Dates: June, July, August 2019

5. Sertoma July 4th Festival & Fireworks
Spend your Independence Day in our Grand Forks with 12 hours of live music, fun games, delicious food and drinks, contests and an amazing fireworks display over the Red River.
Date: July 4, 2019

6. Heritage Days
Learn about our community’s legendary past when attending this annual East Grand Forks Heritage Village event. Some of the fun happenings include a parade, community dinner, live music, historical re-enactments, classic car show and antique tractor pull.
Dates: August 2019

7. Downtown Street Fair
Dozens of vendors will offer up blocks of unique finds to buy and tasty treats to eat. There will also be live music after the sun goes down.
Dates: September 6 & 7, 2019

8. Greenway Takeover Festival
Enjoy four days filled with talented artists performing live music in a variety of genres ranging from rock, country and folk to jazz, gospel and soul. There’ll also be a beer garden, numerous food trucks, plus games for both kids and adults. It all takes place Downtown, on The Greenway, by the banks of the Red.
Dates: September 2019

9. Potato Bowl USA
Celebrate the Red River Valley’s staple crop with a variety of events that include a 5K fun run, parade, UND football game and tailgate party, potato pancake breakfast, contests and the World’s Largest French Fry Feed & Fireworks display.
Dates: Early Fall 2019

10. HollyDazzle Festival of Lights
Kick off the holiday season in simply grand style at this popular family friendly event held the first Sunday after Thanksgiving. Festivities include a lighted parade, caroling, cookie decorating, live entertainment, kids’ games, carriage rides, ice skating and fireworks.
Date: November 24, 2019

Public transportation




City bus + Dial-a-Ride for those who are physically challenged

Medical Facilities


Altru Health System, Sanford Health, RiverView Clinic, VA Clinic


What Will The Climate And Weather Be Like If I Retire In Red River Valley, North Dakota?

For those of you that retire in Red River Valley, you will have colder temperatures than other areas of the USA.

Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the low 10's and highs in the upper 10's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 0's. Expect a lot of days below 0°. Expect some rainy days in the winter. Assume some snowy days in the Winter with a lot of days with snow remaining on the ground so you can enjoy some winter skiing!

If the weather in the spring is too cold for the outdoors, enjoy some indoor activities in Red River Valley such as a movie, a visit to a museum, dining, nightlife or some shopping. Spring temperatures are cold with averages in the low 40's and highs in the low 50's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 30's. Expect some rainy days in the spring.

Summertime in Red River Valley is a great time to enjoy your retirement with an outdoor concert, a local festival or other outdoor activity! Summer temperatures are mild with averages in the upper 60's and highs in the upper 70's. Nights are cool with lows in the mid 50's. Expect a few days above 90°. Humidity may feel "sticky" with muggy evenings. Expect some rainy days in the summer.

If you retire in Red River Valley, you can look forward to fall weather activities such as biking on a bike path, hiking, enjoying a walking path and more! Fall temperatures are cold with averages in the low 40's and highs in the low 50's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 30's. Expect some rainy days in the fall.

Monthly Temperature Ranges

 Month  Low  Avg  High
 Jan  -3  7  16
 Feb  3  12  22
 Mar  17  26  34
 Apr  31  42  54
 May  43  55  68
 Jun  53  65  76
 Jul  57  69  81
 Aug  55  68  80
 Sep  45  57  70
 Oct  33  44  54
 Nov  18  27  35
 Dec  3  12  20

Monthly Average # of Hot and Cold Days

 Month  Days Greater Than 90 F°  Days Less Than 32 F°  Days Less Than 0 F°
 Jan  0  31  17
 Feb  0  28  13
 Mar  0  29  4
 Apr  0  17  0
 May  0  4  0
 Jun  2  0  0
 Jul  3  0  0
 Aug  3  0  0
 Sep  1  2  0
 Oct  0  14  0
 Nov  0  27  2
 Dec  0  31  13

Rain & Humidity

 Month  Rainfall  Rainy Days  Humidity
 Jan  1 "  7  3 %
 Feb  1 "  6  7 %
 Mar  1 "  7  19 %
 Apr  1 "  7  30 %
 May  3 "  10  40 %
 Jun  4 "  11  53 %
 Jul  3 "  10  59 %
 Aug  3 "  9  56 %
 Sep  2 "  8  47 %
 Oct  2 "  8  34 %
 Nov  1 "  6  21 %
 Dec  1 "  7  9 %

Snow

 Month  Snowfall  Snow On Ground Days  Snowy Days
 Jan  10 "  29  8
 Feb  7 "  23  6
 Mar  6 "  16  4
 Apr  2 "  2  1
 May  0 "  0  0
 Jun  0 "  0  0
 Jul  0 "  0  0
 Aug  0 "  0  0
 Sep  0 "  0  0
 Oct  1 "  1  1
 Nov  6 "  9  4
 Dec  10 "  25  8


Natural Disaster Areas



Cost of Living for Red River Valley, ND

Red River Valley, North Dakota cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:

Cost of Living

Demographics

Race

Religion

Political Party

Age

Senior Housing Options






Senior Assistance in Red River Valley, ND

Red River Valley, North Dakota offers the following assistance for seniors:



What Job or Volunteer Opportunities Does Red River Valley Offer For Retirees?

The Grand Forks Senior Center offers assistance to all those looking for paid and volunteer opportunities; plus, our community has numerous job openings in a variety of professions.

Additional Information

Visitor Information

Relocation Information


Back to: Area, Characteristics, Cost, Amenities, Climate, Demographics, Housing, Assistance

     







Disclaimer Privacy Contact Us