Grand Forks, ND

Overall Score

3.6

Grand Forks is the third most populous city in the U.S. state of North Dakota. It is the administrative center of Grand Forks County.

The city is located on the western bank of the Red River, also called the North Red River. It was founded on June 15, 1870, by the riverboat captain Alexander Griggs. Named for the fact that it is located near the confluence of the Red Lake River into the Red River. Prone to flooding, it was severely damaged by the 1997 Red River spill.

The city is home to the University of North Dakota. Grand Forks is also known for being near Grand Forks International Airport and Grand Forks Air Force Base.

In April 2016, the city hosted the Junior World Cup of Hockey.

Overall Score

3.6
  • Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
  • Religious government: Non-religious
  • Population: 56,000 people
  • GDP: $57,808 / year
  • Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
  • Power outlets: 115V60Hz
  • Internet: 36 Mbps
  • Best wireless: Verizon
  • Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
  • Tipping: How much should I tip at a restaurant? A gratuity of 15 to 20 per cent on top of the bill (before sales tax) is standard, with 25 per cent given for topnotch service. Servers in America work hard for the money – they’re generally friendly, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile for customers.
  • Apartment listings: Craigslist
  • Apartments: Airbnb
  • Hotels: Booking.com
  • More hotels: Hotels.com
  • Best taxi: Uber
  • Online electronics shop: Amazon
  • Best hospital: Altru Health System
  • Best intl air carrier: Delta
  • Monthly costs for expat: $1900
  • Monthly costs for family: $5000
  • Monthly costs for local: $1450
  • Meal: $13
  • Small Cola: $2
  • Beer 1 Pint: $6.5
  • Coffee: $4


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