I bet you don’t see too many people move there in the winter.
The story doesn’t make sense. The lady buys a home 150 miles from her job and she thinks she’s going to save money?
Well, a few caveats: A bunch of that growth was in the oil and gas sector. The number of drilling rigs in the area has dropped from over 100 to about 40, and the number of drilling-related jobs dropped with it. While that has yet to seriously affect the spin-off sector, it will eventually do so in areas of the state where oil drilling has been a driving economic force.
Some of the work will not slump for a couple of years due to the lag in building production facillities.
The numbers are rosy for last year, but as they say, past performance is no guarantee of future returns.
Some notes for folks considering heading this way:
Get a job before anyone heads up here, many of the positions are fairly specialized.
Be ready for cold (-30F and even colder), wind, and snow. If you can't handle that, (and that includes driving, I have seen kids ride bicycles to school on snow at -20), you won't be happy here. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with an engine heater, run synthetic oil, and number 1 diesel when it gets below zero if you drive a diesel.
Drive on the top half of the tank, the reserve can be a lifesaver in winter, and it cuts down on condensation in a vented fuel tank, which can lead to fuel filter plugging with ice crystals. Make sure your antifreeze is rated for -50.
Big vehicles bust drifts better, mileage is moot if you are stuck.
Carry a winter survival kit and have clothes appropriate for the weather (including snow boots in the vehicle) for every person. Do not count on a cell phone to save you, there are numerous areas where you cannot get a tower, especially in the western part of the state.
On the good side, firearms laws are quite reasonable here, from what I have read of other parts of the country, and hunting is pretty good.
People are our strong point, if you are an arsehole, stay where you are, please.
The three largest population centers (and most liberal areas) are Bismarck/Mandan, Fargo, and Grand Forks.
North Dakotans are abuot the nicest folks in the USA. It would be a privilege to work amd live with these people. Now, if only they would get 2 new US Senators and get rid of Conrad and Dorgan.
Maybe some freepers could move up there and run for the U.S. Senate as conservatives. This is a very red state otherwise.