Crime Rates

We all know that crime can happen anywhere, even in North Dakota. Although we can't escape it, we can all chose to live in a place where there is less of it. In 2007 North Dakota reported 12,531 crime offenses, this was a 4.3% decrease from the year before. Compare that to Minnesota's 172,832 crime offenses for 2007. This rate is 13.8% higher than that of North Dakota's.

I have talked about the space, the cost of living, and the crime rates and the activites there are to do in North Dakota. While we might not be enjoying the weather we are currently experiencing, but we should keep in mind that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
I hope that if you were considering leaving this state, that maybe now you are reconsidering the idea.

Cost of Living

Most poeople think that by moving out of Bismarck they can get paid more. If those same people sat down and figured out their cost of living and what they would be getting paid at this new job they would find out that the cost of living is a lot higher.
I used a moving/relocation calculator on http://swz.salary.com/ to prove my point. According to the websire the cost of living in Bismarck is 20.9% lower than the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, while Bismarck employers only pay about 15.4% less than employers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
I used the same calculator to show the cost of living difference between Denver and Bismarck. The cost of living in Bismarck is 22.6% lower than in Denver. Employers in Bismarck usually pay just 13.8% less than employers in Denver.
If a person does the math they can clearing see that moving to either of these places isn't any more profitable than living in Bismarck.

Space to breathe

When there's no one else for miles and miles do you usually groan about it? Or do you take in the peacefulness of the scenery? Because we live in North Dakota we have that advantage. People in the crowed cities probably often wish they could attain the solitude we can here in this great state. With the openness comes the great scenery and awesome hunting. People from out of state are willing to pay up to $200 for a deer bow license as compared to the deer bow license for residents which is $20. While working for game and fish this summer I was suprised at the number of people that applied for out of state licenses. There is something to be said of North Dakota when people are willing to pay that much just to come here and experience what we can everyday.
So next time you're all alone, enjoy the silence or the scenery because not many people in other states can do that.

North Dakota's Fabulous Weather

You might notice some people saying "I hate North Dakota winters", especially after the nice little snow storm that hit this last weekend. I for one have never been a huge fan of snow or winter, but this winter I'm going to have a different attitude. Instead of staying inside all winter, I'm going to take advantage of the fact that not too far from Bismarck is a place to go skiing and snowboarding. Granted Huff Hills isn't as good as Red Lodge, but for those just learning or those just wanting to get out and do something it works just fine. Another great winter activity is ice skating. This, like snowboarding, will take a little practice. And for those who are young at heart there is always sledding.
I know this may not be the strongest point as to why a person should stay in North Dakota, but with the recent snow storm I figured it was a great opportunity to persuade people to go out and enjoy the white stuff. It could be worse, just look further down south where they have hurricanes and monsoons. I'd rather be stuck in snow personally.
So for those who are stuck here for the time being, you might as well enjoy winter weather. It might just make the winter season go by faster.

Introduction

Hi, my name is Chrissy. I'm a senior at the University of Mary majoring in Business Administration and Finance. I'm from Alexander, ND, a town with less than 100 people in it. As a North Dakota native I have seen many schools and towns grow smaller and smaller every year. Part of the reason that this is occurring is people leaving North Dakota for better paying jobs. Through out the next couple weeks I will be discussing reasons why North Dakota isn't all that bad.