Moving from New Jersey to North Dakota is a big change. The two states are quite different. If you are looking for a slower, less bustling and busy type of life, you will find it in the Peace Garden state.
We are licensed to perform local moves in New Jersey to relocate customers to any location in the continental United States, including North Dakota.
White Glove is also happy to offer a flat price on your long distance move. Our prices are based on your inventory rather than charging based on factors like weight or cubic feet. This helps eliminate variable on the move day and gives our consumers complete control over your price and removes all surprises.
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A move to North Dakota is exciting. Before you make the move, you should know what you are getting into. It will make the transition a little easier. Here are some of the things you should be aware of as you head west.
The state is named after the Dakota Native American tribe that inhabited the land before it was settled by Europeans. The vast plains and prairie land of North Dakota that supported Native American civilization still exists today. The state is largely rural. A mere 755,238 people live in a space of 69,000 square miles. It is one of the larger states by landmass but a rather small state by population.
If you value your privacy and ache for a large amount of personal space, you will find it in North Dakota.
Agriculture is the largest industry in the state. The state has a deep and rich tradition of ranching. Indeed, one of North Dakota’s nicknames is the Rough Rider State because President Teddy Roosevelt once had a ranch in it.
Energy is another large sector. The state produces shale gas and has large reserves of oil and coal. The state has been designated the second largest producer of oil in the country. Wind energy is also big in North Dakota. The state’s large expanse of rural regions and speedy winds make it also a top producer of this form of energy.
Tourism is a growing industry. People from all over the world visit North Dakota to take in the natural beauty of its untouched wildlands. Hunters also flock to the state owing to the abundance of game.
High-end professions in law, medicine, bio-sciences, and IT also have a presence in North Dakota. Home health aid, EMT, software developer, nurse practitioner, medical records clerk, and medical director are among the fastest growing jobs in the state.
The job market is good for just about everyone. Though the state’s minimum wage is only $7.25 an hour, the low cost of living means that a dollar goes much further in North Dakota than in New Jersey.
House values are relatively low in North Dakota. The average price is just over $200,000, and you can rent a house for less than $1300. And if it is your intention to build your own home, there is no shortage of places to do so.
If you prefer to rent, you will pay between $400-$800 a month depending on where you live and the number of bedrooms you prefer. An apartment in Fargo, which is the largest city, will be on the higher end of this spectrum. But you will be able to find a really nice place for less than a thousand a month.
One of the advantages of living in a rural state is the authenticity, friendliness, and genuine helpfulness of people in the community. North Dakotans like to make new residents feel at home. And if you come to the state with a Jersey accent, you should expect a special effort to make you feel welcome and at ease.
North Dakota is a relatively safe place to live. The violent crime rate is 2.8, which is below the national average of 3.7. It is one of those places in which people really do leave their doors unlocked at night and their keys in the ignition of their vehicles. If your car breaks down on the road or you find yourself stranded someplace, people will stop and offer you a ride. It is in general safe to accept such help. The person offering it probably has the best of intentions.
North Dakotans take great pride in the scenic nature and picturesque views found in their state. Although they work hard, their lives are not consumed by their jobs. Outdoor recreation is just as important in the state as working. And if you are to have any friends at all among the natives, you must learn to enjoy some outdoor activity. You can take your pick: hiking, camping, fishing, biking, or hunting. The residents also love hockey. At the very least, you will need to know the local teams and some of the statistics about them.
North Dakota winters are long, dark, and cold—even colder than what you may have experienced in New Jersey. Exploring the outdoors and engaging in various activities help residents keep fit. However, you should be warned. You should not make any sojourn into the wild on your own—at least, not until you have learned how to handle yourself in such an environment. Grizzly bears, poisonous snakes, and big cats of all kinds roam throughout the state. You should stay in the company of experienced outdoors persons for the first year or so.
The North Dakotan diet is heavily influenced by German and Scandinavian cuisine. The state was once home to large immigrant communities from these regions, and their descendants carry on many of the traditions of the old country. That is why you will find a great many local breweries and German dishes such as Fleischkuekle and Knophla. A hotdish, which is a meat-filled casserole topped with tater tots is also a popular dish in the state.
North Dakota does not have much public transportation to speak of. Outside of the larger cities you will not even find a bus service. You will need a car. And if you live in one of the smaller towns, you may find it necessary to drive long distances to get to and from work, do your shopping, and visit friends that you may meet.
This is not as bad as it sounds. Distance will be the only thing you will have to contend with. Traffic congestion is not a problem in North Dakota. You will be able to cover long distances faster than you would on the east coast.
There is no Mount Rushmore in North Dakota. In fact, there are no widely known national attractions at all. However, there is still plenty to see and do. Here are some of the things you should not miss:
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
It is a preserve of wild horses, bison, elk and other types of wildlife indigenous to the Dakota plains. Some of the other attractions include Roosevelt’s old home and the Maltese Cross Cabin.
Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival
This is an annual event in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It occurs over a period of three days and nights. Participants spend the time star-gazing, which is special in this part of the country because the pollution is light and city lights non-existent. On a clear night, you will have an unobstructed view of the Orion Belt.
Plains Art Museum
Located in Fargo, it houses the artwork of regional and national artists. American Indian and folk art are also on display.
White Glove is proud to be the only Long-Distance mover in New Jersey & New York to offer, “Long-Distance Price Lock.”
This means the price we quote you before your move is always the price you pay after the move.
No hidden fees, no circumstantial costs, no nickel or diming you for things you didn’t agree to. That’s one of the ways we make your moving day a White Glove experience. Learn more about other commitments we make to our customers.
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