Fargo Makes List Again

Despite harsh winters that might typically keep a city off a list of most desirable places to retire, Fargo, N.D. remains the only city on the list for all 12 years Forbes has put it together.

Fargo, North Dakota’s largest city with a population of 126,000, features a median home price of $271,000—28% below the national median. The cost of living is 8% below the national average. Other pluses listed were a high number of doctors per capita, good air quality, no estate tax, low natural hazard risk, very bikable and somewhat walkable. As for cons? Cold winters, serious crime rate slightly above national average and a state income tax on Social Security.

While the majority of the 25 cities on the list are in warmer climates, it does include choices in 18 states across all four continental time zones. Joining Fargo among the cities dinged for “cold winters” are Iowa City, Iowa; Madison, Wis.; Rochester, Minn.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Spokane, Wash.

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