Best Places to Live in Fargo-Moorhead: Neighborhoods and Nearby Towns

Short answer: there's no single best neighborhood in Fargo-Moorhead. It depends on your budget, schools and commute. North Fargo has established, tree-lined streets near NDSU. South Fargo has newer homes and the Davies area. West Fargo and Horace are where much of the new construction is. Moorhead puts you in Minnesota. Smaller towns like Dilworth, Mapleton and Casselton add a quieter option within a short drive.

I'm Joseph Haj, a REALTOR® who sells homes in Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead and Horace. Here's how I describe each area to buyers who are new to town.

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North Fargo

Older, established neighborhoods with mature trees, near North Dakota State University, Hector International Airport and the Red River. You'll find character homes, bungalows and ranches on mature lots. Most of north Fargo is in Fargo Public Schools, feeding Fargo North High School.

Downtown Fargo

Condos, lofts and a handful of homes within walking distance of Broadway's restaurants, shops and events. Read my downtown Fargo guide.

Central and west-central Fargo

Mid-century and newer homes near West Acres and the I-29 and I-94 interchange, with easy access to shopping and Sanford Health. Good for buyers who want a short commute anywhere in the metro.

South Fargo

Newer neighborhoods, many built from the 1990s on, with the city's growth now pushing past 52nd and 64th Avenue South. Popular areas include Davies and Rose Creek, along with Osgood in the southwest, which is in West Fargo Public Schools.

West Fargo

West Fargo is one of the fastest-growing cities in North Dakota, with established neighborhoods north of I-94 and newer construction spreading south toward Horace. West Fargo Public Schools runs West Fargo, Sheyenne and Horace high schools. Newer areas often carry special assessments, so check them before you buy.

Horace

Horace is a small, fast-growing city south of West Fargo with mostly newer homes and larger lots. It's a short drive to south Fargo, and most of it is in West Fargo Public Schools.

Moorhead, Minnesota

Moorhead sits across the Red River in Clay County, home to Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College. You'll find established neighborhoods near the river and colleges, plus new construction on the south side. Living in Minnesota changes your income tax, property tax and school district, so compare carefully. Moorhead also offers incentives on brand-new homes.

Smaller towns nearby

• Dilworth, MN: right next to Moorhead on the east side.
• Glyndon, MN: a small town a short drive east of Moorhead.
• Mapleton, ND: a small community a short drive west of West Fargo along I-94.
• Casselton, ND: about 20 miles west of Fargo on I-94, with its own school district.
• Harwood, ND: just north of Fargo, popular for larger lots.
• Kindred, ND: south of Fargo, with its own school district covering some rural areas near Horace.

Zip codes at a glance

How to narrow it down

1. Start with schools if you have kids. District lines don't follow city lines, so check each address.
2. Check special assessments. Newer neighborhoods often carry them. See property taxes and specials in Fargo-Moorhead.
3. Check flood zones. Homes near the Red and Sheyenne rivers are the most likely to need flood insurance.
4. Drive your commute at rush hour, and in winter if you can.
5. Decide on North Dakota or Minnesota early. It affects taxes, programs and schools.

Moving from out of town? Start with relocating to Fargo, ND.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best places to live in Fargo-Moorhead?

It depends on what you want. North Fargo offers established, tree-lined neighborhoods near NDSU. South Fargo has newer homes and the Davies High School area. West Fargo and Horace are growing fast with new construction. Moorhead is in Minnesota with its own schools and colleges. Smaller towns like Dilworth, Mapleton, Casselton and Kindred offer a quieter pace within a short drive.

Should I live in Fargo, West Fargo or Moorhead?

Fargo has the most variety of homes and neighborhoods. West Fargo is popular with families for its newer neighborhoods and West Fargo Public Schools. Moorhead puts you in Minnesota, which changes your income tax, property tax and school options. Compare all three before you decide.

What are the zip codes in Fargo-Moorhead?

Fargo uses 58102 (north Fargo and downtown), 58103 (central and west-central Fargo) and 58104 (south Fargo). West Fargo is 58078, Horace is 58047, Moorhead is 56560 and Dilworth is 56529.

Do school districts follow city lines in Fargo?

No. Parts of south and southwest Fargo are in West Fargo Public Schools, and some areas south of Fargo and Horace are in the Kindred district. Always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address.

Talk with a local agent

Tell me your budget, schools and commute, and I'll suggest the neighborhoods that fit. Call or text Joseph Haj at 218-688-0802, or get in touch.