When it comes to all those “quality of life” lists, North Dakota consistently ranks high or at the top. The tangible reasons usually include things like: affordable housing, quality education, low cost of living, no traffic congestion, clean air, streets and neighborhoods, and a remarkably low crime rate. North Dakota is often ranked as the “safest” state in the nation.

But there are other, less measurable factors that also contribute to this region’s outstanding quality of life: friendly communities where people get to know their neighbors and look out for each other, a focus on families and solid values, a population that works hard and takes pride in their work, and lots of room to grow.