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Are you thinking of moving or relocating to Williston, North Dakota? Would you like to know what the quality of life is like living in Williston?
Shelby Rose reports in this review:
| Weather | | How much crime? | | What are the neighborhoods like? | | What are the people like? | Being so far North, we have extreme weather in our state. The summer days can get as high as 110 F and winters as low as -60F. Don't forget to factor in that windchill! However, all gas stations and most stores have gear for you to prepare.
Make sure if you're going to be here in the winter months you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle or even stick shift. This is NOT the place to learn how to drive in snow. It blizzards here, drops 20" of snow on us in one night easily.
Watch out for black ice on the road, also sheeting rain and hailstorms. When I say extreme weather- I mean it. | | Williston has turned into a dark, extremely over crowded, extremely unsafe, sorry excuse for a ND city. Over-run by oil company employees, we have attracted people from EVERYWHERE including other countries thanks to the Bakken Oil boom that hit the northwest part of ND.
Along with the extreme and sudden increase in the population, the crime follows. Police are few and far between, usually responding to other calls.
There is a huge problem with prostitution- most of them being from Las Vegas and Minneapolis. So many incidents with drugs/alcohol. A huge hike in assault, assault with a deadly weapon, attempted murder and homicide.
DO NOT GO ANYWHERE ALONE! | | Best part of town is the main strip that turns into Hwy 52, it's crowded with fast food, stores, hotels, a bowling alley, an outdoor theatre, pool hall, shop supply store, gas stations, and a couple bars. Otherwise if you go downtown- you'll find all the tattoo shops, adult stores, bars, a train station and theatres. Like I said in the crime description- Williston is extremely dangerous for both men and women. Do not go anywhere alone, incidents occur day and night.
Housing is the most expensive you'll find anywhere in the US. President Obama actually had to set a specific cap on ND housing. And that's only if you can find somewhere vacant. Multiple buildings, houses, apartments, and hotels are being completed with many more to come.
There is an interesting point of view you can see only at night. If you drive east-bound taking the gravel road around the southwest side of Williston, you'll see the word 'WILLISTON' in the lights. It's pretty neat.
Otherwise a good place to find some fun would be located at one of the various lake near town or at one of the ice rinks nearby. | | There are literally people here from every single nationality, religion, color, and ethnic background. Nobody fits which makes everyone not fit. You can easily find any kind of group that pleasures your fancy. Different bars that cater to every different type of person. Please remember, be so careful! Police make trips to the bar 3-5 times a week, most were due to oil riggers bringing in weapons or obvious prostitution.
The locals, being born here, of course are polite, helpful, respectful, an positive. Before you make an assumption about North Dakota or Williston, please keep in mind this city was built to work a population of approx 50k. The boom happened overnight; the population went from 30k to nearly 80k | | Downtown Area | | Restaurants | | Schools | | Single life | | Downtown isn't bad, not large though. You'll find a few clothing stores, music and coffee shops, bars, arts dealers, clubs, fast food, and banks.if you want to do some heavy shopping I'd recommend going to walmart or Albertsons. You can find just about everything you need there. Williston wasn't prepared for this population growth so the options are scarce. | | Try out Burger Queen, their pizza burger if the best I've had. Located right on the Main Street through town. Otherwise there are quite a few franchise locations such as McDonalds, Arby's, KFC, China Inn, or Pizza Hut. There are also quite a few 'mom-n-pop' diners and sit-down restaurants. Many of them being in Downtown Williston. | | The public school system is great! ND ranked in the top 5 in test scores, and thanks to the No Child Left Behind Act our schools have extra funding for arts, athletic, and academic groups and clubs. Kids have every opportunity to learn and get involved. North Dakota is home to multiple Olympic Mens' and women's' swimmers who have medaled. | | The only real relationship most of the working men/women have is a no strings, friends with benefits situation. Most have wives or families back home. Just a 'heads up' to be on your guard when looking for a relationship. The best places to go to meet people are in bars, the library, coffee shops, bars, and online dating service sites. It's not difficult to find someone thanks to the population increase. | | Noise | | town comparison vs. | | Best hospital | | Tourist attractions | | It's very overcrowded with a huge percent of them being working-class men with big diesel trucks. The constant flow of vehicles is pretty noisy, also the (almost constant) police/ambulance/fire truck sirens. Also- there are speakers placed throughout town that sound deafeningly loud is there is any kind of disaster about to happen. | | Williston is between two Indian Reservations. I've never chosen Williston over many places, but it really is gold because of how dirt, run-down, polluted, and dangerous reservations really are. Be on your highest alert what anywhere near either 3 of these. Although- all reservations and casinos in ND are dry due to Turtle Mountain Law. Not a drop of alcohol being sold yet it's such a problem on and off sovereign land.
There are also many small towns near Williston, but there's not much activity unless there's a rig or plant nearby. | | Don't even waste you time. If you're injured in or near Williston, just find someone to drive you to Minot and register at Trinity Hospital ER. You might as we'll save that $4,000 for the ambulance trip to Minot. Williston has basically nothing and no uniquely talented doctors. | | You absolutely have to check out the outdoor theatre. Showing double features, this place is just like in the old days where you pull you car up to the speaker box, stop by the movie shack for some popcorn and a bottle of come, lean back and enjoy a couple movies. Only open during the summer, and please note* this land is currently pending on purchase from an oil company to use the land. Jump on the opportunity to experience this before it closes!! | | General comments | | | | | | | Busy, dirty, crowded, and unsafe. Willistons huge growth in population give this city the feel of a big city. Always rushed and on the move. People densely scattered throughout. Dirty because everyone around town either works the rigs or has someone close to them who does. Most of these men/women are covered head to toe in dirt, mud, concrete, and sweat. The money is too good to not be involved. Especially if you have somewhere affordable to stay.
Definitely NOT a place to bring or raise a family. Williston serves as a place to make damn good money performing back-breaking labor on rig sites. | | | | | | |
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