As the capital of North Dakota, Bismarck is home to some of the state's most important government buildings. The city has a population of over 75,000, and the government employs roughly 11,000 residents, making it the area's largest employer. Healthcare is the second largest employment field, as the city's hospitals and clinics extend their state-of-the-art services across four states. Abundant farmland means agriculture is also an economic strength, and nearly 50 parks make up the rest of the city's green space. "I'm probably biased, but I think we just have an incredible quality of life with so many opportunities to be active," says Dana Schaar Jahner, Bismarck Parks and Recreation District's community relations manager.
Established on the land of the Mandan Nation, Bismarck has a long indigenous history. Many tribes live along the Missouri River, and the city has one of the nation's largest collections of Plains Indian artifacts. United Tribes Technical College carries on Native American legacies through its expansive Native art gallery and annual International Powwow. Even as a state capitol, the city maintains a small-town feeling through the interconnectedness of its residents. "We are very kind people. There's a lot of neighborhood loyalty, and if someone needs help, everybody pitches in," says Crystal Neumann, a city native and broker/owner at CORE Real Estate Advisors.
Bismarck is the North Dakota State Capitol.
Bismarck offers a small town feel with big city amenities.
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County-wide trails and state attractions
Bismarck follows the Missouri River, a major destination for swimming, boating and trophy fishing. The city's expansive parks system encompasses roughly 2000 acres and over 80 miles of trails run through the area. "We are always looking at expanding our trail system, and we work closely with the city of Bismarck on developing new neighborhood parks as the city grows," says Schaar Jahner. Sertoma Park is one of the district's most popular parks. Located along the river, it's home to the Dakota Zoo and the Super Slide Amusement Park, two major recreational attractions. Lions Park's specialty is its seasonal amenities, like an ice-skating rink in the winter and a waterpark in the summer. The arts are on display at Sleepy Hollow Park, which holds performances at its hilltop amphitheater.
Dakota Stage is another popular spot for theatrical performances. Other arts and culture attractions include the city's various art galleries and the Bismarck-Mandan Art Trail. On Capitol Grounds, the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum preserves important state history and Indigenous culture through interactive exhibits and extensive collections. In November 2024, the museum celebrated the 135th anniversary of North Dakota's statehood.
North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum has an impressive natural history collection.
The Dakota Stage Playhouse is a historic theater in downtown Bismarck.
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Van Horn architecture in the historic district
The median home price in Bismarck is around $350,000, compared to the national median of about $407,000. Typical styles include bungalows, split-levels, ranch-style homes and the occasional Tudor-inspired house. Most homes were built between the mid-1900s and the mid-2010s. New construction lines the city's outer edges, where custom and contemporary designs sell for upwards of $1.5 million. North Hills is known for being an upscale neighborhood at the heart of a popular shopping district, while Wachter is home to the Mayor of Bismarck's mansion. The Cathedral Historic District has roughly 40 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and features work by the architect Arthur Van Horn.
Split level homes are a popular home style in Bismarck.
Small bungalows are easily found near Bismarck's downtown area.
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Private education and United Tribes
Students are under the Bismarck School District, which has an A-minus Niche grade. Niche ranks it as the second-best school district in North Dakota. Many of the district's public and private schools are highly rated, like Dakota Adventist Academy. Niche ranks it as the third-best private high school in the state and gives it an A-minus rating.
The city has two colleges and a private Catholic university. Although outside city limits, many locals attend the B-rated University of Mary, and sports fans flock to watch the Marauders play. The C-rated United Tribes Technical College serves students from over 75 tribal nations.
United Tribes Technical College is a private tribal community college.
University of Mary is a private college in the Bismarck area.
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International Powwow draws people from all over the country
The United Tribes Technical College International Powwow is one of the city's most significant cultural events. Every September, dancers dressed in vibrant traditional regalia compete before a panel of judges. Between performances, skilled artisans sell handmade goods and traditional foods. Every summer, the Capitol A'Fair invites over 100 artists to the city's Capitol Grounds. Attendees enjoy live music and activities for all ages. The parks district has two major seasonal celebrations. One is Flurry Fest, a winter festival that encourages people to stay active during the colder months with cross-country skiing and ice skating.
Anima Cucina is a semifinalist for major award
A few large shopping centers are scattered throughout the city, with big-box stores for everyday essentials and grocery needs. The Downtown Business Association of Bismarck supports the growth and development of the city's businesses, especially the economic success of the downtown area. Kirkwood Mall anchors Downtown Bismarck, offering almost 100 brand-name stores and restaurants. Throughout the rest of downtown are various small businesses and local restaurants, like The Blarney Stone Pub, the city's only authentic Irish pub. Anima Cucina, an Italian pasta and wine bar, is a 2024 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef.
Anima Cucina is a locally owned Italian cafe and 2024 James Beard finalist.
The Kirkwood Mall has both boutique and big box retailers in Bismarck.
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Multiple interstates stretch across Bismarck
The city is heavily car-dependent, but Capital Area Transit buses offer six routes to the Bismarck and Mandan areas. Three major east-west highways pass over the Missouri River: Business Loop 94 and Interstates 94 and 194. Highway 83 is the city's primary north-south route. The Bismarck Municipal Airport offers direct flights to seven major airports, with an eighth destination to be added in June 2025.
Lower property crime and annual weather concerns
Data from the Bismarck Police Department shows that violent crime in the city has trended lower than the national average for decades, and property crime decreased in 2023. The department's crime prevention and community engagement section played a pivotal role in this decrease through its various programs, like the Citizen Police Academy.
The city experiences four seasons, and according to the National Weather Service, it does see extremes, like temperatures below zero during its coldest month, January. "We get snowstorms, we get hail, and while Bismarck doesn't have many floods, we get flash flood warnings where it just downpours," says Neumann. Annual rainfall settles around 20 inches, and snowfall ranges between 40 and 60 inches. The city government mitigates extreme weather through a Community Rating System program that entitles residents to lower flood insurance programs. They also send snowplows to emergency roads and school routes first during winter, followed by all other roads.
Rebecca is a full time real estate professional based in Bismarck, ND that serves all of central North Dakota. She works with home buyers and sellers, providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout the entire process. Whether you are buying or selling, Rebecca will offer constant communication, a professional yet fun demeanor, and years of trusted experience.
Born and raised in Bismarck, she graduated from Century High School. Rebecca attended NDSU and subsequently Minnesota State University, Moorhead where she received degrees in Business Administration and Art History. Next, she headed to Minneapolis, MN and enjoyed successful careers in art administration and commercial photography. Her photography clients included Marshall Field’s, Macys, Golf Galaxy, 3M, Mpls St Paul Magazine and many others.
Working in the advertising industry at a high level helped her develop a sharp eye for color, detail and space. These design skills easily translate into creating captivating marketing pieces and helping her clients prepare their homes for sale. Her guidance, creative staging, expert photography and hands on approach have proven to attract the most buyers AND the highest offers for her clients, no matter what their home size or price range.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
