Grand Forks: Best Places for Military Families
The Grand Forks region isn’t just military-friendly; we make it our mission to be one of the best places for military families in the U.S. Men and women from the National Guard, U.S. Air Force, and Customs and Border Protection make their homes in the region for a reason.
With more than 3,500 new military members coming to the Grand Forks Air Force Base each year, newcomers are valued members of our community and region. With downtown walking tours, shuttles, service organizations, and military-friendly events, service members will feel right at home.
Grand Forks Air Force Base
Airmen rank the Base in Grand Forks as the 6th best in the Air Force. Why? Quality of life for them and their families, awesome schools, and community support. Speaking of awesome schools, The University of North Dakota was named as one of the 2020 top military-friendly colleges in the U.S.!
Live on Base with comprehensive housing, shopping, excellent schools, a world-class gym, and even a bowling alley. Or live in one of the cities surrounding the base and enjoy our friendlier living, smarter schools, and livelier events.
Top Five Reasons Grand Forks is the Best Place for Military Families:
- Abilene Worthy: The Abilene Trophy is awarded annually to a community in the U.S. that is most supportive of its airbase. Grand Forks has received the award twice and is proud of it!
- Reciprocity: North Dakota offers licensure reciprocity, making it easy for military spouses to find jobs in their chosen career fields right away.
- After-service ready: In 2018, Navy Federal Credit Union named Grand Forks one of the top 5 places to live for both transitioning service members and veterans.
- Great American Defense Community: Grand Forks was named in the inaugural class of Great American Defense Communities for providing unwavering support to service members and military families.
- AU-ABC Degree Options: The University of North Dakota offers degrees through The Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative which is designed to provide bachelor degree options for any active airmen and women of the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve, or Air National Guard.
Resource Links
Grand Forks Air Force Base
Grand Sky UAS Business Park
Grand Forks American Legion Post 6
Grand Forks VFW Post 1874
East Grand Forks VFW Post 3817
Manvel American Legion Post 299
Team Red, White, and Blue
For more veteran and military resources, download our relocation guide!
Relocation Guide
Grand Forks joins an exclusive group
Each year the ADC recognizes the top ten military communities throughout the country. The award highlights the strong connection between the Grand Forks Air Force Base and the City of Grand Forks.
I love the people and the culture of the people in Grand Forks. I run into people who move here for a purpose and then end up staying.
It’s the people that make Grand Forks a great place to live, learn, work, play, and stay. You go to the Farmer’s Market and you spend 20 minutes shopping and 2 hours visiting.
For a place where the temperature is consistently below freezing, Grand Forks is one of the warmest communities you will ever find.
What we see in recruiting is that people are very surprised with Grand Forks. It’s a real welcoming community. Whether they’re checking into their hotel or at a restaurant or store, people are welcoming them into the community.
WORKING TOGETHER TO SHARE WHY GRAND FORKS IS WAY COOLER THAN YOU THINK
