Thompson, ND | One of the Best Small US Cities
Population: 1,196
Average Commute Time: 12 minutes
Average Home Value: $172,600
Total School Enrollment: 573
Map of Thompson
all the cooler places and things to do
Cooler Living in Thompson, ND
There’s a reason we think Thompson ND (cityofthompsonnd.com) is one of the Best Small US Cities. If you’re looking for a community where backyard barbecues, pool parties, and potlucks with your neighbors fill up nights and weekends, you’ll feel right at home in Thompson.
Schools
The Thompson School District has seen steady growth in enrollment – in fact Fall of 2020 will be the biggest enrollment in Thompson School District’s history. Residents continue to value the importance of their community’s school and recently voted to begin work on a brand new gym, a stage for high quality performing arts, more classrooms, and additional office space. Thompson Tommies are known to be tough competitors and frequent champions on the field, as well as in the arts.
Housing
Thompson offers great options for in-town living at a variety of price points and styles. People looking for acreage for hunting, farming, or building will find that the community offers plenty of room to sprawl and build your dream home.
Healthier Living
Thompson has one some of the best softball and football stadiums in the state, setting them apart from other smaller communities. Most Friday nights during the season there are fans cheering in the stands and athletes on the ground.
Both physical and mental health play a role in community’s well-being and Thompson is a city that understands. Bio Girls is offered to elementary aged girls to build self-worth through mentoring and competitive physical activity.
A complete healthcare system is just a short 20 minute drive into Grand Forks, and offers a state-of-the art hospital and many private practice providers.
Community Life
Thompson is a close-knit city welcoming in both visitors and new residents alike. Many of the families who live there work in neighboring towns and take weekends to kick back and relax at the local watering hole, Brewskis, or at a nearby lake.
Livelier Events
One of the signature events of this lively small city is Thompson Days, a bi-annual celebration with block parties, inflatable games, activities for all ages, and live music. This festival brings in people from all around the area for a time of community fun.
The community in Thompson has been known to offer unique, family friendly activities like goat yoga, summer theater, craft and vendor fairs, and pancake feeds.
We had Grand Forks pegged as a temporary stop on the way to bigger and better things. The truth is, we found those bigger and better things right here in Grand Forks. Everything from the significant professional opportunity, vibrancy, and family friendly atmosphere led to this decision and we are here to stay!
Photo Credit: Cooler Ambassador Pam Shea
Whether it’s a personal or a general desire to give back, Grand Forks region residents truly feel a civic duty. And more important, they act on it, day in and day out. In Grand Forks, not only will my daughter receive the tools and skills to contribute to the world, but also she’ll absorb the values that’ll help her lead the world.
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 big enough to have good times with sports and shows. And it is small enough so you can get around without stress. You can get acquainted with lots of people. Or if you prefer the quiet life, you also can find that here.
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.
No one is a stranger and everyone is a neighbor, which is so rare.
For a place where the temperature is consistently below freezing, Grand Forks is one of the warmest communities you will ever find.
Grand Forks is home to me. I’ve been fortunate to travel the world, but my roots have always been in North Dakota.
Everything from healthy economic growth, revitalizing our downtown, fantastic educational opportunities, and a family friendly environment make Grand Forks great.
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.
I love that there always seems to be something going on with sporting events, downtown events, or concerts. It’s small enough that you’re not in a city with traffic, but big enough that there is always something to do.
Grand Forks Herald, Thriving Community 2017
When I was a student, UND afforded me such great community-focused opportunities and a chance to develop personally and professionally. I chose to stay here and help contribute to a culture so others have that same experience.
If you are looking for opportunity, for community, and just an overall great place to live – this is it! Greater Grand Forks has everything you need plus some, and if you desire more, major metropolitan cities are a short drive away. If you invest in this community, it will invest back in you tenfold.
I moved to Grand Forks 12 years ago, and since my first volunteering opportunity, this place has shown me it’s hunger and excitement to support new and creative ideas. Really, it comes down to the train of thought, “you build the event, and the people will come.
Grand Forks is a fantastic place to live and grow a business. The community is extremely welcoming, and the university atmosphere adds a uniquely charming angle to the city. I especially love that Grand Forks and North Dakota are so very well-known for their thriving Unmanned Aircraft Systems ecosystem.
Abbie and I were blessed to be able to grow up in Grand Forks. We decided that we wanted our children to have that same experience. We enjoy seeing the next generation of ‘Grand Forkians’ share the same love of our hometown.
No need to look somewhere over the rainbow; Grand Forks IS the pot of gold!
From the “I Do’s” at a wedding, to the smell of roasted almonds before the game winning goal, it makes me proud to call the Ralph home. And we are just a small part of the uniqueness that makes Grand Forks, “way cooler than you think”.
I moved away from the Grand Forks region after college but was thrilled to return a few years later and never left! This is a great community to live, work, and play. We especially enjoy and take advantage of the miles of biking & running trails, numerous restaurants, and so many lakes nearby for weekend getaways
I am so proud that the Empire Arts Center created the only professional theatre company in North Dakota,
the ETC (Empire Theatre Company). The ETC performs musicals and thought-provoking plays. They are
not afraid of edgy subjects either which is why I think Grand Forks is “Way Cooler Than You Think.”
An adventure always awaits! Whether that’s delicious dinner and drinks on a patio or a day of hiking, hammocking, and enjoying a river, you can find it in Greater Grand Forks.
There is no doubt in our minds that the greater Grand Forks region has the coolest seniors around. Older adults in this area are engaged, active, and lifelong learners. They are committed to giving back to the communities they love and enjoying life to its fullest
We’re neighbors. Every day, I see people being kind, being generous, and being there for one another. Grand Forks is cooler because neighbors work together to help our community thrive!
In what other community of similar size can you experience international touring acts, a multitude of sporting events, regional conferences, banquets, weddings, and other touring entertainment including family shows, monster trucks and more in world class facilities? We are so fortunate to live in a community where we can bring incredible entertainment to life in several area venues that all want to see Grand Forks grow and thrive.
Grand Forks is a community of opportunity. Education and stable housing are essential building blocks for successful community members. The community provides innovative education and support for affordable housing organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, allowing all community members the opportunity to achieve their goals individually and for the city.
After living in three other states post-college as well as other cities throughout North Dakota, Grand Forks has become a special place. One of my favorite landmarks is Belmont Road. When the early evening light hits the windshield just right and I’m almost home between CVIC’s downtown office and my house a few blocks from this enticing street, I almost don’t want sunglasses.
Grand Forks is a wonderful community to live, work, and play. It has so much to offer whether is outdoor recreation, entertainment venues, collegiate sporting events, and a strong school system. I can’t think of a better place to raise a family.
WORKING TOGETHER TO SHARE WHY GRAND FORKS IS WAY COOLER THAN YOU THINK
