They call Minot the "Magic City." That's because this settlement an hour south of the Canadian border sprang up—"like magic," locals say—from nowhere in 1886, when construction of the Great Northern Railway stopped for the winter. Within months, the population swelled to almost 5,000 people, including merchants, railroad workers, and saloon owners. Some established Minot residents built modest Queen Anne, Foursquare, and Tudor homes in a 12-block area across the Mouse River from downtown. Known as Eastwood Park, it is populated these days by families who host an annual arts festival, hold food drives, and try like heck to outdo each other with their Christmas light displays. The schools are good, the streets are safe, and the neighborhood is across a pedestrian bridge from Minot's center.
The HousesMost early-20th-century styles are represented here, including Queen Anne, Tudor, Dutch Colonial Revival, Greek Revival, and Colonial Revival, along with many Sears kit houses. Most are on small lots with detached garages and alleyway access out back. Prices range from $100,000 to the occasional $300,000.
Why Buy Here?What recession? Minot is a boom town, thanks to a massive oil field discovered outside town a few years back. "Houses here stay on the market for about two hours before someone buys them," says Minot city planner Donna Bye. The latest census figures haven't been released, but Bye estimates the former population of 36,567 has increased by at least 4,000 in the last decade. Minot is also home to a U.S. Air Force base and Minot State University.
Among the best for:
The Midwest,
Bargains,
College Towns,
Family Friendly,
Easy Commute
Contribute to This Story Below