📍 About BIS & Bismarck
Bismarck Tower (BIS) is located at Bismarck Municipal Airport in North Dakota’s capital city. Bismarck is a clean, safe, and fast-growing community on the Missouri River, known for its affordability, schools, and outdoor lifestyle. Whether you're into kayaking, biking, or just want peaceful suburbs — Bismarck has it.
🏡 Where to Live
Best Neighborhoods – Singles & Couples
- Downtown Bismarck – Walkable, nightlife, local dining.
- Cathedral District – Historic charm and central location.
- Lincoln – Quiet town feel, just outside Bismarck.
Best Neighborhoods – Families
- North Bismarck – Suburban, newer homes, great schools.
- Mandan – Affordable with good schools across the river.
- South Bismarck – Family-friendly, parks, schools.
🚗 Commute Times to BIS
- 5–15 min: South & Central Bismarck, Cathedral District
- 15–25 min: North Bismarck, Mandan, Lincoln
🎓 Top School Districts
- Bismarck Public Schools – Strong academics and extracurriculars.
- Mandan Public Schools – Well-rated and improving rapidly.
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Kayaking: Missouri River, McDowell Dam
- Hiking & Biking: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Keelboat Park
- Golf: Hawktree Golf Club, Riverwood
- Winter: Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- North Dakota Heritage Center: State museum with interactive exhibits
- Downtown: Coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries
- Bismarck Event Center: Concerts, expos, hockey
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS): Main airport, served by United, Delta, American
- Hector International (FAR): Fargo, ~3 hours away – larger airport
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Bismarck: Very low violent crime rate, safe overall
- Mandan & Lincoln: Also considered safe with growing infrastructure
🔗 Local Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Median Home Price: ~$310,000
- 1-Bedroom Rent: ~$1,050/month
- No state sales tax on groceries
- Gas: ~$3.20–$3.50/gallon
- Utilities: ~$180–$240/month for an apartment
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown Bismarck: Coffee shops, restaurants, breweries
- North Bismarck: Modern homes, shopping centers
- Mandan: Growing suburb across the river
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold and snowy, below-zero temps
- Spring: Cool with late snow melt
- Summer: Hot, dry, and sunny
- Fall: Crisp and colorful
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Driving is essential – car-dependent city
- Traffic: Very light overall
- Bis-Man Transit: Limited public bus service
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Sanford Medical Center
- CHI St. Alexius Health
- Mid Dakota Clinic – Walk-in and primary care
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Community sports leagues
- Seasonal festivals like Street Fair and Folkfest
- Family-friendly town with many parks and trails
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Pirogue Grille: Fine dining downtown
- Blarney Stone Pub: Irish bar and food
- Big Boy: Local drive-thru legend
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Live close – shift times vary and winter travel can be rough
- Winter gear and 4WD recommended
- Great opportunity for career growth and training in a slower-paced facility
📦 Moving Tips
- Bring cold-weather clothing and snow tires
- Start housing search early – inventory can be low in spring/summer
- Join local Facebook housing groups for real-time listings
❓ FAQs
- Is Bismarck a safe city?
Yes — especially north and west sides. - Do I need AWD?
Strongly recommended due to winter roads. - Can I find housing under $1,000/month?
Yes — but limited to older 1BR units.