Why Live in River Drive
River Drive in Fargo, ND, is a neighborhood that emerged during the city’s midcentury expansion, characterized by its riverside location along the Red River. The area features a mix of housing styles, including ramblers, split-levels, and bi-levels from the 1960s to the 1980s, with some newer builds and modern contemporary homes. Properties typically sit on quarter-acre to half-acre lots, shaded by mature trees like elms, oaks, and maples. The neighborhood is known for its top-tier schools, including Discovery Middle School and Fargo Davies High School, both highly rated, as well as private institutions like Oak Grove Lutheran School and Sacred Heart Middle School.
Residents enjoy proximity to various amenities, with downtown Fargo just 4 miles away and North Dakota State University 4 miles north. Local points of interest include Lemke Park, which offers trails, a playset, and an outdoor rink, and the South River Prairie, part of the Audubon Society’s Urban Woods and Prairies Initiative. Dining options feature the longstanding Fargo Cork ‘n Cleaver steakhouse and Café Aladdin for Mediterranean cuisine. Shopping needs are met by nearby stores like Hornbacher’s and Burggraf’s Ace Hardware.
Despite its rural feel, River Drive is car-dependent, with the nearest bus stops a few blocks away. Major routes like University Drive and Interstate 94 provide easy access to the rest of the city. The neighborhood is safer than the national average, though it has faced flooding issues, with a diversion project expected to be completed by 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is River Drive a good place to live?
River Drive is a good place to live. River Drive is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. River Drive has 2 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 4.7 people per acre and a median age of 53. The average household income is $93,525 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 50.3% of residents. A majority of residents in River Drive are home owners, with 39.5% of residents renting and 60.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving River Drive can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
River Drive neighborhood guide.
Is River Drive, ND a safe neighborhood?
River Drive, ND is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 3 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in River Drive?
The median home price in River Drive is $263,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $52,600 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,360 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $58K a year to afford the median home price in River Drive. The average household income in River Drive is $94K.
What are the best public schools in River Drive?
The best public schools that serve River Drive are:
What are the best private schools in River Drive?
The best private schools that serve River Drive are:
What are the most popular zip codes in River Drive, Fargo, ND?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near River Drive, Fargo, ND?
Are home prices dropping in River Drive?
Yes, home prices in River Drive are down 26% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in River Drive, ND
On average, homes in River Drive, Fargo sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in River Drive, Fargo over the last 12 months is $261,500, down 32% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$261,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$333,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$412,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$199,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$173
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
36
Median List Price
$263,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-32%