Casselton's small-town atmosphere continues to grow and change
Casselton is a small town experiencing continual growth, originally founded as a rail town. “It’s definitely one of those places where people call you by your name when you walk in somewhere,” says Realtor Danielle Beilke with Beyond Realty, Inc. and Casselton resident. “When you move in, all you have to say is, ‘I live in so-and-so’s house now,’ and everyone know what you’re talking about.”
In 2020, the population was just below 2,500, all supported by the city’s local businesses and active school system. Its location, just west of Fargo, means residents aren’t far from big-city conveniences, such as supermarkets and the hospital. The schools have undergone big improvements, while neighborhoods feature more newer builds. The city government is also making efforts to improve the resident experience through engagement surveys. Despite its growth, Casselton still maintains the little things that make it feel like a community. “You see groups of kids running around together and riding bikes to each other’s houses,” Beilke says. “Everyone drives 15 miles per hour because of it.”
Various housing styles and price points throughout Casselton
Casselton’s water tower is visible over the rooftops of many of the city’s houses. Trees sporadically cover yards, dropping seasonal leaves on front yards. Many driveways feature parked campers and RVs. Cottages, Nationals and ranch-style homes range from $160,000 to $410,000, while New Traditionals built in the last 20 years sell for between $360,000 and $560,000.
Recently renovated public schools supporting a sports culture
Central Cass Elementary School earns an A-minus grade from Niche. Both Central Cass Middle and High schools receive B-pluses. The high school has an active sports culture, drawing in residents and alumni for baseball, basketball and football games. “The school was remodeled recently, so there’s a new auditorium and a really nice, big turf field. It’s pretty glamourous now,” Beilke says about the 2018 remodel, which the district received a $26 million grant to complete.
Front Street's restaurants and the coming grocery store
Casselton’s restaurants are mainly situated along Front Street, like Percy’s Place, where people can head for burgers, sandwiches and morning pastries. The city also has a lot of chain restaurants, like Dairy Queen and Pizza Ranch, but Beilke says that Red Baron is by far the most popular, often shortened to just "The Baron" among the locals.
For immediate needs, Casselton has a Dollar General and a few gas stations that do carry some groceries and produce. Residents will have to head over 20 miles to Fargo to shop at supermarkets and big-box stores, where there’s a Walmart Supercenter, Sam’s Club and Costco. “We’re in the process of getting a grocery store. We don’t have it yet, but the city’s been doing a ton of resident surveys, and a lot of people have expressed that they want a grocery store,” Beilke says. “They’re offering an incentive for whatever company decides to build. It’s been on everyone’s radar.”
Year-round activities available at Casselton's parks
The city’s largest park is Tinta Tawa Park, where people enjoy the three baseball diamonds, three playgrounds and two fishing docks along the Casselton Reservoir. There’s also 2 miles of walking and biking trails and, in the winter, the hill welcomes sledding. Cottonwood Golf Club is a 9-hole course managed by the parks department and open to the public. In the summer, the community cools off at Casselton Pool, which also is home to a sand volleyball court and a playground.
Healthcare and air travel available to the east in Fargo
Langer Avenue goes down the city’s center, serving as a main thoroughfare. While the city has plenty to support its residents, anything else they could need is east in Fargo, usually via Interstate 94. In addition to big chain supermarkets, there's the Sanford Medical Center, about 19 miles away, and the Hector International Airport, about 21 miles away.
Casselton Summerfest is the city's biggest annual tradition
Every late July, the four-day Casselton Summerfest features car shows, parades and craft shows. Additionally, there are plenty of food trucks and kid’s games. The annual street dance is a big part of the tradition as well.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
