$493,644Average Value$174Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Woodland vibes, with easy access to Downtown Fargo
Situated along the Red River that flows north to Canada, the River Drive neighborhood is a result of Fargo’s midcentury growth. As the population grew in the 1960s and 1970s, the city expanded south along the river, transitioning from a tight urban grid layout to a looser, meandering suburb vibe. It’s a community that breaks up the expansive landscape that is the plains - combining the wilds of the river with top-tier schools and housing options under the cover of towering trees, Despite the neighborhood’s rural woodlands feel, residents are still only minutes from the heart of Fargo and the city’s many shopping and dining options, and the jobs in medical care and education that continue to drive the region's growth.
Sidewalks, hiking, and biking trails abound throughout the lush terrain of River Drive.
While not much blooms in the winter in River Drive, summer is filled with beautiful flora.
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Established homes with shade and space
River Drive used to see homes springing up in riverside lots, says Bruce Johnson, Broker and Owner of RE/MAX Realty 1. “Along the river, that’s where—at the time—some of the biggest homes were built, but then the flooding happened and it became less popular.” While potential buyers will find a few larger estates located on the peninsula that juts east towards Minnesota, the majority of homes within the neighborhood are more modest. Common styles include ramblers, split-levels and bi-levels that date from the 1960s through the late 1980s, with a handful of newer builds thrown in the mix. Most sit on a quarter-acre to a half-acre of land and feature mature elms, oaks and maple trees which provide shade to fenced backyards. Vinyl-siding accented by stone and brick is the standard, and most homes feature deep eaves with covered entryways. One- and two-stall garages are the norm. Newer condo units are also available and can sell from $375,000 up to $525,000. Pre-80s single-family homes can go for $275,000 to $425,000, while newer versions hover between $325,000 to $600,000. A handful of modern contemporary builds that enjoy the quiet privacy of the peninsula sell from $500,000 to upwards of $1.1 million.
Traditional homes in River Drive feature long driveways, walkable sidewalks, and clean siding.
Estates and smaller homes dot the lush landscape of River Drive near the Red River.
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Bringing the prairie to the city
At the top end of River Drive, Lemke Park offers a mix of nature and play for all ages. Mature trees and wildflowers line a trail that leads down to the Red River, and local wildlife, including deer and turkeys, will sometimes make surprise visits. There’s a playset for kids and an outdoor rink for skating in the summer or ice skating come winter. Picnic tables and a picnic shelter make it a popular spot for a day out. To the south, part of the Audubon Society’s Urban Woods and Prairies Initiative, the South River Prairie features native grasses and flowers, while mowed trails provide great birdwatching opportunities.
River Drive offers fun activities like biking and swimming for kids of all ages.
An ice skating rink provides much needed winter fun which can be found in Lemke Park.
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Nearby public and private options
Eagles Elementary School is within the neighborhood and walkable for many students – curiously enough, River Drive is one of the only neighborhoods in Fargo that is not named after a school located within its boundaries. Eagles Elementary receives a B-minus from Niche, while Discovery Middle School earns an A-minus. Fargo Davies High School also earns an A-minus rating and offers 16 different male and female sports teams as well as nearly 40 student clubs and organizations ranging, from an eSports club to a fishing club. Private schools in the area include Oak Grove Lutheran School for pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. There’s also the St. John Paul II Catholic Schools, including Sacred Heart Middle School and Shanley High School, which get B-plus grades from Niche. North Dakota State University is also only 4 miles north – a straight shot up University Drive that usually takes around 15 minutes.
Eagles Elementary School provides a nurturing environment for academic and personal achievement.
Discovery Middle School in Fargo promotes academic excellence and personal growth.
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Quick commutes even at peak times
Fargoans are proud to talk about convenience across the city. “My office is in Moorhead, when I get in the car it tells me I’m 8 minutes from work, if I hit the lights correctly I’m 6 minutes – that’s a good example,” says Johnson, when asked about commutes in the area. Many locals like to brag that in River Drive they’re always only 20 minutes from where they need to be. While River Drive is great for recreational walking and biking, it’s a car-dependent community for most everything else. The nearest bus stops are a few blocks away, where residents can board MATBUS Route 14. However, University Drive is a straight shot to downtown Fargo, 4 miles away, and Interstate 94, a major route that heads east and west that is less than 2 miles north. Sanford Medical Center is under 4 miles away, providing emergency care around the clock – Sanford is also the largest employer in the city. For air travel, Hector International Airport is roughly 7 miles north, usually within a 15-minute drive.
If you need to take public transit around River Drive, there's several bus routes available.
The flat landscape of Fargo means you can see the Fargo water tower from River Drive.
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River Drive residents head to the heart of town
Fargo’s layout means that most events are centralized in the heart of the city. This includes the Downtown Fargo Street Fair, which spans a three-day weekend every July. Hundreds of vendors range from handcrafted goods to fine art to local wines and beers, all with a soundtrack provided by local musicians and entertainment. The FargoDome features various activities including Happy Harry’s RibFest, monster truck nights and national touring acts. The nearby Newman Outdoor Field is home to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the American Association of Professional Baseball, an independent team and a favorite activity on warm summer evenings.
Bring your pets out for a good day at River Drive's Pride in the Park celebration.
Pride in the Park is a popular gathering in Fargo's River Drive neighborhood.
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Established dining options and vintage shopping
“The Fargo Cork ‘n Cleaver has been a mainstay restaurant for years,” says Johnson. Open since 1970, the southwestern-themed steakhouse serves up steaks and sides in an intimate dining room and hosts local musicians on Thursday evenings. Down the road, Café Aladdin provides Greek and other Mediterranean favorites in a sunny, informal spot. Just across University Drive, the shopping area includes local and regional chains like an Eckroth Music store and Woody’s Bar and Grill, plus a Hornbacher’s for grocery needs. Burlap Boutique brings vintage finds and local artisans together in an airy showroom that provides unique home décor options. For home improvement needs, Burggraf’s Ace Hardware also has a location on University Drive.
Outdoor dining isn't popular all year, but restaurants near River Drive offer al fresco dining.
Good beef, good booze, and good friends are all you need at Cork N Cleaver near River Drive.
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Red River flooding and fishing
Fishing is a favorite activity for many residents, and both Tony Schmitt of the Fargo Parks Department and BJ Kratz at North Dakota Fish and Game note that the Red River is popular for it. The northern flow of the river means that River Drive is technically upstream of much of Fargo, which means anglers can try their luck here to get ahead of folks dropping their lines in closer to the heart of town. However, this convenience comes at a price – flooding over the years has damaged River Drive and other neighborhoods. The city has a temporary fix and is working on a more permanent one. Johnson says, “They’re building a diversion that will be completed in 2027, but there’s been enough dikes made that if there is a flood we should be able to handle it with sandbags.”
You won't find more spectacular views of North Dakota than River Drive the Red River.
The River Drive neighborhood gets its name from River Drive paralleling the Red River.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bruce Johnson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lemke Park
South River Prairie
Transit
Airport
Hector International
26 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
River Drive
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
River Drive Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in River Drive, Fargo sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in River Drive, Fargo over the last 12 months is $379,450, up 26% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This stunning two-story home, nestled in a charming, well-established neighborhood, seamlessly combines space, comfort, and sophistication. With 6 spacious bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, it offers ample room for growing families and those who love to entertain. The main floor features a grand foyer, open-concept living areas, and a striking floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, creating an inviting and
Step into the potential of this spacious South Fargo rambler, nestled in a quiet neighborhood on a generous -acre lot with mature evergreens, hardy perennials, and a partially fenced backyard. This 4-bed, 3-bath home with a bonus 5th room (non-egress) offers a smart layout and space to grow. The main level features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and laundry off the kitchen. A sliding door in the
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bruce Johnson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,565
Median Age
53
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
38.8%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$47,500
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$93,525
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.2%
College Graduates
50.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
24''
Average Winter Low Temperature
1°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
45''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
38/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
9/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
