Saloons, stagecoach rides and herds of buffalo roaming the countryside may describe life on the prairie during the 19th century, but it also describes modern-day life in the agricultural community of Jamestown, North Dakota. As the seat of Stutsman County, Jamestown has maintained a population of 15,000-plus since the 1960s. Hailed by locals as "The Buffalo City," its claim to fame is The World's Largest Buffalo, a 24-foot statue that stands tall over the river valley. In addition to its buffalo-themed attractions and rural appeal, major employers include Collins Aerospace, a supplier for Boeing and other aircraft manufacturers, and Cavendish Farms, the fourth-largest processor of frozen potatoes in the United States.
Jamestown is home to the worlds largest buffalo statue, standing 24 feet high.
Cavendish Farms is known as a major frozen potato processor in Jamestown.
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Open farmland with ranch-style housing
Much of Jamestown's real estate is undeveloped land, with properties ranging anywhere from 5,000 square feet to 20 acres. The few ranch-style houses that are for sale were mainly built between the 1940s and '50s, although homes from the 1920s still remain. The median home price is $224,500, well below the national average. "There's lots of land here, and people are not on top of each other," says Beth Keller, a broker and owner of Re/Max Now. "We're kind of spread out, which I think is a big attraction for a lot of people."
Split level homes are popular in established areas of Jamestown.
Ranch style homes are very popular throughout Jamestown.
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Reservoir hunting and fishing
Jamestown maintains nine public parks. Just north of the city, the county manages the 2,095-acre Jamestown Reservoir, a natural habitat for waterfowl and deer. "There's a lot of fishing and hunting around that area," Keller says. "We have a lot of outdoor recreation." The reservoir island has a 27-hole disc golf course, while an 18-hole golf course is the star attraction at the Hillcrest Athletic Complex. The winter sports building is also open to the public for hockey and ice skating.
Hilllcrest Golf course is an 18 hole public course.
Jamestown Reservoir recreation area includes an island with a disc golf course.
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Where the buffalo roam
Taking its nickname to heart, Jamestown has two buffalo herds that graze both sides of Interstate 94 and are managed by the North American Bison Discovery Center. The center is located next to Frontier Village, a historical site with original buildings that show what pioneer life was like during the 1880s. Downtown Jamestown is lined with several shops and boutique stores, plus a variety of family style restaurants such as Frontier Fort and Hondo's Hideaway with scenic views of the reservoir shoreline. Grocery stores include Hugo's Family Marketplace, as well as a Walmart Supercenter at the Buffalo Mall.
Jamestown's Frontier Village give you a taste of what things were like it the wild west.
North American Bison Discovery Center also features an incredibly rare white buffalo.
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Public and private educational options
Earning a B grade on Niche, the Jamestown Public Schools system oversees eight campuses, including the James Valley Career and Technology Center, which offers automotive and construction programs. The student-teacher ratio is 12-to-1, and the graduation rate is 87%. The area is also home to the University of Jamestown, a private Christian liberal arts college that was recently accepted into the NCAA Division II. Available private-school options include the Anne Carlsen Center, which provides assisted-learning services.
The University of Jamestown is a Christian university founded in 1883.
Louis L'Amour Elementary School is a K-5 elementary school in Jamestown, ND.
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Transportation and infrastructure investments
Four major highways run through the city: Interstate 94, U.S. 52, U.S. 281 and N.D. 20. The Jamestown Regional Airport is in the northeast corner of the city. Local health care systems include the North Dakota State Hospital and the Jamestown Regional Medical Center. The senior center offers ADA-accessible dial-a-ride transportation that takes residents more than 90 miles to Bismarck and Fargo.
Driving on the dirt roads
With 70,000 square miles of trails and dirt roads perfect for ATVs and motorbikes, it's little wonder why Jamestown is widely considered to be the Motorsports Capital of North Dakota. Racing events occur every Saturday at Jamestown Speedway, and the Stutsman County Fair Grounds hosts dirt-bike events every weekend at the Dakota Motocross.
Weather and crime
According to the Jamestown Police Department, crime is generally below the national average and has been gradually declining since 2021. Violent crime saw a 25% decrease overall, while property crime saw a 27% decrease. The area also sees humid summers and freezing winters, averaging 46 inches of snowfall annually.
Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Rowell
Video By
Max Gilmore
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kristine Sagaser,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Jamestown, ND sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Jamestown, ND over the last 12 months is $197,250, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy river views from this inviting 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home featuring an open loft and a spacious main living room with a charming brick fireplace.The open-plan dining area flows into a three-season sunroom, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Soaring cathedral ceilings and a second-story overlook above the foyer add architectural interest and openness. A welcoming entry leads to a
Discover this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offering functionality across this multi-level split. The updated kitchen features new appliances, sleek countertops, and a center island—perfect for entertaining. Cozy up by the wood-burning fireplace in the main living areas or unwind at the convenient dry bar. The home includes a cold storage room, ample storage space, and an attached garage
Opportunity awaits! This property is zoned commercial and was used at one time as a boarding house. It has 12 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and 1 kitchen. It's ready to make it your own.
Check out this apartment located in Jamestown, ND! There is common area coin operated laundry available on site. Great area of town near Spirits Bar and Grill & UJ Campus!
Check out these apartments for rent in Jamestown ND! Features coin operated common area laundry and off street parking. Located in a great location of town near Jamestown High School and UJ campus!
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