Fast-growing Watford City offers recreation and booming oil business
As a modern-day boomtown, Watford City has seen tremendous growth in recent years. This northwestern North Dakota community is in McKenzie County, the fastest-growing county in the nation from 2010 to 2020. The city grew by over 250% in that time, thanks to fracking and oil production across the region. “The oil fields are what bring people here. We’re in the Bakken oil fields, so if you’re moving to Watford City, Williston or anywhere in this area, that’s probably why,” says Kristy Aasheim, a broker associate with eXp Realty with nearly a decade of experience. The oil boom started around 2010, and energy companies like ConocoPhillips and Hess are still major employers. Despite the growth, this city of about 6,200 people is still considered a small town. Locally owned shops and restaurants line Main Street, and residents drive about 48 miles to the nearest Walmart. City parks host community events, while nearby natural areas provide much recreation in the North Dakota countryside.
Vintage and new-build homes available in northwestern North Dakota
Homes in Watford City cover a wide range of styles over the past century. “You’re either getting a newly built home or something very old and very small,” Aasheim says. “The most you’ll see on the market is about 20 homes.” The established properties in the area are cottages, bungalows and farmhouses from the first half of the 20th century. With the oil boom starting in 2010, many New Traditional homes popped up around the city. Some were built in the downtown area among the older properties, while others are in planned subdivisions on the edge of town. Because of the city’s growth, housing demand is high. The median sales price of $390,000 is a 15% increase over the past 12 months and is higher than the state median of $279,000.
National and city parks provide an array of recreation
Watford City puts residents close to multiple natural areas for recreation. “Lake Sakakawea is huge and beautiful. It’s on another level. The badlands are just around the corner, so you can go hiking and biking,” Aasheim says. Lake Sakakawea is a section of the Missouri River that makes up the northern border of McKenzie County. Several locations offer activities like boating, fishing, swimming and camping. Tobacco Gardens Resort and Marina is about 29 miles north, while McKenzie Bay is about 54 miles east. The badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park are just 15 miles south, offering access to unique geological formations and room for wildlife viewing, hiking and mountain biking. The city also has several parks for recreation close to home. Tourist Park has a playground, disc golf and amphitheater. McKenzie County Athletic Park has seven softball fields, two soccer fields and a playground. The Rough Rider Center is an event and community center with indoor basketball courts, a swimming pool and a walking track.
Annual events celebrate the community through food and entertainment
As the seat of McKenzie County, Watford City hosts several annual events, including the McKenzie County Fair. Each June, the fair takes place at the McKenzie County Ag Expo facility and brings carnival rides, fair food, a rodeo and a demolition derby. The Ag Expo also hosts rodeos and trade shows throughout the year. HomeFest is a celebration of the community each July, including live music, a 5K run/walk, and mud volleyball and cornhole tournaments.
Main Street is home to locally owned shopping and dining
Restaurants and businesses line Main Street in downtown Watford City. JL Beers is a regional chain with locations across the Dakotas and Minnesota. This casual pub serves a menu of innovative burgers alongside an extensive beer list. Other spots on Main Street include coffee shops and a steakhouse. Stonehome Brewing Company is a local brewpub serving craft beer and stone-baked pizza. Stores on Main Street include a pharmacy, a hardware store and a children’s clothing shop. Chain retailers like Tractor Supply Co. and Runnings are south of downtown. Groceries are available at Cash Wise or Jack & Jill. More big-box stores like Walmart and Menards are in Williston.
McKenzie County Schools offer real-world learning
Depending on where they live, students can attend either Fox Hills Elementary School, rated a C-plus by Niche, or Badlands Elementary School, rated a B-minus. Watford City Middle School and Watford City High School each earn a C-plus. The high school offers career and technical education courses in agriculture, healthcare, information technology and business. It also has a cooperative work experience program, which allows students to work with local companies to gain hands-on experience in their desired field.
U.S. and state highways provide commutes around North Dakota
U.S. Route 85 and North Dakota Highway 23 are two major roads that pass through Watford City. Highway 85 offers a north-south route through the state while Highway 23 leads east to the city of Velva. Williston is about 47 miles north via Highway 85.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
