$381,456Average Value$207Average Price per Sq Ft77Homes For Sale
The beating heart of the Bakken
In 2008, North Dakota began rapidly extracting oil from the Bakken formation, a 200,000-square-mile source rock in Williston Basin. This led to a massive oil boom and employment spike in the state. Even as oil prices rise and fall, the city of Williston continues to profit from the boom. “We are the center of Bakken oil,” says Kristy Aasheim, longtime local and real estate agent at eXp Realty. “People come from all over the country to work at our oil fields.” Surrounding the oil industry are major transportation and construction companies, like FedEx and JMAC, that offer even more local opportunities. The city’s hardworking culture keeps the community connected, no matter the weather. “I know everybody in my entire neighborhood,” Aasheim says. “Those of us who’ve lived here a long time, we’ll take the shirt off our back to help you.”
As a major contributer to the local economy, oil pumps can be found all over Williston.
Williston's population has nearly doubled from 2010 to 2020.
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Custom housing along dirt roads
Downtown holds the city’s oldest homes, typically bungalow, New Traditional and ranch styles. Condos and apartments are also available for first-time buyers or those who relocate temporarily for work. Subdivisions with higher acreage and larger contemporary homes are farthest from downtown. Properties have sweeping valley views, and empty lots accommodate custom projects. However, the rural location of these subdivisions means paved streets are less common. The city’s median home price is around $320,000, less than the national median of $406,000.
Older ranch style homes are extremely common in established areas of Williston.
Many of the new builds in Williston are also ranch style homes.
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Tanker trunks mean continuous repaving
Public transportation is limited, but an Amtrak train line does run through Williston. Highways 2 and 85 accommodate statewide travel, while Broadway and Second Avenue West are primary city thoroughfares. Aasheim says traffic has improved, but road construction is continuous. Gravel and dirt roads lose traction and visibility during extreme weather, and asphalt streets need regular repaving. “They just replaced our highway’s asphalt with concrete to make it interstate-grade,” Aasheim says. “It just lasts longer under the weight of all the big trucks passing through.” The Williston Basin International Airport, recently relocated 11 miles outside the city, offers direct flights to Denver and Minneapolis.
Williston Basin Schools try to catch up
Over 5,000 students are under the Williston Basin School District #7, which has a C rating on Niche. New schools are always in demand because of the city’s explosive growth. “We’ve outgrown all of our schools. Even at our new high school, we’re already bursting at the seams, so they just passed an emergency extension for Williston High,” Aasheim says. Connected to Williston High School is a 20,000-square-foot career and technical education facility with trade shops, STEM classrooms and a greenhouse. The school has a C-plus rating.
The city is also home to the B-rated Williston State College. Through the Williams County Graduate Scholarship, high school graduates in the North Dakota oil patch are eligible for up to two years of free tuition.
Williston High School serves kids in grades 9 through 12.
Williston State College has scholarships offering local high school graduates up to two years free tuition.
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Fishing for Chinook at Lake Sakakawea
Recreation is a significant part of the community’s lifestyle. “Hunting and fishing are big here. In the summertime, everybody is at the lake with their boats and camping tents,” Aasheim says. The Missouri River feeds into Lake Sakakawea, a 368,000-acre lake full of Chinook salmon, Northern Pike and walleye. Painted Woods Sporting Range lets people practice their aim, while Davidson Park lets kids and sports teams play together. Williston Area Recreation Center (ARC) offers fitness rooms, an indoor waterpark and a golf simulator.
Davidson Park has an exceptionally large playground with equipment for kids of all ages.
Williston Area Recreation Center offers indoor swimming, water slides, basket ball and more.
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Safety equipment in no short supply
Williston’s commercial scene is dispersed throughout the city. Business Highway 2 is somewhat of a restaurant hub, with local chains lining a 2-mile stretch of the road. The city is slowly revitalizing downtown Williston into a central retail district, but empty storefronts are still common. Locally owned eateries sit beside boutique stores and an old-school movie theater. Safety supply and equipment wholesaler stores are abundant because of the city’s industry.
The Grand Theater is one of two active movie theaters in downtown Williston.
Equipment dealers out number traditional retail stores in Williston due to the oil connection.
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Auctioning more than evergreens at the Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees is among the city’s most anticipated events. Companies auction off Christmas trees paired with extravagant gift packages, ranging from high-end camping gear and ATVs to memorabilia collections and travel excursions. Auction proceeds go toward local projects and charities, and people go to great lengths to attend. “People will line up at 5 a.m. and wait out in the cold all day just to get tickets at 5 p.m.,” Aasheim says. Every four years, Williston hosts the Babe Ruth League World Series, where people come from all over the nation to watch talented teens hit home runs. The city also hosts the annual Miss North Dakota pageant.
Communities tough harsh weather and crime rates
Weather can be extreme at any time of the year. “Sometimes we have 70-degree weather in October and snowstorms in May. Next week, we’re expecting it to be 30 below, but summer can get up to 100 degrees,” Aasheim says. The area has at least six months of harsh winter, so residents regularly plan for inclement conditions. “Up here, you make a lot more money in the oil industry than places like Texas because our winters are brutal. It takes a harder person to live here.”
The Williston Police Department reported an overall increase in crimes between 2022 and 2023.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Rowell
Video By
Derek Fowler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Terri Linderman,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Williston, ND sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Williston, ND over the last 12 months is $365,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$382,500
Median Sale Price
$365,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$399,900
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$329,900
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$224,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
295
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$207
Area Facts
Number of Homes
3,422
Number of Homes for Sale
77
Median Year Built
2012
Months of Supply
3.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,090
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,557
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,351
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,587
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405
Homes for Sale
$475,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,319 Sq Ft
This mixed-use property located at 14599 Hwy 2 in Williston, ND, combines rural living with functional commercial and agricultural utility. Spanning a total of 9.84 deeded acres within Judson Township, the site features a blend of residential space and large-scale storage structures. The property includes a single-family home as well as substantial outbuildings, making it highly versatile for
Investors! Developers! Shovel ready TriPlex Lot. Electric onsite, nat gas, water, sewer at street. Close to all amenities. No timeline to build. Choose your own builder. Fabulous opportunity!
Investors! Developers! Build 2-4 units on this shovel ready lot in a vibrant fast growing community! Natural gas available. Corner lot. Choose your builder, no timeline to build.
NEW PRICE! REDUCED! Commercial opportunity! Zoned C-2. 10 acres only minutes to Williston as well as to the new Airport. Just off 60th St NW. 2 phase power at pole on corner of lot. North West Rural Water line is close by at 138th Ave NW by Dakota Fence Property. Develop it or hold it. You choose!
Positioned in the heart of a highly desirable location, this expansive parcel of rural agricultural land offers an incredible blank canvas for investors or agricultural operations looking to establish a footprint in the region. This property provides the space and freedom to bring your vision to life. Prime Location: Situated in Missouri Ridge Township (Section 17, Twp: 155, Rng:
This 38.6-acre property, formerly the Target Logistics Mancamp, is a standout opportunity for businesses or investors seeking a ready-to-develop site in a prime location. Positioned at the highly visible corner of Hwy 2 and County Rd #6, this property boasts millions of dollars in existing infrastructure, providing immense value and development potential. With its extensive infrastructure and
Investors! Developers! Shovel ready Twin Home Lot. Electric onsite, nat gas, water, sewer at street. Close to all amenities. No timeline to build. Choose your own builder. Fabulous opportunity!
3 beds, 1.5 bath townhouse. Single detached garage on oversized corner lot. Room for a double garage if desired! No HOA. Updated kitchen and bathrooms. Rear deck. Partially fenced. Mature trees and shrubs. Perfect starter home or Investor Property. Central location near schools and all amenities. Being sold 'AS IS'. Some TLC is required however there is opportunity here for the right person.
INVESTORS! DEVELOPERS! Location! Location! This fantastic opportunity involves a 1.92 acre lot zoned R3 and approved for up to 11 units located adjacent to the Williston High School. At the north end of 44th Ave W, and a SOLD OUT street full of desirable single family homes. You vision could be higher density twin homes/triplexes or you may prefer to develop a cul du sac of 5-6 single family
Positioned in the heart of a highly desirable location, this expansive parcel of rural agricultural land offers an incredible blank canvas for investors or agricultural operations looking to establish a footprint in the region. This property provides the space and freedom to bring your vision to life. Prime Location: Situated in Missouri Ridge Township (Section 17, Twp: 155, Rng:
IT'S SIMPLY GORGEOUS! And this seller is RELOCATING and is MOTIVATED! NEW PRICE! BRING OFFERS! Must be viewed to truly appreciate the craftsmanship & beauty of this architecturally designed custom home. Located Riverfront, the unblockable southern views across the water are serene and beautiful! 8 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, two full kitchens in almost 6000 developed sq ft! Endless options for
Investors! Developers! Shovel ready TriPlex Lot. Electric onsite, nat gas, water, sewer at street. Close to all amenities. No timeline to build. Choose your own builder. Fabulous opportunity!
Our community is operating as normal. Please call or stop by for a tour. South Ridge apartments is an up and coming new community in Williston, North Dakota. South Ridge is just the place you've been looking for! Perched on the ridge overlooking town, South Ridge provides an amazing view extending to the Missouri River. See North Dakota at its best every morning from your balcony. Besides living
Welcome to CHI Mercy Heights Apartments! Located walking distance from downtown Williston. Great modern design with great amenities like: underground parking, elevator, and in-unit washer and dryer. Mercy Heights also has apartments available for Essential Service Employees!
Welcome to Williston Living, where your comfort takes center stage. Our mobile homes for rent in Williston, ND, will have you sing home sweet home every time you step through the door. With cozy rooms, convenient amenities, and an ideal location, we welcome all your loved ones with open arms, including the four-legged members!We've put so much care into creating our community that we outshine
Washington Valley Apartments invites you to live life on your own terms. Our community offers many advantages over the competition. Washington Valley provides one of the most desirable and affordable communities in Williston. Our spacious one and two bedroom homes provide the quality and comfort you deserve for a premier lifestyle. Washington Valley Apartments delivers the ideal location
Welcome home to Eagle Crest Apartments. Our community offers an elevated lifestyle to residents from luxurious 9 ft ceilings to modern kitchens, everything you could want is right at Eagle Crest. Our pet-friendly community is proud to include amenities that neighbors wish they had, including a 1 acre dog run, bay windows, expansive fitness centers, and much more! Enjoy your free time in our
Elevate your lifestyle in east Williston when you choose University Commons. Here, you will discover studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes complete with upgraded finishes and superior amenities. The appeal extends beyond your front door with amenities ranging from a fenced-in dog run to a 24-hour fitness center, along with several community spaces ideal for socializing and
Located in the charming city of Williston, The Retreat offers a variety of first-class amenities and thoughtfully designed apartments for you to call home. Our mission is to enhance the lives of our residents by providing exceptional customer service, a strong sense of community, and superior property maintenance. Our community features an indoor/outdoor pool, 24/7 gym, game rooms, indoor
Better living begins at Fair Hills, a modern apartment community located in west Williston. Our 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans prioritize comfort, style, and spaciousness to redefine what home truly feels like. Every layout is fitted with exclusive amenities like an open concept kitchen layout, granite-inspired countertops, contemporary cabinetry, hardwood-style flooring, plush carpeting, an
Welcome to The Reserve at Elk Crossing, Williston's premier apartment community. Our 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans are carefully curated to balance style and spaciousness, providing residents with an exceptional living experience.
Westridge Apartments is your top choice of pet-friendly apartment living in Williston, ND! Our well-located community offers numerous amenities including a 24-hour fitness center and well-appointed clubhouse. As far as our spacious apartments we offer 2 bed/2 bath and 3 bed/2 bath layouts ranging in size from 1,220 SF to 1,350 SF which include balconies/patios, walk-in closets and in-unit
Our community is operating as normal. Please call or stop by for a tour. Eagles Landing is a new, thriving community in the University Subdivision, with shopping, schools, restaurants, and downtown Williston, ND right within your reach. Our pet-friendly apartments offer one and two-bedroom floor plans, each with a full size washer and dryer, granite countertops, a balcony or patio, and a detached
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