My roomate recently made the journey to North Dakota to secure a trucking job in the oil fields. Many people are doing the same. Sure North Dakota is probably not on everyone's list of number one place to live but you'r moving there to earn money not for the social scene or nightlife. You probably will spend the vast majority of your time working or sleeping anyways.
That said many people wonder what it's like living in oil boomtowns of North Dakota and if it's really that bad. I speak with a lot of people contemplating making the move to western North Dakota seeking employment and higher wages than they would get paid back home.
The town most people are probably familiar with or have heard of is Williston, North Dakota. Why? Because Williston, North Dakota is basically the center of the oil boom in the Bakken oil fields.
I'm sure most people have probably heard stories about the housing shortage and housing problems in Williston North Dakota, however I don't think people take it seriously enough. I think most people think they will somehow find someplace to stay and it's really not that easy. To give it to you short and sweet ther is basicaly no housing available in Williston. And for those of you who plan on sleeping in your car not only is this almost impossible in the winter but you will be paying extremely high prices just to park somewhere to sleep/live.
Everyday more and more people continue to arrive looking for work and the new construction cannot keep up with the boom in population.
Another issue complicating the matter is that larger companies like drilling companies often rent out all the hotels, motels, apartments and other cheap housing for their employees to live.
Many people arriving looking for work find themselves in an interesting conundrum. They foun da job as there still are jobs available in Williston and surrounding towns as well, however they get the job and then have no place to live.
If one is lucky enough to find available housing the rent is often very high. Sometimes unfurnished one bedrooms can go for over $2000 a month. I've heard of people paying $1000 a month just to park a truck or RV.
Because of the deamnd for housing and because landlords know oil workers make great money rents have skyrocketed, and there's not much you can do about it as you need a place to live if you want to stay and work.
So what do people do when first arriving?
Many people bring an rv, camper, or plan on living in their truck. This can work however here's a few thing to consider. First off many property owners are not allowing people to camp or sleep in their parking lots. Where as Walmart parking lot used to be a mecca for people first arriving to live they have begun cracking down on this. Local authorities are also cracking down on campers and rv's being parked in public places like parking lots, empty lots, fields, or even on the side of the road.
Because of this free parking is out the window, this menas you will need to either pay someone to park on their private property or rent a space at a campground.
Well campgrounds have become places to live and though not as nice as an apartment just as apartment rents skyrocked so have campground fees. A quick google search shows ads for lots in rv parks nad campgrounds going for over $700 a month. This is just for a small empty spot to park your camper.
Some people will opt for sleeping in their cars. During periods of the year this is possible however how are you going to prepare your food? How are you going to wash your clothes? After a long hard day of work do you really want to come home to a car seat? My roomate did this for a while when he headed out to Williston but it didn't last long.
Firstly, sleeping in your car is not an option in winter time. Some people on youtube claim to do it with subzero sleeping bags but its not smart or safe, you could literally freeze to death. Secondly, local authorities, police and property owners are cracking down on those living/sleeping in their cars in public place. Lastly your safety is at risk when sleeping in your car.
Finding jobs in western North Dakota has gotten more competitive, however there are still plenty of jobs available. That said housing is most likely going to be your biggest stumbling block. Plan ahead and do as much research as possible before comming. Try to have something lined up before arriving.
Taking the risk and making the trip can be a life changer and change your financial situation for the better, drastically, but you need to understand the housing situation and other challenges before you decide to make the move
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