First Id like to say moving to Williston ND was one of the best decisions of my life I moved to Williston ND in 2014 during the last oil boom and I have not had a lack of employment or great opportunities! But this post isn’t about my life it’s about Williston ND!
Williston, North Dakota, has seen significant growth, and there are several reasons why someone might consider moving there:
- Economic Opportunities:
- The oil and gas industry in the Bakken Formation has driven much of Williston’s economic growth, creating numerous job opportunities.1
- This has also led to growth in related sectors, such as transportation, construction, and services.
- Growing Community:
- Williston is working to improve its infrastructure and amenities, including new housing, schools, and recreational facilities.2
- There is a sense of community, and efforts are being made to create a family-friendly environment.
- Outdoor Recreation:
- The area offers opportunities for outdoor activities, such as fishing, hunting, and hiking, with access to nearby lakes and parks.3
- The closeness to the Missouri river, and Lake Sakakawea, provides many water related recreational activities.4
- Small-Town Feel:
- Despite its growth, Williston retains a small-town atmosphere, which some people find appealing.
The City of Williston
Situated at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers, Williston, North Dakota, covers 23 square miles and is the county seat of Williams County. Located just 60 miles from the Canadian border and 18 miles from the Montana border, Williston is commonly referred to as the “Western Star” and takes pride in its western heritage. The City is recognized as a regional center for business, leisure, and economic development. Residents and visitors alike enjoy convenient access to extraordinary historic sites, world-class hunting and fishing, and beautiful national and state parks.
Due to its proximity to the Yellowstone and Missouri, the Williston area has been a booming commerce center for centuries, earning the nickname “Boomtown” early on in its history. It was a gathering place for the earliest inhabitants of the plains and a rendezvous point for fur traders and explorers. It has drawn together generations of agricultural producers. Today, with the Bakken oil formation, Williston is home to hardworking residents making North Dakota the nation’s second largest oil-producing state.
While population growth in the area has started to normalize, the City of Williston experienced explosive growth over the past several years due to increased activity in the oil and gas industry. The City has grown 210% in size since 2010, jumping from a population of 12,120 to 29,160 as of the 2020 Census. This prosperous community has managed its incredible growth issues with great success, and is the sixth most populous city in North Dakota.
Williston’s economy is built on oil, agriculture, and tourism. It is home to over 200 oil service companies. Several of the top ten oil service companies in the world have operations in Williston.
View a digital version of the 2024 Williston Visitor’s Guide!
However, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks:
- Weather:
- Williston experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and significant snowfall.5
- Fluctuating Economy:
- The economy is heavily reliant on the oil and gas industry, which can be subject to fluctuations.
- Rapid Growth Challenges:
- Rapid growth can put strain on infrastructure and resources.6
Ultimately, whether moving to Williston is a good idea depends on individual priorities and circumstances.
Williston is a city in and the county seat of Williams County, North Dakota, United States. The 2020 census gave its population as 29,160, making Williston the sixth-most populous city in North Dakota. The city’s population nearly doubled between 2010 and 2020, due largely to the North Dakota oil boom. Wikipedia
| Williston, North Dakota | |
|---|---|
| City | |
| Business district of Williston, 2008 Creaser Building Fort Union Trading Post Old Armory James Memorial Library | |
| Location of Williston, North Dakota | |
 Williston, North DakotaLocation within the United States | |
Coordinates:  48°10′53″N 103°37′41″W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | North Dakota |
| County | Williams |
| Founded | 1887 |
| Incorporated (village) | 1894 |
| Incorporated (city) | 1904 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Howard Klug |
| Area[1] | |
| • City | 25.875 sq mi (67.016 km2) |
| • Land | 25.734 sq mi (66.652 km2) |
| • Water | 0.141 sq mi (0.365 km2) |
| Elevation[3] | 1,916 ft (584 m) |
| Population (2020)[4] | |
| • City | 29,160 |
| • Estimate (2023)[5] | 27,706 |
| • Density | 1,076.66/sq mi (415.69/km2) |
| • Urban | 29,510[2] |
| • Metro | 39,113 (US: 324th) |
| Time zone | UTC–6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC–5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 58801, 58802 |
| Area code | 701 |
| FIPS code | 38-86220 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1036335[3] |
| Highways | US 85, US 85 Bus., US 2, US 2 Bus., ND 1804 |
| Sales tax | 8.0%[6] |
https://visitwilliston.com/things-to-do/fishing/fishing-locations/
Top Restaurants in Williston
245 reviewsClosed now
American, Bar$$ – $$$
The burger I had was AMAZING and huge! The fries were also very good. I was not…
Very good food, okay service, good local beer offerings.
77 reviewsClosed now
American, Deli$$ – $$$Menu
Both sandwiches were prepared exactly as we requested and were amazingly good.
Easy to run in for a sandwich…
3. Doc Holliday’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill
136 reviewsCloses in 43 min
American, Bar$$ – $$$
Nice place .Order Docs cheeseburger,And a Hamburger, wanted Coffee ,got 1 ,wa…
Waitress was courteous. Our food was good…
4. Basil Restaurant Sushi Bar & Asian Bistro
104 reviewsClosed now
Japanese, Sushi$$ – $$$
Basil provides excellent food with an excellent selection. Sushi is always…
Come for the appetizers & entrees — skip the dessert.
123 reviewsClosed now
American, Barbecue$$ – $$$
We visited our son and took him out for dinner. He used to work at a Famous…
60 reviewsClosed now
American, Cafe$$ – $$$
Casual and very down-home environment. Popular with the locals. The portions…
A cute restaurant with good food
59 reviewsCloses in 43 min
American$$$$Menu
Enjoyed a very nice dinner at The Williston last night. Our server was friendly…
Budget-friendly bites
American, Bar$$ – $$$
Cafe$$ – $$$
Basil Restaurant Sushi Bar & Asian Bistro104
Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Fusion$$ – $$$
American, Deli$$ – $$$
Mexican$$ – $$$
American, Barbecue$$ – $$$
American, Cafe, Diner$$ – $$$
Don Pedro’s Family Mexican Restaurant119
Mexican, Southwestern$$ – $$$
Doc Holliday’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill136
American, Bar, Pub$$ – $$$
Dakota Farms Family Restaurant49
American, Diner$$ – $$$
6 reviewsClosed today
American, Brew Pub
Huge portions, great beer selection, very good food.
54 reviewsClosed now
Mexican$$ – $$$Menu
Recently visited (twice) 3 Amigos. It’s a good healthy option for fast food…
Ordering Breakfast at the Three Amigos Restaurant
10. Dakota Farms Family Restaurant
49 reviewsClosed now
American, Diner$$ – $$$Menu
My wife and I just ate at Dakota Farms in Williston, North Dakota, after…
5 reviewsClosed today
Turkish$$ – $$$
12. Don Pedro’s Family Mexican Restaurant
119 reviewsClosed now
Mexican, Southwestern$$ – $$$
I wondered if you could find good Mexican food in Williston. I had the carne…
13. Sakura Japanese Steakhouse
Japanese, Sushi$$ – $$$
We have visited this restaurant many times and have various degrees of…
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