since housing is scarce in western North Dakota, what's the second best option?

First off, you might want to start looking at a map, if you plan on coming here.

I do road construction, and end up staying in motels, on the road. I would much rather not have to do any road work any where near the oil patch. When I say near I mean 3 hours from the patch is too close.

If you find killdeer, I worked just north of there for about a week. Closest motel available at the time was bismarck. Let me tell ya 3 maybe four hours of sleep sucks.

About august I took time off to help dad harvest, I bought a truck north of grand forks. Took my brother with me. From western north dakota going east on the interstate. Only available motel at the time was in Jamestown.

I'd like to get myself a house in south western ND. My only choice is to buy new, because the ones for sale are priced somewhere next to the moon.

Myself won't work in the oil patch. I don't think the pay is good enough for the living conditions, or the working condtions.

 

I know a couple of guys who've went up there for this Oil Work and they've both come back telling me horror stories.

Six guys living in travel trailers sharing one RV bathroom. Guys living in tents in the winter. 6-10 guys sharing motel rooms.

Sorry, but no amount of money is worth it for those kind of living conditions.

 

you didn't look into the pa or texas fields?i'd take either of those before nd.

 

Perhaps you could buy an RV and take it with you. But then you would need a place to park it. I would do a lot more research before making a move to that area. I understand the oil companies are bringing in prefabricated housing, but that takes time to implement.

 

Hey Notz that's still better than living in a truck!

I would look into getting a job or at least some good prospects first. Call some companies and get the down-low on jobs and living.

Yes, it is very remote in a lot of places up there! Bring a jacket too!

 

My 2 cents: I looked at jobs up there. Then I looked at the weather conditions. ND is notorious for very bad winters. BAD, like Alaska is mild, bad.
Hotels are scarce. Those that are there are mostly booked full. And they over charge, due to demand. Little to no housing. Housing that can be found is outlandish. (When I was looking, late fall, a 2 bedroom, 1bath home had the asking price of $4k / month rent...) There are a few RV locations. Most are not 50 amp, and are not plumbed for sewer.
What I had planned to do was this: Find a place where I could park an RV trailer. Get a good used trailer, and have it delivered up there. I was looking at the 4 season types: Open Range as an example.
Make 100% sure you have a job before going up there. Make 100% sure you have a place to stay. I have heard horror stories of people getting stuck in the Walmart parking lot, sleeping in their car.
Note: Some companies will supply housing. Expect it to be a mini room in a trailer dorm.

Best of luck.

 

Well go for it you seem to have it figured out.... They/we cant ALL be right. worst comes to worst they have Taco johns or some fast food joint is hiring but theres still that housing problem. Hardcore living in your car for a good length of time imo but to each his own gotta do what you gotta do. GL