East Grand Forks vs. Grand Forks: Which Side of the River Is Right for You?
There's no single "better" answer — it depends on your priorities. Grand Forks, ND generally wins on lower income taxes and a larger selection of homes and school programs, while East Grand Forks, MN often appeals to buyers who want Minnesota's property tax relief programs, a smaller-town feel. Most families end up choosing based on where they work, what schools fit their kids, and how their state tax situation nets out.
Because these two cities are truly twin communities — separated only by the Red River and a couple of bridges — many buyers cross-shop both sides before deciding. Here's what actually differentiates them.
Taxes: The Biggest Practical Difference
This is usually the deciding factor for buyers who could reasonably work on either side of the river. North Dakota has one of the lowest state income tax rates in the country, while Minnesota's top income tax bracket runs as high as 9.85%. If most of your household income is taxable in Minnesota regardless of which side of the river you live on, that gap may matter less — but if you have flexibility, it's worth running the numbers with a tax professional.
Property taxes tell a more nuanced story. Minnesota's average effective property tax rate sits right around 1%, and many homeowners have seen notable increases on recent statements. North Dakota, meanwhile, has expanded relief for homeowners: starting with the 2026 tax year, North Dakota's Primary Residence Credit offers up to $1,600 off property tax bills for any primary residence, which can stack with additional credits for seniors and disabled homeowners. Bottom line — it's not simply "ND wins on taxes across the board." Income tax favors North Dakota clearly; property tax relief has gotten more competitive on both sides, so it pays to compare your specific parcel and household situation.
Schools and Neighborhood Feel
Grand Forks Public Schools is the larger district, feeding into Red River High School and Grand Forks Central High School, with broader elective, athletic, and AP course offerings simply due to size. East Grand Forks operates its own smaller district (ISD 595), which many families like specifically because of the smaller class sizes and a tighter-knit community feel — you'll often hear East Grand Forks described as having a genuine small-town atmosphere despite sitting right next to a regional hub.
Housing stock differs a bit too. Grand Forks has more new construction and a wider range of subdivisions spreading south and west of the city, while East Grand Forks tends to have a mix of established neighborhoods and somewhat less new-build inventory. If you want the newest floor plans and the most active new-construction market, Grand Forks currently has the edge. If you want a quieter pace, and Minnesota-based services, East Grand Forks is worth a serious look.
Commute, Amenities, and Everyday Life
Practically speaking, the commute between the two cities is short — often five to ten minutes depending on where you live — so plenty of residents work on one side and live on the other without much friction. Grand Forks has the larger retail base, Columbia Mall, UND, and Altru Health System, so it functions as the region's commercial and medical hub. East Grand Forks offers its own draws, including Bass Pro Shops, the Greenway park system along the river, and generally more affordable entry points in some pockets of the housing market.
For buyers weighing military assignments at Grand Forks AFB, proximity to the base itself is roughly comparable from either city, so that decision usually comes down to taxes, the feel of the town, and schools rather than commute time.
Which Side Should You Choose?
If minimizing state income tax is a top priority and you want the widest selection of new construction and school programming, Grand Forks, ND is probably your answer. If you're drawn to a smaller school district, Minnesota's homeowner programs, & proximity to private schools, East Grand Forks, MN deserves a close look. Many of my clients genuinely can't go wrong either way — it comes down to your job, your kids' needs, and your tax picture.
I work with buyers and sellers on both sides of the river, and I'm happy to walk through the tradeoffs for your specific situation — whether that's running side-by-side scenarios, touring school boundaries, or comparing available inventory in each city. As a Realtor with Crary Real Estate, I know this market from the Sorlie Bridge to the Kennedy Bridge and everywhere outside & in-between. Contact me today, or visit www.soldbyleahbjur.com to start your search.
Leah Bjur, REALTOR® | MRP Crary Real Estate 701-317-0439
Sources
- 2025 Cost of Living Calculator for Taxes: Grand Forks, North Dakota and East Grand Forks, Minnesota — BestPlaces
- Grand Forks vs East Grand Forks Living: Where to Move — Up North Realty Group
- North Dakota Property Tax 2026: Homestead Credit, Primary Residence Credit & Veterans
- Preliminary Property Tax Levies for 2026 — Minnesota Department of Revenue
- Minnesota Tax Guide 2026 — Income Tax, Sales Tax & More
