---
title: Quality of Life
description: East Grand Forks has a great quality of life with plenty of recreation, retail, charming neighborhoods, and access to metro services
---
[](https://egfeda.org?hsLang=en)
# Quality of Life
## East Grand Forks by the Numbers
23 +
Miles of Trails
9100 +
Residents
15
Parks
8
Schools
[](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=sra00309#homepage)
[](http://www.greenwayggf.com/)
[](https://www.egfparks.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1709873)
## Recreation
From hockey rinks, to swimming, to fishing, and camping, we have it here and you never have to leave town.
Camp downtown on the rolling river that flows north in the [Red River State Recreation Area .](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=sra00309#homepage)
Get caught up in the roar of the crowd cheering at the youth hockey games.
Rent a plot at the community garden and go for a swim later. Find out more by clicking the button below.
[Parks & Rec](https://www.egfparks.com/)
## Transportation
Bikes, buses, and sidewalks, oh my! Collaborative programs with the City of East Grand Forks and City of Grand Forks offer different transportation methods.
Hop a ride on the Grand Rides powered by [Altru Bike Share](https://downtownforks.com/grandrides)program.
Let someone else do the driving with the Cities Area Transit (CAT). Download the [tracking app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.syncromatics.rtpi.grandforks&hl=en_US) for rider info.
Or ride in style with [Triangle Coach Service.](https://trianglecoachservice.com)
Photo credit: [DDA](https://downtownforks.com/grandrides)
## School District
East Grand Forks [public school district](https://www.egf.k12.mn.us/) is rated #4 out of 7 for best districts within Polk Co. MN and #30 out of 321 for best districts of athletes per Niche.com. Also check out [Riverside Christian School](https://www.rcsrams.com/) and [Sacred Heart School](https://sacredheartegf.net/school)for private school education.
## Neighborhoods
Live downtown with walkable restaurants and services or live in the south of town, nestled in the woods. Dream of living on the golf course, go north to find your house. We have the place you will want to call home.
Neighborhoods:
- The Point
- Water's Edge
- Coulee View
- Downtown
Click the button to learn about ways to buy or build a house in East Grand Forks.
[Incentives](https://egfeda.org/housing?hsLang=en)
## Health Care
Access to local physicians, dentists, optometrists, pharmacies, and more are within a 15 minute drive.
Altru Hospital in Grand Forks is five miles away and the Clinic is across from City Hall. Sanford Clinic offers walk-in services.
Visit our business directory to schedule an appointment with a care provider.
[Business Directory](https://egfeda.org/businessdirectory?hsLang=en)
## Library
It's more than just books. Our library has a full calendar of activities each month for all ages.
Women's book study, seed swaps, Lego club, sourdough bread, and much more. Visit the link below to find out about more activities and great literature.
Learn about the rich history of East Grand Forks on the [Library's Walking Tour.](https://www.eastgrandforks.us/579/East-Grand-Forks-Walking-Tour)
[Campbell Library](https://www.eastgrandforks.us/185/Library)
## Public Safety
Our fire and police departments are responsive and active within the community. They're here to help ensure a safe and comfortable community and business economy.
You won't want to miss the East Grand Forks Association of Firefighter Local 3423's Cats Incredible Catfishing Tournament.
Meet our police & firemen at the annual city's Showcase Event around Labor Day!
[Police](https://www.eastgrandforks.us/158/Police-Department)
[Fire](https://www.eastgrandforks.us/147/Fire-Department)
## Public Works
They're here to keep the streets in good working order, remove residential refuse & recycling, mitigate stormwater, and much more.
Find out about the yearly curbside pick-up, free of charge along with a household hazardous waste and electronic drop-off.
[Public Works](https://www.eastgrandforks.us/237/Public-Works)
## Veterans
East Grand Forks and Minnesota care about supporting those who have served our nation. Several programs are available for military and their families.
Check out the [optical assistance plans](https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/healthdisability/opticalassistance.jsp) available based on income and family size.
Other programs include:
- [Minnesota Tax Exemption for Military Pay](https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/benefit-library/state/territory-benefits/minnesota)
- [Minnesota Tax Relief for Deceased Active Duty Service Members](https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/benefit-library/state/territory-benefits/minnesota)
- [Minnesota Taxes on Military Retired Pay](https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/benefit-library/state/territory-benefits/minnesota)
- [Minnesota Tax Credit for Past Military Service](https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/benefit-library/state/territory-benefits/minnesota)
- [Minnesota Market Value Exclusion on Homestead Property of Disabled Veterans, Primary Family Caregivers and Surviving Spouses](https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/market-value-exclusion-veterans-disability)
- [Minnesota Tax Credit for Military Service in Combat Zone](https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/benefit-library/state/territory-benefits/minnesota)
- American Legion Post 157
- [VFW Post 3817](https://www.facebook.com/vfw3817)
- [Eagles Club](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063470984008)
For more information on the Dept of Veteran Affairs, visit: [https://mn.gov/mdva/](https://mn.gov/mdva/)
## Winter Activities
Sure it's cold here but the community heats up with seasonal activities!
Check out the [Red River Snowmobiling Club](https://redriversnowmobileclub.com/) that meets in East Grand Forks.
Fat tire biking, running, sledding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing accessible by using the Greenway of Greater Grand Forks.
Outdoor ice skating rinks provided by Parks & Rec.
Take in a [movie](https://www.moorefamilytheatres.com/movies/) and warm, comfort food in the downtown district.
Head over to the water for some ice fishing with friends.
Get your heart racing by visiting [hot fitness classes](https://zenriveryoga.com/) or the [gym](https://www.anytimefitness.com/locations/east-grand-forks-minnesota-2207).
The Campbell library features [art exhibits](https://www.eastgrandforks.us/651/Art-Exhibits) and other activities. Or check out the[East Grand Forks Performing Arts Center](https://eventseeker.com/venue/673697-east-grand-forks-performing-arts-center-east-grand-forks) and [Heritage Village](https://sites.google.com/view/egfheritage/home)for events.
Photo credit: [Visit Greater Grand Forks](https://www.visitgrandforks.com/)
## Cost of Living
East Grand Forks has a **lower** cost burden than Grand Forks, ND in several categories including:
- Housing
- Property tax rates
- Special assessments
- Food costs
- Clothing
- Healthcare
East Grand Forks, MN ranks **17% below** the US average for overall cost of living. *Source: OpenAI 2025*
## Northland Technical & Community College
[**Affordable:**](https://www.northlandcollege.edu/today/news/northland-community-technical-college-named-minnesotas-top-community-college-in-annual-report/) "the 2023 to 2024 academic year, tuition and fees for full-time, in-state enrollment at a public two-year college averaged just $3,990 per year — up just $130 year-over-year. Compare that to $11,260 (up $310) at a public four-year institution and $41,540 (up $2,140) at a four-year private school."
**[High Job Placement:](https://www.niche.com/colleges/northland-community-and-technical-college/after-college/)** The degrees are valuable and lead to high job placement rates of 97% 1 year post-graduation.
Photo credit: [Northland Community & Technical College](https://www.northlandcollege.edu/)
# Fly through downtown EGF
Drone video credit: EGF Police Officer Hodny 2025
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