---
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
---

[![East Grand Forks Minnesota Logo](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/EGF%20EDA%20Logo_Full%20Color-1.png?width=400&height=197&name=EGF%20EDA%20Logo_Full%20Color-1.png "East Grand Forks Minnesota Logo")](https://egfeda.org?hsLang=en)

# Life Connected

# East Grand Forks by the Numbers

23 +

Miles of Trails

9100 +

Residents

15

Parks

8

Schools

17

% Less Expensive than US Average

25600

$ to Live Comfortably Solo

254000

$ Average house price

17

Minute Average Commute

Per BestPlaces.net, census and city data

- ![EGF Pool 2](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/EGF%20Pool%202.jpg?width=1095&height=821&name=EGF%20Pool%202.jpg)
  
  **Parks & Recreation**
  
  From hockey rinks, to swimming, to fishing, we have it here
  
  and you never have to leave town.
  
  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.
- ![IMG\_8011](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_8011.jpg?width=5184&height=3456&name=IMG_8011.jpg)
  
  **Camping**
  
  Sleep under the stars by the rolling river that flows north in the Red
  
  River State Recreation Area. It's actually one of the most popular
  
  locations in the state! Located on the Greenway
  
  and walking distance to restaurants and shops.
- ![DDA bike share pic](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DDA%20bike%20share%20pic.jpg?width=500&height=750&name=DDA%20bike%20share%20pic.jpg)
  
  **Transportation**
  
  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)
- ![Sanford EGF e](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sanford%20EGF%20e.jpg?width=2048&height=1363&name=Sanford%20EGF%20e.jpg)
  
  **Health Care**
  
  Access to local physicians, dentists, optometrists,
  
  pharmacies, & more are within a 15 min drive. Altru's
  
  Express Clinic is across from City Hall. Sanford
  
  Health Clinic offers walk-in services.
- ![campbell library](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_8137.jpg?width=5184&height=3456&name=IMG_8137.jpg)
  
  **Campbell 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.
- ![fire and police](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/fire%20and%20police.jpg?width=955&height=630&name=fire%20and%20police.jpg)
  
  **Public Safety**
  
  Our fire and police departments are responsive
  
  & active within the community by ensuring a safe &
  
  comfortable community and business economy.
  
  Meet our police & firemen at the annual Showcase Event!

# We 💛 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)
- [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/)

![memorial](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/memorial.jpg?width=2000&height=913&name=memorial.jpg "memorial")

# 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.

[![snowmobiling](https://48907537.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/48907537/hubfs/snowmobiling.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=snowmobiling.jpg)](https://redriversnowmobileclub.com/)

![curling](https://48907537.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/48907537/hubfs/curling.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=curling.jpg)

![broomball](https://48907537.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/48907537/hubfs/broomball.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=broomball.jpg)

[![hockey](https://48907537.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/48907537/hubfs/hockey.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=hockey.jpg)](http://www.greenwayggf.com/)

[![ice skating](https://48907537.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/48907537/hubfs/ice%20skating.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=ice%20skating.jpg)](https://www.egfparks.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1709873)

![outdoor hockey](https://48907537.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/48907537/hubfs/outdoor%20hockey.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=outdoor%20hockey.jpg)

Photo Credit: Visit Greater Grand Forks, Exponent, Grand Forks Region EDC, Parks Dept, Northern Lights Figure Skating

# Education

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. 

#### East Grand Forks Public School District

Schools within the district:

- **[East Grand Forks Public Schools](https://www.egf.k12.mn.us/)**
- **[New Heights Elementary](https://www.egf.k12.mn.us/o/new-heights-elementary)**
- **[South Point Elementary](https://www.egf.k12.mn.us/o/south-point-elementary)**
- **[Central Middle School](https://www.egf.k12.mn.us/o/central-middle-school)**
- [**Senior High School**](https://www.egf.k12.mn.us/o/senior-high-school)

East Grand Forks Public Schools main office located at: 1420 4th Avenue NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721

- **[218.773.3494](tel:218.773.3494)**
- **[218.773.3070](tel:218.773.3070)**
- [**https://www.egf.k12.mn.us/**](https://www.egf.k12.mn.us/)

#### East Grand Forks Private Schools

Sacred Heart School located at 200 3rd Street NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721

- 218-773-1579 Elementary Office
- 218-773-0230 High School Office
- [**https://www.sacredheartegf.net/school/**](https://www.sacredheartegf.net/school/)

Riverside Christian Academy located at 610 2nd Ave NE, East Grand Forks, MN 56721

- 218-773-1770
- **[office@rcsrams.org](mailto:office@rcsrams.org)**
- [**https://www.rcsrams.com/**](https://www.rcsrams.com/)

![sacred heart photo credit](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sacred%20heart.jpg?width=1080&height=1080&name=sacred%20heart.jpg "sacred heart photo credit")

Photo Credit: Sacred Heart School

![NCTC Nursing](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NCTC%20Nursing.jpg?width=2000&name=NCTC%20Nursing.jpg)

## 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.

Visit to learn more: [Northland Community & Technical College](https://www.northlandcollege.edu/)

Photo Credit: Northland Community & Technical College

## Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals

For blue collar to white collar to nonprofit to career pivots, this is an ideal organization to meet friends, find your next job, and help the community. GGFYP is a very active group that has a variety of events and activities throughout the year. 

Consider attending a committee meeting, joining their board, and participating in a volunteer activity. Its an excellent way to get connected in the business community. Photo credit: GGFYP

[GGFYP](https://ggfyp.com)

[![GGFYP](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/GGFYP.jpg?width=2000&height=1127&name=GGFYP.jpg "GGFYP")](https://ggfyp.com)

![6.16.26 DEED EDA Presentation b](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/6.16.26%20DEED%20EDA%20Presentation%20b.jpg?width=2000&height=1500&name=6.16.26%20DEED%20EDA%20Presentation%20b.jpg)

## Chamber of Commerce

East Grand Forks & Grand Forks chamber of commerce has a busy calendar of events year-round, including AI training, networking socials, chamber committees, and lots more to keep you moving and grooving.

[Chamber of Commerce](https://gochamber.org)

## Cooler Greater Grand Forks

Get the inside scoop on what is available in the Red River Valley. From restaurant reviews to niche activities, regional job postings, and why your pets will love it here, they've got it listed. Photo credit: GF is Cooler

[Discover](https://www.grandforksiscooler.com/)

![NVCE 2025 EDC photo credit](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NVCE%202025%20EDC%20photo%20credit.jpg?width=800&name=NVCE%202025%20EDC%20photo%20credit.jpg "NVCE 2025 EDC photo credit")

![Bernies with watermark](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Bernies%20with%20watermark.jpg?width=799&height=533&name=Bernies%20with%20watermark.jpg)

## Visit Greater Grand Forks

Stop by the visitor and convention bureau (CVB) to get the details on all things fun in the Greater Grand Forks region. They have event calendars, restaurant & shopping guides, and more! Photo Credit: CVB

[Read More](https://www.visitgrandforks.com/)

![DowntownMap\_2025](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DowntownMap_2025-1.png?width=2000&height=1545&name=DowntownMap_2025-1.png "DowntownMap_2025")

![DowntownMap\_2025](https://egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DowntownMap_2025-2.png?width=2000&height=1545&name=DowntownMap_2025-2.png "DowntownMap_2025")

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