Thousands of workers have flooded into the town. But they’re reluctant to call it home.

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

This oil boom is visible from space; it has created a real estate market where a one-bedroom apartment goes for $2100 a month (census map showing population increase -slide 4).  Still, the overwhelmingly male population that works here is not willing to move their families with them and truly put down some roots.  Some fear a potential “bust” on this economic prosperity and others don’t see the amenities that encourage lasting settlement growth (schools, parks, cultural events, etc.).  The city of Williston, North Dakota “feels like a frontier town” and will build a huge recreational center and other things to entice these temporary workers to become permanent residents.  More than just jobs are needed to made a city attractive to potential migrants.  

Tags: migration, podcast, urban.

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