Surrey, ND

Surrey, North Dakota, feels less like a typical small town and more like a quiet, well-kept secret just north of Minot. With a population just over 1,600, it’s the kind of place where people wave from their trucks, kids ride bikes in the street after dinner, and the biggest decision of the week might be whether to grill out or grab a burger at the local spot. It’s not flashy, but for the right person—someone who values space, safety, and a slower pace—it’s hard to beat.

The Daily Rhythm: Work, Commute, and Weekend Life

Most residents here work in Minot, about 15 minutes south, or in the surrounding energy and agriculture sectors. The average commute is just under 21 minutes, which is short enough to feel like a breeze but long enough to give you a buffer between work and home. The median household income is $105,125, well above the national average, and that’s largely driven by jobs in oil, farming, and the nearby Air Force base. You’ll find a mix of tradespeople, nurses, and remote workers who chose Surrey for the affordable land and low stress.

Weekends are simple. People spend them on home projects, hunting or fishing in the nearby Souris River Valley, or driving into Minot for shopping at the Dakota Square Mall or a movie at the AMC. There’s no Target or Walmart in Surrey itself—for that, you head to Minot—but the local Cenex station and a couple of small shops cover the basics. The cost of living index is 87, meaning your dollar goes further here than in most of the country, especially on housing.

Sports, Schools, and Community Identity

Surrey is a proud Surrey Mustangs town. High school sports—especially football, wrestling, and girls’ basketball—are the main event on Friday nights in the fall and winter. The gym gets packed, and everyone knows the starting lineup. The school itself is small, with around 400 students K-12, and it’s a real hub of community life. Parents volunteer for concessions, coach youth leagues, and organize the annual homecoming parade. If you have kids, you’ll quickly find yourself looped into the rhythm of school events.

There’s no college or pro team here; for that, you drive to Minot State University or catch the Minot Minotauros (NAHL hockey) in town. But the Mustangs are the main draw, and the community takes them seriously. The annual Surrey Days festival in summer is the other big community anchor—think a parade, a car show, a street dance, and a whole lot of potluck food. It’s the one weekend when the whole town shows up.

What’s There to Do (and What’s Not)

Entertainment here is low-key and outdoorsy. The Souris River Greenway offers walking and biking trails, and there’s a small park with a playground and baseball diamond. In winter, ice fishing and snowmobiling are popular. For a night out, locals head to The Thirsty Beaver bar in town or drive to Minot for more options like The Starving Rooster or Charlie’s Main Street Cafe. There’s no music venue or theater in Surrey—that’s a 20-minute drive south.

What frustrates some residents is the lack of variety. You won’t find a coffee shop, a sit-down restaurant, or a gym in town. For those, you go to Minot. The trade-off is zero violent crime—the rate is literally 0 per 100,000—and a sense of security that lets kids roam freely. The median home value is $302,200, which buys you a nice three-bedroom with a yard and a garage, something that would cost double in a bigger city.

Pros and Cons of Living Here

• Pro: Safety and space. You can leave your doors unlocked and let your kids play outside without worry. The violent crime rate is zero, and property crime is minimal.
• Pro: Strong local economy. The median income is high, and jobs in energy, agriculture, and the base are stable. The cost of living is low, so your paycheck stretches.
• Pro: Community feel. People know each other, help each other, and show up for each other. If you’re outgoing, you’ll make friends fast.
• Con: Limited amenities. No grocery store, no sit-down restaurant, no coffee shop. You drive to Minot for almost everything beyond gas and basics.
• Con: Harsh winters. The cold is real—temperatures can drop below -20°F, and snow piles up. You need a reliable vehicle and a tolerance for cabin fever.
• Con: Not much for singles. The median age is 36.1, and the town skews toward families. If you’re single and under 30, you’ll likely find more social life in Minot.

Surrey is a place for people who want to trade convenience for quiet, and who value a tight-knit community over a packed social calendar. It’s not for everyone—but for the 1,672 people who call it home, it’s exactly right.