Minot AFB
Minot AFB is home to the 5th Bomb Wing flying the B-52H Stratofortress and the 91st Missile Wing operating Minuteman III ICBMs, making it the only base in the Air Force with both a bomber and an ICBM mission. Located 13 miles north of Minot in north-central North Dakota, the base is notorious for its brutal winters but also for its tight-knit community and strong unit cohesion. North Dakota has no income tax, housing is affordable, and the isolation tends to produce some of the strongest squadron cultures in the Air Force.
Neighborhoods Near Minot AFB
Popular communities where military families stationed at Minot AFB choose to live.
Minot (South Hill)
15–20 min to main gateThe most desirable Minot residential neighborhood on the south ridge above the city with newer homes, good schools, and the best views.
Minot (Southeast)
15–20 min to main gateEstablished Minot neighborhoods closest to the hospital and mall with a mix of military and civilian families and moderate pricing.
Burlington
5–10 min to main gateA small community directly adjacent to the east gate with the lowest prices and shortest commute for enlisted families.
Schools & Education
Minot Public Schools
MPS serves both Minot and the base area. The district is the dominant public option and has improved significantly with recent infrastructure investments. Minot State University supports dual enrollment.
- Minot High School – Magic City Campus has strong academic and extracurricular programs
- District has benefited from oil boom tax revenues improving facilities
- Minot State University's proximity enables concurrent enrollment for motivated seniors
Things to Do Near Minot
Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Minot area.
The largest annual event in North Dakota, held in Minot each July with major concerts, carnival rides, livestock shows, and agricultural exhibits.
A unique outdoor park celebrating Minot's Scandinavian immigrant heritage with a Norwegian stave church, Swedish Dala horse, and Danish windmill.
One of the largest reservoirs in North America, 50 miles south of Minot, with exceptional walleye fishing, boating, and camping.
A popular Minot restaurant and craft beer bar with 100+ craft beers on tap and a menu of upscale pub food and signature burgers.
A paved trail system following the Souris River through Minot's parks, connecting neighborhoods and offering cycling and running routes year-round.
A free zoo in Minot's Roosevelt Park with over 100 animals including primates, big cats, and a popular giraffe feeding platform.
Housing & Cost of Living
Minot is affordable by most measures though the oil industry created a boom-bust cycle in housing. The market has stabilized. BAH covers costs well. Heating costs are a major budget consideration.
Popular neighborhoods to consider:
PCS Tips for Minot AFB
- Contact the installation housing office early — wait lists can be long.
- Check BAH rates at the official DoD BAH calculator before setting your home budget.
- Get VA pre-approved before your PCS orders — it helps you move fast in competitive markets.
- Military-friendly real estate markets near bases can move quickly — be ready to act.