Jamestown is home to the world's largest buffalo or rather the world's largest buffalo statue which stands at 26 feet tall.
Although you're surely thrilled by the prospect of living in the same city as the biggest of all buffaloes, there's more to Jamestown than that. Of course, when it comes to cultural pursuits, it's not exactly Paris or New York City, but you shouldn't expect to be spending your days playing the spoons or spitting in a jar, either.
Renting in Jamestown
What is there to say about finding housing for rent in Jamestown? If you've ever rented before, it should be fairly straightforward. If not, then welcome to the real world! Either way, it doesn't hurt to be prepared.
How Long Will it Take?
It's important to start looking for your new home in good time, otherwise you might end up scraping the bottom of the barrel and having to live in the apartment below an avid tap dancer or next door to a tone deaf bagpipe-player. It's a good idea to allow yourself roughly four to six weeks to find places to rent, so that you have time to procure yourself a property that suits you.
What Will it Cost?
The exact amount that it will cost you to move house will depend on the price of your rent. It probably goes without saying, but it will cost you less to move into a studio apartment for rent than it would to move into a three-story townhouse. You should usually be prepared to pay at leave two months' worth of rent right off the bat one just as your first month's rent and the other as a security deposit. You'll get the latter amount back if you don't damage the property, so avoid throwing too many ragers or experimenting with your new calligraphy ink over a pale carpet.
Is There Anything Else to Consider?
Commitment might not be a word you'd expect to hear from your new landlord (uh, maybe things are moving a bit too fast...), but most tenants are asked to sign a contract with a minimum tenancy length. This is usually for six or 12 months, but the length can vary. You should also be ready to show some photo ID, proof of income, credit history and references from previous landlords.
Jamestown Neighborhoods
When you're looking for home rentals in Jamestown, it's important to think about the city's different neighborhoods. Each one has its charms, but some may be more suitable for you than others. For instance, if you don't drive, you don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere, with not even a Starbucks in sight.
Frontier Village: There's a good mixture of apartments and houses in this area. It's close to the center of town, and is fairly walkable. It is also near to the University of Jamestown campus.
Spiritwood Lake: This neighborhood has a lot of green space and a more rural feeling. It's quite far from most amenities, so is best suited to those with a vehicle. Most homes are on the larger side. China Garden is nearby and just a short drive away.
City Center: If you'd like to be close to most of the city's restaurants and shops, this is the place to be. Most homes are fairly small.
Living in Jamestown
There's a lot of gorgeous countryside in the area, so if you choose to settle in Jamestown, you'll probably learn to love the great outdoors or, at the very least, tolerate it. That said, there are plenty more things to do around town to keep yourself occupied.
Eating Out
Jamestown has a wealth of great restaurants to choose from if you'd like to grab a bite to eat. Local favorites include Los Molcajetes, which serves authentic Mexican cuisine, and IDK Bar and Grill, where you can find various dishes, such as pizza and burgers. However, if you prefer a familiar name, you'll find a number of chain restaurants, too, including Applebee's, Perkin's and Pizza Hut.
General Entertainment
It's tough living in a town where all there is to do is watch paint dry. Literally. But, luckily, Jamestown is no such place. If you fancy some good old fashioned entertainment, there are several options. If you want to catch a movie, head on over to Bison 6 Cinema in the Buffalo Mall, where you can see all the latest releases. Going bowling at the Buffalo Lanes is another fun way to waste a few hours.
Outdoor Pursuits
Jamestown and its surroundings is a fantastic area to do some wildlife watching. Some of the best places to view some local fauna and flora are three nearby National Wildlife Refuges: Arrowwood, Chase Lake and Halfway Lake. The Chan SanSan Scenic Backway is also ideal for wildlife watching or simply going for a hike and enjoying some gorgeous scenery. If you like swimming, you can swim in the Jamestown reservoir or in the local municipal pool. There are 10 city parks dotted around the town, some with outstanding recreational facilities. The Hillcrest Golf Course is an 18-hole municipal course, plus there's another private 18-hole course located at the Jamestown Country Club.
Museums
The city of Jamestown sure loves buffaloes, so it's not a huge surprise that you'll find the National Buffalo Museum here. The museum is also home to a herd of buffalo, including some rare white buffaloes, and the world's largest buffalo statue. Elsewhere in the town, you can visit the Stutsman County Memorial Museum and the Frontier Fort and Wildlife Museum.