Recently, Reader’s Digest named the nicest places in the United States, with towns nominated across all 50 states. Watford City, a town in western North Dakota, was named the friendliest of the Peace Garden State – and even made it into the top finalists for nicest in the entire country. Here are some reasons why Watford City is well-deserving of this title, and if you haven’t visited before, then you might just want to check it out.

Watford City, North Dakota is a town in the western region of the state that exploded in population after the oil boom earlier in the decade. In 2010, the population was estimated at just 1,744 and is now well over 6,000.

Jessie Veeder/Wikimedia

Despite this huge growth, a big reason that Watford City was named the nicest place in North Dakota is that it never lost its small-town charm. The community is still tight-knit, friendly, and very welcoming. The only difference is there are more people there to share the love.

Andrew Filer/Flickr

Because of the huge influx of growth due to the oil boom, the city has taken the best steps in investing in the city to sustain the growth — improving infrastructure and making it a fantastic place to live in every way.

Watford City, North Dakota/Facebook

Even if you’re just passing through, you’ll love Watford City. Their official motto is “come be our guest,” and it rings true. You can even visit fun and quirky things like this giant Roosevelt bust at the Roosevelt Inn in town.

Watford City, North Dakota/Facebook

With such huge growth so fast, Watford City has gained many new businesses and turned into a place with all the amenities you’d want from a city while still being just a stone’s throw away from the quiet countryside.

Tim Evanson/Flickr

Plus, with breathtaking landscape like this surrounding it, it’s no wonder why people love Watford City so much and named it the nicest place in North Dakota.

Jimmy Emerson/Flickr

Have you ever visited Watford City? What other towns in North Dakota do you think deserve a ranking on the nice list? Here’s a list of other great places to live in the state.

Jessie Veeder/Wikimedia

Andrew Filer/Flickr

Watford City, North Dakota/Facebook

Tim Evanson/Flickr

Jimmy Emerson/Flickr

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Address: Watford City, ND 58854, USA