Burlington, North Dakota, Feeling Effects Of The Oil Boom; Outside The Oil Patch

It's hard to remember a sleepier town in North Dakota than Burlington -- except maybe for Grassy Butte. For newbies, Burlington is just west of Minot, and for all intents and purposes, outside the Bakken play. It is in Ward County, not one of the Bakken oil counties by a long shot. But, like Minot, it is feeling the effect of the oil boom.

The Minot Daily News is reporting:

The 197-acre Harvest Heights project is utilizing much of the scenic natural landscape along the hills overlooking a broad valley. The lots begin at the bottom of the hill. Others are terraced above in a well planned community that offers a myriad of spectacular views.

"The nice concept of this is about 35 acres remains as undeveloped space," explained Feist. "It will be green space with natural trees and foliage that will be undisturbed as much as we possibly can. It should complement the views from the lots, most of which range from 1,200 to 1,500 square feet."

Amber Alexander, Real Builders sales and marketing, calls the project "one of a kind" and unique to the region.

"We are trying to bring something different with the views and the sizes of the lots," said Alexander.

While Harvest Heights is the most visible development in the Burlington area and on schedule to become available to the public yet this year, other development projects are either getting under way with physical construction or are in the planning stages.

A 148-unit apartment complex has been designed and is scheduled to be built along U.S. Highway 2 & 52. The Highlands Ranch project on County Road 10 above the former Speedway Restaurant has been platted by a developer from California. It includes more than 500 lots.

A developer from California. More than 500 lots. Hard to tell that the boom is over.