Oil activity in western North Dakota is sparking interest in the small central North Dakota town of Washburn.
The number of people looking to relocate to the town has nearly doubled in the last year and a half.
And as Reporter Kate Keller explains local realtors believe it could grow by at least 300 people in the next five years.
What has been lost in some western North Dakota communities due to oil is what some families are hoping to find in Washburn.
"We are also getting people from Williston, Minot, Dickinson area that are coming over just to get a little more quiet lifestyle again. They are getting away from the hubbub and the rush that they are in right now and aren't use to. They want to go back to what North Dakota is, which is peace and quiet and tranquility," said realtor Michael Blazek.
Over the last year and a half, realtor Michael Blazek has been fielding inquiries from both in-state and out-of-state residents.
He doesn't expect the interest to slow anytime soon.
"They have a good school system. They have all of the infrastructure there. The possibilities of a good growth system are there and I think if you look at it three years from today you are going to see a whole different Washburn," said Blazek.
Similar inquiries are being made in towns like Hazen, Beulah and Center.
Blazek says it's possible Washburn could grow to 2000 people within the next five years.
"Right now we have some space we can work on. We are going to need more acreage here shortly because we are getting short of lots," said Blazek.
The interest in housing has led to an increase in home prices.
Blazek wouldn't be surprised if prices jumped another 10 to 15 percent over the next couple of years.
In Washburn, Kate Keller KX News.
Developers are also showing interest in Washburn.
Blazek says there is talk of building a hotel near the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
