Situated on Fargo’s scenic south side, the Davies neighborhood is both a testament to the city’s rapid growth in the 21st century and a nod to the historical legacy of education and community that defines the region. Locals know it for its proximity to Davies High School, peaceful residential streets, and welcoming green spaces—but the roots of Davies run deeper than most people imagine.
Origins: Farmland to Flourishing Community
The land now known as Davies was once expanses of prairie and farmland, part of Cass County’s agricultural backbone for over a century. For generations, families tilled the rich soil along what is now 25th Street South and 70th Avenue South, long before these thoroughfares filled with cars and kids riding bikes. As Fargo expanded south throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, developers saw potential in these fertile fields to create new neighborhoods that would shape the city’s future.
The Story Behind the Name: Honoring the Davies Family
The neighborhood owes its name to one of Fargo’s most respected figures: Ronald N. Davies, a federal judge and lifelong advocate for education and civil rights. Judge Davies became a national hero in 1957 when he ordered the integration of Little Rock’s Central High School, helping secure the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education. Naming the local high school after him was more than a tribute—it was a way to root the neighborhood in the values of justice, education, and service that Davies embodied.
When the Fargo Public School District announced its new southside high school would be called Davies High School, the surrounding neighborhood quickly developed its own identity tied to that name, a rarity among newer developments in the area.
Key Historical Milestones
- 2009-2011: Construction of Davies High School
The opening of Davies High on 70th Avenue South was a pivotal moment. Not only did it relieve overcrowding at Fargo South and North High Schools, but it also became an anchor for the new neighborhood. The school, which opened to students in 2011, features state-of-the-art facilities, a stunning glass-front entrance, and offers sweeping views of the nearby prairie.
- Early 2010s: Residential Boom
As news spread of the new high school, development quickly followed. Subdivisions like Timber Creek, Golden Valley, and Prairie Farms began to fill with families eager to build their future near top-tier educational facilities. Streets such as 25th Street South and 64th Avenue South became arterial routes for the neighborhood’s daily life.
- 2014: Davies Park Opens
The creation of Davies Park on 40th Ave South added much-needed green space, providing a gathering spot for little league games, picnics, and neighborhood events. Its playground and open areas quickly became beloved community fixtures.
Notable Landmarks and Institutions
Davies boasts several landmarks that give the neighborhood its character and sense of place:
- Davies High School – Not only the neighborhood’s namesake but its heart. The Eagles’ bold athletic programs, vibrant music and arts scene, and commitment to community outreach have made the school a pillar of the area.
- Timber Creek and Prairie Farms Subdivisions – These residential pockets feature beautiful modern homes along elegant curving streets such as 29th Avenue South, each with their own cozy parks and trails.
- Davies Park – This popular park on 40th Avenue South is where local families gather throughout the year for sports, sledding, and everything in between.
- The Red River Diversion Project – Though technically beyond the neighborhood’s borders, the work to protect south Fargo from floodwaters is a constant presence, shaping development and ensuring Davies’ continued growth.
Street Scenes and Neighborhood Life
Walking through the Davies neighborhood, you’ll notice the careful balance between progress and tradition. Wide streets, lined with both mature and freshly planted trees, show pride in stewardship, while backyard gardens and block parties reveal the neighborliness that Fargoites are famous for.
It’s common to spot kids biking to class or sports practice at Davies High. In spring and summer, locals walk their dogs along paths tracing the “Davies Loop,” while winter sees snow forts cropping up in front yards and kids skating on makeshift backyard rinks. The newness of the homes doesn’t erase the warmth and connection among those who call Davies home.
Evolution Over the Decades
While the Davies neighborhood is one of Fargo’s youngest, it’s also among the most dynamic. In a remarkably short time, it has evolved from farmland to family hub, blending modern amenities with a proud sense of tradition.
The influx of young families has fueled the creation of clubs, book groups, and social gatherings that knit together newcomers and longtime Fargoans alike. The ongoing development suggests Davies is far from finished—new homes, small businesses, walking trails, and innovative parks continue to spring up each year. Yet, through all this growth, the commitment to community, service, and education remains at the forefront, honoring the neighborhood’s namesake and forming the backbone of Davies’ identity.
What Makes Davies Special?
Ask any resident, and you’ll hear the same things: the top-rated schools, safe and tree-lined streets, and spirit of togetherness that turns neighbors into friends. But there’s also a palpable sense of legacy—a link between Fargo’s storied pioneering past and its forward-looking optimism. Living in Davies means being part of something still in the making, with the chance to help write the next chapter of Fargo’s history.
Whether you’ve called Davies home for decades or just moved in last week, one thing is certain: this neighborhood stands as a proud example of how Fargo’s heritage and vision for the future go hand in hand.