Blog
12 Best Places to Live in South Dakota
Sep
Are you pondering of a fresh start in South Dakota but can’t determine where to drop your hat? We’ll enable you out! Listed below are the 12 best spots to live in South Dakota that you just might need to add to your comparison list.
What are The Best Towns to Live in SD?
- Madison
- Sturgis
- Huron
- Vermillion
- Spearfish
- Mitchell
- Yankton
- Watertown
- Brookings
- Aberdeen
- Sioux Falls
- Rapid City
Madison
Madison is the type of place that makes you desire to take a deep breath, let it out slowly, after which promptly ignore that report you will have due in every week. It’s by the glacial lakes, which provides you a fairly good reason to call it a serene retreat.
The fishing here is well… just spectacular! Loads of walleye and northern pike to reel in. Not a fan of seafood?
No worries! We’ve got local diners that serve some bang-up beef. And did we mention that Dairy Queen here never closes? So long as it’s between 10 am and 10 pm! Winter or summer, you possibly can at all times get your blizzard fix.
Sturgis
Famous for roaring engines and funky leather jackets, Sturgis, South Dakota is a Mecca for motorcycle Hosting enthusiasts. On the acclaimed Sturgis Motorcycle Rally each August, over half 1,000,000 riders, concert-goers, and merrymakers descend upon this city of seven,100.
But let’s set the record straight – this isn’t some makeshift town that folds up once the rally’s done. Sturgis is a spot with a proud history, rolling landscapes across the Black Hills area, and a way of community.
You don’t must be a bike enthusiast to live here. With Black Hills National Forest as your backyard, you get a free pass for climbing, fishing, and mountain biking trails along the way in which. The Fort Meade Recreation Area is one other gem, offering a variety of out of doors activities while promoting wildlife conservation.
The residents are super welcoming, and the fee of living is significantly lower than the national average. So whether you’re a startup in search of a cool place to set roots, or a retiree in search of reasonably priced living, Sturgis won’t disappoint. Yes, you would possibly have to take a position in a motorbike though. Just saying.
Huron
Do you fancy a spot that completely blends rural life with urban convenience? If yes, put Huron at the highest of your bucket list. Positioned in East Central South Dakota, Huron packs an unexpected mixture of activity.
With a population of just over 14,000, Huron manages to tug off a trick most towns can’t. It balances a peaceful country lifestyle, complete with close-knit neighborhoods and native festivals, with the amenities of a city.
You possibly can visit art galleries, swing by a sports bar downtown, or simply enjoy a quiet picnic at Ravine Lake Park.
Vermillion
Ever considered living in a spot where education is king? Well, slip in your pondering cap and take an excellent, hard have a look at Vermillion.
This town is home to the University of South Dakota (USD), giving it a powerful college-town vibe. Together with a wealthy educational climate, it also offers a low price of living and an array of events all year long.
For those who’re not convinced yet, consider this: Local residents often gather for social events, music festivals, and art fairs.
The proximity to the Missouri River opens up a bunch of recreational activities. You’re a fan of the good outdoors, aren’t you? Well, here you’re smack dab in the center of it.
Spearfish
Spearfish has a special place in the center of South Dakota. Sitting pretty within the Northern Hills, it’s home to Black Hills State University. And guess what? It’s not all classrooms and textbooks here. The town is surrounded by natural scenery that calls for adventure.
People here enjoy all the things from camping to climbing, mountain biking, and fishing. There are miles of recreational trails within the Spearfish area, courtesy of the Black Hills National Forest and Spearfish Canyon.
The town also takes pride in a small, yet thriving local arts scene. Tag along for festivals like Spearfish Sasquatch Games or Downtown Friday Nights for a slice of local fun.
Mitchell
Once you’re talking homey, laid-back living, you’re most definitely talking about Mitchell. This community is most famous for its Corn Palace, an enormous structure decked out entirely in corn. No kidding, we’re talking about murals made entirely of corn kernels.
But Mitchell is greater than just corn. This city knows how one can live. With highly rated schools, a low price of living, and a flourishing job market, Mitchell is well-suited for each families and professionals. The town also boasts a variety of recreational and cultural attractions to maintain you entertained.
Yankton
This city is sitting pretty on the banks of the Missouri River. It’s the type of place where you’ll end up pedaling a motorbike along riverside trails, engaging in thrilling watersports, and even reeling in a giant catch through the fishing season.
You’re thinking that Tarzan had a good time swinging from vines within the jungle? Wait till you are trying zip-lining here. No lions, far safer, and possibly more exhilarating.
The town also pops in a little bit of culture and history to liven things up. You’ve got cultural events on the Lewis and Clark Theatre Company, education at Mount Marty University, and for history buffs, a pleasant delve into the past on the Dakota Territorial Museum.
Yup, Yankton is a city of many faces: outdoor playhouse, culture hub, and history book, all rolled into one.
Watertown
Welcome to Watertown, South Dakota’s own slice of lake-side heaven. The town boasts a wealthy history supported by a healthy dose of small-town friendliness, making it an awesome place to live.
What about amenities, you would possibly ask? Well, Watertown doesn’t skimp on the main points there either. From an award-winning school system to a strong job market, you’ll find this city is well-suited for families and young professionals alike.
As for leisure, don’t forget the fishing rod, because casting a line in any of the town’s multiple fishing spots is one fun activity you wouldn’t need to miss. With lake views, a welcoming community, and a bunch of out of doors activities, Watertown checks all of the boxes.
Brookings
Brookings holds a special spot in our South Dakota listicle. Why? It’s ripe with educational opportunities, young energy, and community activities – the stuff that makes life a cultural rollercoaster.
Home to South Dakota State University, there’s a perpetual infusion of fresh energy. The town offers green spaces, nerdy libraries, artistic venues, and scientific research spots. So, if you happen to’re a fan of data and growing minds, Brookings has all of the ingredients for the proper balance between study, work, and play.
But there’s more to Brookings than being a university town. It’s progressive, forward-thinking and never afraid to interrupt norms.
You may wonder how that translates to regular life? Loads of organic grocery stores, sustainable living initiatives, and alternative commuting options like bike paths and park-and-ride stops. Your carbon footprint will get brownie points here!
The locals? Not only friendly but engaged. For those who’re into community service or just enjoy meeting recent people, you’ll love the sense of unity. From farmer’s markets to charity events and cultural festivals, you’re in for a treat. Brookings isn’t just a spot to live; it’s all about experiences.
Aberdeen
This place has history, it’s got the current, and it’s got a foot in the long run. Aberdeen is a city that respects its roots but isn’t afraid to open the door to modernity. Think of gorgeous historical buildings bordering sleek contemporary structures.
Aberdeen was ranked the third best place to live in South Dakota based on Area of interest’s rating. And that nabbed the highest spot for one of the best place to retire. Now that’s value a tip of the hat, isn’t it?
Aberdeen isn’t designed solely for the retiring folk. It isn’t just a spot to live; it’s also a spot to thrive.
Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls doesn’t need a flowery introduction, as this city’s stats speak for itself. As the biggest city in South Dakota, it has generated quite a buzz amongst folks looking for a top quality lifestyle.
We’re talking about high employment rates, a stable economy, and top-notch schools. Sioux Falls has truly earned the title of an urban oasis in the center of South Dakota.
You’re probably wondering what Sioux Falls has in store for leisure. We’re here to inform you – keep the weekends free! With several recreational activities and natural beauty, beating the boredom bug is a walk within the park for local residents.
How about visiting Falls Park to admire the waterfalls? Or how about exploring over 80 city parks or attending cultural festivals on the Washington Pavilion? Sioux Falls is the friend who has a solution to “What can we do now?”.
No wonder why Sioux Falls is among the best places to retire within the country.
Rapid City
Do you occur to be a nature lover? Well, Rapid City just could be your perfect match. Situated on the eastern slope of the Black Hills mountain range, this city comes packaged with several wildlife parks and climbing trails. Ideal for anyone drawn to nature.
On top of the outdoor fun, Rapid City can also be quite the magnet for expressive arts. Showcasing a wealthy tradition of tremendous arts, sculptures, and theatre, it is ideal for many who appreciate experiencing culture within the rawest form.
And don’t worry if bugs and rock paintings aren’t your thing. The town also offers several modern facilities on your enjoyment. Bowling alleys, cinemas, restaurants, you name it! Rapid City’s got the proper balance of nature and city life.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in search of a spot that provides you the liberty to roam the good outdoors, a town with comprehensive educational facilities, a culturally wealthy hub filled with history and heritage, or a peaceful haven away from urban life, South Dakota has an address for you.
Even if you happen to’re just stopping by, these towns have a way of casting a spell, and you would possibly just end up buying a one-way ticket to your recent zip code!
More From Dollar Sanity:
10 Pros & Cons Of Living In Fargo, ND
