Even though most of us are aware that South Dakota is home to breathtaking natural scenery, you may not be more knowledgeable about the state’s plethora of lovely towns, cities, and rural settlements.
South Dakota has a bit that will appeal to everyone’s tastes, whether you want to lead a good life in a Tea or would rather live in a large city with non-stop entertainment options. If you’re thinking of moving to South Dakota, you shouldn’t make a move until you’ve read our rundown of the top 13 greatest locations to live in South Dakota in the upcoming year.
Only then should you consider making the move.
Is South Dakota a good state to live in?
If you are making a relocate to South Dakota, then you are probably making the right decision, as you can enjoy more sunny days and witness all four seasons than the national average. The state’s low cost of living, low real estate costs, lower crime rates, increasing job market and best education system makes it a worthy place for millennials.
What is the prettiest place to live in South Dakota?
Custer is one of the prettiest places to live in South Dakota. The oldest town in the state has the most charming mountains, outdoor adventures, beautiful landscapes, restaurants, museums, and more that showcase the history of the city. The city conducts many events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual buffalo roundup festival.
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The 13 Best Places To Live in South Dakota
Here is a list of the 13 best places to live in South Dakota for those who are looking for a city to explore and access a variety of things as holiday explorers and nature admirers. The Black Hills, the weather, and Native American history in South Dakota will play an important role in making the state yours within no time. So, let’s get started!
1. Brookings – Best Place To Live in South Dakota To Raise A Family
Brookings is without question South Dakota’s premier residential area. It has the finest public educational institutions and very less crime rates than the national average. As a result, it should come as no surprise that Brookings is regarded as South Dakota’s second-best community for raising a family. It has a population of 24,479.
Brookings could be a wonderful place to begin building a down payment fund for a first home. The average monthly rent is $664. At a median price of $159,400, saving up for a down payment is hardly a lifelong dream.
Is Brookings South Dakota a good place to live?
Brookings is one of the best towns to live in South Dakota. Brookings of Brookings county offers an exceptional quality of living, safe and welcoming community, various attractions, and recreation options for every age group.
The town is home to South Dakota State University, along with plenty of parks, restaurants, shops, and tree-lined roads.
What is it like to live in Brookings, South Dakota?
Brookings is the best place to live in South Dakota for families. As a developing town, it has many top-rated schools, easily available housing, a humid continental climate, readily accessible airports, and offices, and no state income tax.
2. Dakota Dunes – Best Place To Live in South Dakota For Families
Dakota Dunes is an excellent real estate option for those considering a purchase in South Dakota. We should not be concerned with the median home value of $266,400, but rather with the quality we get for our money.
The residents have expressed their gratitude for the low crime rates as a major contributor to the positive mood in the community. However, there is hardly any public transportation to or inside Dakota Dunes. Surprisingly, thriving for a community of its size, Dakota Dunes is home to a surprisingly large 2,895 residents.
Is North Sioux City the same as Dakota Dunes?
North Sioux City is situated 8 km east of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Dakota Dunes and North Sioux share the same zip code, 57049, as it is the nearest embodied municipality.
Is Dakota Dunes a good place to live?
Dakota Dunes is one of the best places to live in South Dakota. It has amiable neighbors, affordable housing, pleasant parks and outdoors, fewer crime rates, and a safe place to raise kids.
3. Sioux Falls – Best Place To Live in South Dakota For Employment Opportunities
While the city has a heavy urban feel, we often consider Sioux Falls as one of South Dakota’s most picturesque residential areas. With a population of about 170,000, this is one of the state’s most populous regions. The top 5 public schools of Sioux falls have excellent ratings and are constantly performing well for 5 years.
If you’re looking to buy a home, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a great option. With a median home value of $157,800, you can easily get a 3-4 bedroom home, with a garden, backyard, and garage space.
Are there black people in Sioux Falls, SD?
There are approximately 2% of black people or African Americans in Sioux Falls SD.
Is Sioux Falls SD a good place to live?
South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls in Minnehaha county, is a great place to live. It has a low cost of living, beautiful landscapes, parks and outdoors, a robust economy and job opportunities, affordable property values, top-rated schools, and lively nightlife.
4. Brandon South Dakota – Best Place To Live in South Dakota For Outdoor Recreation
The little town of South Dakota Brandon with a population of 11,000 residents has a crime rate of 1 in 400 crimes which is 92% less crime rate than the national average. While the average income of $75000 is 35% higher than the national average, the three percent unemployment rate is 55% less than the national average.
Their average housing cost of $185,000 is slightly higher than the national average while the average rental value is 12% less. When the educational system is considered, the results are quite noticeable, along with a family-friendly community with a wide variety of amenities making the city a notable destination to lead a life in South Dakota.
Is Brandon South Dakota a good place to live?
Brandon city of Minnehaha county is a fantastic town to live in South Dakota. It has a high-rated education system, low crime rates, and magnificent parks, shops, outdoor recreation, and restaurants, making it one of the best places to live in South Dakota for families.
Can you shoot fireworks in Brandon, South Dakota?
You can shoot 1.4G class fireworks that are purchased from a licensed fireworks retail store in Brandon, South Dakota.
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5. Madison – Best Place To Live in South Dakota For Retirees
With a population of around 8000 residents, the Madison city of Lake County is an excellent place to settle down for those whose careers allow them to relocate to the United States. The city is home to long rolling prairies, hiking trails, picturesque lakes, various sporting events, and two state parks.
Median rent here is very affordable, at just $472 a month! Moreover, the median property values are a mere $103,000. The combination of affordability along with great public schools, safer communities, quality attractions, and the family-friendly vibe makes the charming little city the most visited one.
Is Madison South Dakota a good place to live?
Madison is an affordable place to live in South Dakota. It offers a charming business atmosphere, a cheaper lifestyle, and a lot of outdoor adventures in your spare time.
If you are looking for a great education system, a safe environment, secured retirement, and growing your business, Madison is the right place for you.
How far is Madison from Brookings?
Madison is 42.26 km away from Brookings and 77.05 km by car via the I-29 S route.
6. Pierre – Best Place To Live in South Dakota For Vacationing
As a positive first impression, both the median rent and the value of a home in Pierre are quite affordable, averaging $720 and $207,600, respectively. Roughly 14,000 people are living in South Dakota’s capital city of Pierre.
Along with a handsome median income averaging $56,110, the city has a booming job market, stunning natural scenery, a pleasing small-town vibe, and a family-friendly welcoming community. One of the numerous things that attract people to Pierre is the river, where they may go camping, fishing, and boating.
Is Pierre SD worth visiting?
Pierre SD is worth visiting as you can access several parks, outdoor adventures, and popular attractions no matter what the time is. Whether you are just there to adore the natural beauty or go hiking or exploring, you will get what you wish as there’s something for all age groups.
Is Pierre South Dakota a good place to live?
Pierre town of Hughes county is the best vacation spot in South Dakota that is rich in scenic beauty and cultural heritage. It has safe, cozy, and friendly neighborhoods, budget-friendly shops, restaurants, hotels, low state income tax, affordable cost of living, and vibrant nightlife.
7. Tea – Best Place To Live in South Dakota For Young Professionals
With a population of about 5000 residents, Tea is one of the nicest areas to live in in South Dakota. Tea is hardly a multicultural community, and it has a strong suburban vibe. However, despite this, Tea is touted as South Dakota’s top destination for young professionals.
The crime rate is low, and the job market is reasonably robust. The educational system in Tea is a major weak point. It’s hard to deny that Tea, as one of the safest cities in the state, will rise in prominence in the next years.
Is Tea SD a good place to live?
Tea is a prosperous place to live in South Dakota as the area is flourishing with new businesses, industries, and developments, providing a lot of job opportunities to young professionals and newbies.
The community is quite safe, well-knitted, family-friendly, and welcoming to everyone in such a way that you will feel homely in no time.
What county is SD Tea in?
SD Tea belongs to Lincoln County and is a suburb of Sioux falls.
8. Vermillion – Best Place To Live in South Dakota For Young Professionals And Retirees
With a mere population of about 10000 residents, Vermillion, the university town, is known to be one of the best places to live in South Dakota. Intersected by Highway 50, Vermilion is connected to route 29 that en route to Sioux falls, leading to Sioux City and then Kansas.
Housing and employment are in short supply, but if you’re set on making Vermillion your home, you’ll find a way to make it there. There’s a lot to like about this place, from the extremely low crime rates to the diverse locals. Due to a large number of local students, the city’s nightlife is second to none.
Is Vermillion SD a good place to live?
Vermilion is a great place to live in South Dakota for those who love to explore, work and visit various adventurous areas and outdoors. Its crime rate is 20% less than South Dakota’s average.
What is the cost of living in Vermillion, South Dakota?
The cost of living in South Dakota Vermilion is 80.2, which is 19.8% less than the national average and 9.1% less than South Dakota’s average.
9. Aberdeen – Best Place To Live in South Dakota For Winter Recreation
Aberdeen is a great place to live because of its youthful vibe, plenty of employment opportunities, buzzing nightlife, and diverse communities. Home to North state university, Aberdeen also has a good selection of public schools, with a safe feeling and fewer crime rates.
With a population of 28,495, Aberdeen is the 3rd most populous city. With an average household income of $47,506, it’s easy to figure out how to lead a great lifestyle along with having a property that might cost around $144,000.
Is Aberdeen, South Dakota a good place to live?
Aberdeen is known to be one of the best places to live in South Dakota for families. It has a lot of parks, restaurants, bars, shopping malls, top-rated public schools and colleges, and a family-friendly community that makes it a great place to reside in.
What is there to do in Aberdeen SD in the winter?
Winter recreation in Aberdeen, South Dakota includes snowshoeing, ice skating, sliding, curling, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and more that are enjoyed by all age group people in the city.
10. Yankton – Best Place To Live in South Dakota To Raise A Family
Yankton is situated at an ideal location on the Missouri River. Yankton, home to a wide variety of people, is almost on the top ten list of South Dakota’s greatest places to live. Yankton has a population of 15,453, mostly getting an average household income of around $40,737.
Is Yankton South Dakota a good place to live?
Yankton, South Dakota, is a great place to raise a family. It has a diverse community of residents, highly rated 4 schools offering great education, numerous bars, shopping centers, restaurants, and outdoor activities to enjoy weekends and holidays.
The city is home to rich culture and history that draws visitors’ attention to learn about the city.
What is the cost of living in Yankton, South Dakota?
The cost of living in Yankton is 82.6, which is 7% less than South Dakota’s cost of living.
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11. Harrisburg – Best Place To Live in South Dakota For Young Professionals
Although not the most economically or culturally diverse city to live in the state, Harrisburg has a lot to offer. The little town’s population of under 5,000 has a wide range of options when it comes to educational institutions, public schools, an impressive collection of bars, cafes, and living quarters.
Harrisburg is ranked as having the third-best public schools in the state and as the third-best place to buy a home in the state overall. Along with an affordable housing cost of $184,000, the community offers an average annual income of $81,000, a thriving local economy, businesses, lovely outdoor locations, and exceedingly warm welcoming people.
Is Harrisburg, South Dakota, a good place to live?
All in all, Harrisburg is one of the happiest cities to live in South Dakota. People get the state’s best housing and top-rated educational institutes for their children in the city.
It has close-knitted communities, fewer crime rates, vibrant nightlife, developing businesses, industrial parks, and organizations that urge young professionals and non-residents to choose Harrisburg to live in.
What county is Harrisburg SD in?
Harrisburg city is situated in Lincoln county of South Dakota, United States. The city is a suburb of Sioux falls.
12. Rapid City – Best Place To Live in South Dakota For Outdoor Recreation
Rapid City is tucked away east of the Black Hills National Forest, underneath Route 90. Rapid City has a population of 73,682 and is often called the “Gateway to Mt. Rushmore.” As the name suggests, the vibrant, busy, Rapid city schedules activities and festivals throughout the year that certainly welcome visitors to witness the beauty and culture of the city.
There is little to complain about in Rapid City, as it has excellent schools, convenient transportation facilities, a wide array of restaurants, bars, and shops, and access to a lot of outdoor activities. Newcomers can take advantage of affordable real-estate properties that mostly come at an average rate of $170,000.
Is Rapid City a good place to live?
Rapid City is a vibrant downtown to live in South Dakota.
Its low cost of living, easy access to outdoor recreation and attractions, incredible weather, beach life, and numerous parks, bars, restaurants, and coffee shops makes it an excellent place for young professionals and families to lead a life in the most populated city in the state.
What is the main industry in Rapid City, South Dakota?
Agriculture is the main industry of economy and employment in Rapid City, South Dakota.
13. Spearfish – Best Place To Live in South Dakota For Beautiful Locations
Residents recommend Spearfish as a safe and joyful location to raise a family, despite the city’s less-than-ideal crime figures. Peaceful, pleasant, and quaint come to mind when considering Spearfish, though not in the conventional sense.
Spearfish is known for its abundance of outdoor activities, many of which take place in the city’s Elkhorn Ridge Park, which is surrounded by stunning lakes and mountains. While the typical home price is slightly more than in the rest of the state, the median rent is significantly lower, at $632 per month. It has a total number of 12,358 populations.
Is Spearfish SD worth visiting?
If you want to explore beautiful nature and stunning locations, Spearfish is the one for you. From hiking the trails to boating in the beautiful lakes, you can access a lot of outdoor adventures and get closer to nature.
The town’s historical art, local festival, and vibrant culture incline visitors to visit the “queen city” of the world.
Is Spearfish Canyon worth the drive?
Spearfish Canyon is all stunning scenery, waterfalls, wildlife, and streams. This 19-mile-long beautiful highway changes into different beauties four times a year.
Best Places To Live in South Dakota FAQs
What should I know before moving to South Dakota?
5 things you must know before moving to South Dakota from NYC or any other state are as follows:
- The cost of living in South Dakota is less
- You can do, see and visit plenty of things
- The weather might get extreme sometimes
- You can find jobs very easily.
- You can get a unique and vibrant nightlife.
What is the racial makeup of South Dakota?
The racial composition of the population in South Dakota comprises:
- White: 83.61%
- Local American: 8.53%
- Diverse races: 3.41%
- African Americans: 2.14%
- Asians: 1.41%
- Other races: 0.89%
Is South Dakota humid or dry?
South Dakota has 66.4% more average humid months than dry months. April (51.6%) is the least humid month and December (66.2%) is the most humid month. If asked, does it snow in South Dakota?
Typically, the month of March is the snowiest in South Dakota, receiving an average snowfall of 12-25 inches in the northern and southern hills.
Conclusion
If you are about to make a move to South Dakota, you must know that it is a beautiful place to reside with your family or retire with a lot of towns and communities to select from. South Dakota offers a slower pace of life with a variety of outdoor recreations and amenities, making it an ideal place for all age groups.
So, without any second thoughts in mind, choose any one city from this list to stay in and let us know about your views regarding the city and its features and amenities.
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