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I just got recalled by Sanjel to return to work in Wiliston, ND, but would prefer to live in western SD. (I work a 14 on, 7 off schedule.) I love the Rapid City/Black Hills area but have little knowledge of some of the smaller towns within 50 miles of the area. I'm a single man in my late 20s that loves fishing, hunting, casinos, and going out on the town occasionally; but I don't want to be surrounded by tourists all the time! (in other words, Keystone, Wall, Sturgis, and greater Rapid City are out consideration.) Does anyone out there have any info on this? By the way, moving to the Black Hills area is a dream come true for me. I can't wait to make my home in beautiful South Dakota!
If you like casinos, I'd say Deadwood, but you hate tourists so maybe something like Spearfish or Belle Fourche. Plus, you'd have a straight shot to Williston from those towns. They're both prime spots for fishing and a short venture to go hunting. If you like going out on the town occasionally, I'd go with Spearfish because it is a college/young professionals town and there are quite a few bars. You'll probably go to Rapid City and Deadwood for more nightlife as well.
I would say Spearfish. College town... Right off the interstate. Close to Deadwood, close to hunting, fishing and everything, kind of a central location that would fit the criteria you desire.
Deadwood popped into my mind, too. Spearfish is one of my fave places and it's mainly because of the Canyon.
Deadwood is kind of touristy and they have a lot of events going on there, especially during the summertime. It sounds like you've already visited the area, but here's a link for you. You can navigate around the cities from the top of the page and maybe one of them will just appeal to you more then the others.
I appreciate the info so far. I'm checking into the towns that've been named already. (Hill City, Deadwood, Spearfish, etc) Any additional info on these towns or others would be welcomed.
Hill City and Deadwood get really touristy in the summer. Deadwood does year-round because of the casinos and ski resorts. I'd say Spearfish is your best bet. It has about 10,000 people, it's very scenic, has great restaurants, a nice theater, a Safeway and a WalMart, and it's pretty active. It just has a really healthy small town feel.
My vote would be for Spearfish and perhaps we'll move there instead of Rapid. We are still leaning towards Rapid as it offers excellent medical facilities. Something you think about when you are planning retirement.
I'd say Belle Fourche. But then again, I like small towns that are quiet. It's a very short hop to Spearfish if you want to go out or go have a nice meal. But it's quiet, not like the college town atmosphere. Plus, it's a straight shot north to go to work.
I wouldn't recommend Hill City because of two things. Winter driving to get out of the hills so you can go to or come from work. The second reason is Tourists. The tourists are not as bad in Hill City as they are with other towns, but still busy during the summer.
I agree, ElkHunter. Driving through the hills to Belle Fourche and then to Williston would get very annoying. Plus, a drive in the hills is supposed to be a nice and relaxing, not dreaded. You'd have to go through either Rapid City or the Northern Hills too. Rapid City gets more traffic than you'd like and the Northern Hills get more snow.
I think Belle Fourche would be your ideal. Less expensive than Spearfish, and a straight shot to work. Short drive to town if you need something you can't get here, or a once a week trip for groceries and essentials. 45 minutes north of Rapid, if you really need something from the "Big City." Very rural, lots of fishing and hunting opportunities, and in close enough proximity (but out of the way of lots of tourists) to the casinos and clubs without getting mixed in with the college crowd. Let me know if you have any specific questions!
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