thinking about moving (Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen: fit in, crime, schools)

[raisin'bulldogs]

We are a family of 6 that has been living in the south for about 10 years. My husband is from SD ( a small town of about 1500 people) and is thinking about moving back. We have 4 children ages 16(girl) 14, 10, and 8 year old boys. My husband thinks that SD will be a better enviroment to raise our children. I know a move would be hard on them, especially our 2 teenagers. Since SD is compiled of several small towns does anyone have any advice on how 4 kids from the south would "fit in" to such a small community ? They have southern accents which I know will make them stand out even more.

[Jammie]

People in So. Dak. are actually quite welcoming. If we knew what town you're referring to, it may make it easier. If it's located near a larger town, the people may be enlightened enough to be accepting. BUT there are still some small towns where people have pretty old fashioned ideas. I don't mean that your children would be in danger~just referring to how well they'd be accepted by other children.

[raisin'bulldogs]

My husband is from Groton but has some family in Aberdeen also.

[DannyBanany]

A southern accent in Aberdeen will stand out, but I am sure your children will fit in very well anywhere in South Dakota. Depending on where you are from, they may even enjoy it more up here.

Are you moving from a large city?

[Chris19]

South Dakotans are good-natured people and there are a number of neat small towns in the state. The ones in the northeast part of the state have easy access to lakes and the southeastern part of state is near sizable cities (Sioux Falls, Sioux City, Mitchell, Yankton, etc.). The central part of the state is a little more remote but is great for outdoors activities and the western part of the state has interesting scenery and some areas are near Rapid City and Spearfish. Being involved in the community helps with meeting people and making it easier to get established in the community. With smaller towns and smaller schools, the kids would have greater opportunities to get involved in extracirricular activities (sports, etc.) and be associated with other kids.

[indigosd]

Your husband is 100% correct! We moved back from the South to raise our family basically because South Dakota has an incredible public education, strong community values and virtually no crime in the smaller towns. It was the best decisiion that we have made to date! People love my husband's southern drawl which has faded considerably. We have to work hard to maintain the genteel southern manners of Yes Mam and No sir which I really miss. Look up the published statistics on testing results of schools in the South versus South Dakota and you will be fleeing the South. Think about what you want for your family and then research all the possibilities. There is a reason why we are the state of infinite variety. lol I love living in a small town and when I want, I just drive to a big city and then LEAVE to return home. Much better for us than living in the city. Good luck and do not worry about the accent. If your children are friendly they will be accepted. Life in small towns pretty much revolves around church and school activities. Your children will be overwhelmed with activities if they want to be involved.

[Kelly McGillick]

Just checking, raisnbulldogs, are you moving to SD? If so, where did you decide upon? Our family, wilth children the same ages as yours, are considering relocating to SD too. For the same reasons. We plan to stay on the East to Central part of SD. My husband is from SD too. The people that I have met are down home, friendly and welcoming. We currently live in MN. I consider MN the east coast of the midwest. Your accents wont be a problem. They may be a problem only if you consider attention from the opposite sex something you want to monitor! Good Luck!
Kell

[debey]

Most small towns in SD will welome you with open arms......