needing info on rapid city (Spearfish, Sturgis: crime rate, home, school)

[vergla]

my husband and i and our 2 small childern concidering on moving to south dakota. my husband likes to hunt and i was wanting a town where it has childern activities we also herd the crime rate and school are good. what i was woundering how is rapied city and i also heard there is bears there and can someone give me advice on if we run in to one we are from a state that dosnt have wild animal like bears and were wanting a change

[Jammie]

Hi. We live East River so I can't tell you a lot about living in Rapid. It is very beautiful out there though. As far as bears, the only ones that I know of would be in Bear Country and that's a controlled park. If you go there and stay in your car and don't taunt the bears, you should be safe. I guess I've never heard of them coming into Rapid, but I could be wrong.

There are wild animals out there, but it's not really like they roam the cities. There was an over abundance of mountain lions, but they've relaxed the rules on hunting them to keep them under control. There are also coyotes in SD, but they also generally stay away from the populated areas.

It isn't so much that the animals are invading our territory. The main problem is that in many areas people are building and invading the animal territories. There have been a few problems with deer on people's lawns in the outskirts of towns there. But I guess the solution would be to live inside the town if you don't care for the wild animals.

Where are you moving from?

[BusySocialWorker]

There is wildlife near rapid - I would not really worry about bears though I think further in the mts you may run into mt. lions on rare occaision but right in rapid and the towns around rapid you will just see deer

[BusySocialWorker]

you can also go to these web sites for more info on Rapid - lots of fun activites for kids as well... (its actually a large tourist area- so lots of fun family things to check out)... storybook island, bear country, reptile gardens, lots of caves to tour, waterslides, state parks, etc

http://www.rapidcitychamber.com

http://www.rapidcitycvb.com/pg/dc/index.html

[vergla]

Originally Posted by Jammie

Hi. We live East River so I can't tell you a lot about living in Rapid. It is very beautiful out there though. As far as bears, the only ones that I know of would be in Bear Country and that's a controlled park. If you go there and stay in your car and don't taunt the bears, you should be safe. I guess I've never heard of them coming into Rapid, but I could be wrong.

There are wild animals out there, but it's not really like they roam the cities. There was an over abundance of mountain lions, but they've relaxed the rules on hunting them to keep them under control. There are also coyotes in SD, but they also generally stay away from the populated areas.

It isn't so much that the animals are invading our territory. The main problem is that in many areas people are building and invading the animal territories. There have been a few problems with deer on people's lawns in the outskirts of towns there. But I guess the solution would be to live inside the town if you don't care for the wild animals.

Where are you moving from?

we live in iowa right now were just wanting a change for the better there isnt nothing wrong with iowa we just want something differnt.

[lynn hart]

Originally Posted by vergla

my husband and i and our 2 small childern concidering on moving to south dakota. my husband likes to hunt and i was wanting a town where it has childern activities we also herd the crime rate and school are good. what i was woundering how is rapied city and i also heard there is bears there and can someone give me advice on if we run in to one we are from a state that dosnt have wild animal like bears and were wanting a change

rapid city is a beautiful place to live because im here!

[afdude2018]

and there's an air force base just a few miles west of Rapid City. Rapid City and the surrounding area is a nice area to live in. Been living here for about 3 years.

If you like hunting this is a nice place to live. I've been out for Fall Turkey hunting a few times. Deer season is still going on too I think...couldn't get my hands on a rifle tag...

Need anymore info on hunting just ask...

[ElkHunter]

I grew up in Rapid City. Spent about 14 years in town and then moved 18 miles out into the hills. Lived out there for about 5 years. Our nearest neighbor was about 4 miles away. It's really changed since then.

In almost 20 years in the Black Hills, I hunted along side of my dad for years and then when I was old enough I went hunting by myself. I've been all over the Black Hills. In 20 years, I saw ONE bear. And he was clear over on another ridge. We were setting eating a sandwich and my brother said, "What's that?" Had to use binoc's to tell what it was. About a 200 lb black bear.

Now I live in a place that is a little more familiar with critters. Last night, I went to the wood pile to grab and arm load of wood and something growled at me. Wasn't no dog. Today the news said that a bear was spotted in town on the West side. Guess it was him. haha

[Mab7]

can anyone suggest an area of south dakota to look at that is beautiful, in the mountains, affordable but not to far to find work? we are trying to find a new place to relocate in a few years that is affordable, low taxes and beautiful, quiet with friendly people in a small town. 4 beautiful seasons and snow of course. I am craving mountain living in the worst way, would love a beautiful log or cedar home on 1 or 2 acreas of wooded land with views and friendly neighbors!!

[Jammie]

Hi Mab, could you tell us a bit more about yourself like what kind of work would you be looking for and where you live now? It could help because I think housing is expensive out in the Hills. I live East River and our housing is much cheaper over here and there are many more jobs here, BUT it doesn't have the beauty of the Hills area. As far as friendly neighbors, people out there are very friendly and welcoming so that wouldn't be a problem at all. It's beautiful and peaceful out there. I'm not sure exactly what size town you're looking for, but Spearfish is my fave town out there. There are a lot of cute towns like Keystone, Custer, Hill City, Hot Springs, Sturgis, etc. if you'd like to check them out.