I want to live in South Dakota. (Rapid City, Sturgis: for sale, 2009)

[leroyleroux]

I dunno, but I think you can find unfriendly people anywhere. Just that in SD, you won't find as many, because there just aren't as many people. In my experience, we've always lived next to friendly people, but most kind of keep to themselves, so you have to initiate the first few conversations, etc. There are still houses on my block in which I haven't met the occupants.

[AJTucson]

Right on the money ihynes. I hope the windy city gets better for you.

As for bad people - oh yes, I agree - they are everywhere (just like the good). What I am talking about is the ratio of good to bad here and the "I want to do, what I want to do, the way I want to do it, and I don't care how it affects you and don't you dare complain about it" attitude that is pervasive here (which is why for day #3 I am on 4 hours of sleep). I am sorry to say that I am not eloquent enough to adequately describe for others who have not experienced same, but I can say that I can tell from the reply that ihynes knows what I am talking about.

Glad to hear that you all like SD and that there is a possibility that good manners and decent behavior exists in most - that is so very encouraging.

[Jammie]

AJ, It sounds like you're sad, but you may have come to the right place.

No personal experiences here, but I CAN tell you that I know someone who grew up here, relocated to Az. and lived there several years. Recently, they moved back. They couldn't wait to get out and they really don't have many good things to say about it. I've always been interested in different parts of the country and I actually did ask why they moved back and what they missed about living down there, what they liked there, etc. All I know is they're just glad to be away from the traffic, fast pace, rudeness (they said it, I didn't), etc.

I don't live in RC, but most of the towns (larger ones) aren't that terribly different where people are concerned. I hope that you find your way up here.

[eric#1]

I occasionally have run-ins with the rude people of our state, but most people come across as kind to me. There are social differences everywhere and in my travels I have found "nice" is relative to a region. Some areas people have better traffic manners, some more neighborly manners, some are more friendly in the corporate world, others in simple services, and some areas people are more friendly as customers. I find no area to have a monopoly on nice or kind. People are kind everywhere, it just comes in different shapes.

[AJTucson]

Thank you both for your replies. I can tell the people who have spoken to and/or had personal experiences with that that is this state and those who have not (and good for you, seriously I could have lived my whole life happily not knowing this). We will make our way up there just as soon a possible. And you know, I love the change of seasons, the winter sports among the other great things SD has to offer. I just was beyond exhausted with 8 hours of sleep in a 48 hour period and I thought, you know what - I am going to post on this thread and see what comes of it. I am more grateful than you know for the honest opinions that I feel I am getting.

Had the renter come by last evening. Could not understand why we were exhausted. Funny, I don't remember ordering passive/aggressive for dessert. The renter felt that hour was fine to yell and holler in the pool, etc. It was stated they have a pool with the house and they are going to have parties no matter what. I replied fine, but please be aware that there is a noise ordinance in our city (actually everywhere to my knowledge). The reply was that was not what the renter was told - uh, huh! Result was no noise and we all got 7 hours of sleep - yipee!!

I can't wait to sell (sounds like a winner neighborhood, doesn't it )! Mostly, I cannot wait to move to an area where I don't know the non-emergency PD number by heart and don't have to have a noise ordinance copy on the table in my foyer. So yes, this situation is sad.

[Jammie]

AJ, it sounds like you finally got some rest. Good for you!

Here you are just dealing with such a tremendously smaller population. I don't know if the entire state population has even hit 800,000 yet. And yea, we do have some state residents that are jerks and there are some smaller towns that I would never live in. It does seem you really are like the company you keep and being weird is contagious.

But honestly, I think that for the most part, people are still friendly, our crime rates are some of the lowest in the nation, our employment rate is so-so, but also one of the lowest in the country, etc. I hate our winters, but our area really does have a lot going for it. Come on up and check it out for yourself and let us know what you think.

Just remembered this morning~we know another couple who spent a few years living in Az. and they liked it~especially the winters. They did decide on moving back though and I'm not sure why.

[AJTucson]

Yes, I feel so much better. I hope it continues. I agree about the company one keeps. We remember very well how we were raised in WI and the values and ethics we had ingrained. We are looking for a nice area, decent neighbors that care about one another and their neighborhood. We are not sticks in the mud - pool parties are great in our 100 degree weather. But how about during the weekend and ending at a decent time? Also, when one moves we get there are things to hang on the wall. Again, how about not in the garage at midnight (our homes in AZ are about 20 feet apart - land is a premium in this state)? Mostly, I don't want to have to explain what I wrote - just have it - well, known and practiced. Also, I hope to get a nursing position (am a nurse). You mentioned the state unemployment is so-so, does that pertain to the hospital - are they hiring? When we come up I will scope that out, but since I have this forum - if anyone knows - please write.

[Jammie]

Even the medical profession appeared to have a bit of a problem because some of the hospitals had a hiring freeze and a wage freeze. Not sure the status of that right now and even when that happened, there would still ocassionally be an ad in the paper where they were looking for help.

Actually, our unemployment isn't too bad. About 16 months ago, Sx. Falls had 2.3% unemployment and now I think they're around 5%. I posted the rate for the larger towns somewhere on here, but can't think of where right now. SO, it is kind of unfamiliar to us to be hanging around a 5 plus unemployment rate since it's usually around 3-4%. It's nothing like the 10% plus in many areas.

One of the members lives out in RC and would probably have a good idea what's going on with hiring. BusySocialWorker is her name and hopefully she'll pop in.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/south...ession-10.html

This isn't what I was looking for, but it'll show that we're hanging in there. Check out the link from CNN Money Mag I posted on page 10 of that thread.

[AJTucson]

Thank you again for the info - really helping. I think your unemployment rate is great (in comparison to other states) considering the current economy. I am hoping that BusySocialWorker or any others who have knowledge of the medical profession/hiring will post. I was thinking about the Sioux Falls and/or Rapid City areas. I know they are on opposite sides of the state, but we want to keep an open mind until we visit and see both areas. I did see Regional Med/Rapid City currently shows 14 open RN positions, so hopefully this means they are hiring. I need to find the major medical center in Sioux Falls and check them as well. I know I am getting a bit ahead of myself, but it keeps me moving forward to our goal by focusing on the future move. I can't wait for our visit (this summer).

[Jammie]

Wow, you're doing great on your research. It's good to know that there are some openings.

You may want to check out Sanford Health Services in Sx. Falls and I THINK Avera is over there. I hope that someone will come along from Sx. Falls to answer. I know it used to be Sioux Valley and McKennan, but that has changed.

Anyway, the info I wanted to give you that I'm sure of~ ~ Rapid City's newspaper is the Rapid City Journal and for Sx. Falls it's the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.

http://www.kelolandemployment.com/

Here's another good job site and you have your choice of areas on there. (It's on the left-hand side) I'm thinking there are always openings for nurses and when the hospitals aren't doing massive hiring, there should always be clinics, etc. Sanford has a nice new clinic where they do surgeries, too.