Small towns on Western South Dakota & safety? (Rapid City: crime rate, employment)

[countrylv22]

HELLO SOUTH DAKOTA!

1) I am interested in small towns near the mountains, I am assuming that is on the west side of South Dakota, right? (I am not sure) ....
Ideally I would like an area close to the mountains, with green areas. The few pictures I have seen of South Dakota seem to be flat areas on the eastern side, and a bit dry? I believe. Again if you can clarify this for me, that would be great!
2) Are these areas ideal to raise a family?
3) How safe are they?
4) Are these areas close to farms?
5) Do you know the name of the major newspapers there, so I can look them up online.
6) Any major employers on the western side of the state.
7) Do tornadoes affect the western side at all, if yes how often?
Any helpful information would be appreciated!
Thank you so much.
Countrylv22

[uncleharley]

1. The Black Hills are the only mountain range in South Dakota asnd it is in the western part of the state. South Dakota is dry as compaared to the midwest, not dry as compared to the southwest.

2. What is your deffinition of ideal? The schools are very good.

3. Safe from what? The crime rate is very low, but fire, ambulance, and hospital services can be quite a drive away.

4. It's more like ranching country than farms. There are lots of farms in the eastern part of the state. What kind of farm are you interested in?

5. Rapid City would have the major newspaper in western South Dakota.

6. I'm retired, so I'll pass on employment info.

7. Tornado's are not a major threat, although they do occur.

[countrylv22]

Hello UNCLEHARLEY!

Thank you so much for your response! I really appreciate it!
I have a couple of more questions, I will post them in a new thread. Moving is a scary deal and an expensive one, so this forum is awesome! And the people responding even more!
Thank you,
Countrylv22