Looking at RC (Rapid City, Rapid Valley, Wood: new house, school district, subdivision)

[DannyBanany]

Think of it this way: $225k in Rapid City buys you a helluva whole lot of house. You could probably could get a 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car house in a forested area for that amount. In California, $225k barely buys you a 2 bed, 1 bath, street parking next to a liquor store, yet taxes are outrageous out there too.

Like Jammie said, licensing is MUCH cheaper in South Dakota too and there are no emissions tests to pass. I bet my car would need some pretty spendy work if I moved to LA or even Colorado. Commute times are shorter here, air quality is amongst the best, crime is low, cost of living is low... the positives are endless and they definitely outweigh the negatives. Sure, we dont have as much selection or diversity as most are used to, but heck... Denver's only a few hours away and that's good enough for most people here!!!

[blackhillsdreams]

Originally Posted by Jammie

I agree that our real estate taxes are too high here. It's the same way in Texas. But there could be other things involved. I'm not sure how much you pay for license plates in Fla. Am I correct that you have a personal property tax there? I'm not justifying our high taxes, just wondering if there may not be other factors involved.

There isn't any personal property tax here that I'm aware of and my tags were about $80 for the year...

[Jammie]

Originally Posted by blackhillsdreams

There isn't any personal property tax here that I'm aware of and my tags were about $80 for the year...

OK, scratch that theory of mine.

[BH Mortgage Originator]

Rapid City is a great area to look at, if you are wanting somewhere in the hills NEMO, Hisega and that surrounding area is just beautiful! When you come up drive through Hwy 44 West, there is a great eatery there Fireside or you can also get a great pizza at the Johnson Siding Gas Station and Store. THEY have the BEST pizza! Highway 385 (where pactola is) also has several homes on it that are popular. When my family comes into town we like to eat at a different restaurant each night to find what we like! There are several great restaurants in the surrounding area as well!

[DannyBanany]

Originally Posted by BH Mortgage Originator

Rapid City is a great area to look at, if you are wanting somewhere in the hills NEMO, Hisega and that surrounding area is just beautiful! When you come up drive through Hwy 44 West, there is a great eatery there Fireside or you can also get a great pizza at the Johnson Siding Gas Station and Store. THEY have the BEST pizza! Highway 385 (where pactola is) also has several homes on it that are popular. When my family comes into town we like to eat at a different restaurant each night to find what we like! There are several great restaurants in the surrounding area as well!

Hey another Rapid Citian! Welcome!

[blackhillsdreams]

Originally Posted by BH Mortgage Originator

Rapid City is a great area to look at, if you are wanting somewhere in the hills NEMO, Hisega and that surrounding area is just beautiful! When you come up drive through Hwy 44 West, there is a great eatery there Fireside or you can also get a great pizza at the Johnson Siding Gas Station and Store. THEY have the BEST pizza! Highway 385 (where pactola is) also has several homes on it that are popular. When my family comes into town we like to eat at a different restaurant each night to find what we like! There are several great restaurants in the surrounding area as well!

I'm with you. I think of Rapid City every single day, most days, many times throughout the day. I'll get there eventually. Until then, I'll be keeping in touch here with all the great people on this forum. I REAAAAALLY want to be there this 4th of July to see the fireworks at Mt. Rushmore. I could afford it but the trip would wipe out a big chunk of my savings, so I think patience might be more valuable at the moment..

[Curosi-dee]

Well, I am back from visiting RC. South Dakota = pleasant and friendly people in that state. Seriously! I had no idea it was so windy though. I arrived just a day or two after the storm hit RC area, so everyone kept telling me that I had come at a good time. I ended up staying in 2 different motels/hotels for my stay.

As for BH MO poster who suggested a drive out to Nemo--yes, do it! It is a darling drive. I passed through Johnson Siding, where does that town get its name? Due to the recent weather the Black Hills National Forest area was closed, I could not get through. I did go through Custer State Park (wow!) and did a few touristy things around RC area too.

Safeway has a great selection of Organic foods and I shopped at a couple of the stores that sell Organic stuff downtown and everyone was pleasant. I bought some South Beekota honey.

There is an ice cream place near one of the Organic markets on Main I believe, there were masses of people out there. Is that a popular local treat?

[DannyBanany]

Originally Posted by Curosi-dee

There is an ice cream place near one of the Organic markets on Main I believe, there were masses of people out there. Is that a popular local treat?

I'm glad you had a great time! You must be referring to Armadillo's Ice Cream Parlor. It's definitely a local hangout. They always have the "flavor of the day" and I never go there without seeing at least 2 people I know!

[Jammie]

That was a very nice trip report. We're glad you enjoyed it here. WIND~yup and it happens a lot and it does get old. The Hills area has a lot less of it then we have over here though.

I think I know exactly what ice cream parlor you're talking about. We've been there, too.

[Curosi-dee]

Originally Posted by DannyBanany

I'm glad you had a great time! You must be referring to Armadillo's Ice Cream Parlor. It's definitely a local hangout. They always have the "flavor of the day" and I never go there without seeing at least 2 people I know!

Yep, that is it. Passing by I saw at least 30 people+ ~~ how many "ice cream" stops do you make DB?

Yes, Jammie --it was a lovely visit.

Is it difficult to grow trees in Rapid City per se? There were trees there, but in some areas it was not so many. Does the wind tear at them or something?