Ignorant about SD (Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Spearfish: house, school district, college)

[Rathagos]

I'm sorry to say, that after more than 20 years in the Navy, and living in 4 different countries (Japan, Philippines, Italy, and Spain), that I'm looking for a place to settle down some long term roots. My wife is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and I'm from San Mateo, CA.

It would be great if someone could enlighten me a little about ND (or direct me to a site where I could do some homework. My ideal place would be between 50k-100k people. I don't need a large city, just a super-Walmart! My wife is a Nurse Aide, so I know that getting her a job just about anywhere wouldn't be too hard, especially since most places are always looking for health care professionals (and hopefully she will have her LVN license by then).

If y'all can name a couple towns (even smaller nice town around the larger cities) would be fine.

Y'all seem to have a wonderful state, and I can't wait to start looking into it more. Take care, all!!

~ Rath

[ElkHunter]

You might try the North Dakota thread.

[Jammie]

Rathagos, did you mean "South Dakota"? If so, I can change the title. If you're really meaning "North Dakota", I"ll be happy to move your post for you.

[Rathagos]

No... I'm a moron and meant South Dakota...

[Jammie]

Originally Posted by Rathagos

No... I'm a moron and meant South Dakota...

You're not a moron. It's all fixed.

[ElkHunter]

First, let me thank you for your service. Us Squids gotta stick together.

South Dakota only has 2 towns larger then what your looking for. But don't discount either one. Sioux Falls is the largest with well over 100,000 and Rapid City is around 80K. But in both, you'll get more of a small town feeling.

Both of those towns have lots of outlying areas with wonderful communities. But both of those towns are opposite when it comes to terrain.

Sioux Falls is in the South Eastern corner of the state and it's all prairie. Flat. Couple of good rivers and lots of ponds to fish in.

Rapid City is nestled up against the Black Hills. Wonderful area for hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. Lots of trails, lots of things to do.

So what are you looking for?

[Rathagos]

Rapid City sounds more of what I'm looking at. Right now my wife and I are trying to find a place to put (hopefully) final roots.

We're not concerned about weather; in fact, we're hoping to get somewhere where there are seasons (there's really only two where we live now.. summer and not-so-hot summer).

I would like to get a house (preferrably ranch style with a basement) and maybe some land. I don't want to spend over $300k. It would be really nice to have a place that when I step out on my back porch to barbeque, I'm not staring into my neighbor's window seeing him in a bathrobe in the kitchen! I won't necessarily 'need' a job, with my Navy retirement pay, but at 43, I don't know if I'm ready for just sitting around at home. My wife is a CNA, but hoping to get her LVN license before we decide to move. Kids will be done with, or just finishing, college. So, worrying about what school district I'm in won't be such a big deal.

My needs are simple, a lake to drop a fishing pole in, a backyard without a neighbor in it, DirectTV with NFL Sunday Ticket (should I have put this first??), and some warmth in the summer and snow in the winter.

Thanks again for the nice replies.

~ Rath

[DannyBanany]

You would find all of that plus more in Rapid City. If 80,000 people is too large for you there are many other Black Hills towns nearby. Spearfish has about 18,000 people and is only 45 minutes away from Rapid City. Hot Springs has about 6,000 and is south of Rapid City. Sturgis has about 8,000 and is only 20 minutes away. These towns are on the foothills of the Black Hills and there are several others that are in the Black Hills.

The weather here tends to be very hot in the summer, quick cool falls, mild winters with the occasional snowstorm, and quick warm springs. Rapid City gets snow, but it tends to melt quickly and the sun actually shines here in the winter. There are plenty of lakes, streams, and ponds here with trout a-plenty and a CNA is always useful. Best of luck!

[debey]

I also thank you, for your Service, and welcome you, to this forum. here is a link to R.C's newspaper
RapidCityJournal.com - Rapid City, South Dakota's News Leader » Front
SOUTH DAKOTA awaits you, with open arms!

[Jammie]

Rathagos, you just picked the most beautiful part of our state. It also has the nicest weather in the state and it's called the "banana belt". You'll definitely find all four seasons here and may be happy to know that the Black Hills has a semi-arid climate.

South Dakota Tourism -- Travel Information for the Mount Rushmore State

You may want to check out the site above after you're done reading the RC Journal. You may be able to order a travel guide from that site, too. I believe they're still free of charge.


Have you checked out the "Picture" thread on this page? It's a sticky at the top of the page and several of the pics or links are from the Rapid City area. If you have any specific questions, we'll be happy to try to answer them.

As everyone else has said, Thank you for serving our country.