Tour guides? (Rapid City, Lead, Custer: work, houses, retire)

[Rathagos]

Just out of curiosity, are there any 'regulars' that would risk the venture of meeting in person? Please forgive me if it is extremely rude of me to even ask this, but read on before blasting me in a reply. The reason I ask for regulars is because if anyone else replies than those I've seen writing often in here, I would probably be wary myself. (No offense)

I know this is the internet and the days of meeting people is extremely dangerous, but I told my wife about all the stuff I've learned on here (and through the other sites y'all have offered in discussions) and asked her if she would consider looking at SD to retire to. She said she had never thought of it, but would consider it.

Here's the problem. I know nothing of the place, and most of the other places we've considered (Traverse City, Michigan; East Palestine, Ohio; Sewickley, PA) aside from all being a lot further east, we personally knew people at, to show us around, and help define the city.

I understand if this is considered totally unacceptable, and my feelings wouldn't be hurt at all if all the replies were negative. I just hesitate going somewhere and trying to find my way around a city for the first time blind.

Of course, I'm amiable to chatting in this forum or privately more if any of you want to get to know me better.

You pick the restaurant for dinner, and we'll pick up the tab (within reason, of course, I'm NOT Bill Gates)!

~Rath

[Jammie]

What towns will you be going through? I'd be open to meeting at a restaurant and chatting if our schedules work out. If you list the towns you'll be visiting, we may be able to help you in our respective areas.

[Rathagos]

Duh... guess that makes sense. The only place I'm really looking at is Rapid City (and outlying areas). I did a check on a dot-com realtor site and found that many places I like the surrounding views of seemed to be up in the hills (Custer, Lead). I know they are probably a lot smaller, but as I've said in my posts, I don't need a house with a neighbor I can see just stepping on to my back porch.

It's hard to visualize places just by some pics on the internet (which reminds me of a Brad Paisley song...) but anyway, I just wanted to kind of get an idea of Rapid City as a whole, then some of the nearby towns to see if I would actually want to consider settling in the city, the outskirts of the city, or a little farther with a drive into the city.

Also have to convice the wife it's not the middle of nowhere, and it can't be worse than the city we live in now (in relation to distance to major cities).

Thanks for answering... and I'm sure I'll be reading (and posting?) more as time goes on.

~Rath

[Jammie]

OK, I guess I'm the one who should say, "DUH". I knew you were looking at the Hills area and if you come up from Texas, you won't be this far east.

You're right~the area is much nicer to see in person. I love the aroma of the pines and the air out there. If your wife can tolerate some winter, I honestly think she'll be impressed with the area.

[Rathagos]

She's from Pittsburgh, PA, so she's used to the winter. That's one thing we're trying to get back to. Here in Texas, it's get's cold sometimes (normally 30's, but dips into the teens every winter), but no white stuff.

We want to go where we have at least a chance for a "white Christmas." According to Wikipedia, there's a 50-50 chance in Rapid City for a white Christmas (which they define as at least 1 inch of snow cover).

[debey]

so, here's how I see it....if you ever ''gotta'' see the Corn Palace, I would make arrangements...to Meet & Greet you & your wife....& you, too, Jammie!....[lol!]

[DannyBanany]

I'd be happy to take some time to meet you and give yousome tips on the territory. Just DM me some info and we'll see how it goes!

[Rathagos]

Okay... step one complete. Last night I had her on realtor.com looking at the houses available now (of course they won't be by the time I move up there, but you never know...it gives a sampling). And also we hit Google with additional pics aside from the one's y'all posted.

Moving on to step two... repeating over and over while she's asleep "Rapid City... Rapid City... South Dakota is beautiful... Rapid City..."

[Jammie]

Now there's an idea that I like. If it works, let me know and I'll use it on DH.