What do you like about South Dakota? (Rapid City, Keystone: crime, house)

[MJ1986]

Thank you, Wandering_Spirit for your great comments!
I've never been a huge fan of Rounds, but I think he is concerned with the budget/money woes, and will do what is needed.

[DannyBanany]

Originally Posted by ashnat

omg, did Danny just admit there are low property taxes here?
j/k

Don't get carried away... I said MOST places. Sioux Falls is very affordable compared to the Black Hills.

[lttrhd]

I've heard a lot of nice things about South Dakota and actually planning to move there. But one thing is bugging me - the casinos. Where are they located and is the number still growing? I know that Kevin Costner is building there... Do casinos create traffic and crime? I live in California (unfortunately) , and sick and tired of traffic, pollution, big crowds and complaining Governor. I'm just looking for some place nice and quiet. And affordable. I thank you in advance for the resond.

[eric#1]

The casino's are on the reservations and in Deadwood. Costner's large scale casino never happened. There are currently 2 major casino entertainment complexes under construction, and at least one more on the way. Regardless of what others have posted the Black Hills is fairly affordable. As time goes on our supply will run short as we are fortunate enough to be approx 85% national forest which limits sprawl. Also the old mine in Lead SD is being converted into a world class science lab. The economy may not be all roses, but our area is at the end of the ripple. I love
the hills - couldn't pay me to leave. oh ya and I don't have to lock my doors

[MJ1986]

Originally Posted by lttrhd

I've heard a lot of nice things about South Dakota and actually planning to move there. But one thing is bugging me - the casinos. Where are they located and is the number still growing? I know that Kevin Costner is building there... Do casinos create traffic and crime? I live in California (unfortunately) , and sick and tired of traffic, pollution, big crowds and complaining Governor. I'm just looking for some place nice and quiet. And affordable. I thank you in advance for the resond.

Deadwood, in western SD/Black Hills, is a big casino town... a very, very mini Las Vegas. Maybe I shouldn't say that because I've never been to Vegas!

Casinos are not a problem otherwise. They do not create traffic or crime. There are smaller ones. I live in Sioux Falls, the largest city in SD (pop. 150,000), and once in a blue moon, a casino will be robbed. That is about the only crime associated with it.

I assure you that SD is quiet, affordable, friendly, etc. Are you looking at any specific areas?

[Jammie]

Ditto to what MJ and Eric said. The casinos that are on the reservations were not built or owned by mafia like they are in Las Vegas. I don't believe that it's that type of situation in Deadwood either. Vegas is an entirely different world from South Dakota and our crime is very low compared to most of the country.

It's too bad that Cali has turned into an undesirable (sp?) place for so many people. At one time, it was a dream state. We've got plenty of room here so come on over.

[DannyBanany]

Most of the casinos in Deadwood are owned by a couple families in Rapid City. It's definitely not a dog-eat-dog mafia atmosphere or anything corrupt like that. The casinos on the reservation are owned by the tribe too and they use it to get people to visit the reservations and to create revenue.

Compared to California, the Black Hills region is very affordable. Compared to Sioux Falls and other parts of the state, it is slightly more expensive but I wouldn't say dramatically more. Right now there are a few businesses closing doors in our state but for the most part we have been weathering this recession very well. A few homes are still selling, I see people out shopping, and there are even more banks coming to town.

[rebel_ink66]

Hi ! I'd like to throw in my two cents...as I am new to this state. Originally from the deep south, my sweet New Orleans didn't fare will in 2005 so I relocated to California. I have been all over this country and lived in many, many states...and I tell ya...South Dakota is an untouched land. Honestly, prices are so WAY lower than almost anywhere...well, except for the tourism trade towns..as it should be. Really, New Orleans is known for being high during Mardi Gras, you gotta be, who goes there in the SUMMER? Ha...same here, in Sturgis...who comes here in the winter? Me!! I moved here and immediately fell in love with the people, the way of life...the general "vibe". Now, I am tat'd aplenty but my co-pilot only has one and looks like a regular cali dude, we both fit in, everywhere...I mean...this place is like calm, cool and collected. We both love it...even blizzards are gorgeous! One note : If it starts snowin and u think u can wait a couple hours before going to the grocery...don't wait...*smile* Interstates have been known to close...for days COME here and u won't wanna leave...

[BusySocialWorker]

Love the four seasons
Clean air and low polution
Safe schools that are not rediculiously overcrowded like some areas
Low crime rates
no state income tax
affordable cost of living
no traffic to deal with
helpful friendly people
rich native history

[nanjosbrand]

I love reading about the friendly comments about South Dakota. For any outsiders reading this thread, everything is true. We do welcome outsiders. I have been to places around the country where people look at me as though I'm an alien with my "Dakota" accent and appearance. South Dakotans are interested in learning about where others are from and what brought them here. Many of us have been here all our lives, but even if we've left, we still call it "home". There is definitely a sense of pride about South Dakota and the state looks clean.