Moving to Rapid City, need advice (Rapid Valley, Box Elder: to rent, crime, homes)

[pocoloco]

Hi everyone,
My wife and I are moving to Rapid City in early August. I drove through once as a kid, but otherwise know nothing about the area. We are looking to rent for at least the first year, and are wondering which sections of town are good to settle in, and which ones should be avoided.

We're a quiet couple and don't need to be near any restaurants, bars or nightlife. We're just looking for a nice and uneventful part of town.

[DannyBanany]

My general advice to Rapid City newcomers is to avoid anything north of Omaha Street. Rapid City's Northside is much more run-down than the other parts of town. The Westside is considered the affluent part of Rapid City, especially the Southwest corner. The Southside is middle class, near the medical centers, and near more businesses on Rushmore Road. And Rapid Valley is middle class with many starter homes. Rapid Valley also has great views.

[pocoloco]

thanks Danny, that helps a great deal.

one thing I forgot to ask is if there were any good suburbs that anyone might recommend, especially to the south or east?

[DannyBanany]

Some nicer towns in the Rapid City metro are Summerset, Piedmont, and Colonial Pines. Summerset and Piedmont are actually in Meade County but they're a quick 5 minute drive into Rapid City and there is now a new interstate exit that may make it even quicker. Colonial Pines is south of Rapid City on Highway 16 and it's a very wooded, hilly area. Hart Ranch is a large development south of town and it's built on a PGA golf course. Black Gap is south of town on Highway 79 and it has some nice homes too.

Really, Rapid City isn't such a large town that you would feel overwhelmed living in. There's hardly any traffic here, it takes 10 minutes to get just about anywhere, and crime is very low. Basically, Rapid City is comparable to a large suburb itself.

[g33kgrl]

I don't have much advice since Ive only been here about a month. From my experience so far, I love the area I live in - pretty much the Rapid Valley Area... its kind-of "out of town" feeling that I like. But Danny has great advice about the other areas. Our move to Rapid City has been one of our best moves ever.. I hope you love it as much as I do!! Good luck with your move

[mskutnick]

I am g33kgrls husband.. she is right. but my views are pretty bold.. where we live is a practically a whole new development area.. from the history i have read about this area we are in. which is southeast of rapid city. about 4 miles east and 3 mile south from the interstate. its nice and quiet. great scenery, and a good community of people. We came here before we moved to get the lay of the land.. I was not impressed at all about the west side of rapid city.. NOT AT ALL!!! mostly run down and rugged... Danny i right everything though.. i am just adding my thoughts as well.. downtown i congested.. but what town isnt? thats the heart of the city. lol.. but as your venture your way around. you find that it is easy to drive in, and that rapid city does not care about the roads. lol.. great attractions, lots of good fishing, and great people.. so far everyone we have met has been easy going and helpful. even the police are nice.. just read some of my wifes posts.. Have a great relocation and hey. I also run a business and am at your service if needed.
scott.

[nocatee]

Stay away from the Northside (north of Omaha St.). Some parts of Robbinsdale (south) are still decent but some areas of it are going "downhill". Some areas of Rapid Valley (east) are newer and have very nice homes in them but some areas aren't that great. There are several new subdivisions a bit farther east towards Box Elder that are nice. You can pretty much find anything you want here house/area wise from the Hills/Foothills to the Prairie/Plains.

[DannyBanany]

Scott, I'm curious, which roads in Rapid City are bad? Ones that come to mind are North Street, Elm Avenue, and Saint Patrick Street. I don't think they're really that bad though. For the most part, I think Rapid City has some pretty well kept roads.

[Jammie]

Ok and I'm curious about Colonial Pines. Is it relatively new?

[mskutnick]

Originally Posted by DannyBanany

Scott, I'm curious, which roads in Rapid City are bad? Ones that come to mind are North Street, Elm Avenue, and Saint Patrick Street. I don't think they're really that bad though. For the most part, I think Rapid City has some pretty well kept roads.

The ones you mentioned.. The main roads are pretty good. its the streets.. i should have been more specific with that. LOL. its the streets.. the main roads are great.. mostly the streets on the west side and south east side.. lots of bumps and dips, and pot holes.. Now that i know where they are at, i avoid them. its not really bad i gues. as long as the main roads are good..