Dakota Ridge in Rapid City (for sale, real estate, rent)

[banjo3581]

I'm looking at real estate on line and there are a ton of houses for sale in Dakota Ridge. Some of them were built in the '90's according to the summary about the houses. Why are so many of them for sale? Is this a good or bad place to live?

[SD4020]

Dakota Ridge was built as housing for Ellsworth Airforce base. It is located on the south edge of Rapid and right of Highway 79. They were all built in the early 90s yes. The plans for houses are all pretty much the same. They are decent houses.

It is a good neighborhood

[DannyBanany]

Like RJ said, Dakota Ridge used to be the base housing but now it's being sold as a housing development. My family always used to joke that they wouldn't want to live there and go home drunk because they might walk into the wrong house! They all look alike.

I've been in a few of them and they're pretty standard but very nice. They're definitely a prime example of '90s architecture -white cabinets, arched ceilings, 2 car garages, earth-tones, and goofy street names. Typical housing development.

[banjo3581]

OK - thanks for the reply. I've been on base before and in base housing. So you will actually have to go on base to get to the houses?

[DannyBanany]

No, it's an off-base location. It's on Rapid City's Southside. The development is right across the street from a golf course, large park, and soccer fields. It's a nice area. I grew up just up the road from them.

[SD4020]

Its off the base. Also these houses seemed to be nicer than the houses on the airbase. But the houses on base were varied.

[mvvreiser]

I am also looking at purchasing a home at Dakota Ridge. We thought they seemed to be a great first time home. The only thing we noticed was a strong odor from the landfill. Is this a daily thing? or do you just smell this on windy days?

[BlackHillsGuy]

I just recently visited. They seem to be decent houses, although as was noted, they all look the same. I have heard that the officer's housing (the blue and green on their map) is of higher quality construction than the enlisted housing.

All of the houses have new siding, shingles, and decks. One thing to consider is that they are approaching 20 years old and most still have the original furnace, water heater, AC, and perhaps other appliances, so most of those things will be nearing the end of their life. I have also heard that water issues vary by house, so specifically check into the one you are considering.

Also consider that the covenants will expire later this year, so it is difficult to predict what if any new covenants there will be. The lots are also fairly small and close together.

I am always weary of base housing as the construction and infrastructure can often be sketchy, but these seem to be decent starter homes in an OK neighborhood. Probably worth a look.

[huskermama27]

DO NOT LIVE IN DAKOTA RIDGE!!!! I live there now (Air Force) and I can tell you that most of the foundations in this area are crumbling, the maintenence has been done at cheapest possible, so if you do, you're going to be looking at A LOT of home improvements. Anything mechanical that has ever been broken here are referbished, drywall is shotty work, and I'm so glad I don't own this house. The carpets should hav been replaced 10 years ago, the kitchens are cheap, basically everything in this house is cheap and I am counting down the days to move. Its a money pit, they're asking WAY too much money for these houses. I wouldn't pay 100K for these pieces of junk.

[cali-girl1980]

Hi I am moving to the Rapid City area and have heard that the old base housing Dakota Ridge is for sale and possibly for rent. Does anyone know how to get information on this.