Moving to SF in a week...need some assurance (Sioux Falls: apartments, home)

[Dakotan_returns]

Hello all,

Great forums...I've spent several weeks looking through all the posts related to SD and SF and have gathered alot of information.

However..I am still anxious about my up and coming move to SFs.

Little about me:
Grew up in Rapid City from age 1-8 then moved to Phoenix AZ, Ive lived in Phoenix for the last 32 years. Yep..Im a new 40...wearing it well...I think

Why am I moving to Sioux Falls from Phoenix...economy and unemployment. Believe it or not..it's hard to find work in Phoenix that pays well because you're competing with 200-300 other applicants for one job.

I have strong computer background (primarily is creative design) with alot of on the job experience doing evironmental planning work. I have a BAS in computer technologies.

My concerns:

Finding work...from what I can tell it seems Sioux Falls does indeed have many job opportunites in IT related work, however alot of it seems to be IT infrastructure and not creative design jobs (i.e. Web design, multimedia production, CAD/3D)...if anyone could chime in on the job market in those types of fields I'd greatly appreciate it.

I'm single....spirtual but not religious (I believe in God and Christ, just not church)...long story. I do want to meet someone...eventually...once back on my feet...how's the singles scene over 40? - say 35-45ish?

Activity...I'm an avid Mountain Biker...actually used to race out here in Phoenix on a non pro status (competed for prizes and trophies, but not paid to race) ..SF looks FLAT....how is mountain biking/road biking out there? Any good ride clubs?

Hunter..I hunt quail, dove and a few times Javelina out here in Phoenix...from what I hear SD has some of the best hunting in the country...Anyone knowledgeable on that?

Apartment living...once back on my feet and employed I'll be seeking a place to live...Im' thinking apartment living for awhile...how are the apartments in SF, nice, clean, well kept?

Anyways..as you can see I have alot of questions...and I'm anxious, but one has to do what they have to do to keep it going.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated

Thanks...cya soon


PS...I need to go get a parka!

[ElkHunter]

First off, DON"T buy a parka there. They don't make them like they do here. It's better to dress in layers anyhow. So pick up a couple of good hoodie type sweaters. Then get what you need when you get up here.

Secondly, hunting is PRIME in Eastern South Dakota. Bird hunting is outstanding.

Thirdly. While in Sioux Falls, the only mountains you'll see are in magazines. I'm sure there are good trail bike clubs and biking, but it won't be mountain biking.

[Grizzly One]

Mountain Biking
Here's an interesting link I bumped across. Newton Hills State Park and the Big Sioux Recreation Area are both in the Sioux Falls area. Oakwood Lakes State Park around an hour drive from Sioux Falls.

Eastern South Dakota Mountain Biking - Mountain Bike Trails

Here's a link to a news article about some new trails that are going to be built in Sioux Falls.

KDLT.com South Dakota News - Mountain Bike Trails in Sioux Falls: The Morning Show Interview

Apartments
There are a lot of nice apartments in Sioux Falls. Some can be quite expensive but you can find a good value if you shop around.

[Dakotan_returns]

Thanks for the replies/comments...just about all packed up...I'll be in SF by Thursday. I'm excited but anxious too...it's going to be strange leaving what I've called home for the last 32 years.

I'll defnitely check out the links on mountain biking.

I'm sure I'll be asking more questions on the forums once I get there and get back online

TTYL
Dakotan_returns

[SD4020]

There are some trails down in Southern Turner County. Along the Vermillion River if I recall. Kinda pretty. Also Sioux Falls has a decent in town bike trail. The Black Hills has the Mickelson Trail and other bike trails that are more challenging.