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If my wife and I don't stay in Texas after retiring (in 4 years) we are looking at Wyoming and South Dakota. We both want a "City" and would probably look at Sioux Falls and Rapid City. We have no health issues but absolutely love college events such as sports, plays etc. We would be the kind to get season tickets to everything. In RC, its got Mines and Sioux Falls has AC and USF with SDSU not far away. Housing looks less expensive in Sioux Falls. Can anyone compare health care in these two areas? Maybe point out other advantages/disadvantages that I might not be thinking of? Thank you.
I would think Sioux Falls has the better health care options. I'm also thinking about moving back after I retire..possibly next year..from CA. I'd move to Sioux Falls. Bigger, more to do, etc..plus I have more family there...some would say the weather and outdoor things would lead them to Rapid City, however.
Sioux Falls pros
- Better health care
- More shopping/restaurant variety
Rapid City pros
- The winters aren't as harsh
- Amazing scenery and lots of attractions nearby
Some other things to consider are that the Sioux Falls region seems much more populated and less isolated. Politically, Rapid City would likely be more conservative, although Sioux Falls is not exactly a liberal mecca. For travel needs, you may want to compare the airports. I honestly don't know anything about Rapid City's airport. The Black Hills is a gorgeous area though, while eastern SD is more flat and unremarkable.
Rapid City airport is a regional airport with direct flights to Dallas and Houston. The health care in Rapid is excellant, but my wife had to go to Souix Falls for a Rhuematoid specialist. Souix Falls is also driving distance to world class Mayo Clinic. It is an overnight drive from Rapid. Rapid is, I think, more appealing to outdoors people, while the college scene is probably more expansive in SF. The climate is drier is Rapid, while SF is midwest humid. They both are windy. Tornadoes are a threat is SF. Fire & hail are the summer hazards in Rapid. Winters are milder in Rapid than SF. Property taxes will vary with the school district that you are in.
Which would I choose???? I am a small town guy and I love Hot Springs.
Rapid City airport is a regional airport with direct flights to Dallas and Houston. The health care in Rapid is excellant, but my wife had to go to Souix Falls for a Rhuematoid specialist. Souix Falls is also driving distance to world class Mayo Clinic. It is an overnight drive from Rapid. Rapid is, I think, more appealing to outdoors people, while the college scene is probably more expansive in SF. The climate is drier is Rapid, while SF is midwest humid. They both are windy. Tornadoes are a threat is SF. Fire & hail are the summer hazards in Rapid. Winters are milder in Rapid than SF. Property taxes will vary with the school district that you are in.
Which would I choose???? I am a small town guy and I love Hot Springs.
uh
We've got small towns in the Sioux Falls area too!!!!
I think of Sioux Falls dining choices as mainly chain place hell. Not sure if he counts as dining choices.
Rapid just updated their terminal at the airport. We have conections to Minneapolis, Chicago, Denver, Houston and Dallas.
Personally, I'd look further west. Mountains, Montana or Wyoming. I have nothing against Sioux Falls. If I were to live in Sioux Falls I'd move to Omaha or Minneapolis.
Having lived in both Rapid City as well as Sioux Falls for over 20 years. I can tell you there are many differences, if its healthcare you want Sioux Falls is a dead ringer Sanford and Avera hospitals are both major players in the Sioux Falls area. Rapid City Regional is a fine hospital as well, but recently has suffered a lot of criticism for 3+ hour wait times and under qualified staff.
As far as sporting events, the Rapid City Rush (hockey) is a terrific organization, they're part of the CHL and have a huge following in the area, season tickets will cost you $600-$800
Sioux Falls has the Canaries (Baseball) Stampede (Hockey) and Skyforce (Basketball) as well as a few im sure im forgetting.
Rapid City like some of the previous people mentioned is absolutely beautiful, there is tons of tourist type things to do in the Black Hills, however, its something you could always drive to, see, and leave back to civilization when you're done.
one thing worth mentioning from my experience, Rapid City is extremely opposed to change, I frequently would see people open carry six shooters at restaurants around the area, something you don't get in Sioux Falls.
Airports, I cant speak much about the Sioux Falls airport, but Rapid City Regional Airport is pretty expensive, it does have Allegiant air that flys to Houston and Las Vegas, pretty cheaply but everything else will cost you 40% more then if you were to fly out of say Denver.
A lot of people in the Sioux Falls area drive to Minneapolis or Omaha and leave from there for much cheaper.
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