Good-morning South Dakotans...I have a few questions.

[goldenwings]

Originally Posted by Qazulight

Cour' D'alene is absolutely beautiful. However, when I read the threads for the place the people seem a little less than happy.

I spent a couple of weeks in Boise. Nice place, nice river. Growing city. The place seems to have some Mormon influence. Not Mormon so much, just the influence. Mostly a good thing I think.

I also spent ten weeks in Oregon. For me, Oregon, southern and central Oregon, is probably my place to live. But, the trees! All those trees! I couldn't see anything for the trees! It was great to get back to eastern Wyoming and South Dakota and be able to see forever.

I would take a job in Rapid City in a heart beat. It is big enough but not too big.

But Pierre and Watertown are not bad either.

Cheers
Qazulight

I've been in the Treasure Valley area near Boise, Meridian, Nampa etc, for four yrs now. One thing I have discovered is that there most definitely is a large population of Mormons/LDS people here. It seems to be a generational thing. Another aspect about this fact is that people rarely tell you they are Mormon- unless you have a reason to discuss the subject. This is why, IMO, newcomers in Idaho keep posting on this website "there's not that many Mormons".....I am in a consulting/counseling profession and I observe there is a significant Mormon population. It is inclusive. They are friendly yes. But it is a very cozy connection and as a non Mormon, I am and always will be an "outsider". I dont say this to be rude or mean. Just telling what I see here and what my personal experience is. Is it offensive to me? No- it isnt but I often find that I have very little in common with many Mormon people in Idaho. I like the weather, the four seasons and ability to do city and nature stuff however, I am not convinced this is my forever place. Just another perspective.

[NDak15]

Originally Posted by WyoNewk

South Dakota is like two states and two cultures in one -- "East River" and "West River". East of the Missouri River is typical midwest farmland; west of the river is more of a mountain west culture with vast grasslands/prairies, highlighted by the Black Hills on the far west end. You got farmers to the east and ranchers to the west, and that difference can be seen in the business community as well -- more relaxed and informal in the west. The weather seems to be a bit milder in the west too, drier air with cooler summers and warmer winters.

I'll let those who actually live in South Dakota answer the rest of your questions. It's been a long time since I lived in SD, and that was only a 6-month stint.

I'll add that both East and West River have some great people.