The good folks of Spearfish. (Tripp: for sale, to rent, homes)

[JohnnyQuest]

My wife and I moved to Cody, WY about 2 years ago. Sometimes you don't feel the heart of a town until you spend a couple years there. Well there is something wrong here. IMHO.
Without getting into details, the native locals told me that the majority of the "Good 'Ol Boys are gone and the population mostly consists of new comers. So Cody lost a lot of it's local "Homegrown" spirit. Not very "Small Business Friendly" anymore. I don't see it heading in a good direction. Otherwise we would stay and deal with it.

When we visited Spearfish we had a warm feeling from people. Although, we were only there for a few days, it was a good first impression.

My question is, does Spearfish, SD have this problem? Do people gossip too much?
We are friendly, easy going folks, whom neighbors can trust and rely on. I am a small business entrepreneur and always support the mom and pop shops. (The backbone of America) My wife works in the Medical Field. I feel we would be a positive addition to the community.
Spearfish is such a beautiful place. It seems to have that good small town atmosphere. But, I don't want to relocate to find the same issues a year later. Sure, all cities and towns have their problems. But it seems a bit extreme for such a small beautiful town like Cody.

When you read the forums you usually get the bright side of a town. Can anyone give us a real insight on the people/politics of Spearfish? (Without upsetting the moderator? )
Do people have that small town spirit?
Is it small business friendly?

Much Thanks to All.

[pejuta]

one can find good and bad about every place. i think this summer i will look for a much smaller place. spearfish has some problems but overall is a good place to live. people can make a difference wherever they live if there are things that need to be changed. i try to make changes in a positive way and have succeeded in a number of places. i suggest trying out spearfish. you can always try another place later if you choose. small business does have trouble anywhere hanging on.several have failed here,but depends on what kind of business you want to have. i owned a locksmith shop in florida...worked on safes too, and at times income was low,but i toughed it out for a lot of years and sold my inventory, so i didnt fail, just wanted change. there are lots of medical opps here as there are lots of seniors. a hospital,etc...

[JohnnyQuest]

Thanks for the info pejuta.

I know all towns have problems. Such as life. We can only make the best of it. We're Just looking for the one place that's not too messed up. Spearfish still has some values. Right?
I have been self employed for most of my life. I know what struggling can be. But, we both know it's a labor of love when it's your own.

At least in Spearfish I can afford to own a home. And I still see many small businesses doing well.

Cody has been over run with multi-millionaires who are buying up this town and raising the cost of living. Out with Mom and Pops and in with corporate big box.
Since a few of them are now in office it's hard to defeat. Plus, I'm too old to keep battling these elements.

Your entering "JacksonCodyFornia".

Take care.

[pejuta]

i answered you message elsewhere. spearfish ok,but growing. lots of homes for sale, i think the only business here i have not seen is shoe repair. i used to have a locksmith shop in florida, but one must know what kind of business will prosper by seeing what other businesses are in an area of type you want to have and seeing if population wll support it . research,research,research.some business places expensive to rent. university here so a business where students would go might be good. lots of eating places in town. big stores..kmart,walmart, walgreens. hospital ,nursing home,assisted living, senior/disabled apts. ,thrift stores, check it out. lots of summer activities, and new rec center. if you hunt, good areas for that including archery only hunting, and shooting range and archery range. id say its a good place. it all depends on what you are looking for. need more info?

[debey]

//www.city-data.com/forum/south...spearfish.html

//www.city-data.com/forum/south...spearfish.html

[tripphome]

We have been looking into the area for months now & finally got our travel plans in order! We will be in the Black Hills early in May (I have seen several similar posts & May sounds beautiful!) ~ after months of research, we will finally be able to put faces to places & get our info 1st hand! YEAH! Unfortunately we are on a VERY short time frame! But, we are looking forward to our time in the Hills & hope to come away with a "heart" answer whether or not it would be a good move for us. I sort of think so, but DH has never even been there before.
I have always loved & missed the heart of the Midwest, as we moved away when I was in my teens. Sure seems like a lot of folks are looking into the area, hope it does not become overrun or "overtaken" like you express has happened in Cody. We have seen the same think in our little town in Central Oregon & it breaks my heart & is one of the reasons we are looking to clear out. Good luck, Johnny - maybe we'll see you there!
We have not narrowed our search down as much as I would like, we really need to get eyes on all the little towns & see where our business might be a good fit, if we even continue in business. We may just take a little break & try to work for someone else again....I am not sure I could do that after owning my own business! HA - I could be highly unemployable by now!!!

[JohnnyQuest]

Tripphome
Great info. Please keep posting. We will do the same.
I too have been self employed most of my life and feel I'm unemployable. But since my line of business is service related I am hoping to offer a valuable skill to the locals there. My wife works in the medical field so I think she will land something fairly quick.
We're planning another trip there early June. After the Memorial Day weekend. Maybe we can spend more time and mingle with people. Let me know if your in the area. We can exchange notes.