The state of South Dakota gives you plenty of reasons to fall in love with it as here you’ll find Rapid City, Custer State Park, and Wind Cave National Park right at your doorstep, going on with our venture, you’ll come across several more reasons why this state is adored by many.
Snuggled between its northern sister, Nebraska, Wyoming, also Minnesota, this state is located deep in the midwest and is sparsely populated. Having amazing geography and rich, you can be certain about receiving a warm welcome regardless of where you choose to stay in South Dakota.
This state has numerous neighborhoods and communities that have been known to be great, South Dakota also gets to boast about having incredible schools, low crime rates, and homes that are priced reasonably, there are just plenty of options in the state.
Best Places to Live in South Dakota
If you’re among nature lovers or a weekend explorer, you would quite easily fall in love with South Dakota. As the Black Hills gives you just the right setting for everyday life. Adding to the plus points, for most of the year, the weather in South Dakota is more than agreeable. You’ll find yourself right at home here, and if you are planning to call this state home then below we have some of the best places to live in South Dakota.
1. Brookings
It comes as no surprise that Brookings is among the best places to live in South Dakota. This place has some of the best public schools to offer. Brookings has also been rated for being the second-best place to raise a family in South Dakota.
Adding to the list of what makes Brookings so special, it has been known to give a small-town vibe. Both the newcomers and the locals love it here for many reasons, one of them being that there is a wide range of student bars that offer animated nightlife.
There is always something going on in Brookings due to the strong student population.
This neighborhood is all the more appealing as the average home value and average rent both are marked quite below the national median.
Safe, clean, and homely are the words that spring to mind when we think of Brookings.
2. Dakota Dunes
Dakota Dunes will prove to be just the place for you if you are seeking to buy property in South Dakota. Even though the average home value is $266,400, you will want to focus on the value for money.
To set an example, you will get a three-bedroom family home with two bathrooms for just $129,950. You might want to seal the deal and get a house in Dakota Dunes while you have the chance since the home prices are always set to rise.
Here, you’ll be able to get everything from light bulbs to your weekly grocery as there are plenty of family-run local stores spread around the place. It is always a good feeling to be able to support your local community along with the economy.
The low crime levels are also a major reason why the residents of Dakota Dunes are happy with the place. With only 2,895 residents, the small suburb Dakota Dunes sure has plenty going for it.
3. Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls is undoubtedly among the most picturesque places to settle in South Dakota. It also falls among the most densely populated portions of the state since it is home to 164,000 people.
The average home value here is $157,800, which puts Sioux Falls among the best cities to purchase a house in all of the US. For just $129,500, you’ll be able to buy a 4-bedroom family home, complete with a spacious garden and driveway.
When it comes to education, among the top five public schools in Sioux Falls, all of them have an A-Rating; noticeably higher than average, and consistent high performance.
4. Brandon
With just below 10,000 residents, the medium-sized suburb of Brandon is the perfect blend of town facilities while giving a village community vibe.
Considered as the best place for raising a family in South Dakota, this small but perfectly formed suburb has the second-best public schools in the state. You’ll also have amazing access to outdoor activities and for the parents, there are commuting opportunities, all of which make Brandon an amazing place to settle in.
When it comes to the residents here, around 73% of them reside in owned homes which justifies the happiness of the citizens. The locals here actually choose to lay roots here and stick out for the long haul. Having average home values at $177,300, Brandon keeps tempting newcomers to choose to settle here.
5. Madison
Madison is an amazing place to settle in for those whose work takes them across the nation. The reason being that Madison airport links you to 17 cities throughout the states, every day.
At only $472 per month, the average rent here is incredibly low. To add the perks, the median home values are only $103,000. It comes as no surprise that Madison is among the best places to purchase a home in South Dakota.
The affordable cost of living in this place makes it a highly desirable location to call home.
6. Pierre
The positives of living in Pierre would be the home value and average rent are both greatly affordable. Several houses here have views of the Missouri River. Pierre is the capital of South Dakota with just below 14,000 residents.
The lack of top-rated public schools might be the only downside to Pierre. This would be a decision to make for several parents. However, the schools here still show well above average performance as all of the top five schools have a solid B-rating.
Among the many reasons why the locals love living in Pierre is the proximity to the river for camping, fishing, and boating.
7. Tea
Yes, Tea. Having the cutest name for a place in South Dakota, Tea has just 4,427 residents. With quite a suburban feel, Tea doesn’t have much of a diverse neighborhood. Regardless of this, Tea is considered the best place for Millennials in South Dakota.
The crime rates in this place are comfortably low as Tea offers a reasonable amount of job opportunities. While the schools here might be more of a downside of living in Tea. It only makes it a more preferable choice for couples without children, empty nesters, and retirees.