Best Places to Live in South Dakota
Quality of life top spots include Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown.
Outdoor recreation, good schools and a growing economy are among the livability advantages in South Dakota, and some top cities in The Mount Rushmore State are as follows:
In This Article
Rapid City
Named after Rapid Creek that runs through the community, Rapid City is nicknamed “Gateway to the Black Hills” for its location against the Black Hills mountain range. The military is well represented by Ellsworth Air Force Base and Camp Rapid National Guard, and other strong economic sectors include medicine and technology.
Sioux Falls
Situated among rolling hills and the Big Sioux River, Sioux Falls is at the junction of Interstates 29 and 90 and is home to the University of Sioux Falls. Livability luxuries include four hospitals and more than 70 parks, and Sioux Falls Regional Airport offers flights from five domestic airlines.
Aberdeen
Northern State University and Presentation College make Aberdeen a college town, and residents get top healthcare from Avera St. Luke’s Hospital and Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center. The community has three golf courses, 24 public tennis courts and a Richmond Lake Recreation Area, and an annual South Dakota Film Festival is held in the fall.
Watertown
The upscale community of Watertown houses Redlin Art Center that showcases works from famed wildlife artist Terry Redlin. Transportation advantages include Interstate 29 and U.S. Highways 81 and 212, and students can attend Lake Area Technical Institute. Lake Kampeska and Lake Pelican are popular outdoor recreation attractions.
Brookings
Home to South Dakota State University, Brookings has a median age of 24 years old. The city is served by Interstate 29, U.S. Route 14 and Brookings Regional Airport, and medical care is highlighted by Brookings Health System. Community amenities include South Dakota State Art Museum.
Vermillion
Atop a bluff near the Missouri River is Vermillion, home to the University of South Dakota. Vermillion is an agricultural community with major crops like corn and soybeans, and Sanford Health is a long-standing medical provider. Quality of life luxuries include The Bluff Golf Course and a vast Prentis Park children’s playground.
Spearfish
The scenic community of Spearfish features attractions like Spearfish Creek, Spearfish Canyon and Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. The city houses Black Hills State University, and conveniences include Black Hills Airport. Spearfish Canyon Country Club and Matthews Opera House & Arts Center are among many quality of life attractions.
Pierre
The capital of South Dakota, Pierre is along the Missouri River and in the geographic center of the state. Students can attend a high-ranking Pierre School District, and residents have housing options that include several historic homes. Also in the community are Pierre Regional Airport and Hillsview Golf Course.
Yankton
Nicknamed “River City” for its location on the Missouri River, Yankton features a historic residential district and a highly regarded Yankton School District. Quality of life conveniences include 14 public parks and Chan Gurney Municipal Airport, and Yankton Riverboat Days is held every August and attracts 125,000 people.
Mitchell
More than 300,000 people annually visit the Corn Palace, an interesting building in Mitchell that hosts events like trade shows, concerts, sports activities and the Shriner’s Circus. The economy in Mitchell is largely based on technology, while outdoor recreation tourism is also a key sector thanks to fishing and hunting opportunities.