Hello all I'm asking for some information from people that have lived in or around rapid city. I have a job offer up there and was just looking for some helpful words. Any pros or cons i would love to hear. Thank you.
OT: Rapid City, SD
- Thread starter bit tatanka
- Start date
Just moved out here in April, 16. The pros are the scenery (beautiful), the weather (surprising nice in winter so far) was way nicer than eastern SD, lower humidity. Housing is comparable to Sioux Falls, slightly less than Omaha (guess). Skilled labor and professional pays well, but lower level jobs, of which there is an abundance, pays poorly. Crime rate is a little high, but there are many safe areas to choose from. We bought a home just off Sheridan Lake Rd, and we love the neighborhood (and the wildlife - deer and turkeys are everywhere). Still waiting and hoping to see my first mountain lion. Let me know if you have more specific questions and I will try to answer for you.
I haven't lived there in 36 years, but I grew up there and I visit my mother and sister in Rapid City at least once per year. On the plus side, the town is about 65,000 people. It is located at the base of the Black Hills, so if you enjoy the outdoors (camping, fishing, hiking, boating, etc) you will love it. On the negative side, RC is a bit of a rough town and rather isolated. If you can afford a nicer neighborhood, check out the Canyon Lake area on the west side of town.
I'm an insurance agent and I have a job offer in RC as well. My wife works in the business office in a hospital how difficult would it be for her to get work? Also wondering about schools and what type of crime is in town? Car theft or home invasion/murder type stuff? Look forward to hearing more.
As an avid cyclist in my prior healthy life I always regretted not riding up there. When I fully heal up I intend to fix that, I know your area from several vacations thataway and I love it. Way to go.
I would think she could get a job in the medical field quickly. As far as schools, not sure about high schools, but as far as elementary the Corral school district is preferred. Crime wise, there are quite a few business robberies (casinos, convenience stores, etc.), and we've had 3 murders already in 2017 - all have been "meth" related. Most have been in the "seedier" part of town - like on North St. There are a lot of transients, and weekly renters of motels, hookers, etc. up in that district, as well as a lot of alcoholics who like to sleep behind businesses and such. (Unfortunately, I have a bldg there that I rent and am too familiar with it.)
I've ridden some stretches of the Mickelson Trail, and it is magnificent. I'm sure there are some great highway stretches to ride in that area as well, but that's one of the best trails in the country.
Where are you coming from? Rapid City is ok. Crime has increased lately, but is still usually not random. Overall they have good medical resources. Decent schools. I personally would live in Spearfish and drive(40 min). Spearfish is cleaner, prettier and far less crime
Age and situations are also big 20-35w/o kids=Rapid. Pretty much anything else with kids=spearfish
Age and situations are also big 20-35w/o kids=Rapid. Pretty much anything else with kids=spearfish
I've been thru that area a couple times and I've wondered if it's underrated. probably has much more to offer than obvious touristy places.
Grew up in RC as well and parents still live there. Surprised to hear about the crime - but I would bet it's mostly isolated to a particular part of town. I grew up on the west side and my parents still live on the west side - never had a problem and don't hear of any from my folks.
Cost of living and taxes are stupid low - nice area and place to live and raise a family- particularly if you like the outdoors and abhor traffic from the big cities. Much cheaper than Omaha and climate is similar to Denver. The east side of SD has much more harsh winters than RC. You can and will have 45/55 degree days in the winter to go along with the really cold days. And........very little humidity which is awesome. 100 degree days in the summer and it still will get cool at night due to the mountain air.
Cost of living and taxes are stupid low - nice area and place to live and raise a family- particularly if you like the outdoors and abhor traffic from the big cities. Much cheaper than Omaha and climate is similar to Denver. The east side of SD has much more harsh winters than RC. You can and will have 45/55 degree days in the winter to go along with the really cold days. And........very little humidity which is awesome. 100 degree days in the summer and it still will get cool at night due to the mountain air.
I go to the black hills two weeks after sturgis, for the last 3 years.
and ride this route.
http://www.dakotaadventureloop.com
and ride this route.
http://www.dakotaadventureloop.com
One of the most recent ones was a Native American minimum security prison escapee....was in on drug charges. More than likely drug related. Last one I think was a couple of juvies that stole some beer at 4 am. The female clerk tried stopping them and they stabbed her. That said, I would feel completely safe in Rapid.
It's bad all over not just South Dakota. Kearney, GI, North Platte, Scottsbluff, Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk.......every city in the US.
Exactly! Probably not smart on her part since they were stealing a 6-pack of beer, should have let them have it, but probably knew them and tried to talk them out of it. Other 2 were "meth" related, according to police. Still a safe area for the most part.