My names John and Ive been living here for most of my life.
Its a place of financial and natural perks, but not without its challenges.
We enjoy no state income tax and a low cost of living, making your dollar stretch further.
Rapid City, South Dakota | Living in South Dakota(Shutterstock/SopotnickI)
The beauty of the Black Hills and the Badlands is undeniable its a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
However, life here isnt all rosy.
As an added bonus,South Dakota has the 15th lowest property taxesin the United States.
Still holding out for more savings?
Personally, my favorite area in the state is the Black Hills.
There are few places in America as magical as the Black Hills.
Friendly greetings in stores and business are the norm rather than the exception here.
This one depends on where you live in South Dakota exactly.
Healthcare is the number one sector in South Dakotafollowed by retail, manufacturing, food services, and technology.
Most of the jobs are concentrated in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
Cons of Moving to South Dakota
1.
Harsh Winters
Theres no way to sugar coat this one.
Winter in South Dakota is downright brutal.
And while the cold is bad, the wind chill is what makes it damn near intolerable.
The miserable winters are easily the worst part of living in South Dakota for me.
South Dakota Winter | Living in South Dakota (Shutterstock/Andrew Mach)
For lots of folks this is part of the reason that theyre moving to South Dakota and thats great.
Lets start off here with the three most important stores (to me).
There are no Trader Joes in South Dakota.Any/all Millennials reading this have now left the chat.
Beyond that, theres really just a huge dearth of trendy shops all around.
If so, how far are they from where youre thinking about moving?
Isolation
This one affects everyone differently.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Shutterstock/Jacob Boomsma)
Plenty of folks move to South Dakota specifically because its out there, away from the hustle and bustle.
I can appreciate that.
Seriously, the amount of time I spend in the car is ridiculous.
The wind in South Dakota isnt like that.
Its more like a mosquito or fly that just wont stop bothering you.
The state has a smaller Black or African American community, constituting only about 2% of residents.
It also influences our economy; less diversity means less innovation and fewer new businesses.
Its a downside that impacts how we connect with the wider world and understand different perspectives.
There are very few things (including trees) to break up that monotony.
At first its kind of novel, but living in South Dakota it wears on you.
FAQ Living in South Dakota
Is South Dakota a good place to live?
South Dakota is a good place to live for those who cherish a quieter, nature-centric lifestyle.
