Choosing the perfect retirement destination involves considering multiple factors that contribute to quality of life.

These metrics collectively paint a picture of which communities offer the ideal balance of amenities and lifestyle for retirees.

This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of South Dakotas best towns for retirees.

18 Best Towns for Retirement in South Dakota (May 2025)

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With a low vibrant score of 3.97, this area offers peaceful living while still maintaining some community activities.

The area lacks public transportation options.

Platte Home Prices Chart

About Platte

Platte ranks at #17 with a retirement score of 97.00.

Gettysburg Hoven Home Score chart

The town offers moderate walkability at 23.68 and good cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 58.38.

The town lacks public transportation options.

The median home price in Platte is approximately $180,000, offering affordable retirement living in south-central South Dakota.

Gettysburg Hoven Town Image

The area has limited walkability at 13.32 but offers good cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 55.00.

With a low vibrant score of 3.71, this area provides a peaceful setting for retirement.

Notably, the area has some public transportation options with a transit-friendly score of 9.60.

Platte Home Score chart

The area has moderate walkability at 21.34 and good cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 53.62.

The area lacks public transportation options.

Hermosa Home Prices Chart

About Hermosa

Hermosa places at #14 with a score of 97.40.

Platte Town Image

The town has minimal public transportation options with a transit-friendly score of 2.73.

Chester Home Prices Chart

About Chester

Chester ranks at #13 with a score of 97.70.

The town lacks public transportation options.

Presho Oacoma Home Score chart

Wakonda Home Prices Chart

About Wakonda

Wakonda comes in at #12 with a score of 97.71.

The town has moderate walkability at 21.13 and excellent cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 66.05.

Wakonda is very peaceful with a low vibrant score of 1.78, perfect for those seeking quiet retirement living.

Presho Oacoma Town Image

The town doesnt offer public transportation options.

Mobridge Home Prices Chart

About Mobridge

Mobridge places at #11 with a score of 97.76.

Mobridge has moderate cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 46.67.

Milbank Big Stone City Home Score chart

The town lacks public transportation options.

Volga Home Prices Chart

About Volga

Volga ranks #10 for retirement with a score of 97.93.

The town has limited walkability at 18.18 but excels in cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 68.18.

Milbank Big Stone City Town Image

The town lacks public transportation options.

Miller Home Prices Chart

About Miller

Miller comes in at #9 with a score of 97.98.

The town has good walkability compared to other South Dakota communities, scoring 31.91.

Hermosa Home Score chart

The area offers limited walkability at 19.85 but surprisingly good cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 58.41.

The area has no public transportation options.

The community has moderate walkability at 23.86 and adequate cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 42.54.

Hermosa Town Image

The area lacks public transportation options.

The town offers limited walkability at 19.20 but surprisingly good cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 63.79.

The town doesnt offer public transportation.

Chester Home Score chart

Custer Home Prices Chart

About Custer

Custer ranks #5 with a score of 98.37.

The town has decent walkability at 29.87, allowing residents to access some amenities on foot.

With an urban sophistication score of 62.42, Custer provides good cultural opportunities.

Chester Town Image

Custer lacks public transportation options.

Whitewood Home Prices Chart

About Whitewood

Whitewood places at #4 with a score of 98.65.

Whitewood doesnt have public transportation options.

Wakonda Home Score chart

The median home price in Whitewood is approximately $235,000, offering a good balance of amenities and affordability.

The town has limited walkability at 13.68 and moderate cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 49.59.

The town doesnt offer public transportation options.

Wakonda Town Image

The town lacks public transportation options.

Keystone has a modest vibrant score of 7.97 and lacks public transit options.

Mobridge Home Score chart

Mobridge Town Image

Volga Home Score chart

Volga Town Image

Miller Home Score chart

Miller Town Image

Herreid Pollock Home Score chart

Herreid Pollock Town Image

Tyndall Scotland Home Score chart

Tyndall Scotland Town Image

Ree Heights Home Score chart

Ree Heights Town Image

Custer Home Score chart

Custer Town Image

Whitewood Home Score chart

Whitewood Town Image

Buffalo Home Score chart

Buffalo Town Image

Tripp Home Score chart

Tripp Town Image

Keystone Home Score chart

Keystone Town Image