When first moving to the Black Hills there are a few things you should know. First, if you are moving from out of state, a fun fact is that South Dakota has no state income tax. This is a huge draw to people in all different walks of life, from students to retired folks. Secondly, the public transportation system, Rapid Ride, offers bus routes throughout the entire city. However, owning a car is essential for easily navigating throughout the city, especially in suburban neighborhoods. This is convenient given that gas prices generally tend to hover around the national average. Lastly if you have children the Rapid City Area Schools district offers a variety of programs and includes some high performing schools. Research the school ratings and consider factors like class sizes, academic programs and extracurricular activities when making your decisions.
Explore Rapid City’s Diverse Neighborhoods.
There are many different neighborhoods around Rapid City that give it its’ distinct character. One of the first and most important things is finding a neighborhood that best suits you and your family. What are you looking for in the perfect neighborhood? Are you looking for modern amenities, family-friendly neighborhoods, or a house with a view? Here is what Rapid City has to offer:
Modern Amenities
- Rapid City Downtown
- Rich with unique shops, eateries and historical architecture, Downtown Rapid City is known for its charming surroundings. Start your day with a local breakfast, explore Rapid City by rooftop, or clink glasses at a speakeasy.
- Rapid City Medical Center Area:
- Home to Rapid City Regional Hospital, this area offers unlimited access to premiere healthcare facilities. It has a wonderful mix of town homes and single-family homes, perfect for medical professionals that want to be centrally located.
Family Friendly Areas
- West Rapid City:
- I may be a bit biased because this is where I reside, but I feel extremely blessed to call West Rapid City my neighborhood. This area is growing rapidly and offers affordable housing options, amazing schools, convenient access to parks, and great accessibility for shopping.
Houses With a View
- Historic Skyline:
- Skyline drive is home to the houses with amazing views. These views stretch across the entirety of Rapid City, overlooking the beautiful and historic skyline. Skyline Drive Wilderness area is also located on this drive and encompasses 150 acres of undeveloped forest and meadows right in your backyard.
Top Schools in Rapid City
As stated above, you will want to do your own research to see which school system fits your family and your children the best. You can also ask local residents, as their opinions matter and their experiences may help sway your decision. However, in the end it’s what’s best for your family, and it is a decision you get to make. See the list below on the top scoring schools in Rapid City below.
- Corral Drive Elementary School
- Southwest Middle School
- Stevens High School
- South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
