Last Updated on November 17, 2022 by Lily Connel
Living in South Dakota can be a great experience. The state is home to Mount Rushmore National Monument, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and many other tourist destinations. The people of South Dakota are friendly and welcoming, and the cost of living is low. South Dakota has a diverse landscape, with forests, hills, plains, and rivers. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in South Dakota, such as fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and biking. The cities of Sioux Falls and Rapid City offer plenty of shopping and dining options. On the other hand, South Dakota’s weather is wildly varied. Winters can be bitterly cold, while summers can be hot and stuffy. It can feel isolating and lonely at times.
If you’re looking for a friendly community and a great place to live, South Dakota may be the perfect place for you. Contact a real estate agent today to learn more about the homes for sale in South Dakota.
Pros and Cons Of Living In South Dakota – The Comparison Table
| Serial | Pros Of Living In South Dakota | Cons Of Living In South Dakota |
| 1. | In South Dakota, the Crime rate is Low. | In South Dakota, the divorce rate is 3.4%. The national average is 4.2% (Statistics Brain). |
| 2. | The job opportunity is Great. | South Dakota has 11 types of freshwater fish, including the walleye pike, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. |
| 3. | South Dakota is a state with a diverse economy. | South Dakota is a Small Town. |
| 4. | The Cost of Living is Low in South Dakota. | South Dakota is a state with over two million hours of sunshine per year. |
| 5. | South Dakota Outdoor activity is Enjoyable, such as fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and biking. | In South Dakota, the average commute time is 18 minutes, which is less than the national average. |
| 6. | Beautiful Landscape is South Dakota. | Healthcare System is poor in South Dakota. |
| 7. | South Dakota people are Friendly. | South Dakota Weather is Extreme. |
Pros Of Living In South Dakota
1. Friendly And Welcoming
The people of South Dakota are friendly and welcoming. They’ll make you feel right at home.
2. Beautiful Landscape
South Dakota has a diverse landscape, with forests, hills, plains, and rivers.
3. Great For Outdoor Activities
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in South Dakota, such as fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and biking.
4. Low Cost Of Living
The cost of living is low in South Dakota.
5. Diverse Economy
South Dakota’s economy is diverse; business sectors include agricultural services & products, food processing, tourism, construction, manufacturing, finance & insurance, and health care.
6. Easy Find Jobs
South Dakota’s economy is growing, which makes it easy for people to find jobs in the state.
7. Low Crime Rates
The crime rate in South Dakota is low, making it a safe place to live.
8. Great Schools
Public schools in the state are well-funded, with many offering magnet programs or optional online classes that allow students to earn extra credits at their own pace (U.S. News & World Report). High school graduation rates are high in South Dakota, making it an ideal place for families with children.
9. Plenty Of Lakes And Rivers
There are 11 types of freshwater fish native to South Dakota, including the walleye pike, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. You can head to one of South Dakota’s 10,000 lakes or rivers for great fishing opportunities.
10. Short Commute Times
Most people who live in South Dakota have a long commute time; however, many major cities offer public transit services. The average commute time is just over 18 minutes (U.S. Census Bureau).
11. Low Cost Of Living Adjustments
The cost of living adjustment for federal employees is -3% in South Dakota (FedScope).
12. Great Sports Teams
South Dakota has several sports teams that are competitive at both local and national levels; these include the Sioux Falls Storm (Indoor Football League), the Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA D-League), the Rapid City Rush (ECHL), and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (NCAA Division I).
13. Plenty Of Amusement Parks
If you’re looking for a day of fun, check out one of South Dakota’s amusement parks, such as Storybook Land in Aberdeen, Heritage Park in Hill City, or Dinosaur Park in Sioux Falls.
14. Friendly Neighbors
The people of South Dakota are friendly and welcoming, and they’ll make you feel right at home.
15. Short Flight Times To the Other States
South Dakota is centrally located, making it easy to fly to other states for business or pleasure.
16. Mild Weather Year-Round
South Dakota has mild weather year-round, which is great for those who don’t like hot weather or cold weather.
17. Four Seasons
South Dakota has all four seasons, which offers residents the opportunity to experience a variety of activities throughout the year.
18. Lots Of Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
There are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities in South Dakota, including fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and biking.
19. Welcoming To Newcomers
The people of South Dakota are welcoming to newcomers and will help you get settled in the state.
20. Growing Economy
South Dakota’s economy is growing, making it an ideal place to live and work.
21. Safe Communities
According to Safewise, South Dakota is one of the safest states in the country. This makes it an ideal place for families with children or residents who want to feel secure in their communities.
Cons Of Living In South Dakota
1. Extreme Weather Conditions
South Dakota’s weather is extreme conditions. The state experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters.
2. Plenty Of Sunlight
South Dakota receives over two million hours of sunshine per year.
3. Low Percentage Of Divorcees
The divorce rate in South Dakota is just below the national average at 3.4% compared to 4.2% nationally (Statistics Brain).
4. Low Wages
South Dakota has one of the lowest median household incomes in the country.
5. Poor Healthcare System
The healthcare system in South Dakota is poor, with long wait times and limited access to services.
6. Lack Of Diversity
South Dakota is one of the most racially and ethnically homogeneous states in the country.
7. Little Cultural Diversity
There is little cultural diversity in South Dakota, which can be isolating for some people.
8. Small Towns
While South Dakota has several larger cities, the majority of its towns are very small.
9. Plenty Of Lakes And Rivers
There are 11 types of freshwater fish native to South Dakota, including the walleye pike, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. You can head to one of South Dakota’s 10,000 lakes or rivers for great fishing opportunities.
10. Short Commute Times
The average commute time in South Dakota is just over 18 minutes, which is shorter than the national average.
History Of South Dakota
The area that is now South Dakota was first inhabited by Native American tribes. The Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota people lived in the region for centuries before European settlers arrived.
In 1803, the United States acquired the Louisiana Territory from France. This territory included the area that is now South Dakota. In 1817, the U.S. government established the Missouri Territory, which included the area of present-day South Dakota.
In 1858, gold was discovered in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, and this led to a gold rush in the area. Thousands of people moved to South Dakota in search of gold. The gold rush ended in 1876 when the U.S. government seized the Black Hills region from the Lakota people.
In 1861, South Dakota became an organized incorporated territory of the United States. In 1889, South Dakota was admitted into the Union as the 40th state. Sioux Falls and Rapid City became prominent cities in South Dakota during the late 1800s due to their close proximity to gold mines and other natural resources.
Today, many people move to South Dakota for its low cost of living, friendly culture, outdoor activities, and more. If you’re looking for a new home or apartment in a fun area with plenty of amenities that offer a great quality of life at an affordable price, South Dakota might be just what you are looking for!
Conclusion
South Dakota is a great place to live, with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities and friendly neighbours. The economy is growing, making it an ideal place to work and live. However, the high cost of living and limited job opportunities are some drawbacks to consider before moving to South Dakota. Families with children will appreciate the safe communities and good schools in the state. Overall, South Dakota is a great place to call home.
