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Brookings

Brookings

Located in Brookings County

$319,617 Average Value
$166 Average Price per Sq Ft
55 Homes For Sale

South Dakota State helps shape the culture of Brookings

Home to South Dakota State University, Brookings is the fourth-largest city in the state. Its current population is about 24,000 — a number that continues to rise as college enrollment increases each year. The school also serves as Brookings’ largest employer and a cultural center on the event calendar. “It’s not a big city, but there are still a few things to do around here,” says 35-year resident Shane Andersen, team lead of the Brookings Home Team of Century 21 Krogman and Company. “South Dakota State is one of our biggest employers. They’re a Division I school, and you can’t live here without being a fan.” In football, the SDSU Jackrabbits have won two FCS national championships in the past three years.

Home to South Dakota State University, Brookings is the fourth-largest city in the state.
Home to South Dakota State University, Brookings is the fourth-largest city in the state.
South Dakota State University serves as Brookings’ largest employer and a cultural center on the event calendar.
South Dakota State University serves as Brookings’ largest employer and a cultural center on the event calendar.
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Retro hangouts on Main Avenue, like Nick's

Main Avenue is downtown Brookings’ epicenter for shopping and dining. Boutiques and restaurants fill the century-old storefronts, and classic spots include Nick’s Hamburger Shop, which has been open since 1929. Their slider-style burgers no longer cost 5 cents, but the current price of $2 is still appealing to hungry college students. “They’re little slider burgers that are deep fried in fat,” Andersen says, pointing to the famous tagline: "Buy ’em by the bag.” Jackrabbits also make the trip from campus to downtown for watering holes like Cubby’s Sports Bar and Grill. Big-box stores include Walmart and Lowe's between I-29 and the university.

Savor handcrafted dishes made with care at Nick's Hamburger Shop in Brookings.
Savor handcrafted dishes made with care at Nick's Hamburger Shop in Brookings.
Sip, socialize, and enjoy at Cubby's Sports Bar & Grill in Brookings.
Sip, socialize, and enjoy at Cubby's Sports Bar & Grill in Brookings.
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Student and community participation in Hobo Day

While residents of Brookings support the Jackrabbits year-round, the community’s college-town energy is most apparent on Hobo Day, South Dakota State’s homecoming celebration. The October event includes a parade with students dressed like vagabonds, capped off by the ceremonial “Grand Pooba” of the parade riding a 1912 Model T known as the “Bummobile.” A Jackrabbits football game follows. “The shops and everybody really get into it, as far as painting their windows and that sort of college atmosphere,” Andersen says. “The college students go all out for the parade. You see some creative floats for the theme.” Beyond athletics and parades, residents can check out the South Dakota Art Museum or the interactive displays at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota.

Students follow one pipeline in Brookings School District

Students can attend the Brookings School District, which receives an overall B-minus grade from Niche. The district’s three elementary schools each serve kindergarten through third grade, but all students attend fourth and fifth grade at Camelot Intermediate, followed by Mickelson Middle and Brookings High. The high school offers 11 Advanced Placement courses, plus a dual-enrollment drone flight course through Lake Area Technical College. South Dakota State University enrolls over 12,000 students.

Students can attend the Brookings School District, which receives an overall B-minus grade from Niche.
Students can attend the Brookings School District, which receives an overall B-minus grade from Niche.
Camelot Intermediate School is easily accessible in the Brookings area.
Camelot Intermediate School is easily accessible in the Brookings area.
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Early 20th century neighborhoods and more recent subdivisions

Residential areas near downtown Brookings are laid out in a grid. Homes can date back to the early 20th century, with bungalows, farmhouses and ranch-style homes most common. While few have come on the market recently, prices generally range from $275,000 to $300,000. South of the train tracks that bisect the city, neighborhoods look more suburban, with gently curving roads and larger plots of land. Homes there are often new traditional, though cabin-style retreats are also available. Prices here range from $750,000 to $1 million. Many houses near South Dakota State University are rented out to students, while several apartment complexes are also available.

Many houses near South Dakota State University in Brookings are rented out to students, while several apartment complexes are also available.
Many houses near South Dakota State University in Brookings are rented out to students, while several apartment complexes are also available.
Brookings homes can date back to the early 20th century, with bungalows, farmhouses and ranch-style homes being the most common.
Brookings homes can date back to the early 20th century, with bungalows, farmhouses and ranch-style homes being the most common.
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City parks and university spaces for recreation

Between city parks and university spaces, Brookings has plenty of recreation. The Edgebrook Golf Club has an 18-hole public course and a practice facility. Other city parks include the Dakota Nature Park, with paths around several lakes that double as cross-country ski trails during winter, and the adjacent Southbrook Softball Complex. McCrory Gardens, an arboretum owned by SDSU, is best known for TuliPalooza, a springtime event when more than 25,000 tulips bloom simultaneously.

Quiet charm and peaceful views await at Dakota Nature Park in Brookings.
Quiet charm and peaceful views await at Dakota Nature Park in Brookings.
Dakota Nature Park, with paths around several lakes that double as cross-country ski trails during winter, and the adjacent Southbrook Softball Complex in Brookings.
Dakota Nature Park, with paths around several lakes that double as cross-country ski trails during winter, and the adjacent Southbrook Softball Complex in Brookings.
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I-29 leads south to Sioux Falls

Interstate 29, the main highway to and from Brookings, runs on the east side of the city. Sioux Falls is the region’s largest city, roughly 60 miles south. While most residents drive, the Brookings Area Transit Authority serves the city with its demand-response system. Rides generally cost a nominal fee. Additionally, the Rabbit Ride system offers free transportation on Friday and Saturday nights for university students, though it is also available to the general public. Brookings Regional Airport is located within the city but does not carry commercial flights; residents generally fly in and out of Sioux Falls Regional Airport.

Brendan Doyle
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Seth Johanson
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Taylor Gilbert
Video By
Taylor Gilbert

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Dana Fisher, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
4,634
Number of Homes for Sale
55
Median Year Built
1976
Months of Supply
21.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,503
Significantly below the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,577
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,067
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,196

Open Houses

  • Thursday, May 7
    Open Thu 5PM - 6PM

    2011 Grand Arbor Ave, Brookings, SD 57006

    $499,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,552 Sq Ft
    • 2011 Grand Arbor Ave
    • New 19 days ago

    Welcome to this beautifully designed ranch-style home in one of Brookings' most desirable locations. Featuring an open-concept floor plan and a spacious layout ideal for modern living, the kitchen flows seamlessly into the living and dining areas--perfect for entertaining. Enjoy a large covered, screened-in deck for outdoor living, along with a heated garage for year-round convenience. The fully

    Agent Photo
    David Roberts
    Best Choice Real Estate
    (605) 674-6774
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  • Thursday, May 7
    Open Thu 5PM - 6PM

    120 Twin Oaks Ln, Brookings, SD 57006

    $307,500

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,594 Sq Ft
    • 120 Twin Oaks Ln
    • New 11 days ago

    This split-level home offers 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, providing plenty of room for comfortable living. Enjoy the large, fully fenced backyard--perfect for entertaining, pets, or simply relaxing--along with a convenient storage shed for all your outdoor needs. The attached two-stall garage adds extra functionality and ease year-round. Nestled in a neighborhood with peaceful,

    Kelly Odegaard
    Best Choice Real Estate
    (605) 659-7746
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  • Thursday, May 7
    Open Thu 5PM - 6PM

    1919 Waterfall Cir, Brookings, SD 57006

    $549,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,796 Sq Ft
    • 1919 Waterfall Cir

    Stunning New Construction in the Sought-After Bluegill Development Welcome to your dream home in the highly desirable Bluegill Development! This beautifully designed new construction offers an impressive floor plan, featuring soaring 10-foot ceilings in the living room and kitchen that create a bright, open, and airy atmosphere. The thoughtfully designed layout includes a spacious foyer that sets

    Agent Photo
    David Roberts
    Best Choice Real Estate
    (605) 636-8453
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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Brookings Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
21
Median Rent
$1,200
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,200
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,100
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,345
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,738
Median Condo Rent
$975
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,135

Demographics

Total Population
24,914
Median Age
29
Population under 18
25.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.7%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$56,592
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$73,018

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.8%
College Graduates
49.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.8%
% Population in Labor Force
75.8%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
24''
Average Winter Low Temperature
4°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
28''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

50 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®®

40 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Brookings
Dana Fisher
Grand Sothebys International Realty
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