Hot Springs has mild weather at the foot of the Black Hills
At the southern gateway to South Dakota's Black Hills, Hot Springs is a city of around 3,400. Named for several sites considered sacred by the Native Americans, the area was once known for its health resorts. Today, people are more frequently attracted to its relatively mild weather — it's in the so-called Banana Belt, an area with warmer winters than the rest of the region. "Of all the communities in the hills, we're more arid," says Cathy Sotherland, a broker with The Real Estate Group. "We don't get as much snow – it's a really temperate climate." With easy access to campsites, hiking trails and other open-air activities, Hot Springs appeals to nature lovers. Sotherland says new homeowners are frequently former tourists, attracted to lower real estate prices than the region's average. "When those people retire, they often come back," she says. "We're seeing a lot of retirees and baby boomers moving in."
The newest homes are typically on the outskirts of the area
In the city's center, homes are on a grid pattern of roads. Lots are typically a quarter acre or smaller, with backyards that end in alleys with sheds and one-car garages. Early 20th-century Cape Cods and bungalows are typical of the area, generally priced between $90,000 and the $310,000s, depending on their condition and upgrades. One-story midcentury homes are also available and sell in the $200,000 to $315,000 range. Larger 21st-century homes are usually on the city's outer edges and feature more elbow room and views of the Black Hills. Depending on size and location, these New Traditional and ranch-style homes go for around $330,000 to $570,000.
Historic sites are in the city, with scenic sites just outside
Central to the city, Centennial Park has a walking trail, a public stage and scenic views of the Fall River. Sites like Butler Park and Chautauqua Park have playgrounds, picnic shelters and various sports fields and facilities. As the city's name suggests, there are several hot springs in and around the city, with Moccasin Springs being one of the best known. "The Native Americans often used that spring in particular," says Sotherland. "It's become a beautiful, higher-end experience." Originally a 19th-century schoolhouse, the Fall River Pioneer Museum tells the story of Hot Springs and the greater Black Hills region, featuring historic photos, clothing and tools. Touting itself as the world's largest mammoth research facility, The Mammoth Site is an active archaeological dig site where visitors can learn about prehistoric animals while taking in the remains of over 60 mammoths.
Campsites for tent and RV campers fill the Black Hills, with Big Pine and Comanche Park being two of the closest to Hot Springs. Nearby hiking trails include Hell Canyon, Sunday Gulch and Cathedral Spires. About 10 miles north of the city is Wind Cave National Park, known for having one of the longest caves in the world. "If people weren't rock hounds when they got here, they are when they leave," says Sotherland. Above ground, visitors can hike through the prairie in search of elk, American Bison and over 100 species of birds.
Most shopping is done along River Street or in Rapid City
Shopping is focused along River Street, and includes local businesses, boutique shops and grocery stores like Lynn's Dakotamart and Sonny Superfoods. Locals frequently visit Rapid City , about an hour's drive north, for retail. In addition to a full bar, Whiskey River offers upscale bar food in a rustic atmosphere of exposed brick and weathered wood. Wandering Bison Coffee serves handcrafted coffee drinks and a menu that includes breakfast burritos, paninis and chili made with locally raised bison.
The Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival fills the sky with color
Founded in 2015, the Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival fills the sky with dozens of manned balloons. Visitors can join the 5K fun run, listen to live music or just sit on a blanket and watch the colorful sky. Held during the first weekend of December, Christmas in the Hills celebrates the holiday season with a tree lighting, Christmas market and parade.
Hot Springs High celebrated a football championship in 2023
Hot Springs School District serves local students with three public schools and a C from Niche. Hot Springs High School, which has a B-minus, won its first state football championship in 2023.
Hospital care is available for veterans
One of the closest highways is U.S. Route 18, which leads to State Route 79 and Rapid City, about 60 miles north. Fall River Health Services is a 25-bed hospital with emergency services and a nursing home. The Hot Springs VA Medical Center is a 100-bed facility that offers care for veterans, including treatment for PTSD, traumatic brain injury and substance abuse.
The area has a severe risk of wildfires
According to First Street, Hot Springs is severely at risk for wildfires due to high heat and dry conditions.
